How To Talk To Individuals About Your MBA Decision

by Stacy Blackman Consulting, Nov 20, 2010

After you have decided to apply to an MBA program, you will be asked a lot of questions regarding why you made your decision. You should have several strong answers based on who you are speaking with.

MBA admissions boards: When speaking to these individuals, you will need to show them that you enjoy learning opportunities and have taken advantage of these opportunities. Describe how the business school will be an even greater place to develop your knowledge and further your interests.

Colleagues/managers: There are a number of companies where employees normally exit to attend business school, and a new group of MBAs enter in every fall. In other companies, some colleagues might view attending an MBA program as giving up on the company. You dont want your MBA application to have a negative effect in your final months in your current position. If you describe your MBA goal as a tool to prepare yourself for opportunities in the futurerather than as an outlet to get a better positioncolleagues may be more supportive of your decision.

The Doubters: A number of my clients have recounted how alumni interviewers asked them specifically why they were applying. Some even went so far as to say to an entrepreneurially inclined individual, You dont need to attend business school to pursue your work. Applicants who may want to stay in the same area after graduation often hear the same questions. My entrepreneurial inclined candidate was prepared: she answered with a list of renowned entrepreneurs who had attended this particular business school.

Da Haters: There are individuals who do not understand why you would want an MBA degree at all. They will state that business inclined individuals dont need accreditations like doctors, lawyers, and some other professionals. You should be prepared to talk about why this will not just be a two year break for you.

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