Profile Ask a Question Content ContactsCalendar Blog
People Webinars Discussions Resources Schools
People Webinars Discussions Resources Schools
Profile Ask a Question Resources Contacts Calendar Schools
Eric Allen expert MBA Tour Webinar Q&A Forum: Networking with schools This will be the forum for the MBA Tour-sponsored webinar - networking with schools. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. The webinar will be conducted on 7.12.16 at 8PM ET. Link to sign-up is here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2445265857137534978 #mba
  • Networking With Schools: Best Practices
  • An Admit Advantage executive team member or senior consultant will review proven networking tips and strategies that applicants can use when networking with admissions officers and school representatives. We will discuss common mistakes and alternatives actions. Be prepared with questions for this interactive session that is designed to help YOU. Detailed Q&A to follow. Co-sponsored by MBA Tour. Presenters: Kofi Kankam • Harvard College (AB) • Harvard Graduate School of Education (M.Ed.) • The Wharton School (MBA) Eric Allen • Brown University (BS) • The Wharton School (MBA) • Wharton Admissions Committee
  • attendee.gotowebinar.com
{{ 1468345462569+1-1 | date : 'short' }} mba mbatour All Replies User Picks
Eric Allen expert Posted by Elias Hoban. If we feel unprepared for an information session, do you think it is better to skip it altogether or to go ahead and do your best? For example, if we only know basic information about the schools we're interested in. Answer: You don't have to talk. If you are unprepared, first of all, you have time to prepare, so start now...but, you don't have to talk. Just go to the tour and listen if you're not really ready. Soak it all in. Don't be afraid to consume and information and DEFINITELY don't feel obligated to talk. You don't have to. My advice - go and take it all in. Good luck. {{ 1468369139302+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Estefany Delgado 1. How much of a difference does networking with business schools make in an admissions decision? 2. What can you do to make yourself standout (in a good way) when speaking to an admissions director? 3. How do you get facetime with an admissions director? {{ 1468370085531+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert Posted by Albert: Would you recommend that we bring business cards/resumes to the event? Answer: Definitely bring resumes and business cards. Business cards are pretty standard exchange materials, however, only take out a resume when asked. That is one of the big mistakes at tours to try to "force" a resume to an AdCom. Not a good idea. {{ 1468370086295+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Estefany Delgado networking with schools is important and it can make a difference. Remember, you will put your blood, sweat and tears into this (maybe not your blood) application and the application will be faceless/nameless if no one knows you. Help yourself by getting to know the admissions committee, so they can advocate on your behalf. It especially makes a difference when you're a borderline candidate. {{ 1468370260967+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Elliot Finkel I have a few University recruiters reaching out to meet (via Meetups and 1on1s) at the MBA Tour. I am not interested in their schools, mostly because of location. Do you recommend still meeting them at the MBA Tour or responding and saying I am not interested in attending their respective school? Thanks! {{ 1468370341385+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Maria Mercedes Guevara Llatas Are people who go to these events (booth), actually involved in the selection of students for the MBA program? Sometimes I see alumni or assistants in the booths. {{ 1468370431506+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Estefany Delgado - question 2. To make yourself standout, don't try to make yourself standout. That's actually the key. Just be the authentic you. Think about what makes you a great candidate, think about your experiences an bring those genuine experiences, your passion for the school and your interest in business school to the table when you come to the tour. Don't try to stand out...stand out because you are a stand out! {{ 1468370398558+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Sunny Ng Would you recommend that part-time programs easier to get into, especially for older candidates? If so, what kind of GMAT, GRE, GPA is required? Thanks. {{ 1468370530035+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Estefany Delgado Question 3. How do you get Facetime with an admissions director. 1. they may have an opportunity to do 1:1's during the event. In some cases you can submit and in some cases you have to be chosen. 