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14 Sep 2018, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: SMU Cox School Fall 2019 MBA Application Deadlines |
 The following are the MBA application deadlines for the full-time, two-year MBA program at SMU Cox School of Business. Round 1 Application due: October 15, 2018 Round 2 Application due: December 3, 2018 Round 3 Application due: January 7, 2019 Round 4* Application due: March 4, 2019 *Final deadline for international applicants Round 5 Application due: April 29, 2019* *Rolling admissions following April 29, 2019 For additional information on applying, please visit the SMU Cox MBA admissions website. The post SMU Cox School Fall 2019 MBA Application Deadlines appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Sep 2018, 08:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Maximize Your First Year at B-School |
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If you’ll be earning your MBA as part of the Class of 2020, chances are that right now you’re enjoying your first days of class. During the months you toiled over your applications and then waited to hear back from admissions committees, you probably spent a lot of time anticipating how you’d fill your days at business school. And once you had your acceptance letter in hand, we’re sure you gave some thought to what you want to get out of your experience. But we still have a few last tips for you! Leverage your student status as much as possible. We’re not just talking about things like student discounts. We’re talking about the fact that everyone loves students, and everyone loves giving advice to students. So if there’s an alum, a local businessperson, a politician or community leader you admire, use the fact that you’re a student to try and set up an “informational interview” or an informal meeting over coffee. You’ll be surprised at the kind of access you may receive that you otherwise wouldn’t. Listen to as many visiting speakers as you can. At least a few big-name CEOs and public figures will give talks on campus, and everyone’s going to turn up for those. But we encourage you to also consider going to hear what lesser-known business and political leaders, entrepreneurs and nonprofit executives have to say — especially some of the younger ones. In a decade you just might find yourself bragging about how you rubbed elbows with someone who became internationally respected. Choose your extracurriculars wisely. Repeat after us: it’s impossible to do everything. Don’t sign up for 20 clubs in the first week only to end up regretting that you can’t meaningfully participate in any of them. You will feel totally overwhelmed by how many cool things you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with outside of class. So before you attempt to do everything, think long and hard about what you really want to learn and what’s important to you so that you can focus your efforts accordingly. Don’t forget that the “real world” still exists. Don’t get us wrong — being in the b-school bubble is a thing of beauty. Except for when you’re especially tired and stressed (think interview season, exam time, etc.). That’s when you need to reach out to your family and friends back home, talk a walk or drive into the nearest city, or do whatever else you can to put things back into perspective. The campus will still be there when you’re ready to resume Student Mode, and you’ll feel reenergized. Remember:  Find out what HBS Dean Nitin Nohria always ask MBA hopefuls (and don’t miss a quote from Stacy Blackman, too!). As Round 1 wraps up, inspire yourself with this amazing success story featuring one of our clients. Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. The post Maximize Your First Year at B-School appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
18 Sep 2018, 05:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: Oxford Said MBA Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips |
 The highly ranked one-year Oxford Said MBA program exposes students to an international, diverse network at a world class institution. Oxford seeks engaged students and mature leaders with extensive work experience. Upon visiting Oxford or researching the school by reading student blogs, you’ll notice that there is a strong culture of improving the world through business. This emphasis on making the world a better place comes through clearly in this set of essays and is a core motivator for a successful applicant. Note that you can describe your career goals in a short answer section within the application. FIRST REQUIRED ESSAY 1 Consider a statistic or trend that shocks you. Why it is important to you and how could it be changed for the better? (Maximum 500 words) In Dean Peter Tufano’s welcome on the Oxford Said website, he clearly states that, “we believe that business can play an integral part to address the systemic issues that will alter the future for generations to come: planetary threats; rising inequality; the mismatch of education, skills and employment opportunities; and growing nationalism and challenges to the institutions of democracy.” Because this question seeks to understand what you view as the systematic issues that drive you personally, ask yourself: What societal problems do you want to solve in your career and life? Perhaps you have a social enterprise career goal and will address poverty or education. Or, maybe you plan to volunteer and raise money for an important cause in your spare time. Most importantly, whether your goal is personal or professional, you should show that you’re passionate about improving the world and that you have a specific concern about systematic issues. To the extent your career goal is related to the statistic or trend that shocks you, this essay is a great place to explore that connection. If not, you are able to cover your career goal within the application and can devote all of your space in this essay to discussing other ways in which you will change the world for the better. SECOND REQUIRED ESSAY 2 Is there anything not covered in the application form which you would like the Admissions Committee to know about you? (Maximum 250 words) Finally, if you need to explain anything challenging in your background, you can do so in this entirely open-ended essay. Above all, issues such as a low GPA or GMAT, resume gaps, issues with recommenders, or issues with your undergraduate record are areas you will need to explain here. However, if you want to address a challenge, use this essay to explain the situation and how you have improved and developed as a person. Ideally, you can show improvement to any challenging aspect of your application and demonstrate that any issues are behind you. If you feel comfortable with your application and have nothing to clarify, this essay can further emphasize your career goals, add information about your international experience, or highlight your diverse background to enhance the admissions committee understanding of your candidacy. Remember, Oxford is looking for maturity, leadership and diversity in applicants and use this opportunity to shine. The post Tuesday Tips: Oxford Said MBA Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
19 Sep 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: CBS Dean Glenn Hubbard to Step Down After 15-Year Tenure |
 Glenn Hubbard, successful steward of Columbia Business School for 15 years, will step down from his role as dean at the end of the 2018-19 academic year, University President Lee Bollinger has announced. Hubbard will then resume his position as part of Columbia Business School’s faculty as the Russell L. Carson Professor of Finance and Economics, and as Professor of Economics in Columbia’s Department of Economics in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Under his leadership, Hubbard has overseen the enhancement and expansion of nearly every aspect of Columbia Business School. Throughout his tenure, he strengthened recruitment of both top academics and students. Additionally, Hubbard launched countless initiatives to bridge academic theory with the practice of business. Besides that, Hubbard led initiatives to revamp the school’s core curriculum. The outgoing dean also reignited engagement of the school’s 46,000 global alumni community. A Fundraising Powerhouse As a result of his prolific fundraising abilities, Hubbard will have added more than $1 billion to Columbia Business School’s coffers by the conclusion of his deanship next June. Ultimately this financial legacy will continue to enable the school to pursue countless innovations that will benefit the school and its global community. In addition, a notable expansion of financial aid occurred during Hubbard’s deanship, increasing 600% from 2004 to 2018. Hubbard also raised more than $500 million to establish Columbia Business School’s future home on Columbia University’s Manhattanville campus. President Bollinger called Hubbard’s deanship a historic period for Columbia Business School, one that solidified its place “as one of the most celebrated and innovative schools of business in all of higher education.” Hubbard’s Parting Message “Today, as I reflect upon the last decade and a half, I am humbled by the progress made toward achieving our mission to innovate, connect, and lead, and our strategy to bridge theory and practice,” Hubbard said. “Without question, our position in the University is a key factor of that success. As Columbia Business School prepares to embark on a new era, I have every confidence that the School will continue to be a global innovator in both management education and in how business is practiced in the 21st century. I look forward to supporting that vision as a member of its faculty.” A global search for Hubbard’s replacement will begin immediately. For more details of Glenn Hubbard’s tenure as dean, please visit the Columbia Business School newsroom. The post CBS Dean Glenn Hubbard to Step Down After 15-Year Tenure appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
