Is Your MBA Tax Deductible?

Can You Earn An MBA As A Second Master’s Degree?

 

Thinking about getting an MBA to complement your existing Master’s degree? Believe it or not, your advanced degree could actually hurt your chances of being accepted.

That’s the view of Shawn O’Connor, Founder and CEO of Stratus Admissions Counseling, in his latest Forbes column. If you list a Master’s degree on your application, an admissions team will probably start evaluating your candidacy by asking this question: “How badly does this candidate need an MBA to achieve his goals?” That’s right: An advanced degree can make it easier to dismiss you. “There are plenty of other candidates who need an MBA more,” they’ll think. And then they’ll move on to the next application.

So how can you counter this bias? Start by answering these two questions:

What Are My Career Goals: In O’Connor’s words, MBA applicants “must explain why they need a second master’s to achieve their career goals.” In particular, O’Connor emphasizes that you must share your career plan in your essay and how an MBA would help you achieve these ends.

Why Did I Earn My First Master’s Degree: “What is driving you to return to school?” “Why couldn’t you learn what you need through experience?” Those are the questions that any adcom is asking. In your essay, spell it out. For example, let’s say you possess a Master’s in the hard sciences. Maybe an MBA is the way to develop the financial, marketing, and decision-making tools to someday operate a medical company.

What if you already possess an MBA and want one from a more prestigious institution? Chances are, you won’t get to first base with admissions. However, they may make allowances for students who completed smaller international programs according to O’Connor. In these cases, students may benefit from a more global or less technical perspective. O’Connor adds that international programs don’t “necessarily teach the same concepts.” As a result, you could outline what you hope to learn when you apply to better position you for a second MBA.

Source: Forbes

How To Make Your Best Impression In An Interview

 

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

It was a great slogan for Head & Shoulders shampoo. And it’s even better advice for candidates heading into their admission interviews. Sure, you’ve probably heard it all before: Don’t slouch, make eye contact, and convey confidence, enthusiasm, and respect. Of course, knowing and executing are two entirely different things. When you look back on your interview, you’re bound to have fallen short in a few areas. We all do.

According to F1GMAT, students often place greater emphasis on their answers than their mannerisms, grooming habits, and postures. As we know, our non-verbal communication can account for 80 percent (or more) of the message we deliver. So how can you increase your chances of conveying the right message? Here is some advice from F1GMAT:

Appearance: In studies, researchers have found that attractiveness has influenced teachers’ expectations of students (which ultimately help determine those students’ levels of success). The same principle applies here: An “interviewer’s biases based on good looks can influence the nature of the questions – probing or, friendly and conversational.” To amplify their attractiveness, candidates must focus on smiling (conveying sincere “warmth and happiness” like you would with a loved one); eye contact (increasing pupil size that, combined with a smile, produces a glow of “openness and curiosity”); and voice modulation (a consistent pace and tone that conveys a controlled eagerness).

Grooming: In terms of hygiene, men and women should present white teeth, fresh breath, clean and trim nails, moderate cologne or perfume, and simple accessories and jewelry.  Women should also shape their brow and wear light make-up, while men should stick to the standard suit and tie. Bottom line: Avoid any kinds of flash that might distract the interviewer.

Posture: Here, all the standard advice applies: Don’t slouch; maintain eye contact; lean forward to express interest; nod to show agreement; and keep hand gestures in check.

And most important: Don’t interrupt. Stay patient and attentive, remembering that the person conducting the interview may be just as nervous as you are.

Source: F1GMAT