{"id":39225,"date":"2017-09-24T07:00:06","date_gmt":"2017-09-24T14:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/?p=39225"},"modified":"2017-09-24T01:20:45","modified_gmt":"2017-09-24T08:20:45","slug":"wharton-lauder-an-mbama-that-prepares-you-for-global-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wharton-lauder-an-mbama-that-prepares-you-for-global-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Wharton Lauder: An MBA\/MA that Prepares You for Global Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Listen<\/a><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s learn about Wharton Lauder, and its joint MA\/MBA and MA\/JD programs for people who are passionate about international business.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s guest is Kara Keenan Sweeney<\/a>, Director of Admissions Marketing and Communications at the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania\u2019s Wharton School and Penn Law School. Kara has an extensive background in graduate admissions, starting with her masters in higher ed administration at Columbia and moving on to admissions positions at INSEAD, U Penn, Penn State, and now at the Lauder Institute. Welcome!<\/p>\n

Can you give us an overview of UPenn\u2019s Lauder program?<\/strong> [1:25]<\/p>\n

The Lauder Institute was founded by the family of Estee Lauder back in 1983. We had our first graduating class two years later. The institute offers a joint degree in International Studies with Wharton and Penn Law \u2013 Lauder students earn a MA in International Studies along with either an MBA or JD.<\/p>\n

Each year we admit 70-75 students. The program starts in May. The majority of our students are MBA\/MA students.<\/p>\n

For Wharton Lauder students, how does it work? Do they take additional coursework?<\/strong> [2:55]<\/p>\n

Yes \u2013 on average, they take two additional courses through Lauder each semester. If you\u2019re doing Wharton Lauder, Lauder generally takes up most of your electives. There\u2019s some research work as well.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not a double course load \u2013 generally about two extra courses a semester.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s new at Lauder?<\/strong> [4:20]<\/p>\n

We adapted the curriculum to the changing landscape of business and international studies over the last decade or so. We moved the structure to a more regional focus instead of a language focus. We have six programs of concentration \u2013 five are regionally focused (the sixth is global). Students choose one of these areas of concentration and then choose a language (for example if you\u2019re in the Latin America track you can choose Spanish or Portuguese).<\/p>\n

We used to ask students for fluency in two languages other than English \u2013 now we ask for one language.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve added a new core course on intercultural communication, for students to improve their communication skills in an international leadership context.<\/p>\n

And there are now two required intercultural venture trips: these are one-week trips where students focus on a specific topic in a specific country. It\u2019s a stretch experience for the students.<\/p>\n

Do you find students focus on their home region?<\/strong> [9:00]<\/p>\n

It depends. We have some students who plan to work in their home region, but choose a different language so they can work in other countries in the region (for example, a student from Brazil who wants to be able to work across Latin America).<\/p>\n

We have heritage speakers in the program. We have students who grew up speaking English. There\u2019s no typical profile, other than an international orientation.<\/p>\n

Where do most Lauder alumni get jobs?<\/strong> [10:50]<\/p>\n

We see a variety. Last year our students went to over 20 countries after graduation (the class was around 75 students). Most have international career objectives \u2013 for some, \u201cinternational\u201d means working in the US, since a lot of our students are from overseas.<\/p>\n

Because our students are also MBA students, they also follow a typical MBA path \u2013 though that\u2019s evolving itself. A lot of people are interested in entrepreneurship, social impact, microfinance.<\/p>\n

Can you describe the critical elements of the Wharton Lauder or UPenn Lauder application? <\/strong>[12:55]<\/p>\n

You need to have advanced proficiency in a second language when you apply. We determine that by a language proficiency exam \u2013 the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Over the course of the program, you\u2019ll increase your proficiency to a \u201csuperior\u201d level.<\/p>\n

The language courses at Lauder are taught within a business context.<\/p>\n

You should test in the language you\u2019re pursuing in the program.<\/p>\n

Can you describe the critical elements of the Lauder application?<\/strong> [15:20]<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re applying to Wharton<\/a> and Lauder, we make it a seamless process \u2013 the Lauder application is built into the Wharton application.<\/p>\n

You check off that you\u2019re applying for Lauder and then provide the additional materials we require: the OPI exam; a description of your international experience; and an essay. In the essay, we want you to tell us why you\u2019re applying to Lauder, why the program is a fit for your goals.<\/p>\n

The application is considered as a joint application for both programs \u2013 we work in collaboration with the Wharton team. Each year there are a handful of applicants who are admitted to Wharton but don\u2019t meet<\/p>\n

Lauder\u2019s requirements \u2013 so they are admitted just to Wharton but not to the joint degree program.<\/p>\n

Is it the same application process for the JD\/MA joint degree program?<\/strong> [17:25]<\/p>\n

It\u2019s actually separate. You apply to Penn Law, then contact Lauder for the supplement (the language exam, essay, etc). You must be admitted to Penn Law first to be considered.<\/p>\n

Students who do the JD-Lauder start Lauder after the first year of the JD program.<\/p>\n

Is it possible to apply during the first year of law school?<\/strong> [18:22]<\/p>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

And actually, you can also apply to Lauder supplementally after you\u2019ve submitted your Wharton application. There are some people who don\u2019t find out about us until after they\u2019ve submitted their application.<\/p>\n

You gave some excellent advice in terms of addressing \u201cWhy Lauder.\u201d<\/a> Can you summarize that advice for us now?<\/strong> [19:25]<\/p>\n

I think the benefits of Lauder are the language, international experience, and intercultural communication. Our students gain substantive international experience: the average student goes to six countries.<\/p>\n