21 Sep 2018, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Where are the Best B-School Startup Labs? |
 IE Startup Lab in Madrid provides year-round workshops for students to develop their business plan for launch, faculty mentoring, training in marketing, funding, strategy and legal aspects of entrepreneurship. Today’s MBA programs offer a broad range of courses in entrepreneurship, as well as opportunities for networking with established entrepreneurs, launching start-ups, and developing the skills needed to start successful businesses. In fact, startup labs on business school campuses are arguably one of the best perks offered at top-ranked MBA programs. Here, would-be impresarios experiment and fail in a safe environment without jeopardizing their livelihood in the real world. Even if alumni don’t become entrepreneurs immediately after graduating, their MBA degree provides career flexibility. It also sets them up with crucial skills that will help them start businesses years later. What Exactly is a Startup Lab? Basically, a b-school startup lab helps budding entrepreneurs with branding, marketing, and technology services. Each of these aspects help them strengthen the foundation of their business in order to eventually bring investors on board. Did you know that Instagram, Trulia and Stubhub are just a few examples of well-known companies born in a b-school startup lab? Check out this new piece on which business schools offer the best startup labs featured in BusinessBecause. The article’s author Janette Chien shares a list of the top ten MBA incubators around the world. You may be surprised to discover many of these stellar programs are not at the most highly ranked business schools. Global Top Ten of Business School Startup Labs
Booming Businesses Launched at B-School For example, ModCloth – a vintage clothing, e-commerce business with hundreds of millions in annual revenue – sprang from Tepper School of Business alums Susan Gregg Koger and her husband Eric Koger. “The Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon really encouraged us to stick with it, and helped me decide to sell my ownership in my first business to pursue ModCloth, which was the bigger opportunity,” Eric said. SMU Cox School of Business student Gabriella Draney Zielke co-founded Tech Wildcatters – a Top 10 seed accelerator for technology startups. She worked with the Caruth Center for Entrepreneurship while pursuing her MBA, explained John Roeder, Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions at Cox. Rodrigo Malta, Director of Admissions at UT McCombs School of Business, shared that the Texas MBA-powered start-up Beatbox Beverages struck a deal with business mogul Mark Cuban on the hit ABC show Shark Tank. For a one-third stake in the company, Cuban invested one million dollars. Likewise, when our “Ask the Adcom” series put out a query about the resources available for student with startup fever, the array of available options we learned about amazed us. Ultimately, business school has become the safe place to test out your most creative, outrageous and ambitious ideas. There’s no pressure or fear of failure if that company or those ideas don’t work. In fact, failure is just as valuable a learning tool as success. Failure offers students the chance to find out what went wrong and refine their business models. That way, they can nail it next time out in the real world, when the stakes are much higher. The post Where are the Best B-School Startup Labs? appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
24 Sep 2018, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Beware of Well-Meaning MBA Application Advice |
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With Round 1 deadlines upon us, you’re probably thinking about asking a trusted friend or family member to review your materials. Recruiting a fresh set of eyes to review your work has its benefits, but can also have a few drawbacks as well. So what’s the upside to someone new looking at your essays and data forms? These reviewers will likely spot those typos, missing words or that extra period at the end of a sentence. At some point, you’ll have read your responses so many times that errors will no longer jump out at you. This is where a friend or family member’s assistance is undoubtedly valuable. However, it’s really tough for someone to read through your materials and not also want to give “advice.” Human beings are full of opinions, after all, and anyone close to you would just be trying to help. But the issue is that if you’ve already planned out your application strategy — especially if you’ve worked on that strategy with an admissions consultant — it would be a shame to derail your progress just because a well-meaning friend made you doubt yourself. Not All MBA Application Advice is Helpful If someone who has an MBA reviews your materials, they may be under the incorrect assumption that since they were accepted to a program, the way they approached certain essay questions is the only guaranteed path to admission. Or, maybe your parents attended business school decades ago and want to give you advice. That can be problematic because the programs themselves — not to mention the qualities adcoms look for in candidates — have changed pretty dramatically over the years. On the opposite end of the spectrum, if someone who’s completely unfamiliar with the business school application process reviews your documents, they may understand why you included personal stories or otherwise let your personality come through in your essays. How Your Application Reviewers Can Help There’s a stereotype that MBAs need to be all business, all the time, and this leads to an expectation of essays filled with lists of achievements, not-so-subtle bragging and loads of buzzwords. That’s why you should consider: 1) limiting the people you involve to no more than two, and 2) telling those reviewers up front that they would be helping you most if they could focus solely on spelling, grammar, or other obvious mistakes when they do their read-through. They’ll probably still give you unsolicited advice, and you can always listen politely and share any concerns you may have with your admissions consultant. Just keep in mind that it’s hardly ever a good idea to switch things up at the last minute after putting significant effort into your positioning. Remember:  Until next time, The team at Stacy Blackman Consulting ***Do you want to stay on top of the application process with timely tips like these? Please subscribe to our weekly newsletter and you’ll receive our expert advice straight in your mailbox before it appears on the blog, plus special offers, promotions, discounts, invitations to events, and more. The post Beware of Well-Meaning MBA Application Advice appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
25 Sep 2018, 08:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: SMU Cox School Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips |
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The SMU Cox School of Business is an excellent MBA program for candidates who are looking to expand their choices beyond the top 10 business schools or have a regional interest in Texas. Based in Dallas, SMU Cox has a diverse student body and ties to a vibrant business community. Twenty-two Dallas companies made the Fortune 500 list this year. Companies that recruit from SMU Cox include the major consulting firms, banks, along with consumer companies like Target and Starbucks and tech companies like Texas Instruments and Amazon. In general, as you prepare these essays, keep “why MBA” top of mind and think about your own MBA requirements for the program. If you are considering an MBA admissions consultant, contact us to learn more about how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help you be the best MBA candidate you can be. REQUIRED ESSAY 1 What are your post-graduate degree goals upon graduation? Please be as specific as possible, which might include desired roles, target companies, and/or industry. (250 word limit). As an MBA candidate for SMU Cox, you will need to carefully explain why MBA and describe your career goals. Evaluate your past experiences, what you have learned in your undergraduate education and what you dream of as a future career. If you are unsure what you want to do after your MBA, perhaps this article in US News and World Report can trigger some ideas. For example, more MBA graduates are pursuing careers in technology and consumer products than did so in the past. If you consider companies and career paths outside of the traditional MBA feeder industries, what areas might you pursue? When you have identified your post-MBA career path, then you will want to describe the role in specifics. What industry are you targeting and why? What companies are most appealing? Which department do you see yourself working within? This is a good essay to add some resume highlights that will showcase a few specific skills or accomplishments that are directly related to your career path. REQUIRED ESSAY 2 Business is an ever changing and evolving entity. Individual’s plans and interests can change as a result of industry downturns and/or emergence of new opportunities. Keeping an open mind while navigating your career is an essential component of success. Should the short-term goals you provided above not materialize, what alternative directions would you explore? (250 word limit) Showing flexibility and adaptability is actually an important MBA candidate trait. Innovative ideas tend to come to people who are open-minded, creative and always learning. It is quite likely that there are multiple career paths that could help you reach your goals. For example, you might be interested in technology and consumer products, but when you start meeting with companies on campus and attending career information sessions, you realize that pursuing a career in management consulting will offer more variety than you realized, and will allow you to experience many different companies and work places. Because you were flexible and open to feedback while you learned about careers at SMU Cox, you were able to switch gears and find a better fit. Think about the possible careers that you would consider as a “Plan B” or alternate path, and explore that career in the same way that you did for Essay 1. REQUIRED ESSAY 3 Think of an event that has changed your perspective in the last three years. Describe how this event has impacted your personal or professional outlook. (250 word limit). At Stacy Blackman Consulting we have observed that, above all, character prevails, and that part of showing character is demonstrating your true nature. Often your true nature is revealed through pivotal events or changing points. Think about the moments you can remember with clarity over the past three years. Of those moments, was there one that fundamentally changed your perspective? This change could have been personal or professional, it may have clarified your career path, triggered your desire to return to school, or improved a relationship. Certainly, one core value important to many MBA candidates is helping others and improving communities. For this reason, if you have a particular focus or passion for community service, it’s likely that a pivotal experience triggered that interest. For example, many people have been impacted by illness of a family member or friend, which may have led you to fundraise for medical research, contribute to assistance for patients, or look for opportunities to improve medical outcomes. As you draft this essay think about micro-stories you can craft to vividly bring your story alive. What did your moment feel like? What did you hear, smell, or say? Those details will help the reader put themselves in your place and understand your perspective. OPTIONAL ESSAY Please only use this space to address information not covered in the rest of your application package that may be helpful to the admissions committee as we make an assessment of your candidacy. (250 word limit) MBA candidates are not always perfect, and it is common to need to explain something in your application that may be concerning or confusing. Typical topics for this essay include resume gaps, a recommender who is not your current manager, a poor grade in undergraduate coursework, or a low GMAT score. First off, the best way to approach this type of essay is to offer explanations, not excuses. Clearly and concisely explain your situation, then describe the steps you have taken to improve. For example, perhaps you were given a C grade in a calculus class in college. It had been a tough semester for you and your time management was poor. The next semester you improved your skills and were able to earn all A’s in next level quantitative classes. Then, you took a job as an analyst where you used quantitative tools. This story clearly explains the situation, and then explains why one poor grade does not accurately describe your overall quantitative skills. The post Tuesday Tips: SMU Cox School Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
26 Sep 2018, 08:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: $5M Gift Will Fund New HBS Case Studies on AI |
 Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, donates $5M to fund new case studies in AI. Earlier this week, Harvard Business School (HBS) announced it has received a substantial gift to help fund case studies on the uses and effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the business landscape. HBS alumnus Stephen Schwarzman, chairman and CEO of global private equity firm The Blackstone Group, donated $5 million to support the development of case studies and other programming that explore the implications of AI on industries, business, and markets. In the not-too-distant future, AI could disrupt almost every industry. Potentially, it could create entirely new markets and business models, driving the need for new skills in the workforce. Additionally, AI raises organizational design, policy, and ethical considerations that future leaders must be prepared to navigate. “Across Blackstone’s diverse portfolio, I have seen firsthand the impact that rapid technological change has on businesses and industries,” says Schwarzman, adding, “The disruptive implications and opportunities surrounding AI are far-reaching. Executives need to understand how to anticipate, act on, and manage these changes.” HBS Explores AI’s Implications on the Business Landscape The Schwarzman Research Fund will spur and extend the efforts of Harvard Business School faculty members across a range of disciplines who research and write case studies on the use of AI. Especially relevant topics might include the impact of AI on new market creation, organizational structures, operating model design, innovation frameworks, worker productivity, and importantly, the long-term policy and ethical considerations related to AI. “AI has profound implications for the future of work and for society more broadly,” says Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria. Consequently, the dean says, “We believe it is imperative to provide our students with opportunities to explore how these changes will affect the role of managers. Steve’s generous gift will accelerate faculty research in this area, advancing understanding and exposing business leaders around the world to this increasingly important topic.” HBS faculty members will use these new cases and other research materials across the school’s MBA and Executive Education programs, as well as in HBX, the school’s on-line educational platform. Also, Harvard Business Publishing will distribute the case studies globally. To learn more about Schwarzman and his generous gift, please visit The Harvard Crimson. The post $5M Gift Will Fund New HBS Case Studies on AI appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
28 Sep 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Stanford GSB Leads in QS 2019 Global MBA Ranking |
