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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Resumé and Work Experience [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Resumé and Work Experience
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883401b8d295d556970c-800wi[/img][/url]

[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
[/b][b]
RESUME & WORK EXPERIENCE
[/b]

How you craft your resumé and your pre-MBA work experience will be instrumental to your application. Understanding that 85% of our graduates pivot industry and/or function post-MBA, we want to be sure that you will be successful in meeting your professional goals. Remember that you are not applying for your next job or promotion within your same industry, so your resumé should read like highlights that will signal your post-MBA potential. Be sure to think about career progression, career impact, and transferable skills. Below are some items to consider when sharing with us your work history:

[list]
[*]Your resumé visually conveys a sense of professionalism, clarity and structure. The standard business formatting is best. Don’t try to surprise your reader with very cutting edge or innovative formats, (e.g. no colorful blocks or photographs).[/*]
[*]Check your use of white space, spelling and avoid redundancy and repetition of information.[/*]
[*]Reverse chronological resumés are the most common for a reason. They are simple to read and they tend to be the most clear and concise.[/*]
[*]Your resumé should work like your personal sales rep. It needs to showcase your value and your potential, highlighting expertise, accomplishments and transferable skills.[/*]
[*]Use the [b]S-T-A-R [/b]framework to convey your accomplishments, leadership and progression:
[list]
[*][b]S[/b][b]ITUATION ― [/b]mention the challenge/obstacle you had to overcome[/*]
[*][b]T[/b][b]ASK ― [/b]describe the purpose and task at hand[/*]
[*][b]A[/b][b]CTION ― [/b]list the concrete actions you took and the skills it required to solve the issue.[/*]
[*][b]R[/b][b]ESULTS ― [/b]summarize the outcome in a quantifiable manner to show your direct impact.[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[*]Don’t forget to include newly received responsibilities or promotions so we are current with your most recent accomplishments.[/*]
[*]Make sure to include some quantifiable or measurable descriptions to help us put things into context (sales, volumes, growth rates, percentages of improvement or cost reductions, etc.)[/*]
[*]Your extracurricular involvement and leadership can help round out your professional profile and can signal how likely you are of being involved in the future. Make sure to list your most meaningful undergraduate and post-grad involvement in the relevant section of your resumé (You can include the name of the organization, your position or role and dates of involvement).[/*]
[*]Remember to be strategic about the information that you choose to share with the committee on your resumé. Everything you are listing should be with the express purpose of supporting your application and how you would like to be perceived.[/*]
[*]Try not to use industry-specific jargon. You want your reader -- regardless of their background -- to understand what you have done. [/*]
[*]And once again, because it is that important: Don’t neglect the basics. Proofread and avoid careless typos or grammar mistakes.[/*]
[/list]
Consider using the "Optional Essay" should you have one of these two instances in your work experience:

[list]
[*]If there are big gaps of employment, you should probably think about explaining them in the appropriate essay available in the application.[/*]
[*]If your resumé shows multiple job hoping after very short stints, you may also want to address this to avoid confusion or incorrect assumptions.[/*]
[/list]
We hope you find some value on these tried-and-tested tips. Let us know if you think we missed a good one. We would love to add them to our list

[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]

---

[b]Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Introduce Yourself[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url] and [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAInstagram]Instagram[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Reapplying to UCLA Anderson [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Reapplying to UCLA Anderson
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883401b8d295d556970c-800wi[/img][/url]
[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:[/b][b]
[/b][b]
Reapplying to UCLA Anderson
[/b]

With only 330 seats available for our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/class-profile]in-coming class[/url], admissions to UCLA Anderson can be competitive. Though we have many qualified candidates, we cannot admit everyone (even though we would love to!). Sometimes applicants are not admitted because we just don’t have room to admit all the aforementioned qualified candidates and other times, applicants miss their shot by a small margin for issues that could easily be addressed through some self-reflection or additional preparation. At UCLA Anderson, we love our re-applicants and we often see them succeeding the following admissions cycle.

The good news is that if you choose to re-apply, you already understand the process and are at an advantage! Though the applicant pool changes each year, you have the benefit of additional time and insights to present a stronger application. As a reapplicant, you start with a clean slate as we do not reference your previous application when re-evaluating your profile.

We have streamlined the reapplication process to help those who submitted their full-time MBA application within the previous two years (note that if you applied earlier than the previous two years, you would be considered a "new" applicant and should follow the new applicant guidelines). The streamlined process means that you will only need to submit [b]one[/b] new recommendation and you are not required to write a new essay. Instead, we give you the opportunity in your reapplication to highlight what has changed since you last applied across different categories – [b]Test Scores[/b], [b]Academics[/b],[b] Professional/Employment[/b], [b]Extracurriculars[/b], and [b]"Other"[/b]. These sections are a great place to show the Admissions Committee that you have taken additional time to strengthen your candidacy and direct their attention to your achievements and improvements.

[list]
[*]Here are some specific examples of what you could choose to highlight:[/*]
[*][b]Test Scores: [/b]Many of our re-applicants use the additional time to re-take the GMAT/GRE to help improve their candidacy. The higher the score, the better, but look at our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/class-profile]class profile GMAT averages and 80% range[/url] to help you evaluate whether or not you should take the test again -- also remember that we admit individuals below (and above) these averages every year. Ultimately, if you believe you can do better on the exam, you may want to consider re-taking it if you believe it will improve your candidacy and is worth your time, energy, and money. We've also seen re-applicants take a different a different exam (e.g. the GRE if the GMAT was taken previously) as it was a better exam for them. [/*]
[*][b]Academics: [/b]If you feel your academic performance was sub-par and/or that you didn't demonstrate your ability to handle quantitative work, you may want to consider taking additional courses though community college, extension, or other third party programs. This won't change your undergraduate GPA, but additional coursework may help demonstrate your ability to handle the academic rigor of our program. [/*]
[*][b]Professional & Extracurricular Experiences: [/b]In the time since your prior application, you should have had sufficient time to build upon your professional experiences (i.e., new skillsets, accomplishments, projects, promotions, etc.) and extracurricular activities (i.e., new leadership opportunities, volunteering, etc.). Make sure to highlight these in your re-application.[/*]
[*][b]Self-Reflection & Research: [/b]There are times when an applicant has all the exam, GPA, and career metrics, but it's the softer aspects of the application that determined an unfavorable outcome. It's important that if this is the case, you take the time to think about what you communicated in your previous application and ask yourself some of these questions: Have my post-MBA goals changed or become more specific? Did I demonstrate why now is the right time in my career path to get an MBA? Do I have a better understanding of what UCLA Anderson's program has to offer me and how I can contribute? Your re-application will be a fresh start for you, meaning it is definitely OK to share your new goals if you feel they have changed. [/*]
[/list]
[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]

[b]---
Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Stay Connected[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Career Pathing [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Career Pathing
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e28834022ad37b83c0200c-pi][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e28834022ad37b83c0200c-800wi[/img][/url]

[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
[/b][b]
CAREER PATHING[/b]

Career advancement is the the driver for all applicants pursing an MBA. Whether you're looking to make an industry and/or functional pivot, or just looking to advance in your current company, you need to take the time to create a road map for yourself as you think about pursuing the MBA, what you hope to gain, as well as when is the right time for you to begin a program. To answer these three questions, we like to use a framework called "career pathing" to chart a course for your career development.

