Making a Good First Impression with MBA Admissions Officers

Networking as an MBA applicant can be highly beneficial if you want to get on admissions officers’ radar.

Dr. Marlena Corcoran, founder of Athena Mentor and contributor at Forbes, recently offered a few tips on how applicants can best impress MBA admissions officers.

ATTEND ADMISSIONS EVENTS

Business schools host a variety of admissions events designed to help admissions officers recruit talented students to their programs. Corcoran recommends that applicants attend as many as these events as they can.

“Get out and socialize at events organized by the MBA programs you are considering,” Corcoran says. “Whether you attend a fair, such as The MBA Tour, or a smaller event hosted by a single school, consider this your chance to practice the social skills that are so important in business school.”

In addition to getting on the admissions team’s radar, these events also give you the opportunity to connect with current students and alumni, who can offer you helpful advice.

“Try to find two or three people who match up with your experience and goals,” Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, says. “Learn how their business school experience transformed them personally or professionally. If the person is willing to speak with you outside of the event, ask for an informational interview. Over the phone or even email, you can learn more about how they successfully transitioned to their current career.”

BE HUMBLE

A first impression is everything. Corcoran stresses the importance of being courteous and friendly at MBA admissions events.

“This is definitely not the moment to act like The Wolf of Wall Street,” Corcoran says. “Be sure to practice your best social skills. Remember that some business schools place such great importance on your ability to work together with others that interviews are conducted in groups.”

Sources: Forbes, Stacy Blackman Consulting

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