Jeff Gibbard never had a problem with creativity. But in order to unlock the good life by getting his social business agency off the ground, he needed to give himself a left-brain advantage to get into his top business schools. After studying for the GMAT with Kaplan, he got a scholarship to Drexel’s fast-track MBA program and eventually founded his own social business agency.
Learn how he did it in this Kaplan Q&A with Gibbard.
Q: Why did you decide to get an MBA?
A: My undergrad degree was in film and media arts. During my studies, I explored other creative outlets, such as photography, graphic design, and basic web development. I tried to start a few businesses, and it quickly became very clear that, in order to reach my full potential, I needed a business education.
Q: So after you decided to go for an MBA, what was the biggest surprise about what it takes to get into top business schools?
A: I can’t say that anything really “surprised” me, but it was definitely an adjustment trying to juggle work, a relationship, studying for the GMAT, and getting everything together for my MBA application. I had done my research, so I knew what to expect, but knowing what needs to get done and actually doing it are not the same thing. I was also a bit nervous about how competitive my top business schools were.
Q: What did you do to become competitive?
A: In all honesty, Kaplan helped a lot. My first GMAT score prior to my GMAT course did not cut it. A strong GMAT score was a necessity to get into my top business schools. I knew I could get a good enough score, but I also knew I needed help to get there. It was honestly the best decision I made on the road to business school.
Kaplan’s GMAT prep course allowed me to raise my score to such an extent it translated into not only admission into the program of my choice, but also a scholarship to go there.
Q: And now, how has it all paid off?
A: Now I run my own company, doing exactly what I dreamed of doing one day. My company, True Voice Media, lets me apply my creativity every day while using everything I learned in graduate school to grow my business by virtue of helping others grow theirs.
I love what I do, and I know I couldn’t have gotten here without getting my MBA. I also know that I wouldn’t have been able to receive that education if I hadn’t made the choice to get competitive about studying for the GMAT and raising my GMAT score.
Want to grow up to be a big shot? Of course you do. But what kind? A financial wiz or more of a creative genius? Find out which professional superstar you are with this six-question personality quiz: kaptest.com/unlock.
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