[b]Step 1: [/b]Consider your past and present work experience -- what have you accomplished, what skills have you gained, what do you like most about your experiences, and what do you like least. Reflecting on your career to date will provide you with insight into what inspires you, your areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth. This information can inform your decision to pursue an MBA and potentially set the foundation for your post-MBA career goals.

[b]Step 2: [/b]Think about the type of career that you hope to have post-MBA. Do you want to start your post-MBA career as a management consultant gain exposure to multiple industries before exiting into an in-house strategy role? Or do you want to become a senior product manager in a large technology firm with a long term goal to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? Maybe you even just want to pursue your own entrepreneurial goals. The MBA is truly a flexible degree that can be applicable to almost any profession. However, it’s important to be specific and narrow down the function and industry that you would be interested in pursuing so that you can maximize your time and the resources offered by an MBA program.

[b]Step 3: [/b]Once you’ve taken a thorough look at your pre-MBA work experience and thought through your post-MBA goals, you can then focus on how to use your time in an MBA program. The many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom at UCLA Anderson MBA will ultimately to allow you to explore interests both professionally and personally. This includes (1) [b]networking building[/b] to get to know your classmates and our alumni network (2) [b]leadership experience [/b]through club Board positions, (3) [b]interest development [/b]through involvement in the interest clubs and case competitions, (4) [b]socializing[/b] via our many interest clubs, all of which to support your [b]career development.[/b]

An MBA will help you bridge the gap between where you currently are in your career and where you want to be in the future. You want to understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your current skillsets, and areas of development, so that you can pinpoint what resources you will need for your continued development and ultimately decide which MBA programs you are targeting. Creating an outline with this information will not only help you understand the impact that an MBA can have on your life and career, but it will also make it easier for you to write compelling MBA essays and support your MBA plan throughout the application process.

[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]

---

[b]Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Introduce Yourself[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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Return on Investment = ROI on the MBA [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Return on Investment = ROI on the MBA
[url=https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883402af14a4c877200b-pi][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883402af14a4c877200b-800wi[/img][/url]

Potential students looking at the MBA degree are totally justified in asking, "What's in it for me?" Part of the reward comes quickly in salary jumps (and usually signing bonuses) after graduation. On average our students see an [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba]85% increase in salary[/url] between their pre-MBA and post-MBA compensation. That's just the start of their lifelong trajectory of higher income.

The greatest value of the UCLA Anderson MBA comes from access to our network. Year after year we bring in classes full of amazing people representing the globe and diverse backgrounds and interests, so everyone can learn from each other in the friendly warm melting pot here. Our latest [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/MBA-Brochure]brochure[/url] shows the general range of students we invite to join us annually.

Enhanced job opportunities are just the start of personal growth here for our MBA students. Leadership skills and social activism flourish in our supportive community. Combined with intense academic learning and career coaching, the experience makes our students "masters of their own destiny" as they say. This spirit is what turns many Anderson alumni into successful [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/about/centers/price-center-for-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/for-students]entrepreneurs[/url] later in their careers as they create options for income and impact.

Anderson access extends beyond the UCLA campus even for students, as our program empowers them to also get practical experience with internships here in one of the [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/culture]world's great cities[/url]. Then with boosted resumes they get post-MBA jobs all over the US and abroad as they spread our helpful contacts around the planet.

The four letters UCLA are a global brand, but our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/alumni]Anderson MBA alumni[/url] in particular have a tight network that believes in sharing success by helping each other and current students too.

Check out our latest [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/MBA-Employment-Report]employment report[/url] to see the amazing variety of places where our alumni go, and visit our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/career-impact]career pages[/url] to see the paths through UCLA Anderson that get them there.

It all starts with an [url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/apply/]application[/url] to come join our community, so please explore more, ask questions, and learn why you are worth the investment in a UCLA Anderson MBA!
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Extracurricular Activities and Lead [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883401b8d295d556970c-800wi[/img][/url]
[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:[/b][b]
[/b][b]
Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development
[/b]

UCLA Anderson is a student-run campus. A lot of the programming from the prospective student phase all the way to graduation is led by our student body of roughly 700 students. We look for those who want to be leaders on campus to "drive change" and leave an impact for not just their peers, but future students. So when you apply to UCLA Anderson, your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in your undergraduate studies, workplace and/or community can help to show us how you have exhibited qualities that leave an impact. There are multiple places to share your involvement in our application, including the "Activities" section, resume, essay, and interview.

In the "Activities section, you'll only be able to list 5 activities. We limited this because the Admissions Committee is looking for the [b]QUALITY [/b]of your involvement and leadership roles, [b]NOT quantity[/b]. We look to your prior involvement since we believe your past is a good indicator for how involved you will be during your time at UCLA Anderson. Did you know that our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/clubs-and-associations]50+ student clubs and leaders[/url] help to host over 400 events every year? Recruiters and employers also see your past leadership experiences and involvement at UCLA Anderson as signs of your future leadership interest and potential in their organizations. You can also take on these leadership role during your 1st-Year!

You may have been involved in activities you've since forgotten or have had varying levels of involvement in depending on other events in your life. Here are some examples to hopefully remind you of your involvement and even potentially inspire you to get involved again...it's never too late to start! --

[b]University/College Activities[/b]

[list]
[*]Leadership roles in a campus club and non-profit organization[/*]
[*]Writer or Editor of a campus publication[/*]
[*]College athletics: Team captain? Most Valuable Player? Operations manager?[/*]
[*]Orientation leader or campus tour guide[/*]
[*]Volunteering[/*]
[*]Fraternity/Sorority involvement and leadership[/*]
[*]Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)[/*]
[*]Case competitions [/*]
[*]Tutoring, mentoring and other community service[/*]
[/list]
[b]Post-University Activities[/b]

[list]
[*]Involvement/role in non-profits or professional organizations[/*]
[*]Leadership role in an alumni association or undergrad interviewing[/*]
[*]Workplace engagement teams and employee resource groups[/*]
[*]Volunteer team leader[/*]
[*]Public speaking or teaching roles[/*]
[*]Active role in political organizations or local campaigns[/*]
[*]Founder of a non-profit or community event[/*]
[/list]
You may be asking why are your university and post-university activities are of relevance and of interest to the Admissions Committee?  If you think about it, these past experiences mirror the MBA program to some degree in that you will be be balancing many different priorities -- including career, social, and academics. In fact, the average UCLA Anderson student is involved with 8 different clubs while holding leadership roles in 3!