 Rankings dynamo Stanford Graduate School of Business once again grabs the brass ring, landing the top spot in the QS Global MBA Ranking, released this week by business school analysts QS Quacquarelli Symonds. In addition to the Global MBA ranking category, QS has released rankings for Masters in Management, Masters in Finance, Masters in Business Analytics, and an inaugural Masters in Marketing. Collectively, these rankings cover the post-graduate programs most in-demand among employers around the world. Top Ten Global MBA Programs 1. Stanford Graduate School of Business 2. Harvard Business School 3. Wharton School of Business 4. London Business School 5. MIT Sloan School of Management 6. INSEAD 7. HEC Paris 8. Tied: Chicago Booth School of Business 8. Tied: IE Business School 10. Columbia Business School Key Elements of the QS Global MBA Ranking [*]Core indicators of the ranking are employability, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, return on investment (ROI), thought leadership and class and faculty diversity.[/*] [*]Stanford GSB performs especially well in terms of entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, as well as thought leadership.[/*] [*]Six of the top ten MBA providers are based in the United States, with all of them performing well in terms of employability and thought leadership. However, US MBA programs perform less well in terms of ROI.[/*] [*]On a country basis, MBA providers in Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and Singapore show significant year-on-year progress.[/*] [/list] “QS Rankings seek to measure the key missions of Business Schools, whilst also taking into account what matters most to prospective students,” says Nunzio Quacquarelli, founder of QS. “Our innovative measurement of strength in entrepreneurship and successful alumni outcomes, provides a fresh lens for the growing audience of prospective MBAs seeking to start their own business, or seeking leadership roles in non-traditional NGOs as well as looking at classic MBA career outcomes like Partnerships in Consulting or Fortune 1000 Director roles,” Quacquarelli explains. Also highlighted in these rankings: MIT Sloan School of Management offers the best course in business analytics; London Business School provides the top Masters in Finance; HEC Paris offers the number one Masters in Management; and Columbia Business School has a top-ranked Masters in Marketing. A Tip for MBA Hopefuls Earlier this month, Quacquarelli, a Wharton MBA who started his company during b-school, had this advice for entrepreneurially-minded MBAs, in his interview with BusinessBecause. “One of the benefits of an MBA is you have a year or two years where you do some of that research and get advice and mentorship throughout that research period. Yes, there’s a cost associated with it. But having that time to research your idea more thoroughly can save you far more in terms of wasted investment and opportunity cost later on.” Fore more information, you can see the full suite of QS rankings here. The post Stanford GSB Leads in QS 2019 Global MBA Ranking appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
01 Oct 2018, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: How Not to Tank Your MBA Admissions Interview at HBS |
 Harvard Business School (HBS) is sending out the bulk of Round 1 MBA admissions interview invitations today. The remainder is slated for release on Thursday, October 4th. If you receive an invite—lucky you, as HBS interviews just 25% of applicants each season—make sure to avoid the following faux pas during your MBA admissions interview at this prestigious business school. Don’t even think about winging your MBA admissions interview. Harvard Business School interviewers love to throw off applicants with rapid-fire questions to test how well you know your resume and essays. If you don’t practice for this interview, you’ll really hurt your chances of admission. Think of a few compelling anecdotes that you can adapt to fit the most common HBS interview questions. The anecdotes you share about your past experiences — both successes and failures — will give the interviewer some insight into your self-awareness and maturity. Make sure to practice in front of a friend, and consider recording yourself as you rehearse. That way, you can assess your body language and tone and make adjustments as needed. Don’t try to be the “ideal” MBA candidate. While it’s tempting to want to present yourself as the picture-perfect applicant, your interviewer is trying to suss out what exactly you, and nobody else but you, can bring to the program. Speak candidly about your passions, interests, and professional goals. Your story should reveal how you confront life choices, the values and principles that help you negotiate complex situations, your beliefs, and your worldview. That way, you’ll come across as a fascinating person who has a lot to share with future classmates. In short, a great addition to the HBS MBA program. Don’t bore your interviewer. Another thing to keep in mind: Your interviewer may interview dozens of candidates. That means a lot of eager future-moguls talking about the same thing: themselves. So whenever possible, make the interview a conversation, not a monologue. By including the interviewer in the conversation, you’ll keep them interested and engaged in the most important topic of all: YOU. Don’t forget to ask questions, too. Come armed with a brief list of questions that highlight your knowledge of and interest in the school. If interviewing with an alum, it’s easy to engage in a comfortable conversation about their experience at the school. Not only will you learn more about HBS, but by asking thoughtful questions your interviewer will get another opportunity to see your insightful way of thinking. Harvard Business School admits roughly half of all applicants they interview. Ultimately, your goal is to answer all questions in a clear, logical way. Also, maintain an open, friendly, and professional demeanor. And don’t forget to dress appropriately! Finally, show that you have an inquisitive attitude about the school and all that it has to offer students. If you can master these tips, you stand a very good chance of coming out of the interview with flying colors. Image credit: Michael A. Herzog (CC BY-ND 2.0) The post How Not to Tank Your MBA Admissions Interview at HBS appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
02 Oct 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: IESE Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips |
 IESE is a world-class MBA program based in Spain, and started as an alliance with Harvard Business School. Last year the school announced a facilities upgrade to create “one of the most influential training centers in the world.” To learn more about international MBA program options, read our consultant advice: Why US Applicants Should Consider MBA Programs Abroad. For MBA applicants, IESE is an opportunity for a global education in either 15 or 19 months for a full time MBA. IESE continues to rise in the rankings, achieving 11 in the Financial Times 2018 MBA list. IESE attracts MBA students from over 64 different countries, giving applicants a truly global perspective. The case method and other experiential learning approaches are used to teach a core general management curriculum. Classes are taught in both English and Spanish. IESE is looking for MBA applicants with academic ability, personal drive, confidence, leadership, work experience, international outlook, good communication skills, team player mentality and strong values. As you draft your essays, make sure to weave in these MBA attributes for your application. For advising on your IESE application from top ranked MBA consultants, contact Stacy Blackman Consulting now. REQUIRED ESSAY 1 How do you expect to be changed by your experience at IESE and what impact you would like to make after your MBA? (word limit 300 max) When we researched why MBA candidates are successful, we noticed that strong stories get attention. You don’t have to be perfect, but you should be genuine and personal. Make sure the reader understands your true character. Read more insights from our team to help your MBA application. This essay is asking you to get personal and talk about impact. It doesn’t need to be a long track record of volunteering, but it should be something that is meaningful to you. When you think about your MBA experience, what do you hope to gain personally from it? What will you take from IESE and share with your community and the world? Perhaps you are looking to broaden your network and gain a global outlook, and you plan to bring that perspective back to your US based business and help to expand internationally. Or your impact will be in volunteerism or extracurriculars. Think about your community and what your experiences at IESE will teach you. Looking at the attributes of a successful applicant, this essay can demonstrate that you have personal drive, international outlook and strong values. REQUIRED ESSAY 2 What are your short and medium term post MBA career goals and how will IESE help you achieve them? (word limit 300 max) Essay two focuses specifically on your career goals and why MBA. The admissions committee can see your resume within the application, so this essay should give the background of who you are and why you have made the choices you did. Think about one or two pivotal career moments you may want to explore. Ideally, your experiences have led to a career goal that you can describe clearly. Be specific. If you want to go into venture