I encourage students to do their research. We sometimes see applicants who\u2019ve done superficial research. We want to see that you\u2019ve done research on the program, what makes it a good fit for you<\/a>, and how you can contribute.<\/p>\n

See how the program is a fit for you. If you can, visit \u2013 sit in on a class.<\/p>\n

What gets you excited (in a positive way) about an applicant? <\/strong>[23:00]<\/p>\n

That they\u2019ve done the research! That they\u2019ve reached out to alums. That they have a clear set of reasons why the program makes sense for them, and the experience to back that up.<\/p>\n

We love to see substantive international experience (working or studying abroad). Leverage your international experience.<\/p>\n

Reach out to the admissions office.<\/p>\n

What is a Lauder interview like?<\/strong> [24:55]<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re invited, you\u2019ll also do the Wharton TBD.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be interviewed by a current Lauder student \u2013 it\u2019s a half hour interview. The most important question we\u2019ll ask is: \u201cWhy not just Wharton alone? Why Lauder?\u201d<\/p>\n

We can do interviews here on campus \u2013 if you\u2019re overseas, we\u2019ll set you up with an alum.<\/p>\n

What is the 8-week Summer Immersion Program?<\/strong> [26:26]<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a component of the program since we started in the \u201880s. Students will go to their region of concentration. Five of the eight weeks will be in language. The remaining three weeks will be spent with language speakers, developing regional expertise.<\/p>\n

The program includes company visits, cultural excursions, etc.<\/p>\n

For students in the Global focus, they\u2019ll visit eight to 10 countries and focus on issues of global relevance (such as immigration and tech).<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a research project.<\/p>\n

Lauder students complete a research project, called a Global Knowledge Lab (GKL). What is it?<\/strong> [29:40]<\/p>\n

GKL essentially has replaced the masters thesis. It\u2019s a research project that students complete with a team.<\/p>\n

Students have done a wide variety of projects \u2013 a couple examples: one focused on culinary differences, and one on women entrepreneurs. The Institute provides funding for students to conduct their research. They have to create a proposal, and the research should involve a region outside their own focus.<\/p>\n

The GKL results in two papers \u2013 one is individually written (and should be publishable quality), and the other is a group project.<\/p>\n

What about the second summer of the program \u2013 do Lauder students do internships?<\/strong> [34:10]<\/p>\n

Yes \u2013 no different than if you were a law student alone or an MBA student alone. Often our students will try to do those internships internationally.<\/p>\n

We also have funding for students to start their own ventures, so some students will spend that summer doing research to get their ventures off the ground.<\/p>\n

We have our own career adviser at Lauder.<\/p>\n

What are some of the coolest things recent grads are doing?<\/strong> [36:05]<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen a lot of students pursuing entrepreneurship. We had a student get funding from Lauder and Wharton \u2013 she\u2019s developing a sanitation startup in India (RevoLOOtion).<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve had a lot of students start businesses. Our alums have amazing roles all over the world \u2013 one was head of Conde Nast in China. We have profiles of some recent grads on our site and on our social media streams.<\/p>\n

What final words of wisdom do you have for applicants \u2013 either people applying this year, or those preparing to apply in the future?<\/strong> [38:50]<\/p>\n

Go online \u2013 sign up for information, follow us on social media. It\u2019s a great way to learn more.<\/p>\n

IF you can\u2019t visit, come to a webinar. Reach out to alums, students, and the admissions office. We\u2019re willing and able to talk with you. If you can come to visit, that\u2019s ideal.<\/p>\n

In terms of building a strong application<\/a> \u2013 we want to see evidence of a global mindset. We look for international experience and evidence that you thrive in that environment, as well as cultural experiences that make you a compelling applicant.<\/p>\n

Share your objectives \u2013 how will Lauder help you get where you\u2019d like to go?<\/p>\n

\"Click<\/a><\/p>\n

Relevant Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Wharton Lauder Admissions<\/a>
\n\u2022 Wharton Lauder Language Requirements and Clips<\/a>
\n\u2022 Wharton MBA Essay Tips 2017-18<\/a>
\n\u2022 Get Accepted to Wharton Webinar<\/a><\/p>\n

Related Shows:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Wharton\u2019s Commitment Project<\/a>
\n\u2022 From Rwanda to Wharton to West Coast Start-Up: MP Davis\u2019 Story<\/a>
\n\u2022 The Lauder Institute Changes to Reflect the World<\/a>
\n\u2022 The Schwarzman Scholars Program: Leaders of the Future Unite<\/a>
\n\u2022 The CEMS MIM: A Truly International Masters in Management<\/a><\/p>\n

Subscribe:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"Get<\/a><\/p>\n

This article<\/a>\u00a0originally appeared on\u00a0<\/i>blog.accepted.com<\/a>.<\/i><\/p>\n

Applying to a top b-school? The talented folks at Accepted have helped hundreds of applicants get accepted to their dream programs. Whether you are figuring out where to apply, writing your application essays, or prepping for your interviews, we are just a call (or click) away.<\/p>\n

Contact us, and get matched up with the consultant who will help\u00a0you\u00a0<\/i>get accepted<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Let\u2019s learn about Wharton Lauder, and its joint MA\/MBA and MA\/JD programs for people who are passionate about international business. Today\u2019s guest is Kara Keenan Sweeney, Director of Admissions Marketing…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,939,775,113,243],"tags":[1946,2042,36,833],"class_list":["post-39225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-mba","category-accepted","category-admission-consultants","category-applications","category-blog","tag-lauder-institute","tag-podcast","tag-wharton","tag-wharton-school","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39225"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39230,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39225\/revisions\/39230"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}