As a current full-time student in Columbia Business School’s executive MBA program and a full-time online marketing maverick for Knewton, I often get asked this question: Are you completely nuts? How can you balance the demands of school and a career without sacrificing one for the other?
The following is a guest post by Andre, a current MBA student and a blogger for The Dirt. Andre is writing a series for Beat The GMAT to share a bluntly honest perspective of life in business school. Beat The GMAT’s editorial staff purposely left his article in its original raw (and entertaining) form.
In today’s article, Andre discusses what spring break is like as an MBA student–apparently it’s no break at all. With out further ado, here is Andre:
Almost every top business school embraces the concept of the study group. The study group is simultaneously one of the more frustrating and beneficial aspects of business. This theme runs throughout the entire business school process, even beginning with your application.
There has been a lot of conversation about this topic over the past few years and I thought I would share some of my thoughts surrounding this GMAT/GRE debate, so you can consider the implications it may have for you if any.
The summer internship is a big part in switching. Not only will you be able to decide if this is in fact an industry you would like to be in, it is a long-term job interview. If you like the job and you do well it in, your second year of business school could be a breeze if they make you an offer. If you find out that you love it but they don’t love you, then at least you are part of the way home and now have good experience. If you find out not only do they not want you, but you don’t want them, then you have a lot of work in front of you.
Not sure whether you should take the time and money to visit the b-schools you plan on applying to? While some adcoms admit to awarding brownie points and some swear that whether or not you visit has no impact on your acceptance or rejection, I believe that if you have the opportunity to visit the b-schools on your list, then you should absolutely do so.
One of our previous admissions myths destroyed was “Round 1 is Everything.” Today we take on the widely held myth that “final round is nothing.”
Applying to business school can require a lot more time and energy than you might initially think. Many applicants reduce the number of schools they apply to after beginning work on the applications and realizing just how much is involved with each and every application; the average candidate applies to 3-4 schools. With so many admissions factors (resume, work experience, GPA, activities, volunteer experience, GMAT score, recommendations, essays, interviews, etc), how should you prioritize your time?
You’ve worked so hard and have nothing but dings to show for it. Sure, it’s upsetting. Sure, you never want to think about b-school ever again.
It’s time to gain a little perspective.
The internship. After a couple months of developing a solid network of industry alums, recruiting season will kick off. If you are going for the big three banking, consulting or CPG this will be a very structured process and take place in January to February generally.
I had my visit to Tepper on Wednesday, February 24. Overall, it was an interesting visit. I am from Pittsburgh, but this is actually the first time that I have been on the CMU campus.
Throughout this MBA admissions video, we look at the unique challenge (and advantage) of applying to an MBA program without traditional business experience. We often get questions from applicants who work for non-profit organizations, are musicians, or have worked in another field that doesn’t have much to do with “real” business. More often than not, these applicants’ experiences are much more applicable to their candidacies, and their weaknesses are much less formidable than they expect!
If you’re an applicant coming from a non-business background, today’s video emphasizes the things you can do to overcome your potential weaknesses in the eyes of an MBA admissions officer.
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The following is a guest post by Andre, a current MBA student and a blogger for The Dirt. Andre is writing a series for Beat The GMAT to share a bluntly honest perspective of life in business school. Beat The GMAT’s editorial staff purposely left his article in its original raw (and entertaining) form.
In today’s article, Andre discusses his struggle with managing his time as an MBA student. With out further ado, here is Andre:
Last week I discussed the definition of community service and explained its importance to business school admissions committees. Today I’ll answer three common questions that should help further clarify the subject of community service.
Some applicants mistakenly regard community service as a prerequisite for getting into a top MBA program. And, some who believe that it is a prerequisite will sign up for community activities without considering whether it is a reasonable fit for them. Although community service is generally a positive, given that it demonstrates altruism on the part of the participant and frequently indicates leadership as well—attributes that may not be revealed in the workplace—community service is not a panacea. As you contemplate your involvements, you should recognize that “hours served” are not as important as the spirit of your participation and the extent of your impact.
