Considering an advanced degree in business? Wondering how to get started? We went right to the source for information. Here you’ll find advice from the admissions directors of three different universities. They’ve given their perspective on the value of an advanced degree in business, what you should look for when choosing a business program, and what they look for when reviewing business school applications.
Advice from Julie R. Barefoot
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Goizueta Business School, Emory University Atlanta, GA
It is ideal if candidates begin considering business school while they are still in college. By doing so, they can begin to prepare by taking courses, such as business statistics and/or calculus. This is beneficial because such courses help students to develop analytical skills—even if they aren’t business, math, or science majors. Also, it is typically easier to take these classes while in college, when one’s quantitative skills are still strong. Along those lines, I encourage college seniors to take the GMAT prior to graduation. The test is valid for five years, and most applicants apply to business school within this time frame.
Since I have an MBA myself, and have worked in admissions since 1988, I obviously feel passionately about the long-term value of the MBA degree. The beauty of an MBA degree is that it teaches you the business analytical skills that you need to operate in today’s global business environment. An MBA degree gives candidates the tools needed to address business problems and also the confidence to take on challenges at work. A good MBA program should be strong in exposing candidates to the international perspective that is so critical in making business decisions. The MBA is an amazingly flexible degree because it gives its holders the ability to transition between positions and industries.
In judging prospective students’ applications, an important factor is the quality of their work experience. Students will learn as much from classroom discussions and group work as they will from faculty lectures. Clearly, the only way that this will happen is if each applicant brings something to the table in terms of enriching the classroom experience. Also important to the review process is an assessment of the applicant’s ability to perform well academically. An MBA program requires not only strong quantitative skills (as demonstrated in the GMAT quantitative score and in grades received on any quantitative course work, such as statistics or calculus) but also the ability to effectively juggle multiple courses and group projects. Candidates’ undergraduate transcripts provide a track record of how they perform in an academic setting as well as a sense of their preparation for analytical work and of their leadership experiences.
Where do the essays, interview, and letters of recommendation fit into this process? Essays provide information about the applicant’s work responsibilities as well as a sense of what they might contribute to class discussions. Letters of recommendation provide firsthand insight into how the candidate is regarded either in a work or a social setting. A personal interview helps an admissions counselor gain a much clearer picture of the applicant’s interpersonal skills and the quality of his or her work experience by asking more in-depth questions about career progression and challenges.
Applicants whose undergraduate background is not in business are not at a disadvantage in the admissions process. However, liberal arts majors who did not take quantitative course work must fully demonstrate (through the GMAT quantitative score or a statistics course grade) that they can handle the rigor of the analytical courses that they’ll take in business school.
My words of wisdom? Seriously consider the programs to which you apply; remember, you will be working intimately with these classmates for the duration of your program of study, and they will become your network for your business career. I urge candidates to look beyond rankings numbers and to visit the program and experience the learning and living environment being offered.
Advice From Dr. Daniel M. Gropper
Associate Dean for MBA. Programs
Associate Professor of Business Economics Programs
Auburn University College of Business, Auburn, Alabama
While some people could reasonably consider an MBA coming straight from an undergraduate program (particularly if they are in a technical undergraduate program), most people will get the greatest gain after a couple of years of full-time work. It helps to have a good focus on what you want the program to do for you, although you should be open to changes of plans while you are in school. Also, most people need the focus and maturity provided by a couple of years in the work force.
With an advanced degree in business, you get a broad perspective on managing people and organizations. You are challenged to think innovatively and to consider points of view that will be new to you. An MBA also typically enhances one’s professional opportunities. The “return on investment” for many MBA programs, in many cases particularly those outside the “elite” range, is generally very high.
What should you look at when researching business programs? In one word, fit. Does the program meet your needs? Do you feel comfortable when you talk to people from the school? Is the program likely to allow you to do the things you want to do? I also think one should consider any program based on its reputation and a return on investment calculation. Consider the cost of tuition, books, living expenses, and so on, as well as your lost earnings while in school. Then look at the differential between your earnings now and when you graduate. While money isn’t everything, it is a shame to invest two years of your life, perhaps take out $60,000 in student loans, and maybe give up $80,000 to $100,000 in lost earnings if you are not going to improve your professional situation when you graduate.
Undergraduate grades weigh fairly heavily, and also the applicant’s major and university or college attended. Important as well are GMAT scores, both verbal and quantitative. For Executive MBA students, work experience is absolutely critical. Exceptional work experience will cause an applicant to stand out, and may offset scores elsewhere. Most programs look for students who bring a balance of skills and experiences to classes.
Applicants may be asked to write two essays; to discuss, first, their backgrounds and what they bring to the program; then, their goals; and finally, plans for what they will do after the program. Important factors are organization, focus, clear writing, and reasonableness. Bad essays are ones with “pat” answers and bad writing. Good essays are crisp, to the point, well organized, and have reasonable, well-supported goals.
When looking for someone to write a letter of recommendation, ask someone who can say something specific about what you did. Avoid someone too high up in the organization just because they have a better title, unless you did something specific for that person. Avoid a letter from the CEO if it would be generic; for example, “Jane was a superb employee and a great person” doesn’t say much. Far better is a recommendation with specific accomplishments and examples of superb performance.
My words of wisdom? “Begin with the end in mind.” Not original with me, but still good advice. Know what you want to get out of this, and commit to doing what needs to be done. Be focused and work hard, but take time to have fun, too. Business school can be one of the most fun and challenging educational experiences of your life.
Advice From Debbie Pierce
Evening MBA Program Manager
Florida International University
Chapman Graduate School of Business
It is strongly recommended that applicants have a high level of quantitative and analytical skills. In addition, good computer skills are required. Applicants are reviewed based upon their application. GMAT or GRE score, undergraduate GPA, TOEFL score (if applicable), letters of recommendation, work experience, and a statement of purpose. Some programs prefer two years of significant work experience, but not necessarily business experience over other kinds of work experience. A one-page statement of purpose should explain why the applicant wants to obtain a business degree as well.
