Events & Promotions
|
|
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.
Customized
for You
Track
Your Progress
Practice
Pays
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Nov 1909:00 AM PST
-10:00 AM PST
What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.
Nov 1910:00 AM EST
-01:00 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 1911:00 AM PST
-12:00 PM PST
Round 2 is here — and it’s your chance to make your MBA dream happen! Join GMAT Club’s LIVE discussion with two top experts from The Red Pen, Gunjan Jhunjhunwala and Natasha Mankikar, as we break down everything you need to know- Nov 12
01:00 PM EST
-11:59 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs. - Nov 20
07:30 AM PST
-08:30 AM PST
Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth 
Nov 2010:00 AM EST
-10:30 AM EST
If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
Nov 2009:00 PM IST
-10:00 PM IST
Join our free expert-led Essay Workshops to discover how to choose impactful stories, highlight your core values, and align your background with each school’s distinct culture, making every word truly count.
Nov 2108:30 AM EST
-09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Nov 2109:30 PM IST
-10:30 PM IST
Learn how to craft powerful, authentic essays by mastering the 3 “WHYs” every top MBA program looks for: Why MBA, Why Now, and Why This School.
Nov 2408:00 PM PST
-09:00 PM PST
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!
19 Apr 2025, 11:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: Successfully Navigating a Job Change While Applying to Business School |
|
Originally published on March 21, 2024. Updated on April 17, 2025. What You Need to Know [*]A recent job change doesn’t mean you have to abandon or postpone your plans for applying to business school.[/*] [*]Instead, successful applicants implement several key strategies to get accepted in the wake of a job change.[/*] [*]Proactive efforts such as organizing events or leading initiatives at work or in your community can highlight growth and leadership skills in the absence of a promotion within your company.[/*] [*]Since MBA programs prefer letters of recommendation from your current supervisor, planning ahead by cultivating relationships with potential recommenders is crucial.[/*] [*]Communicating career transitions positively is essential, focusing on personal and professional growth rather than dwelling on setbacks.[/*] [/list] Are Job Changes and MBA Applications Mutually Exclusive? Not at all. Whether you left your last role because of a disappointing bonus, continued layoffs in the finance or tech sectors, or an unexpected opportunity, it’s normal to wonder how the change will affect your MBA applications. If you’re planning to apply in the next six months, the timing might feel off. You might worry that the admissions committee will view your candidacy less favorably—either because you haven’t been in the new role long or because there’s a gap on your resume. Here’s the good news: with a few smart steps, you can still get into a top MBA program. We’ve helped many clients do exactly that. If that sounds like the support you need, we’d love to learn more about your goals and help you create a strong, strategic path forward. Request an initial consultation Proactively Address Career Progression It’s a common myth that you need multiple promotions at one company to show upward momentum. That’s not true. A new role at a new company can demonstrate growth in several ways—like building new skills, leading larger teams, or managing more complex projects. Your resume should spotlight that growth. If those opportunities aren’t immediately obvious, create them. For example, share your expertise by leading a “lunch & learn” series. This shows initiative and leadership—even if you’re still ramping up in your new role. You’ll also be learning quickly, collaborating cross-functionally, and demonstrating value early—all things that admissions committees love to see. Position Yourself for Strong Recommendations Recommender selection may give you pause if you’ve recently switched jobs. Most top programs prefer that one of your letters of recommendation comes from a current supervisor. The key is to plan ahead. Identify someone at your new job who could eventually write a strong letter. That might be a manager, client, team lead, or partner. Work closely with them for a few months before making the ask. Don’t limit your relationship-building to the office. A casual lunch or shared interest—like golf or a favorite sports team—can help you build rapport quickly and authentically. Entrepreneurs can apply this strategy too. A co-founder, customer, or vendor can write a great letter if they know your work well and can speak to your strengths. Still unsure? Talk it through with someone—an admissions consultant, mentor, or trusted colleague who can be a helpful sounding board. A quick note on your second recommender: it’s perfectly acceptable to ask someone from a previous job, as long as they know your work well and can speak highly of you. Learn to talk about your job change positively This part takes practice—but it’s important. We get it. If your job change wasn’t entirely your choice, it can feel hard to talk about. But how you tell the story matters. Admissions officers understand that careers aren’t always linear. What they’re listening for is how you handled the change, what you learned, and how it’s shaped your goals. The most successful applicants are honest, thoughtful, and forward-looking. They don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, they emphasize