capital after graduation, talk about the industry you would like to focus on. Maybe describe the products you like within that industry or any other details. Then you will want explain why an MBA is your next step. What will you learn at IESE to complement your work experiences? What do you hope to gain from your classmates and the environment? Specific classes and professors are always useful detail to add. OPTIONAL ESSAY [b]I wish the admissions committee had asked me… (word limit 300 max)[/b] This optional essay is entirely open ended and gives you an opportunity to explain any of the attributes you have not yet shown. Think about the stories you could tell about your background and questions that would be appropriate. For example, you could say: “I wish the admissions committee had asked me about my most meaningful accomplishment” and describe a time when you achieved a goal. Or, for a more personal response, consider a question that asks you to introduce yourself to your classmates or describe a significant relationship in your life. When you answer your own question make sure to include specific details to strengthen your story. Examples are always welcome. Describing lessons learned is also helpful background for your application. Visit the IESE website to learn more about the program and application process. The post Tuesday Tips: IESE Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
03 Oct 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: MBA Applicants Unfazed by Trump, US Politics, SBC Survey Finds |
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The current U.S. political and economic climate does not play a significant role in MBA applicants’ decision of where to study, according to the results of our annual survey of business school candidates. This year, 70% of respondents were unswayed by the disruptive U.S. political climate, and 8% were more likely to apply to U.S. MBA programs. In addition, among the 22% who reported they were less likely to apply because of the current U.S. climate, 82% of that group is still applying to U.S. MBA programs anyway. The survey findings suggest that the so-called “Trump effect” that is often attributed to falling application volume at U.S. business schools is having little impact on the top-tier MBA programs, such as Harvard Business School or Wharton.  Instead, MBA applicants were far more concerned about getting into a top U.S. MBA program (85% said this was a concern), funding their MBA (59%), and writing a high-quality application while working (51%). Recruiting post MBA, at 36%, and the U.S. political climate, at 14%, were not major concerns. Reputation is a Key Indicator Reputation remains a key priority for business school applicants applying to all MBA programs. Seventy-five percent of respondents said that reputation is stronger for U.S. MBA programs than international programs, and that 75% value was consistent between international and US respondents. The ability to accelerate career paths and improve professional networks in the U.S were additional advantages of U.S MBA programs, according to the Survey results. Irrespective of the U.S. political and economic climate, reputable MBA programs are highly coveted, with strong preferences among all MBA candidates for the top-10 business schools in the U.S. Fifty-seven percent of respondents, U.S. and international, are applying to the top-10 U.S. MBA courses. Overall, 88% of U.S. respondents and 54% of international respondents were applying exclusively to U.S. MBA programs of any rank. Most international applicants cast a wider net due to the competitive admissions process of the top U.S. MBA programs. “MBA applicant demand directly relates to a business school’s reputation and brand,” says Esther Magna, Principal at Stacy Blackman Consulting. “As a result, top MBA program brands, including Harvard and Wharton, will likely see a smaller decrease in applicant volume, whereas less-regarded MBA programs will experience a greater decrease in applicant volume in this very strong US economy, which tends to reduce demand for MBA education.” U.S. Business Schools Remain a Top Choice for MBA Applicants U.S. MBA programs of any rank are significantly more popular than European, or other non-US programs, among survey respondents. 4% of international respondents are applying to European MBA programs, and are not applying to U.S. programs. The majority of the international MBA applicants who apply to European courses are also applying to U.S. programs. Most candidates who were applying to European MBAs, such as at INSEAD or London Business School, said that the shorter duration and lower tuition costs were among their key priorities. “Applicants see an MBA as a long-term investment in their future,” says Beth Tidmarsh, a former Kellogg School MBA Admissions Officer, now on the Stacy Blackman Consulting team. “Thus, the long-term brand reputation and credentials of a top tier b-school are appealing, and international candidates may be willing to overlook the temporary political environment. The top-tier schools are coveted because the value of the education translates back to many countries.” The survey found that 69% of respondents believe there will be fewer international students within U.S. MBA programs in the current political climate. In addition, 47.1% believe there will be reduced recruiting options for international MBA candidates at U.S. business schools. However, only 37.95% of survey respondents indicated that it was “very important” to have a highly diverse (40% international) MBA cohort. As one US-based respondent said: “International student representation is important, but more than 25% is not necessary.” For Poets & Quants reaction to this year’s SBC survey findings, read Marc Ethier’s piece, “For Applicants To Top MBA Programs, Trump No Deterrent.“ Additional key findings Respondents surpassed 500 total. 46% were U.S. citizens applying for MBA programs and 54% were internationals. Additionally, 37% of the respondents were female, 61% male, and 2% unspecified. International respondents included 28% Indian Nationals and a mix from Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America, Africa and Canada. The post MBA Applicants Unfazed by Trump, US Politics, SBC Survey Finds appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
04 Oct 2018, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Wharton School Receives Largest Single Gift in its History |
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The Wharton School has much to celebrate this week, having received the largest single gift ever in its history. A pledge of $50 million from alumnus Marc J. Rowan and his wife, Carolyn Rowan tops the Huntsman family’s gift of $40 million in 1998. The Rowans’ gift will strengthen Wharton’s ability to address the most complex global challenges and opportunities head on. Their generous funding will also support the Penn Wharton Budget Model (PWBM), the university’s economic policy analysis program. Largest Single Gift to Fund Major Priorities With this commitment, Wharton will recruit three Rowan Distinguished Professors to inspire faculty and students alike, and build bridges between academia and business. The Rowans’ gift will also support the appointment of a select number of Rowan Fellows for five-year terms. These designations will recognize and support Wharton’s most distinguished faculty in their commitment to innovative research and teaching. Rowan credits his own success to the inspiring faculty during his time at Wharton, lauding their commitment to cutting edge education.  Marc J. Rowan, W’84, WG’85 “Carolyn and I are honored to join the vision of the Wharton community to bring the School’s outstanding students face to face with the most important thinkers of our time. As top Wharton researchers advance and shape their fields, they transform the lives of their students, preparing them to make a difference in the business world and beyond,” Rowan explained in a press release announcing the gift. Additionally, the Rowans designated $12 million to fund the Penn Wharton Budget Model, the research-based initiative started to help launch Wharton to the forefront of public policy innovation. “I am deeply grateful for Marc and Carolyn’s extraordinary gift, which reflects their passion to bring to Wharton the most innovative researchers working on the world’s most pressing and important questions,” says Wharton Dean Geoffrey Garrett. “Their commitment is the cornerstone of a campaign that will empower Wharton, more than ever, to create leaders who will change the world.” Rowan is a co-founder and Senior Managing Director of Apollo Global Management, LLC. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Wharton School with a BS and an MBA in Finance. The post Wharton School Receives Largest Single Gift in its History appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