Your past involvement gives us some indicator of your ability to contribute to your community while succeeding in these other areas at the same time. That said, if you didn't have time in the past or could not balance these activities successfully, let us know how you have grown professionally and personally to be able to manage effectively as an MBA student. In the end, we value all contributions, big and small, that our students make to create the amazing environment and culture that we have on campus!

[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]

[b]---
Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Stay Connected[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Frequently Asked Questions [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Frequently Asked Questions
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions][img]http://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883401b8d295d556970c-800wi[/img][/url]
[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:[/b][b]
[/b][b]
Top 10 Applicant Questions[/b]

People are generally scared to ask questions -- but chances are if you're thinking about it, so is someone else! Throughout this past recruiting season, we compiled a list of our top Frequently Asked Questions to help you on your MBA information-gathering and your application journey!

[b]Question 1: How can a prospective student learn more about the UCLA Anderson MBA program?
[/b]UCLA Anderson offers many group information sessions, student chats, webinars, and more throughout the week so prospective students can get to know us first-hand. These events range from on-campus to off-campus in various cities, and a lot are virtual! Needless to say, there is no shortage on ways to learn more about us. Visit our [url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions-events]Admissions Events webpage[/url] to register for events that work for your schedule. If you are signed up to receive our information emails (if not, [url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/register/inquiry]sign up here[/url]!), we will send out information about upcoming programming and special admissions events. Please note that some of these events have capacity limits so sign up to secure your spot. 

Note: We highly encourage you to reach out to our students! Our Student Ambassadors are excited to speak with you and we've made it very easy for you to reach out through our [url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions/connect-with-a-student]Connect with Our Students portal[/url]. All student clubs have a designated officer to speak with prospective students (usually the VP of Admissions/Student Outreach). With our 50+ clubs, you're sure to be able to find someone with specific career goals, interests, and backgrounds. Go ahead, shoot them that email and make that connection!

[b]Question 2: Is UCLA Anderson back to in-person instruction?
[/b]Yes, this incoming class of 2024 began their MBA in-person on August 1, 2022. UCLA Anderson is hopeful that it will remain this way throughout the academic year, but will continue to follow LA Country Public Health guidelines should there be a rise in cases to best ensure the safety of our community.

[b]Question 3: Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score or GPA required for admission?[/b]
There are no minimum test scores or GPAs required to be admitted. Many factors are considered in our holistic decision process. Admissions decisions are not made solely on the basis of grades and test scores. However, you may want to note our average and range of scores in our most recent [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/class-profile]class profile[/url] and ensure that your GPA and/or test score represents your ability. If you do not believe your score reflects your ability, we recommend that you consider retaking the test if you are able.

Note: We do not offer waivers for the GMAT/GRE exam requirement. All applicants must submit either GMAT or GRE scores (only current UCLA School of Law JD or UCLA School of Medicine MD students have the option to submit the LSAT/MCAT scores respectively in lieu of the GMAT or GRE). We recommend you take the test you feel most comfortable with, as there is currently no preference for either exam in the admissions review process.

[b]Question 4: Do you require work experience to apply?
[/b]No, we do not have a work experience requirement to apply. However, note that in our most recent [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/class-profile]class profile[/url] that the average work experience for the incoming class is 6 years with 90% of our students have 3+ years. Given that this is a professional degree where classroom discussions and projects are enriched through drawing from prior work experience, we find that work experience is critical to the admissions review process. Additionally, you will likely find that a lot of employers have work experience requirements during the recruiting process. However, there are still those exceptions and ultimately you will need to help the admissions committee understand why the MBA is necessary for you at this point in your career.

[b]Question 5: Do I need to submit my official transcripts and/or official test (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS) scores when I apply to UCLA Anderson?
[/b]No, you do not need to submit your official transcript documents or official test scores when applying. For your initial application, uploaded scanned unofficial copies of your transcripts and documents, and self-reported test scores are perfectly sufficient for the Admissions Committee to begin evaluations. If invited for an interview, you will be asked to provide office copies of your transcripts and official test scores (more specific details will be provided at that time). It is crucial that you send in these official documents to be considered for admission.

[b]Question 6: Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS English Language exams?
[/b]We require all international applicants to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores (with exception of some countries -- please contact the MBA Admissions office to check), regardless of the language of instruction during your undergraduate studies. This is a [url=https://grad.ucla.edu/gasaa/admissions/ENGREQ.HTM]requirement from UCLA Graduate Division[/url], which is the authority that oversees all graduate admissions. These exams are important to show the Admissions Committee that you have sufficient English communication skills to succeed in the classroom and in our program.

[b]Question 7:  Can I submit updates to my application after I have submitted it?
[/b]Unfortunately, we do not accept official updates to the application once it has been submitted. If you do wish to add information after your application has been submitted, it can be added to your file but there is no guarantee it will be used in the admissions review process. Updates can be sent to [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]. If you would like, you can request that your application will be moved to a later round for consideration if you want to ensure any updated information is included during evaluations (assuming this request gets submitted in time).

[b]Question 8: Do you accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs?
[/b]No, we do not accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs. We believe that part of the Anderson experience is developing relationships with classmates during the two years of attendance in the MBA program. You may still apply, but you would be required to begin as a first-year student. It may be possible to test out of some core courses to be replaced by MBA elective courses of your choice.

[b]Question 9: If I earned a three-year undergraduate degree, am I still eligible to apply?
[/b]Yes, you are still eligible to apply. We do admit students with 3-year degrees but the rest of your application needs to be strong to compete against other applicants. If you would like your academic records to equate to a 4-year degree, you would need to either complete a Master’s degree or other Post Graduate Degree/Diploma.

[b]Question 10: Can I begin the MBA program in the winter or spring?
[/b]We do not offer spring or winter admission.  All students in the Full-Time MBA program start at the same time (end of summer).



[b]>> Get more answers to your questions by visiting our [url=https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/full-time-mba/admissions/faq]Admissions FAQ webpage[/url].  [/b][b]Still have questions? [url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/register/askaquestion]Ask them here[/url]![/b]



We hope this information was helpful!



