"Networking" a dirty word?

Question

Hi all,

My friend who attened Stanford a few years back told me not to mention "networking" in my essays because b-schools don't want that to be the reason you are applying.

Is that true? Is that the case for Stern? Does anyone know?

Thanks a bunch!
Jen

dabots · Answer

i think it is too casual of a term... what about "building relationships" instead?

kryzak · Answer

oops, too late, I already used the word in my essays... oh well, I can feel my ding coming!

max125 · Answer

Boy!! I used it too..and its with Stern..(my only hope!!!!!!!!

)..I hope its all good with them..

BCC145 · Answer

Is S that outside of reality? Networking is one of the main reasons I want to go to B-school.

TimeSquareDesi · Answer

^ But it shouldn't be a point on your essay that makes it sound like you are a lackluster candidate and would like to network to increase career prospects. You can mention their programs, the one program they have that you have been interested in, etc etc etc but although networking is a fringe benefit of going to the school, i feel like it shouldn't be mentioned or stressed.

BCC145 · Answer

I should claify. I agree that networking shouldn't be the main point in your essays, but I think if just mentioning it in a sentence or so is fine. I think it also depends on the applicant. For example, if you know you will be running a company after MBA, it would make sense that you want to go to a school where you can network with people that will benefit your company. Maybe the student body in that school is heavily represented by local and international people from the same industry that your company will be in? This I think is a valid reason why someone want to go to certain school. I disagree that networking should be flat out rejected for a reason why you want to go to a particular school when writing essays. Just my 2 cents.

bsd_lover · Answer

I used the 'N' word in only my London Business School application. LBS is the only school that hasn't dinged me yet.

lepium · Answer

I think the key is to differentiate between "I'm a parasite ready to suck the network dry and contribute nothing" vs "I'll be a contributing member of the alumni community, networking to achieve my goals and helping others, whenever I can, to achieve their goals".

L.

aaudetat · Answer

I'd agree. And I'll add that learning from the students is something all the schools tout - I put that in all my essays. I knew that coming from a nontraditional background, I would be in contact with people from all over, with really diverse backgrounds. It's been good. And I'd call that networking.

"Networking" a dirty word?

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