Blog:
What Is DEI, and Why Do Business Schools Care About It?
November 21, 2024
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a collection of policies and programs within an organization designed to encourage representation and participation of people across all racial, ethnic, gender, religious, and ability backgrounds. DEI has become increasingly important to organizations in recent years, and this is reflected in its elevation within MBA programs. In the United…
CPA to MBA: Conduct a Pre–Business School Audit
November 14, 2024
Every year, thousands of young accounting and audit professionals apply to top MBA programs. However, having a CPA or having been promoted multiple times after successful client engagements is not sufficient to secure a seat in a top business school program. Here are eight areas for assessment and potential repositioning as you prepare to apply…
So, You Think You Want to Go into PE/VC?
November 13, 2024
Private equity (PE) seems to be the holy grail for many MBA candidates and students—or so they think. Many candidates I talk to are interested in PE or venture capital (VC), but they don’t have a real grasp of what that means. Investing in early-stage companies and making a lot of money, right? Maybe. PE…
Investment Banking and Private Equity Professionals: What’s Your MBA Game Plan?
November 12, 2024
If you are an investment banking (IB)/private equity (PE) professional, an MBA is always a natural step to the next level, a pivot, a refocusing, or even a restart of your professional career. Whether you are still an undergrad navigating the recruiting process, within the first several years of your firm’s analyst/associate program, currently applying…
Top MBA Programs’ Fall 2024 Diversity Events for Prospective Students
October 21, 2024
One of the best ways for prospective business school students to learn about how well they might fit with an MBA program is by interfacing with enrolled students who come from a similar cultural background. To facilitate this research, top business schools are offering diversity events this school year to provide aspiring MBAs an opportunity…
How to Leverage Your Military Experience in MBA Applications
October 15, 2024
Perhaps you are leaving active military service and hoping an MBA can help provide a smooth transition to civilian life. Or maybe you are pausing your active service to get an MBA with the goal of gaining skills to boost your military career. Will schools view your military service in a positive light? In a…
Using Lessons from Greek Life in Your MBA Applications
October 9, 2024
Often, I have conversations with clients about whether or not they should use a story from their fraternity or sorority days as part of their business school application. As a former president of my sorority, I understand the leadership experiences available through Greek life, as with most extracurricular experiences. As with any story in your…
Top Business School Clubs and Recruiting Events for Active-Duty Military and Veterans
October 1, 2024
Are you an active military member or a veteran considering applying to business school? MBA programs seek veterans and active military members because, as we discuss in “How to Leverage Your Military Experience in MBA Applications,” traits that lead to success in military service can also lead to success in business school and beyond—in particular,…
LGBTQIA+ Clubs and Admissions Events at Top 25 MBA Programs
October 1, 2024
As we discussed in a previous blog post, business schools value diversity along every dimension and go to great lengths to make their programs welcoming to all, including LGBTQIA+ applicants and students. The top 25 MBA programs in the United States all have LGBTQIA+ student clubs, and many of them also have diversity admissions events or…
Six Resources for Black MBA Applicants
September 24, 2024
Black students represent an important talent pipeline for firms across industries. However, enrollment at top MBA programs, which are gateways to access mid- and senior-level opportunities, has stagnated over the past decade. Although Bloomberg reported in 2021 that Black students made up less than 10% of annual enrollment on average nationally, this percentage may decrease…
Is a Tech MBA for Me?
September 13, 2024
Technology is everywhere these days—and careers revolving around technology are the focus of many MBA programs. Although a general-management MBA will help you build strong management and business skills, if you are looking to pivot specifically into technology, there are tech-focused programs designed to help you get there. In addition, all tech MBA programs are…
Tips for Your Consortium Application Essays
September 10, 2024
Consortium Application Essay Tips, 2024-2025 The Consortium’s mission is to increase representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in top MBA programs and throughout the US workforce. For more than 50 years, The Consortium has provided a streamlined application process to leading business schools. The Consortium’s ranks continue to grow with the addition…