[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]



[b]---[/b]

[b]Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Introduce Yourself[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] [url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/register/askaquestion]Ask A Question[/url]

[b] [/b]
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Choosing an MBA Program [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Choosing an MBA Program
This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=http://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/mba-program/admissions][img]http://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e2883401b8d295d556970c-800wi[/img][/url]
[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:[/b][b]
[/b][b]
Choosing an MBA Program
[/b]

With our Round 1 decision release date coming up in about two weeks, we wanted to share some advice that you may want to think through as you consider your options. Below are some recommended action items to take to help you make a decision on which MBA program is the right one for you. If you are applying in Rounds 2 or 3, hopefully this post will give you a quick look into what to expect once the applications and interviews are all done!

[b](1) Connect (or re-connect) with current students, alumni, and future classmates:
[/b]Once you have been admitted into a program, it's natural that the type of questions you have will change. Share the good news with people you interacted with along the way, and take this opportunity to set up follow-up conversations to discuss your questions. At UCLA Anderson, we pair you exclusively with a student buddy and an alumni buddy once you're admitted so there will be two more additional resources for you, too! We will also add you to a Slack Workspace to start making those connections early. This is a great way to meet future classmates and decide if this is the network you want moving forward.

[b]PRO-Tip:[/b] Using Slack and getting those conversations early is also a great way to meet potential roommates should you be making the move to Los Angeles!

[b](2) Save the date for admit events:
[/b]We highly recommend participating in our many events and activities we host for admitted applicants! These events are the best way to assess a school's offerings, culture and overall environment, in addition to providing the opportunity to get to know your potential future classmates. Anderson's Round One Week (AROW) and Anderson Days (A-Days for Rounds 1 and 2) feature sessions with our top-ranked Parker Career Management Center, faculty spotlights, 1-on-1 loan advising sessions, and more.

[b]PRO-Tip:[/b] If you cannot make it to us, we come to you. Look out for days where we'll be in your city hosting Admit Lunches & Dinners.

[b](3) Consult your personal "Board of Advisors":
[/b]At the end of the day, you want to attend the best program possible for you and your goals. Assemble a list of the people in your life who are your personal and professional mentors that can advise you. Don't forget your "gut feelings", too -- those intangible qualities about a school that leave you feeling more empowered, inspired, and included can make the difference between an "OK" MBA experience and a life-changing one.

[b]PRO-Tip:[/b] LinkedIn is a great place to continue looking for people in the UCLA Anderson network. It's likely you know someone or connected to someone who does.

We also encourage you to think beyond the immediate post-MBA job. Our alumni are proud to call UCLA Anderson their home because of what our school stands for -- sharing success, thinking fearlessly and driving change - and how we live those values every day. Classmates and professors pushed each other to a new level of potential, and we are so excited that UCLA Anderson could be a part of your journey!

[b]Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program![/b]

[b]---
Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Stay Connected[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url][url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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Warm Wishes for 2023! [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Warm Wishes for 2023!
[url=https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e288340240a4d13c09200d-pi][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e288340240a4d13c09200d-800wi[/img][/url]

As 2022 is drawing to a close, we are filled with hope that 2023 will be a good year for all. Thank you for getting to know us this year and for sharing your stories and Anderson spirit in person, online, and in your applications. And a special congratulations to our recently admitted Round 1 students!

Please note that the MBA Admissions and Financial Aid Office will be closed during the University closure [b]December 23, 2022 through January 2, 2023[/b]. During this time, we will check emails sent to the MBA Admissions inbox ([email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]) but responses may be a little delayed. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, January 3.

You still have the opportunity to learn more about our MBA program throughout December directly from current Anderson students by [b][url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/portal/mba-virtual-student-chat]signing up for a Virtual Student Chat.[/url][/b]



We wish you a wonderful and healthy holiday season and all the best in 2023!



-- The MBA Admissions Team







[b]---[/b]

[b]Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Introduce Yourself[/url][url=https://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] [url=https://apply.anderson.ucla.edu/register/askaquestion]Ask A Question[/url]
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UCLA Anderson Application Insider: International Applicants FAQs [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: UCLA Anderson Application Insider: International Applicants FAQs
his post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

[b] [url=https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e28834022ad3c493f7200b-pi][img]https://mbablogs.anderson.ucla.edu/.a/6a00e5538644e28834022ad3c493f7200b-800wi[/img][/url]

[/b]

[b]APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:
[/b][b]
TOP QUESTIONS FROM INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS[/b]

Now that the Round 2 deadline has past, we hope this post will be helpful to share some of the common questions that we receive from international applicants. Below are the top-10 FAQs that apply to international candidates:

[b]Q1. Is the application for international applicants the same as the application for domestic applicants?[/b][b]
[/b]A1. Yes, we use the same application for both international and domestic applicants.

[b]Q2. If I have dual citizenship (i.e., Italy and U.S.), am I considered an international applicant or a U.S. applicant?[/b][b]
[/b]A2. We use the primary citizenship listed on your application --  if you list your U.S. citizenship as your primary citizenship, you are considered a U.S. applicant. However, if you list your U.S. citizenship as your secondary citizenship, you are considered an international applicant.

[b]Q3. What academic records do I need to submit with my application? What if they are not in English?[/b]
A3. In order to submit a completed application, you will need to upload a complete transcript and degree certificate or diploma in the native language of the country in which your degree was earned, as well as a certified translation in English. Please make sure that your degree certificate or diploma shows the exact degree received and date awarded. For review purposes, these can be scanned documents, but if invited to interview, you will be required to send us official hard-copy documents.

[b]Q4. My undergraduate university does not use the 4.0 scale for my grades. Do I need to convert my grades?[/b]
A4. No, please do not convert your grades to a 4.0 scale. We will evaluate your transcripts using the grading scale used by your institution. It is helpful if the grading scale is visible on your transcripts or degree certificate/diploma.

[b]Q5. If I earned a three-year undergraduate degree, am I still eligible to apply?[/b]
A5. Yes, you are still welcome to apply. We do admit students with 3-year degrees, but the rest of your application needs to be exceptionally strong to compete against other applicants with 4-year degrees. If you would like your academic records to equate to a 4-year degree, you would need to either complete a master's degree or other post-graduate degree/diploma.

[b]Q6. Is the TOEFL or IELTS required for all international applicants?[/b][b]
[/b]A6. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all international applicants EXCEPT those from a select list of countries. For more information please refer to [url=https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/english-requirements/]UCLA Graduate Division Office English Requirements[/url]. We do not have a preference in which exam you take. It is up to you to decide which test you prefer.

