In this mbaMission podcast episode, Harold Simansky interviews Kimberly Hoey, an mbaMission colleague and Kellogg MBA alum, about her experience at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Kimberly shares that Kellogg was transformative for her, helping her pivot from finance to brand management. She highlights Kellogg's strong teamwork culture, reflected in its collaborative learning environment, SimWeek, and QuestTrips.

Kim also notes that Kellogg is highly student-driven, with students leading clubs, conferences, and other initiatives, providing hands-on leadership experience. She mentions Kellogg’s new Global Hub, which fosters teamwork and enhances the student experience. Contrary to the perception that Kellogg primarily focuses on marketing, Kim points out that consulting, tech, and finance careers are also popular post-MBA options.

Finally, Kim speaks about life in Evanston, describing the town's strong campus atmosphere and proximity to Chicago, which balances a campus feel with city access. Harold closes by inviting listeners interested in Kellogg or MBA admissions to book a free consultation through mbaMission.

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In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss effective strategies for MBA interviews. They emphasize the importance of authenticity, preparation, and understanding common interview questions. Rachel shares her insights from her experience as a journalist and alumni interviewer, providing practical tips for candidates to present themselves confidently and effectively. The conversation covers various aspects of the interview process, including attire, common questions, and how to navigate behavioral questions. The episode concludes with final advice for candidates to be themselves and articulate their goals clearly.  

Takeaways 

• Interviews are primarily about fit, not just qualifications.
• Being too rehearsed can lead to poor interview outcomes.
• Reading your application essays is crucial for preparation.
• Understanding the type of interview (blind vs. comprehensive) is important.
• Dress professionally, even in virtual interviews.
• Prepare for common questions like 'Tell me about yourself.'
• Articulate your short-term and long-term goals clearly.
• Know why you are applying to each specific school.
• Behavioral questions require structured responses using the STAR method.
• Always leave the interviewer with a positive impression.

Download our FREE MBA Interview Guides: https://www.mbamission.com/guides/interview-guides/

Do you want to prepare for your MBA interview with an expert? Sign up for a mock interview: https://shop.mbamission.com/collections/services/products/mock-interview-sessions

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In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Harshad Mali discuss the intricacies of the MBA admissions process, focusing on the importance of personal storytelling, overcoming demographic challenges, and the significance of fit in consultant relationships. They emphasize the need for applicants to present their unique perspectives and experiences, rather than conforming to formulaic writing styles. The discussion also covers the importance of school selection and the holistic nature of applications, including recommendations and personal narratives.

Takeaways

• People often box themselves into demographics.
• Personal storytelling is crucial for MBA applications.
• Adcoms are looking for unique perspectives, not stereotypes.
• Avoid formulaic writing; authenticity is key.
• Fit between consultant and client is essential for success.
• Diversify your school application portfolio.
• Your first job post-MBA is critical for your career.
• Don't crowdsource your application materials.
• Bring out your struggles and successes in essays.
• Test scores are just one part of the application.

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In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Debbie Choy discuss the unique aspects of the MBA experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Debbie shares her insights on the intimate and collaborative environment at Stanford, highlighting the strong relationships formed during her time there. She also reflects on the challenges of time management and the need for more career counseling to help students navigate their career paths effectively.  

Takeaways

• Stanford's small class size fosters strong relationships.
• The collaborative culture at Stanford enhances learning.
• Time management is a challenge in MBA programs.
• More career counseling could benefit incoming students.
• Exploring different career paths can be overwhelming.
• Friendships formed in MBA programs can last a lifetime.
• Stanford is known for its exclusivity and difficulty to enter.
• The two-year MBA experience can feel rushed.
• Electives could help refine career interests.
• Support from professors is crucial in career exploration.

Learn more about the Stanford GSB by downloading our free Insider's Guide.

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In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Kim Hoey discuss the common fatal flaws that lead to rejection from business schools. They emphasize the importance of strong letters of recommendation, addressing weaknesses in applications, and focusing on results in resumes. The conversation also highlights the need for clear and logical career goals that align with one's background, as well as the significance of fully answering essay prompts.

Takeaways

• Letters of recommendation must be specific and detailed.
• Address any weaknesses in your profile proactively.
• Focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities in resumes.
• Ensure that all parts of essay prompts are answered.
• Career goals should logically connect to your background.
• Self-awareness about weaknesses is crucial for applicants.
• Utilize resources and consultations for application improvement.
• A business school resume differs from a professional resume.
• Mitigating factors can help strengthen a weak application.
• A logical story is essential for career pivots.

