Some prospective business school applicants may find it challenging to craft a unique and authentic MBA application. However, those who realize the importance of proper MBA research will find the process of choosing the right program much more straightforward.
What should you consider when choosing an MBA in a vibrant Business destination such as the UK, for example? How is choosing the best MBA option linked to submitting a strong application?
Don’t miss: How to choose your best MBA in the UK (free webinar)
Your choice of business school and program
Self-reflection
Every professional has their own way of approaching the MBA decision-making process. Still, it’s useful to remember that the more organized and methodical your plan is, the easier it will be to make up your mind in the end. Start with just a pen and paper and appraise carefully your broad career goals and aspirations. What have you achieved in your professional field and on a personal level so far? What else are you determined to work on and where do you want to make a difference? Writing down every important detail will help you prioritize your goals. You might also want to group your notes in a logical sequence that will keep you on the right track.
Exploring your options
Then, after considering it all carefully, you can browse the business schools and programs that seem to fit in your list. For instance, if you have decided to go abroad and pursue a career in the UK, you will be able to narrow down your MBA search to this region.
The criteria that MBA prospects use to select their new school can be much more specific than the school’s location. For example, professionals who are passionate about sustainability and the environmental role of business will find that there are educational institutions which pay particular attention to this topic. Nottingham Trent University presents a similar case. This UK business school follows three core principles in its educational strategy, the first of which is “responsible and sustainable management”. Even an initial browse through their MBA website reveals this:
We’ll help you to develop the insights, capacities and skills to create and maintain responsible, efficient business practices, as well as to develop your sustainable mindset, promote responsible leadership and influence organizational cultures.
The factors that professionals might consider throughout their MBA research are almost countless – a particular MBA specialisation, digital focus, class size, and many more.
How MBA research improves your chances of admission
The MBA admissions committees expect that you are clear about the “what”, “why”, and “how” of going to business school both in your application and during the admissions interview. What are your career development goals? Why have you selected this particular MBA program? How will the program help you achieve your goals? Well-supported arguments and specific examples about MBA program features will come in handy if you have carefully researched different MBA options in advance. Then you will certainly have all the answers and details needed for a strong application.
Check out: 9 MBA Interview Etiquette Tips
As admissions consultants from the MBA Crystal Ball platform note, your work isn’t finished after hitting “submit” on your MBA application. If you advance to the next rounds of interviews and assessments, you will need to stay consistent to your self-presentation:
Study your application content thoroughly. Think about what you’ve written in your essays, in your resume. Are there any leading questions that you can predict? Work on those responses so you aren’t taken by surprise. Ask someone else (friend, colleague, a neutral party) to review your application and ask you questions.
The impact of your MBA research on your career
Let’s say you have already started to look into some programs and think of your admissions strategy – that’s a good start! But have you ever considered the role your MBA preparation might play in your post-MBA job search?
Just as the admissions committee of your potential new school will be curious to know your reasons for applying, so will your future employers or business partners. After all, completing an MBA program can be a life-changing move. Candidates who can clearly communicate their passion and purpose will be able to make a stronger impression during a job interview or a networking event. This is also a valuable tip offered by the Graduate Management Admission Council:
The MBA may help direct or launch your career toward your goals, but only if you choose the right program and take full advantage of the opportunities open to you during the program. […] Think about your career change from your future employer’s perspective.
So, you might want to consider questions that could come up during your dream job interview. How will studying for an MBA at this school contribute to the success of the team you intend to manage? What career or extracurricular opportunities did you take advantage of during your education? How will they help you excel as a leader and mentor? You don’t have to prepare a response for every question. The bottom line is that doing your research and knowing your priorities will help you make your case in any career-related scenario you face.
Check out: MBA Essay Topics at Top Schools and Their Tips
The same advice goes for networking opportunities. As Riddhi Kalsi and Robbie Samuels, editors at the learning platform HBR Ascend, suggest – always try to show up prepared and ask the relevant questions that will show you have a genuine interest in the topic:
The goal of […] any opportunity to connect with alumni is to build connections in the field you are interested in. Think of it as a chance to find out if your online research has led you to an accurate understanding of the industry. Ask probing questions that elicit information that you can’t research (e.g., What do you wish you knew before getting into this industry?).
Are you ready to follow your MBA destination? If you are not confident in your answer, perhaps you need just a little more time to prepare and research your options.
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