Note: If you have a bachelors or masters degree from a university in the United States, you do not need to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score. The same applies if your bachelors or masters degree is from a university located in another country in which English is both the primary spoken language of daily life and the medium of instruction (e.g., Australia, Barbados, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, United Kingdom).

[b]Q7. How does the interview process work?[/b]
A7. Interviews are conducted on an invitation basis only after submitted applications are reviewed. Interviews last approximately 30 minutes and are intended to be an interactive conversation. We are interested in getting to know you as an individual and understanding how you'll fit into the next class. A large portion of our interviews are conducted by student ambassadors. We offer two interview options: [b]on-campus or online via Zoom[/b]. It is not possible to request a formal application interview if you have not received an invitation. Since our interviews are conducted on an invitation basis, we need to respect our process in order to be fair to all applicants.

Note: If invited to interview, you will be able to choose which option is best for you. If you would like to visit campus to interview in person, you are welcome to, but we do not expect all applicants to do so. There is no difference or preference between interviews.

[b]Q8. If I need more time to submit my application, can I apply in Round 3 as an international student?[/b]
A8. Yes. While Round 3 is generally more competitive because fewer seats are usually available in the class, it is still a very viable round.

[b]Q9. If I am admitted in Round 3, will I still have time to process my student visa?[/b]
A9. We regularly admit international students in Round 3 and they are able to process their student visa in time to start the program. However, since you will be working with the individual U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is most convenient for you, it ultimately depends on their processing time.

[b]Q10. If I am admitted to the UCLA Anderson MBA Program, by when do I need to be in the Los Angeles area?[/b]
A10. International applicants admitted to the MBA Program should aim to be in the Los Angeles area by mid-July.

---

[b]Stay in Touch:[/b] [url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself]Introduce Yourself[/url][b]Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA: [/b] [url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBATwitter]Twitter[/url][url=http://bit.ly/uclaMBAIntroduceYourself][/url][b]Questions?[/b] Contact us at: [email=mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu]mba.admissions@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]
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Waitlist Guidelines: For Application Year 2022-23 (MBA Class of 2025) [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Waitlist Guidelines: For Application Year 2022-23 (MBA Class of 2025)
Being placed onto UCLA Anderson’s waitlist is a great accomplishment. Waitlisted candidates are recognized as potentially being a strong fit, but we cannot offer everyone a seat at this time due to class size limitations. Nonetheless, we encourage you to learn more about the waitlist and ways to potentially enhance your candidacy.

[list]
[*]You will remain on the waitlist until a final decision is made on your application or until you request that your application be withdrawn.[/*]
[*]We may reach out occasionally via email to check in on your interest to stay on the waitlist -- please be sure to respond accordingly in a timely manner[/*]
[*]Waitlisted candidates (except those who withdraw) will be reconsidered for admission in subsequent rounds.[/*]
[*]Round 1 applicants will receive an update on their application status on or before the Round 2 decision release (March 22, 2023). Some candidates may be offered the option of remaining on the waitlist for consideration in Round 3.[/*]
[*]Remaining waitlisted candidates from Round 1 and Round 2 will receive an update on their application status by the Round 3 decision release (May 17, 2023). [/*]
[*]We cannot give individual feedback to waitlisted applicants.[/*]
[*]The likelihood of being admitted off the waitlist is difficult to predict since the number of students admitted from the waitlist varies from year to year depending on the size/strength of the admit pool, the number of admits who enroll, and a variety of other factors.[/*]
[*][b]OPTIONAL[/b]: Waitlisted candidates may send any updates via the MBA Waitlist Interest Form (link to this is on your Waitlist decision letter)
[list]
[*]Please use your personal judgment and discretion in submitting additional information that is relevant to your application. Examples include (but are not limited to): employment promotions, updated test scores, and recent extracurricular accomplishments.[/*]
[*]Prior to submitting additional information, please consider:
[list]
[*]Each interaction we have with you can be a data point on your file, so be sure your updates add value.[/*]
[*]The quality of information and communication is more important than the quantity.[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[/list]
[/*]
[/list]
If you are on the waitlist and have any additional questions, please e-mail [email=wlmgr@anderson.ucla.edu]wlmgr@anderson.ucla.edu[/email]. 

We appreciate your continued interest and look forward to being in touch in the coming months!

-- The MBA Admissions Team


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What to Expect in the First Half of your First Year at Anderson [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: What to Expect in the First Half of your First Year at Anderson
About Briana: Briana Rayhaun (’24) is originally from Orange County, CA. She graduated from USC with a Bachelors in Business Administration. Since graduating, Briana has worked in the commercial real estate industry, most recently in commercial real estate lending. At Anderson, she seeks to transition to the equity side of commercial real estate.

I’m sure we’re all familiar with the college triangle where you have to pick two of the three points: sleep, good grades, and social life. For us MBA students, we get to add a fourth point, recruiting! Lucky for us, Anderson is grade non-disclosure, which means grades don’t matter, so back to the triangle it is! The best advice that I received is that you can have all three but not at the same time. Depending on the day/week/month, you’ll have to prioritize different things.

Summer Quarter:

Summer quarter had an early start; for my class of ’24, school started on August 1st. For fall 2023 admits, you’ll be starting on July 31st. The thought behind an early start is that students have the opportunity to take quantitative courses that may help with fall recruiting. There will be one week of orientation, during which you will take Foundations of Inclusive Leadership. For the rest of the quarter, you’ll be taking Organizational Behavior, Financial Accounting, and Career Management Workshop I.

All first-year students will be divided into one of five sections, and you’ll be taking all your core classes with your section. You will also be divided into learning teams of five or six and will be doing all your core class group projects with this team. You’ll also have the opportunity to run for a leadership position in your section: President, EVP, International Relations, EDI, Social, Community Impact, and Sustainability.

Summer quarter flies by, and many say it’s their favorite quarter. It’s when you’ll meet and form close relationships with your amazing classmates! You have a bit more time for social during this quarter since you’ll have a light course load and don’t have to worry about recruiting until fall quarter. This quarter ends with a first-year class trip to Vegas!

Fall Quarter:

Things start to pick up during the fall quarter. Now, you’re taking Data and Decisions, Managerial Economics, Career Management Workshop II, and either Financial Accounting or Marketing, whichever you choose. You’ll also have to pick your primary industry focus for recruiting so that you can meet in your ACT teams, which are led by second years and are meant to help first year students with recruiting.

This quarter, in addition to recruiting, your focus will be on networking, joining clubs, and taking on more leadership positions. Companies will visit campus. You will visit company offices. You will set up coffee chats with your peers, 2nd year classmates, and alumni. It’s a busy quarter but you’ll get as much out of it as you put into it so take advantage of all the resources and opportunities. People are always happy to chat with students!