2. Go to the school's presentation and try to chat with them before or after (as long as it's not disruptive) and 3. Go up to them at the actual tour event itself. Early on in the Fair, it's crowded. Don't hesitate to get some coffee and come back towards the middle/end when most people have left. Don't tell anyone my secret! #mba #mbatour {{ 1468370723988+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Emily Fink One of my challenges will be my quantitative "story"--psychology major with mediocre grades in the statistics etc classes (higher overall GPA), marketing work for 5 years without much quant use, and a lower end quant score for GMAT. Should I ask schools, as I meet with them at booths, how I can help improve this in the eyes of admissions officers at their schools? Or will I be quickly labeled as a weak candidate and remembered that way? Are they the right people to ask or should I be directly contacting admissions offices? Also, I have an excellent verbal background (grades, professional use, GMAT scores)...how can I play this up in a meaningful way? My end goal is CPG Marketing {{ 1468370703802+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Maria Mercedes Guevara Llatas Question: Are people who go to these events (booth), actually involved in the selection of students for the MBA program? Sometimes I see alumni or assistants in the booths. Answer: That's one of the differentiating factors for MBA Tour - they don't allow schools to show up with alumni, only actual admissions staff. For some of the other tours, they do allow alumni and while they may not be as knowledgeable about admissions or as influential, they do have a unique perspective having gone to the school, so use each party to the fullest! Hope that helps. #mba #mbatour {{ 1468370937317+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Elliot Finkel Good question about meeting with schools that you're not interested in. Answer: Some would say no. I would say, depends. Schools would prefer that you not meet with them if you have absolutely no interest and so would I (generally). However, you may not know that you're interested until you meet with them. In addition, practice makes perfect. Schools don't want to hear it, but practicing on a school that is not in your target list can teach you important lessons to apply for the schools that are on your list. One important point here is even if you're not interested in the school, do your research so you don't sound foolish. AdComs do talk. Bring the best you. #mba #mbatour {{ 1468371115765+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert Good question from anonymous: What are the right type of specific questions to ask when speaking to admissions officers that will make you remembered? {{ 1468371199131+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Sunny Ng Part-time programs are generally less competitive than FT programs, but it's all about what you want to get out of it. PT programs give you all of the information you would get out of a FT program, but not as much in the way of networking and career switching. If you're just looking for the MBA brand and career propulsion within the same sector/general career path, PT would be a great option for you (or eMBA depending on your situation). If you're looking to change paths, FT MBA is likely a better. choice. #mba #mbatour {{ 1468371237803+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Emily Fink Question (summary): One of my challenges will be my quantitative "story"--psychology major with mediocre grades in quant classes limited quant experience and lower quant score. Who should I ask about mitigating these weaknesses? Will schools see me as weak? How do I play up my non-verbal strengths. Answer: Good question, and common. The short answer is you ask me. The answer is that you have to do everything in your power to promote all of the other things that you do well and try to mitigate the quant as best you can. One way would be to consider taking a GMAT course ore even consider taking the GRE. Maybe you will do better on the GRE. Another way is to take additional coursework (quant-based) and excel there to show the admissions committee that you can handle it. Finally, highlight (and have your recommenders highlight) any analytical or quant activities you have. Segmentation, user studies, etc. within marketing demonstrate analytical skills. USE EVERYTHING YOU CAN. Your quant weakness isn't going away, but you can make it less painful by taking those potential actions. Good luck and feel free to reach back out if you have more questions. #mba #mbatour {{ 1468371596928+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Sunny Ng If one does a PT or the EMBA program....do they both have the option for networking with the career center folks to perhaps switch careers or find jobs after completing the degree? Thanks. {{ 1468371610001+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert @Sunny Ng - "Would you recommend that part-time programs easier to get into, especially for older candidates? If so, what kind of GMAT, GRE, GPA is required?" ANSWER: Yes, part-time programs are typically easier to get into in the sense of your grades and test scores not being as important. However, your work experience moves to the forefront and has to be an area in which you dominate. The items needed to get into a school vary, but you can typically discount the grades and GMAT by 10 to 20% from the FT program as a rule of thumb. {{ 1468371643822+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert Question from Anonymous about the right questions: The short answer is thoughtful questions. That goes back to what Kofi said today on the webinar: do your research so you can bring thoughtful