05 Oct 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Chicago Booth Expands MBA Deferred Admissions Program |
 This week, the Chicago Booth School of Business announced it will expand its MBA deferred admissions program to undergrads outside of University of Chicago who are in their final year of study. The Chicago Booth Scholars program allows admitted students to gain two to four years of full-time professional experience before coming to Booth to earn their MBA. This is the first time Booth has opened the deferred admissions program to outside colleges. Since its start in 2002, only UChicago undergraduate students could apply to the Chicago Booth Scholars Program. MBA Deferred Admissions Program Now More Flexible Than Ever Also, the school has expanded the available program options to its deferred candidates. Booth Scholars typically apply to the Full-Time MBA Program at the Hyde Park campus. However, students who wish to continue working can instead choose the Evening or Weekend MBA Program at the downtown campus. Stacey Kole, deputy dean for the MBA Program at Booth, notes that the program has attracted highly qualified students. “There is great talent beyond our own university, which is why we are opening this opportunity to students attending other colleges and universities,” she says. 2018 Program Snapshot Undergraduates admitted: 43 Booth Scholars GMAT range: 670-770 GPA range: 3.19-3.92 Females: 56% Internationals: 26% The next application deadline is April 4, 2019. The $250 application fee is waived for all Chicago Booth Scholars applicants. Scholars must maintain full-time professional experience during the deferment period—a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years. Students can take the GMAT and GRE while still in test-taking mode and before they enter the busy working world. The deferred admissions program also creates an environment in which young professionals can find their career paths. Booth Dean Madhav Rajan says, “Broadening the Chicago Booth Scholars Program by providing even greater access to exceptional undergraduates reflects Booth’s mission to influence and educate current and future leaders.” The post Chicago Booth Expands MBA Deferred Admissions Program appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
08 Oct 2018, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: More MBA Applicants Now Subject to Social Media Review |
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Are you ultra active on social media pages like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn? Did you know that admissions officers increasingly review an applicant’s social media profile before making final admit decisions? In fact, the percentage of admissions officers at America’s law schools and business schools who have checked out applicants’ online profiles to learn more about them has hit record highs, at 56 percent and 40 percent, respectively, according to new Kaplan Test Prep research. Compare that to 2011 — the first year Kaplan began asking this question — when just 37 percent of law school admissions officers and 22 percent of business school admissions officers examined social media posts.https://www.twitter.com/KaplanGMATPrep Social Media Review is Fair Game for Admissions Officers Although an overwhelming majority of admissions officers consider social media profile checks completely acceptable, the actual occurrence of such checks happens at a significantly lower rate. In fact, Kaplan’s surveys found that 91 percent of law school admissions officers and 71 percent of business school admissions officers say visiting applicants’ social media profiles is “fair game,” as opposed to “an invasion or privacy and shouldn’t be done.” https://www.twitter.com/KaplanGMATPrep  Curiously, law school applicants had a higher rate of problematic social media content compared to their business school counterparts, at 66 percent and 36 percent, respectively. Law school admissions officers most cited things like “inappropriate photos” of applicants’ underage drinking, or engaged in “unsavory activities.” Others mentioned applicants who posted something racist, or posting about undisclosed criminal activity. Business school admissions officers, on the other hand, more often cited applicants who misrepresented their professional experience. https://www.twitter.com/KaplanGMATPrep On the flip side, 29 percent of law school admissions say that what they found has helped applicants’ admissions chances. This compared to a much larger 46 percent for business school admissions officers. Both groups cited discovering community service activities unmentioned in the traditional application as aiding applicants’ admissions chances. Noah Teitelbaum, Kaplan Test Prep’s executive director of pre-business programs, said, “While what you post on social media is not nearly as important as the traditional factors in admissions process like your standardized test scores and GPA, always be mindful of what you post. Your social media footprint can potentially give you an admissions boost, but in some cases it can and will be used against you. Share wisely.” Our post on how to use social media to strengthen your MBA application will show exactly how you can solidify those good impressions created within the rest of your materials. The post More MBA Applicants Now Subject to Social Media Review appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
09 Oct 2018, 10:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Tuesday Tips: HEC Paris Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips |
 An amazing location in Paris and a strong leadership education distinguish the HEC MBA. HEC Paris boasts a high number of CEOs in its alumni community. Another distinction is an entrepreneurial spirit. The MBA program was recently named as one of the top MBA programs in the world. At HEC Paris you will have a diverse network as the student community is 90% international. If your life and career are focused in Europe, HEC is worth a strong look. Even if you are primarily focused on programs in the United States, think about adding a European MBA program to your list. We explore in more detail the advantages for US based applicants in this blog post. To learn more about how Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with your HEC Paris application, contact us. Essay 1. Why are you applying to the HEC MBA Program now? What is the professional objective that will guide your career choice after your MBA, and how will the HEC MBA contribute to the achievement of this objective? (500 words max.) The first essay in this set asks you about your future career, why now is the right time for an MBA and why HEC Paris is your choice. You will want to explain a bit about your past experiences, but avoid reciting your resume. Think about the key moments in your career that have influenced you or highlighted your skills. Those are the mini-stories to tell. Then, you can explain your career choice with specifics. What industry do you want to work within? What will be your function (marketing or finance, for example)? Do you have any desires for location and aspirations to impact the global economy? Also, note that HEC Paris has successfully assisted students with career changes and entrepreneurial dreams. If you are looking for a new career after your MBA, HEC may be the perfect place. Thorough school research will help you make the case to the admissions committee. You will want to explain what classes, professors, alumni and student community activities will help you achieve your goals. Essay 2. What do you consider your most significant life achievement? (250 words max.) HEC Paris is looking for leaders. Think about the experience that shows your character and demonstrates leadership. There is no time limit to this essay; you could explore something formative that happened to you as a teenager, or an achievement from last week. In terms of selecting the best example, you should think about an achievement that both demonstrates who you are, and also shows a moment that changed the course of your life. For example, perhaps you were given an assignment at work that was beyond your capabilities. That experience may have taught you how to leverage the experience of a team. Or how to research and learn on your own. Think about the achievements that stretched your abilities and taught you the most. A leadership example can also show how you worked with others and helped them achieve their best work. Essay 3. Leadership and ethics are inevitably intertwined in the business world. Describe a situation in which you have dealt with these issues and how they have influenced you. (250 words max.) As a future leader, ethics can determine how well your company performs. When you look at the devastating results of the 2008 financial crisis, or recent security breaches at major tech companies, it is clear that business can be influenced by public perception of ethics. Because ethics are so important, HEC Paris is asking this required question. In your own career you have likely encountered colleagues or leaders that were not guided by ethical behavior. When you have come across an ethical dilemma, how did you handle it? Explain the situation and how you felt, what you did, and the outcome of your actions. Ideally you have a lesson learned from the experience that has influenced your approach to leadership and ethics. Essay 4. Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be? (250 words max.) This essay is a creative way to explore your character and core personality. When you think about the opposite of who you are today, it shows how you view yourself. Where would a person leading an entirely different life live? What career would they pursue? What would be their family responsibilities? Think about asking your friends and family what they think as a thought starter. Describe this alternative life as specifically as possible and use the exercise to clarify your own core values. Essay 5. Please choose from one of the following essays, 250 words max.: a) What monument or site would you advise a first-time visitor to your country or city to discover, and why? b) Certain books, movies or plays have had an international success that you believe to be undeserved. Choose an example and analyse it. c) What figure do you most admire and why? You may choose from any field (arts, literature, politics, business, etc) This essay provides a few options for you to show the admissions committee your personality. You can choose to describe a part of your country or city, provide your point-of-view on an art piece, or discuss a leader you admire. Any one of the choices can showcase an aspect of your personality. The goal is to be specific and differentiate yourself. For example, if you live in a small country or city that is rarely visited by tourists, it might be interesting to describe a monument or site. Using the essay to describe your city or country is a way to explain what is unique about your life. If you choose instead to discuss a public figure you admire, you could explore your ideas of leadership or fame. Perhaps you admire persistence, or overcoming obstacles, or helping others. This is a way to again explore your core values. Whichever option you choose, get personal! Essay 6. Optional: Is there any additional information you would like to share with us? (900 words max.) An optional essay gives you space to describe any additional information you would like to provide to the admissions committee. Generally, optional essays are used for any confusing or concerning information in your application. In this case, you may use this essay to provide positive information as well. You may have a story about leadership or another achievement you would like to highlight. If so, this is a place to tell that story. If you have described your core values in the essays above you may be able to reinforce the story with this essay. This is the essay to use if you need to explain an academic issue, low GMAT, recommender issue, or gap in work experience. It is far better to fully explain any issues in your application than to leave the admissions committee to guess what happened. Explain your issue clearly and focus most of the essay on the correction for the issue. For example, if you had a low grade in a quantitative course in college, spend most of the essay describing how you have shown academic promise since then, rather than focusing on the negative. Avoid blaming anyone else for your issue. Instead, describe why this one incident is in your past and will stay there. You may also choose to skip this essay if you do not have another story to tell or an incident in the past to explain. Remember that it is optional. *** For more details on the HEC Paris MBA difference and the application requirements, visit the HEC Paris website. The post Tuesday Tips: HEC Paris Fall 2019 MBA Essay Tips appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
10 Oct 2018, 13:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: The Best Online MBA Programs of 2019 |
 Online MBA programs have gained a lot of traction in recent years. These days, an ever-increasing number of professionals turn to these flexible formats to help reach their highest goals. Overall, online MBA programs continue to deliver an ever more competitive educational experience. Plus, at the best programs, the instruction rivals that of students learning on campus, with classes taught by the same top-notch faculty. Earlier this week, the business school news website Poets & Quants shared its second annual ranking of the best online MBA programs with Forbes readers. To determine the results, P&Q sent out detailed surveys to both schools and program alumni over the past two years. According to editor-in-chief John A Byrne, more than 1,200 graduates responded. In a nutshell, Byrnes explains, “Our methodology is based on three equally weighted parts that take into account who gets in, what happens to them while they are in the program, and what outcomes occur as a result of the education.” Top Ten Online MBA Programs
Certainly, the school invested considerable infrastructure to develop online learning programs, training and supporting faculty and developing a dedicated instructional team and studio to build out the online MBA program curriculum. Where Each Online MBA Program Shines Programs with the highest admissions standards: USC Marshall, Indiana Kelley, Texas Jindal, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Carnegie Mellon. Best online academic and extracurricular experience, per alumni: Hofstra Zarb, the Jack Welch Management Institute, USC Marshall, Auburn, Carnegie Mellon, and Indiana Kelley. Top programs for salary boost, promotions, post-MBA career outcomes: USC, Hofstra, Texas Jindal, Auburn, Lehigh, and Kenan-Flagler. Best for connecting with fellow classmates: Hofstra (9.79), USC (9.52), Carnegie Mellon (9.43), and Kenan-Flagler (9.19). Next Up: What to Look For in an Online MBA Program For starters, you’ll need to consider many factors, such as cost, reputation, your preferred learning style, and career goals to determine whether an online or traditional MBA program is right for you. Then, if you decide to pursue the online MBA experience, there are a couple of things you should look for in a program. First and foremost, choose one accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB also accredits all of the top brick-and-mortar b-schools, and ensures that the program meets educational standards. In addition, look into pursuing online degrees with short-term in person residencies. Face-to-face exchanges will undoubtedly remain an important business skill no matter how much of our work takes place online. Ultimately, whichever program you choose in your MBA journey, a great fit with your goals and lifestyle will ensure the best results, from application to graduation. Curious to learn more about these rankings? Visit Poets & Quants for the complete picture of today’s online MBA landscape. The post The Best Online MBA Programs of 2019 appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
12 Oct 2018, 11:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Cornell Johnson MBA Students Enact Grade Non-Disclosure |
 Following a year-long strategic study, full-time MBA students at Cornell Johnson College of Business have voted for grade non-disclosure. This means they needn’t disclose their grades to recruiters until they have received a full-time, post-graduation job offer. What is Covered by the New Policy? The policy covers GPAs, grades in courses, and grades on assignments or exams. Exceptions include dual-degree students pursuing non-MBA roles, such as JD/MBA candidates who need to disclose their GPAs to law firm recruiters. Additionally, the policy excludes Johnson Cornell Tech students applying to positions not restricted to MBAs at the Cornell Tech campus. It also affects students applying for fellowships, public sector, international, and/or nonprofit positions. With recruitment for MBA graduates starting earlier than ever before, stakeholders needed to evaluate the alignment of academics and recruiting. As associate Dean for MBA Programs, Vishal Gaur, explains, “We hope that grade non-disclosure will encourage students to take more academic risks and think holistically about their education, personal development, leadership, and the impact they want to have in the future.” Does Grade Non-Disclosure Affect Recruiting? David Capaldi, director of Johnson’s Career Management Center, doesn’t think the change will have a significant impact. “Recruiters know how to ask the right technical and case questions to assess whether a student is ready for the job, and that kind of data is far more helpful to a firm than a GPA,” explains Capaldi, who worked on Wall Street for 20 years before returning to Johnson. “In investment banking, for example, our students have consistently shown their ability to perform in interviews and on the job. We continue to have a very high internship conversion rate for banking, and we are seeing similar trends in consulting and marketing this year as well. Ultimately, that kind of track record is what attracts firms to recruit at Johnson,” Capaldi says. Non-Disclosure Strengthens Collaborative Community “Teamwork and a community focus are foundational to Johnson,” says Victoria Wilmarth, MBA ’18, who served as faculty chair of the Johnson Student Council. She was also a member of the committee that studied the issue over the 2017–2018 academic year. “This vote helps bring Johnson’s academic experiences into alignment with the school’s values. I think this will deepen students’ commitment to collaborative learning and support academic risk taking for professional and personal development.” For more details on the change, visit the Cornell Johnson newsroom. The post Cornell Johnson MBA Students Enact Grade Non-Disclosure appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