We end this quarter with a snow trip, a month off to enjoy the holidays, and well needed rest before another busy, but amazing quarter!

Student Blogger: Briana Rayhaun ‘24

Undergrad: USC, ‘18[/b]

Pre-MBA: Commercial Real Estate Lending at Wells Fargo[/b]

Leadership@Anderson: Director of PSA, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Director of Alumni & Community, Association for Real Estate at Anderson[/b]

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Academics, Recruiting, and Extra Curriculars: How to Prioritize Self-C [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Academics, Recruiting, and Extra Curriculars: How to Prioritize Self-Care
[b]About Cassidy: [/b]Cassidy Waters (’24) is from the Bay Area and graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a minor in Marketing. After graduation, Cassidy worked for a media agency executing the integrated advertising strategies for various clients, most recently Universal Pictures. At Anderson, she is looking to pivot into a content or strategy role at an entertainment/media tech company.

[b]Academics, Recruiting, and Extra Curriculars: How to Prioritize Self-Care[/b]

Life is all about finding balance. Never has this statement felt more applicable than in the last six months since starting at Anderson. Between countless networking and recruiting events, meeting new people and building friendships, and actually studying for classes, there is little time left to devote to self-care as a first-year MBA student. However, maintaining a healthy balance is not only essential for your happiness, but it has also been proven to boost productivity and lead to greater career success in the long run. So here are some of my personal reminders on how to balance all that Anderson has to offer, while keeping your sanity in check:

[list]
[*][b]It’s okay to say “no”[/b][/*]
[/list]
This is one that I struggled with a lot at first. In your first days/weeks/months of business school, it will seem like you simply MUST go to every club event, happy hour, and extracurricular activity Anderson is promoting. While you definitely want to take advantage of all the exciting new opportunities, you also don’t want to stretch yourself too thin and put both your physical and mental health at risk. The reality is you won’t be able to attend every single event, so remember to prioritize your time and say “no” to things that don’t spark joy – I know FOMO is real, but I promise there will be more than enough chances to make up for it!

[*][b]Don’t compare yourself to others[/b][/*]
[/list]
When it comes to finding an internship (or full-time job), it’s easy to get swept up in what your other classmates are doing and how they’re approaching the recruiting process. But it’s important to remember that everyone has a unique career path and is on a different timeline. As someone who is currently recruiting for Entertainment, it’s been easy for me to compare myself to those in Consulting or Finance industries who are already receiving offers for summer positions. Rather than letting the outside noise in, it’s important to focus on your individual goals and ultimately remember the reason why you came to Anderson in the first place.

[*][b]Break out of the Anderson bubble every once in a while[/b][/*]
[/list]
By this, I mean don’t forget that life exists beyond the walls of Anderson. Starting business school is a huge life change and the newness of everything can often feel overwhelming and all-encompassing. While I fully support submerging yourself in the experience, it’s also important to find footing elsewhere to remain rooted in your own perspective. Stay in touch with family and friends, explore new areas in and around Los Angeles, introduce others to your favorite hobbies, and continue to nourish your pre-MBA identity. In doing so, you’ll learn how to balance all aspects of your life in a healthy and enjoyable way.

[*][b]Carve out me-time and allow space to unwind[/b][/*]
[/list]
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is take a step back. Whether that’s from recruiting, social outings, or anything else, try to take a moment for yourself and prioritize self-care: get a good night’s sleep, disconnect from your email/slack for an afternoon, go for a long walk, meditate, treat yourself to a massage, etc. Taking the time to destress will not only improve your current mental state, but your future self with also thank you in the long run.

Creating balance is often easier said than done and while it can seem easy to get distracted by the stress of so many things going on at once, don’t forget to prioritize yourself and ultimately ENJOY your first few months of MBA life.

Student Blogger: Cassidy Waters ‘24

Undergrad: University of Southern California (’17)

Pre-MBA:Digital Media Advertising, Essence Global

Leadership@Anderson: Marketing Director, Admission Ambassador Corps; Director of Brand/Communications, Marketing Association; Entertainment Management Association, Women's Business Connection

Instagram: @casswaters
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Inside the Black Box of MBA Admissions Evaluations [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Inside the Black Box of MBA Admissions Evaluations
Our MBA Admissions Committee (AdCom) is busy reading applications here in our peak season, and now we’d like to give you a little peek inside the black box that normally hides our evaluation process from view.

Every MBA application gets a thorough and balanced review, as we consider the individual’s attributes and what they could add to the dynamic mix in our class. Context is everything as we see what the applicant achieved relative to their peers in the years available. Excitement feels contagious, so people who do good research share their enthusiasm for the opportunities that UCLA Anderson can provide to boost careers and change lives.

Part of our holistic process involves ratings on an “ACE” scale, where we consider Academics, Contribution and Employability as primary factors:

Academics: To check readiness for the intellectual rigor of our MBA program, we look at undergraduate grades and courses, plus any scores that are provided. Quantitative coursework, business-related classes and certifications can boost academic profiles.

Contribution: Community involvement and leadership development are vital at UCLA Anderson, so we look for such strengths in applicants’ university years and afterwards too. Adding diversity to the class in terms of background, career, geography, interests, etc. is always a plus.

Employability: Strong applications show transferable skills and an action plan that will leverage MBA resources to maximum effect. Coachability is also key, as are skills in communication and perseverance that are the raw materials for success in school and in life.

Candidates who submit a compelling application are invited to interview with us. This conversation is a friendly chance for applicants to make their case verbally for their goals and why an MBA at UCLA Anderson will make a huge difference in their lives. The real challenge is to figure out the case to make in the application, and then the interview will be fun!

In sum, we look for candidates who ACE the application process by showing they are prepared to hit the ground running here and make the most of the MBA experience. The best applicants come and prove how much potential they have to boost themselves up, add to our community and ultimately benefit the world.
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Global Paths Cross in LA [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: Global Paths Cross in LA


As we create the next MBA class with our admits this time of year, another great international mix is forming. Our mission in Admissions is to create a kind of miniature United Nations here, where our MBA students learn about global culture from each other while gaining management understanding together too. Los Angeles is a gateway to the world which opens both ways, so this is the perfect place to mix the best of America with the best from 40+ countries around the world.

International students (and their families) find that they fit well in our multi-lingual city with every cuisine available. A taste of home may be comforting, but our students also share a sense of adventure, which is why they come to this forward-thinking region in the first place. Pioneers have always found their way to California, and we rely on newcomers to keep bringing fresh ideas and global perspectives which make this place dynamic for everyone.