questions to the event. Asking them how many students in their class is NOT thoughtful. Asking them about a specific program only offered by their school and how they think your background might fit with that type of program IS thoughtful. {{ 1468371726595+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Emily Fink Thank you so much Eric! Taking the GMAT for the final time this weekend, so fingers crossed it can help improve my story. Appreciate you all hosting this event and see you in Boston {{ 1468371755548+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert @Sunny Ng - "If one does a PT or the EMBA program....do they both have the option for networking with the career center folks to perhaps switch careers or find jobs after completing the degree? Thanks." ANSWER: Part-time or EMBA programs can definitely network with the career service center. However, there primary focus/emphasis will be on the FT people. You will have to hustle for slots to speak with them as well as get on the company interview schedule (for the companies that visit the school). It's harder to do. One of your best opportunities will be join the clubs in the industry in which you have interest, be involved in whatever conference they produce and meet potential employers in this manner. {{ 1468371806404+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert @Sunny Ng PT and eMBA programs will have career centers, but they're not equipped for career changing, especially eMBA's (employers endorse, if not pay). It's there, but it's a bit of a tougher road for career change. You have to balance easier acceptance with easier career transition. If you can't get in to a comparable FT program, it's likely worth going this route. #mba #mbatour {{ 1468371847744+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Eric Allen expert See you in Boston @Emily Fink Good luck with the GMAT...you will crush it. If you hit your target score, I will buy you a lobster roll, but you have to declare it on the site first! {{ 1468371925962+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Sunny Ng You guys are just awesome....the dynamic duo! Wow! Feel so blessed to get your opinions! {{ 1468371987426+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Emily Fink Ha! I accept the challenge Eric {{ 1468372091352+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Maria Mercedes Guevara Llatas Thank you @Eric Allen , I did not know that about the MBA tour! See you in Boston! {{ 1468373759529+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Mor Gedalia Thank you for presenting yesterday it was definitely insightful! My first question: If we are interested in a dual-degree program, for example MBA + MTS or MBA +JD, how would you recommend we bring that up to an Admissions rep? Is it worth mentioning, or is it better to just ask about MBA related topics? Second question: Do you have any tips for how to answer the "Tell me about yourself" question, I normally go for an elevator pitch type answer but is there anything specific you recommend mentioning when this question is asked? Thank you! {{ 1468423647841+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous Hello! What advice would you give to someone who is an introvert and is sometimes shy when meeting admissions committee members? I can be outgoing, but am often shy when first meeting people and I am afraid my personality won't shine. Also, what is the best way to answer questions about my not working in the business industry or not majoring in business for undergrad? I am very passionate about obtaining my MBA and accomplishing my life goals, but I don't want that to hinder me {{ 1468456786259+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert Mor Gedalia - you're welcome. Add "Mor" to your profile so we can help. It is totally fine to indicate your interest in a joint program. Just to be sure to indicate why you need both degrees and highlight how important the MBA is to your future short and long-term goals. If your elevator pitch is tight, that is the way to do it. That's what they want to hear! Just tie it into your interest in the program. {{ 1468459571421+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert @tavona.davis - have you seen our introvert video? https://www.admit.me/en/discussions/1/mba/news/5422803/6-tips-for-introverts-to-shine-at-the-mba-tour. Watch that! It's okay to not work in business school or major in business! Business schools have a ton of folks (often in combination more than business-related majors) who majored in STEM or the humanities. It will help make you different.
  • 6 Tips for Introverts to Shine at the MBA Tour
  • As introverts, we tend to be observant, reflective, and develop close relationships with others. But at the same time, it might be trickier when it comes to large social settings, such as networking events or school fairs. But fear not! This means that...
  • www.admit.me
{{ 1468459707780+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
anonymous @Kofi Kankam Thank you. That was very reassuring! I was nervous that I would not seem like a serious candidate with my lack of business background {{ 1468459805685+1-1 | date : 'short' }}
Kofi Kankam expert No problem @tavona.davis - it's all good. {{ 1468459965038+1-1 | date : 'short' }}