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In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Devi Vallabhaneni discuss the intricacies of preparing for the Harvard Business School (HBS) interview. Devi shares her personal journey with HBS, her experiences as an interviewer, and the evolution of the interview process. They delve into the importance of preparation, self-awareness, and the common pitfalls applicants face. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and the need for thorough practice to excel in the interview. Devi also provides insights on post-interview strategies and the mindset needed to approach the interview as a critical step in the application process.

Free mbaMission resources mentioned is this episode: HBS Interview Prep: Tips, Resources, and Sample Questions and Insider Tips for YOUR Harvard Business School Interview.

Takeaways

• Preparation is key to feeling ready for an interview.
• Self-awareness is crucial for effective communication.
• Technical details should be balanced with strategic insights.
• Practice with professionals can enhance interview performance.
• Understanding your application inside out is essential.
• The interview is a significant factor in the admissions process.
• Self-reflection helps in articulating your story better.
• Maximizing your experiences can lead to compelling narratives.
• Post-interview reflections should focus on learning, not stress.
• Every interview is an opportunity to showcase your growth.

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In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Kate Richardson discuss the unique team-based discussion format used by Wharton for MBA admissions interviews. They explore the structure of the interview, the importance of collaboration, and strategies for success. Kate shares insights on the roles candidates can play during the discussion, how to craft an effective pitch, and the dynamics of the final presentation and one-on-one interviews. The conversation concludes with practical advice for candidates preparing for this distinctive interview process.

Takeaways

• Wharton uses a team-based discussion format for interviews.
• Candidates are evaluated on collaboration, not just ideas.
• Preparation is important, but adaptability is key.
• Roles in the discussion can vary from leader to supporter.
• A clear and structured pitch is essential.
• Engagement with peers is crucial for success.
• The final presentation should involve multiple team members.
• One-on-one interviews follow the team discussion.
• Candidates should reflect on their strengths before the interview.
• Staying relaxed can improve performance during the discussion.

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In this conversation, Harold Simansky, Kate Richardson, and Katrina Evans discuss the Wharton team-based discussion, which is a unique interview format for business schools. They explain how the team-based discussions are structured and what Wharton is looking for in candidates. They also discuss the process of organizing mock team-based discussions and the challenges involved. The session highlights the value of participating in mock discussions and the importance of self-awareness and openness to feedback for success in the actual interview.

Takeaways

• Wharton uses team-based discussions as a style of interview to assess candidates' collaboration skills and behaviors.
• Mock team-based discussions can be valuable in preparing for the actual interview.
• Organizing mock discussions involves balancing participants' preferences and ensuring no one's ideas are stolen.
• Successful team-based discussions require self-awareness, openness to feedback, and the ability to work effectively in a group.

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In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Rachel Beck discuss Columbia Business School. Rachel shares her experience as a student and highlights the core curriculum as a valuable aspect of the program. She also emphasizes the diversity of the student body and the wide range of backgrounds and experiences represented. Columbia is often associated with finance, but Rachel points out that there are many other career paths pursued by students. Overall, Rachel's enthusiasm for learning and the vibrant community at Columbia shines through in the conversation.

Takeaways

• Columbia Business School has a core curriculum that exposes students to a variety of subjects and forces them to explore areas they may not have considered before.
• The student body at Columbia is diverse, with over 50% of the class being international students. This diversity enhances the learning experience and provides opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
• While Columbia is known for its finance programs, there are students pursuing a wide range of career paths at the school.
• The vibrant and supportive community at Columbia creates an exciting and enriching environment for learning and personal growth.

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In this conversation, Harold Simansky and Debbie Choy discuss school selection for MBA programs. Debbie shares her experience of choosing Stanford and emphasizes the importance of being authentic in the application process. They also discuss factors to consider when selecting schools, such as geography and industry connections. Debbie dispels the myth that Stanford is only for entrepreneurs and suggests other schools with strong entrepreneurial programs. They also provide tips for crafting a strong Stanford essay and offer advice for applicants, including staying organized and staying true to oneself.

Takeaways

• Choosing a business school requires careful consideration of factors such as geography and industry connections.
• Stanford is not just for entrepreneurs; other schools like Wharton and Harvard also have strong entrepreneurial programs.
• Crafting a strong Stanford essay involves self-reflection and peeling back the layers to identify what truly matters most to the applicant.
• Applicants should start the MBA application process early and allocate 8 to 12 hours per week for preparation.
• Staying organized and staying true to oneself are key to navigating the application process successfully.

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