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 to attend educational panels, interact with alumni and students, and glean strategic insight regarding application development. Additionally, and depending on the school, prospective students who are not from underrepresented groups but share and uphold a school’s diversity mission can also attend. Note that some MBA programs require interested candidates to register, or even apply, to participate or attend these events.
Belonging Days at Yale SOM
Between late September and early October 2024, Yale SOM invited prospective students to its campus to discover the school’s vibrant and diverse community. Belonging Days: Women’s Perspectives took place on September 26–27, 2024, and gave applicants a chance to connect with members of Women in Management. In addition, Belonging Days: Diverse Perspectives, which took place on October 3–4, 2024, provided an opportunity for applicants to meet with SOM affinity networks “to hear more about the lived experience.” Both events also included a chance to meet with current students who are not members of the respective affinity groups, members of the Office of Inclusion and Diversity, the admissions team, and Yale SOM faculty. Attendees will receive a fee waiver to apply to Yale SOM.
Berkeley Haas Diversity Symposium
Berkeley Haas hosted an on-campus symposium on October 11–12, 2024, for both prospective and current students, as well as faculty, staff, and alumni, to discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The school’s website notes that prospective students from “traditionally underrepresented backgrounds” in graduate business schools had the opportunity to learn about the “remarkable diversity” at Haas through speakers, community-building opportunities, and information sessions. (On the Haas website, the school also apologized for scheduling this event during Yom Kippur and suggested that applicants take advantage of virtual events in the days leading up to the symposium.)
CBS Spotlight On: Black Business Students Association (BBSA) & Hispanic Business Association (HBA)
The CBS Office of Admissions, BBSA, and HBA held a full-day event on Saturday, October 19, 2024, that allowed prospective students to learn more about student life, academics, financial aid, and the admissions process as well as network with community members and experience a class firsthand.
Wharton First Generation On-Campus Visit Day
Wharton First Generation Virtual Visit Day
Wharton will host an on-campus event for all prospective Wharton MBA students who are first-generation college graduates on Thursday, October 24, 2024. The virtual version of the event will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024. The event will include panel discussions with the Wharton 1Gen Club.
Cornell Johnson Diversity Hosting Weekend
Johnson Diversity Hosting Weekend is Cornell’s premier diversity hosting event, taking place on October 25–26, 2024, in Ithaca, NY. The event, which focuses on advancing diversity and gender equity in business, is open to prospective students who are underrepresented, women, LGBTQ+, or allies. Participants will gain insight into admissions application strategies, learn more about the Johnson MBA program and student experience, and network with students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Kellogg Black Management Association Conference
This event, to be held on October 26, 2024, is the longest-running annual conference organized by students at the Kellogg School of Management. Prospective students have the opportunity to engage with Kellogg students, alumni, and administration members. This year’s theme will be “A Seat at the Table: Celebrating the Power of Every Voice.” Guest speakers from Amazon, BET, Chevron, Delta Airlines, and other companies will be present to engage with the community on this topic.
Wharton Small Towns and Rural Students (STARS) Virtual Visit Day
Applicants of all backgrounds are invited to attend this event on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, where they will be able to speak to current students from small towns and rural areas about how their identities and experiences affected their path at Wharton.
Kelley MBA Diversity Insights and Preview Weekend
Indiana’s Kelley School of Business will host its Diversity Insights and Preview Weekend November 1–2, 2024. Attendees will be able to interact with current students, faculty, and staff while learning about Kelley’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
UCLA Anderson Embracing Diversity Conference
On November 9, 2024, Anderson will host this event as part of its broader Embracing Diversity Week, allowing prospective students to connect with enrolled students, network with alumni, and learn about the school’s inclusive culture. Interested candidates can register by November 3. There is no fee to attend the event.
Tepper Diversity Weekend
Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business states on its website that “a diverse student population creates a richer, more valuable experience for all.” The school will host its Diversity Weekend on November 8–9, 2024, and all prospective students are invited to attend to learn more about their student communities, including underrepresented minorities, women, LGBTQ, and military veterans.
Vanderbilt MBA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium
Vanderbilt Owen will host its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium on November 15, 2024 (during Discover Vanderbilt Business, taking place the weekend of November 15–16). All prospective students are encouraged to attend and will be able to connect with current students, faculty, staff, and alumni, which will culminate in a reception. The following day, attendees can participate in a mock class, hear from the Career Management Center, learn more about life in Nashville, and take a tour of the campus.
Stern Immersion: Diversity Weekend
On November 15–17, 2024, members of NYU Stern’s admissions office will partner with members of the school’s Association for Hispanic and Black Business Students, Stern Women in Business, and OutClass to provide prospective students the opportunity to learn more about the Stern community and experience. Prospective students may attend a mock class and panel discussions and connect with Stern’s affinity groups. Advance registration, which is now open on the school’s website, is required to attend.
Duke MBA Workshop
Established in 1982, this annual event will be held on campus on November 21–23, 2024. The workshop is open to students on an invitation-only basis and is designed to provide insight into Duke Fuqua’s admissions process, allowing candidates to network with the Duke community and minority alumni. While the application deadline has passed, the event website provides contact information for prospective students who are still interested in attending.
Stanford GSB Diversity in Leadership (DiL) Conference
The DiL will provide prospective underrepresented students with the opportunity to attend workshops and panel discussions in addition to networking and socializing with prospective students, current students, alumni, and staff. The event will be held at a TBD date in spring 2025.
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