Many Anderson graduates stay on the West Coast after their MBA since we offer such interesting careers and a balanced lifestyle. Those from abroad often arrange to stay for at least a few years under special work permit programs that help them establish their post-MBA careers while adding to the US economy. UCLA Anderson's status as a STEM program helps students to get visas, just as all students benefit from the credibility that a UCLA degree brings anywhere in the world. Southern California may be the base of our alumni network, but thanks to our international commitment we keep growing connections to successful people worldwide.

Speaking for myself, I'm glad to have seen the world several times over as I traveled to recruit applicants for our MBA program. Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East -- I've been everywhere to meet prospective students and learn about many cultures first-hand. Nowadays I stay at headquarters upholding that global mindset, while my team of admissions officers takes their turn to travel and share UCLA Anderson's appeal. We each understand the value that international students bring to our school and our country. Add in the vital Americans and we all feel lucky to be part of a worldwide network of fascinating, friendly people that we in Admissions keep adding to every year.



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First Year Perspectives: Why Anderson - Own Your Non-Traditional Backg [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: First Year Perspectives: Why Anderson - Own Your “Non-Traditional” Background!
About Cassassandra: Cassandra Ronquillo (’24) is originally from Los Angeles County. She graduated from Whittier College with a B.A. in Mathematics. After graduation, Cassandra stayed in Southern California and worked in higher education development where she focused on raising funds and managing key relationships on behalf of the schools she worked for. Most recently, Cassandra worked as the Director of Major Gifts at UCLA Anderson. Now, as a student at Anderson, she seeks to pivot her career from higher education development to big tech.

I always knew I wanted to go back to school and get a master’s degree, but I was unsure of the right program for me. I spent most of my years post-undergrad in higher education development (ie. fundraising across colleges/universities in Southern California). My seven-year career in higher education was classified as a “non-traditional background.” Education is very important in my family, and we knew it was a true vehicle for upward mobility and continued growth. I explored many different options and ruled out each one by one: no to financial engineering (I was a math major so thought perhaps, but absolutely no for me), education (I come from a family of educators, but I wanted to eventually do something different), public administration (my background was in higher education fundraising, and I was hoping to pivot out). In 2017, I met my current partner, who was an MBA student, and I came to know more and more people who had an MBA. Before this, the idea of an MBA was intimidating to me, my mind was filled with many doubts like it’s been too long since I graduated from undergrad, I didn’t go to a top undergrad institution, I barely knew what consulting was (who really does anyways?!), and what I was most insecure about: I don’t have private sector experience and my job isn’t as recognizable, sexy, or cool. However, upon growing my network and understanding the array of diverse backgrounds of those who have entered and graduated from MBA programs, I realized that all these students were not that different from me or any better than me—and I knew I had what it takes to be a successful, competitive applicant.

Once I decided I wanted to go to business school, I began the school research, GMAT studying, and self-reflection on my professional and personal goals. I sought out programs that would be the absolute best fit for me, which included a place that was inclusive and location-rich, and I also put a big emphasis on a program that would help me make a career pivot into the private sector, specifically into big tech. Much of the business school application is around crafting your unique narrative to ensure the admissions teams that you’ll be successful once you’re admitted. I wondered if I could be successful in trying to make such a large pivot.

I knew that business school admissions and tech recruiting were rather competitive landscapes, so I leveraged the heck out of my work experience by diving deep into my day-to-day work, projects both big and small, and ultimately the impact I’ve delivered. Since there’s usually a smaller number of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds, it’s hard to find information in the popular online blogs, so you’re left with few people to relate to on the application journey. My mental deep dive into “what have I accomplished?” and “what the heck have I been doing for work the last 7 years?” helped me be introspective in deciding what I wanted out of a program and what is important to me in choosing a business school and beyond. I realized that my experience provided me access and opportunities to make an impact directly on an organization at some of the high levels—experiences that many people would not experience until later in their careers. I noted the levels of decision-making power I was able to achieve, the number of difficult conversations I had already had, and the influence I was able to have across senior leaders and other teams. From there, I recounted exciting stories that I could use in my application and for my future interviews. Never think that your experience doesn’t matter! In fact, a smaller team, organization, nonprofit, school, etc. often forces you to gain an array of experience across roles and functions and likely gives you an opportunity to make an identifiable impact within your organization.

Turns out, one of my biggest insecurities turned out to be my biggest differentiator in my business school apps and in my internship interviews (SPOILER ALERT: made me a star! Jk, kinda). While I thought my job was the least “cool” because it wasn’t as recognizable or as common as those coming to business school, it provided me with ample opportunities to share what I did and highlight the impact I made. It also provided me with meaningful and memorable conversations with students, admissions folks, recruiters, and tech interviewers. Sorry traditional candidates, but non-traditional candidates are coming in hot with our memorable differentiators!

I was fortunate to face a tough decision between an M7 program and UCLA Anderson (back to priorities and those introspective moments—know who you are and what you want!). I knew what kind of environment I needed to be in to ensure that I would be the most successful during the short 2-year program. I wanted to be on the West Coast long term, have success finding a summer internship in big tech, not feel like I was getting lost in a sea of people, and an underrated factor: have good vibes on campus and off.

After countless conversations, I knew UCLA Anderson would provide the best experience and chance to achieve my goals. Anderson has the perfect-sized full-time class (not too big, not too small), world-class Parker resources and advising, an impressive track record of students recruiting for tech (in addition to consulting, banking, real estate, and entertainment) from all backgrounds, one of the largest West Coast networks, and the coveted relaxed Los Angeles energy.

I came to Anderson for a number of reasons, and every reason has proven to be 100% worth it. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to interview at some of the largest and most recognizable tech firms—and impressed at the face time with company representatives and the caliber of recruiting events I’ve been able to join. I feel as though my non-traditional background served as my differentiator even during tech recruiting: it helped me stay memorable and drive stories that focused on impact and how my soft skills could easily be translated to other roles. I finally felt that it all began to make sense and that I brought a unique value to my class. I have no regrets and it has SO been worth it (cliché, I know). Oh, and also catch me at Amazon this summer 😉

Must mention! Some key, high-value Anderson adds from the first-year experience:

  • IPT (interview prep team): One of the best offerings/programs from Parker Career Center! Four first years were grouped together with one second year to meet weekly in the fall/winter for mock interviewing and preparation for case and behavioral interviews. It was challenging yet encouraging, and probably the most helpful tool in getting good at interviewing—and a good group to vent to!
  • Parker Advisor: Because of the size of the school, I’m not competing for her attention. As someone who can run a little last minute, I love the quick turnaround time in scheduling appointments. She has also been a great person to talk candidly with, mock interview with, and talk about career paths or resume reviews with.
  • Fall networking roundtables career event from Andertech & WBC: Two of the best networking/recruiting events each club has put on where alums from top companies come to have candid and open conversations and build connections.
  • As a Consortium fellow, I took advantage of some early recruiting opportunities. These exist for Forte and some companies have specifically DE&I-focused early recruiting events, weeks, camps, etc.
  • Learning Team: This is a small group (5-6 people) from all different backgrounds that you do most of your work/projects with for your core classes. They have served as a memorable and key piece in my own learning, and I have leaned on them quite a bit. Love you guys!