15 Oct 2018, 06:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Yale SOM Scholarship for First-Generation College Students |
By some estimates, first-generation college students make up 30% of entering freshman classes. This sector of the population, being the first in their families to attend university, typically encounters significant financial constraints. In fact, economic challenges often dictate where a first-generation college student ultimately studies, shaping their lives in countless ways. Yale alumna Lise Chapman, ’81, endows new scholarship for first-generation college students. Yale SOM alumna Lise Pfeiffer Chapman, while not a first-generation college student, also faced economic hardships at that critical life juncture. For this reason, she credits a generous student loan from the Hattie M. Strong Foundation for allowing her to attend Stanford University and later the SOM. Now, to pay it forward, Chapman has endowed a new scholarship at Yale School of Management aimed at helping first-generation college students finance their own Yale SOM education. This is the first scholarship of its kind at the SOM. “This is something that I need to do,” says Chapman, a former chair of the Association of Yale Alumni Board of Governors. “I want to make a positive impact for first-generation and low-income students, and do it in a permanent, ongoing way.” “I could not have attended Stanford, and consequently Yale, without the help of others. Being grateful, I have continued to give back throughout my life,” Chapman adds. Connecting First-Generation College Students with Yale Alumni Chapman’s scholarship endowment relates closely to the 1stGenYale initiative she helped launch in 2016. “I saw the need to connect alumni as an important resource for students who share being first-generation to college or graduate school and from low-income backgrounds,” she explains. Since its founding, 1stGenYale has connected more than 1,000 alumni and students focused on building life and career strategies. Chapman and a team of 15 Yale alumni developed and organized the inaugural “1stGenYale Alumni Conference – Blazing the Trail: Being the First” last April, which connected many 1stGen alumni for the first time. In November, Chapman will be awarded the Yale Medal, in recognition of her service to the greater Yale community. “I want to help students feel that they all belong as members of the Yale family,” Chapman says. “I hope this new scholarship encourages SOM and other Yale alumni to make a difference in their own way.” Learn more about Lise Chapman’s enduring relationship with her alma mater, and reasons for giving back, here. The post Yale SOM Scholarship for First-Generation College Students appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
17 Oct 2018, 12:01
| FROM Stacy Blackman Consulting Blog: Best MBA Programs for Foodies |
 If you’re looking to channel your epicurean inclinations into a full-fledged career, don’t miss this list of the best MBA programs for foodies. Earlier this week, BusinessBecause had some fun exploring which b-schools offer programs for those interested in careers in the food and beverage industry. In today’s competitive job market, having an MBA specialization in this niche industry looks impressive on your resume. In addition, if you can seek out supporting internship or extracurricular activities, you’ll definitely stand out from the crowd. This type of specialized MBA can open doors to a variety of positions in the world of food and wine. You’ll explore marketing, financial, business, and management tools that will prepare you for leadership roles in this global, ever-evolving industry. So, have we whet your appetite yet? Take a look at these b-schools highlighted in BusinessBecause, which we’ve grouped by region. Each one is known for having a particular strength or emphasis. Best MBA Programs for Foodies in Europe SDA Bocconi…because, Italy. Their Master of Management in Food and Beverage prepares students for careers in food and beverage production, including manufacturing, retail, and hotel management. Royal Agriculture University. Based in the UK, this was the first agricultural college in the English-speaking world. Their MBA in International Food and Agribusiness prepares students for senior positions in food corporations across the world. Consequently, previous graduates have gone on to work with Moet Hennessy and the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Office. TIAS School for Business and Society. Their EMBA in Food and Agribusiness is a joint degree with another leading research university in the Netherlands, Wageningen. In fact, the Netherlands is one of the best places in the world to kickstart your career in the food industry. BusinessBecause notes that the country is second only to the US as the largest exporter of agricultural products in the world. Best MBA Programs for Foodies in North America Harvard Business School. The top-ranked business school offers a specialization in Food and Agribusiness. Accordingly, it takes a broader look at the sector, touching on technological advances, public policy, and risk management. IU Kelley School of Business. Kelley offers a joint MBA/Master of Science in agricultural economics alongside Purdue University’s College of Agriculture. Purdue ranks in the top 10 universities worldwide by QS for Agriculture and Forestry this year. Furthermore, the Kelley MBA also performs well across the rankings. BusinessBecause says you’ll get two world-class degrees instead of just one. Chicago Booth School of Business. At Booth, MBA students can join the FEAD (Food, Environment, Agribusiness, Development) society. FEAD has more than 1,000 current Booth students and alumni members interested in careers in food and agriculture. This powerhouse of a group routinely put students in touch with large-scale food and agriculture companies. Sonoma State University. Located in the heart of California wine country, Sonoma’s MBA in Wine Business gives students the knowledge to succeed in the industry. MBA program candidates at Sonoma get all the standard business classes, including managerial finance and human resource management. In addition, they also study in-depth electives exclusive to the wine industry, such as international strategies and wine marketing. University of Alberta. Here, a MBA/Masters in Agriculture joint degree combines studies in management and the food industry. “The department is focused on solving current global problems including effective ways of growing food, sustainable forestry, and investigating nutrition and health,” BusinessBecause explains. University of Guelph. This well-ranked Canadian university’s College of Business and Economics has a dedicated MBA in Food and Agribusiness. For this reason, it’s known for attracting students from a range of industries including finance, consulting, and tourism. Best MBA Program for Foodies in Africa Sokoine University of Agriculture. Located in Morogoro, Tanzania, their MBA in Agribusiness prepares students for careers in food production, agriculture, or farming. BusinessBecause suggests that Tanzania offers a wealth of opportunities for careers in agriculture at the moment. Most noteworthy, the Tanzanian government aims to move from a low to middle-economy by 2025. *** Hungry for more details? Learn more about why BusinessBecause chose these schools as the best MBA programs for foodies here. Finally, take a look at our post Ask the AdCom: What’s Your Favorite Restaurant Near Campus? It has great dining recommendations for foodies near several top business schools. The post Best MBA Programs for Foodies appeared first on Stacy Blackman Consulting - MBA Admissions Consulting. |
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