OK, I know I haven’t been the most active blogger but hopefully my posts will help those applying to MBA Programs and provide insight for my colleagues who are working in recruitment admissions at B-schools. Today’s topic is really for those who are past the ” should I get my MBA?” and are at the “I need to really think about my B-Schools and begin to develop a strategy for each of them?”. Which means you are probably looking at applying for admission in the next year or so. This topic is really designed to get you into the mindset or psyche of an MBA admissions committee. I need to warn you it can sometimes be a dark place, but the committee has a lot of stakeholders to please. Let’s take a look at the 5 key ones:
Other students: The goal is to find bright, talented students with lots of experiences who can play well with others. This balance of student backgrounds, geography and mindset can be delicate and we all no one apple can definitely spoil the whole bunch.
Faculty: Faculty have similar immediate needs as students. Usually they will also say they are looking for students who will challenge them, but for many they are really looking for those who will help them to stretch and support their teaching and research goals. This need is sometimes impossible to meet, just yesterday it came up that one faculty member was adamantly opposed to a candidate, while another was a strong supporter. These timebombs must be diffused quickly by supporting the decision with facts that support the decision.
Recruiters: Generally, recruiters are looking for quality candidates who are valuable and recruitable. With the trend at many full-time programs toward younger students, we as the MBA Admissions committee need to look for what experiences beyond just professional work experience and look for the well-rounded nature of students. The critical part is defining the potential of these younger candidates. Sometimes we do get it wrong, but many times we get it right with the help and hard work of our career management professionals.
Alumni: Similar to recruiters, we need to keep in mind the potential of a candidate to be a good alumnus and work hard to develop a professional network that will benefit the alumni. Thanx to technology such as facebook and linkedIn these network are getting wider and wider but will the candidate take advantage of these resources to help this network to develop.
University: The University and the B-School is looking for the same thing, a lifelong advocate for the them that will carry the flag and proudly advocate on behalf of the University. Beyond this, they want numbers. With the competition between business schools intensifying each year and potential students becoming more saavy having these advocates is critical to promoting the brand and program. In most cases their word of mouth can really make or break a program.
Now, put all of these stakeholders together and you have a very complex set of considerations. With each of these stakeholders pulling in sometimes very directions the life of an MBA Committee member can be for lack of a better word, hell. In some ways, every admit is a gamble and you have to be very careful when you double down, hold on your current cards or hit on 18. I am not sure what I meant by this analogy, but I felt a good card analogy was needed.
For those of you applying to B-Schools remember how complex this process can be and this means you must be clear, concise and direct as to your profile, potential to contribute to these key stakeholders during your Program and throughout your career path wherever it may lead you.
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