Any MBAs with a BA in Art History?

May 12, 2009 6:26 PM

Does anyone have any experience getting your MBA while having previously been in the art world or had an art history BA? I am thinking of applying next year but haven't been able to find any guidance for someone trying to make the transition from the art world (dealer, administrator, etc) to business school.

I want to get by MBA but my work experience is in the art world, as an assistant direct and now as a collection manager for an art investment company. I had a very high GPA, but studied art history (and Spanish). Anyone have a similar background and have advice or suggestions for the types of programs that might interest me (i.e. not in finance)?

posted by mexcellent to Education (6 answers total)

There are programs that offer a concentration in arts management. Is that of interest? Your background would be a benefit there.
posted by winston at 6:37 PM on May 12, 2009

I agree. My school has a great program, very hands-on, run by a friend of mine. Here's his blog.
posted by Madamina at 6:56 PM on May 12, 2009

This doesn't directly answer your question, but might be of interest nevertheless. Michael Lewis' Liar's Poker describes his experiences going from a BA in art history, to a masters in economics, to the trading floor of Salomon Brothers in the 1980s. Its somewhat relevant to your situation (if a bit dated), and also a fascinating, fun, and fabulous read in its own right.
posted by googly at 8:43 PM on May 12, 2009

I went to a top tier business school many years ago. The admissions office was obviously trying for a diverse and interesting group of students. To some degree your non-traditional background may be an advantage - they already have more economics majors than they could ever want. Furthermore work as a dealer and administrator would have aspects of the job that would directly transfer to the business (or nonprofit) world.

If you are a person who is not good with numbers, you might want to try taking some basic accounting or economics before you get to b-school. The math isn't very hard but there a number of first year classes that require a great deal of mathematic thinking.
posted by metahawk at 9:05 PM on May 12, 2009

I had a performing arts/media background and wanted to undertake further study. I completed an M.Bus (Arts & Cultural Mgmt). The first two years of the course were Arts Industry specific and then I completed the third year within the mainstream business school. In the final year I found that the students were from very diverse industry backgrounds and my experience in Arts Management was highly valued by other students when completing group assignments. I'm now working in Arts Funding and Development.

Do you want to make a career in Arts Management? If so, I suggest you find a program which will allow you to draw on your specific arts experience while consolidating your knowledge across a broader business context.

Good Luck!
posted by sconbie at 12:07 AM on May 13, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks to everyone for your input! I actually do not want to go into an arts management program-- I am more interested in getting into business dev/account management for design or architectural companies. I want to translate my specific art experience into smart business experience. Any other advice/comments?
posted by mexcellent at 9:49 AM on May 13, 2009