Student Blogger:  Cassandra (Cassie) Ronquillo ’24

Undergrad: Whittier College (B.A. Mathematics)

Pre-MBA: Director of Major Gifts, UCLA Anderson

Leadership@Anderson: VP of Interviewing, Admission Ambassador Corps; VP of Social, ALMA; VP of Cultural Exchange TSBA; VP of Marketing CBC; Net Impact Board Fellow; Consortium Fellow

Instagram: cassbass92
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First Year Perspectives: From Broadway to B-School - The Value of Non- [#permalink]
FROM NewsUCLA: First Year Perspectives: From Broadway to B-School - The Value of Non-Traditional Backgrounds
[b]About Franklin: [/b]Frank Swann ('24) grew up in Denver, CO, and attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. At NYU, he majored in Production & Design and Politics. After graduation, Frank lived a childhood dream and worked on Broadway. He worked in a variety of roles, eventually rising to become a production manager for many shows and projects, including Hamilton (Global), The Inheritance (B’way), CAMP (Metropolitan Museum of Art), The Time’s Square New Year’s Eve Ball, and more. At Anderson, Frank is focused on strategy & operations within the entertainment, media, events/sports, and hospitality industry. He hopes to eventually work at the intersection of art and commerce, helping storytellers reach new audiences and address new topics.

As I was going through the business school research and application process, I quickly learned that my background was, to put it mildly, nontraditional. When I told current students, other prospective students, or even admissions staff that I was a Broadway Production Manager, it usually elicited a surprised look and a question about why I wanted to return to school. I was frequently reminded of how “unique” my experience would be.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about going to business school from the theatre world. While my time at NYU was rigorous, and my job allowed me to help lead some of the most exciting entertainment properties of the last decade, I did not have much experience or coursework in many of the core areas of B-School. I wondered how I could translate my experience working backstage to the classroom. Would I be able to contribute anything to the discussions? Could I keep up with my peers in classes like Finance and Accounting, where I had no experience?

In most MBA programs, you see a lot of similar work experiences in the student body: former accountants, consultants, bankers, etc. After going to several admitted student days, I was prepared to be the odd one out until I visited Anderson. For the first time in my B-School process, I found a group of people with so many unique backgrounds. From former teachers and filmmakers to engineers and entrepreneurs (and even another person who worked in professional theatre!), everyone was brilliant, driven, and many of us were trying to figure out how to take our “unique” background and bring it to the MBA. I felt like I had found a place where the school and the students truly valued all the different experiences we would bring.

Similarly, there was a ton of variety in what people wanted to do post-MBA. While Anderson has its share of consultants and bankers, my classmates also wanted to go into industries like entertainment, clean tech, non-profits, and more. It was exciting to envision myself in a world where people were coming from, and going to, all different walks of life.

Now, almost a year into the Anderson MBA, I can confidently say that getting your MBA after working in a non-traditional field is not only possible but an incredible opportunity. My professors and classmates at Anderson leverage the unique experiences of every person in the program to gain valuable and wide-ranging insights. Want to hear about queuing theory in practice? Who better to ask than a classmate who worked at a theme park managing the rides? Trying to learn about the challenges of running a non-profit? Talk to your classmate who used to run one. Or do you want to work in an industry where you have to manage creative and business teams? Find your classmate who worked on Broadway and spent his time trying to help designers & directors understand the financial and schedule ramifications of their ideas.

So, if you’re considering business school but are nervous about it because your background is not the typical B-school path, I have a few pieces of advice:

[list]
[*]Be authentic! Don’t feel like you must change who you are, what you did, and what you’re excited about to fit a mold. Just as diversity in gender, race, religion, etc., makes for a better business school community, so does the diversity of thought and experience. Bring your whole, authentic self to the application process, and it will help you find a school where you will thrive.[/*]
[*]Find a school and student body you genuinely connect with. It might feel like an extra expense or inconvenience to visit schools in person, but in my opinion, it’s so worth it! In talking to other admitted students, I got a better sense of the type of class I’d be a part of and gauged if it was a community I could see myself succeeding in professionally, academically, and socially. Getting a sense of the school’s culture is incredibly important. Similarly, if you want to use your MBA in a unique way post-grad, find a program like Anderson with classes, clubs, and professional support services for a wide range of industries. Leveraging those offerings can help someone with a unique background pivot into a new career.[/*]
[*]Don’t be afraid to speak up in class. At first, I was nervous to talk about my work experience. But once I started to speak up more, it benefited not only myself but also our whole class. Business school students are naturally inquisitive and want to learn more. I’ve found that everyone loves hearing about the exciting challenges and projects their classmates faced. And 90% of the time, the non-traditional background folks have way more interesting tales to tell!  [/*]
[*]Be ready to put in some extra work. Business school allows people to make big changes and try new things. But if you don’t have as much experience in the business world, then some classes might be more challenging for you than some of your classmates. Don’t let that deter you! Be ready to put in the extra work, seek out help when needed, and don’t feel like you have to master something on the first try. At Anderson, I love that the professors and my classmates want everyone to succeed. Every time I’ve turned to someone for extra help, they have enthusiastically jumped in to give me that additional support. Trust me, if a guy like me, with his BFA in Theatre, can do this, so can you![/*]
[/list]
The business school application and decision process can be daunting for anyone, particularly if you’re coming from an industry where this is not the norm. Don’t be discouraged. While it might be a little extra work, the value of your unique background will shine in the MBA environment and make this degree even more meaningful!

Student Blogger: Franklin Swann ('24)

Undergrad: NYU/Tisch (’15) – BFA, Theatre Production & Design, Politics

Pre-MBA: Production Manager, Hudson Theatrical Associates/Hamilton the Musical

Leadership@Anderson: [b]F[/b]irst-Year Director, Admission Ambassador Corps; Director of Social, Section E; Director of CEMS Relations, Entertainment Management Association; Board Fellow, Net Impact; Mentor, Riordan Program

Instagram: @frankdswann
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First Year Perspectives: From Broadway to B-School - The Value of Non- [#permalink]
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