how the experience made them stronger—personally and professionally. Unless a setback is specifically asked about, there’s no need to bring it up. Ready for support? If you’re looking for expert guidance on how to navigate a career change within your MBA application—whether in your essays, resume, short answers, or interviews—we invite you to request an initial consultation with our team. We firmly believe there’s no single blueprint for a successful professional path. If your journey feels unique or nontraditional, stay focused, think strategically (easier said than done!), and seek support when you need it. We’d welcome the opportunity to connect and help you move forward with a clear, thoughtful plan. Request An Initial Consultation FAQs How can I effectively demonstrate career progression on my resume after a recent job change? If your new role comes with a higher title than your previous job, you’ll want to make sure your resume is formatted to bring that to the forefront. But title aside, managing a larger budget, leading larger deals or transactions, and growing your impact are all great ways to show career progression. Alternatively, if your career move got you closer to your dream role or industry, highlight that in your essays and application short-answers. What steps can I take to ensure I have strong recommendations for my MBA applications, especially if I’ve recently switched jobs? You can identify one or two individuals, ideally your new manager, who would be in a position to write you a strong letter of recommendation. Then, proactively build a relationship with them. That will likely mean going the extra mile to take something off their plate, to anticipate what they need, or to fix a process that was unnecessarily manual. In addition to impressing them on the job, make an effort to build a personal connection. Ask them about their kids or how their recent vacation was. Or learn about one of their hobbies and show a genuine interest in it. Are there specific strategies for entrepreneurs to secure strong recommendations for their MBA applications? Yes, there are! Absent a boss or supervisor, we’ve had entrepreneur clients get great letters of recommendation from a co-founder, an investor, a vendor, or a customer. The key to a strong letter of recommendation is how well the person knows you (the applicant) and how closely you have worked together. As long as your recommender can speak knowledgeably about your professional strengths and accomplishments, then you’re in good hands. Once you’ve identified the right person, nurture and build the relationship. Just be sure to minimize any impact on your business. How can I communicate recent career transitions positively during MBA interviews or application essays? The first step is to think about the recent career transition positively. Focus on what opportunities you can now pursue more freely or what you’ve learned from navigating uncertainty. Once you feel more positive about it, it will be easier to authentically talk about it more positively. It’s OK to admit that it was a challenging time, if that’s the case, but then quickly pivot to addressing the outcome that was for the better and how you’ve grown from it. Resilience is an important leadership quality and business schools are looking for future leaders who can navigate the uncertain world we live in. Should I address any gaps or setbacks in my career trajectory in my MBA applications, and if so, how should I approach it? Yes, but only if it’s evident from your resume timeline and work history. You never want to leave anything to question in your profile and hope that the admissions committee will assume the best. Instead, you want to assume they will notice everything and proactively address any gaps or setbacks (like taking a pay cut from one job to the next) to alleviate their concerns. This also shows self-awareness. That said, some setbacks are more subtle and if you were able to overcome them without any impact on your external record then there’s no need to bring attention to it. Successfully Navigating a Job Change While Applying to Business School appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it.
-BB
28 Apr 2025, 08:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: The Best MBA Programs for Sustainability |
|
Originally published on August 24, 2023. Updated on April 23, 2025. In a world where environmental consciousness and corporate responsibility are top of mind, sustainability has become more than a buzzword—it’s a driving force shaping the business world. At its core, sustainability reinforces the idea that businesses can thrive while protecting the environment, promoting social equity, and supporting economic resilience. Top MBA programs have become training grounds for those who want a career focused on sustainability. If that sounds like you, read on for our list of the best MBA programs for sustainability. The Best MBA Programs for Sustainability Note that while we have assigned a ranking of sorts, each of the programs below offers a strong sustainability curriculum and resources. For our ranking methodology, we took into account the overall ranking of the institution, the prominence of each school’s sustainability offerings, and internal client feedback. While our other MBA specialty guides take post-MBA employment statistics into account, that was difficult to consider here as sustainability-focused careers span many industries and functions. If you’re exploring your options and want expert perspective that aligns with your goals, we’re here to help. Request an initial consultation 1. MIT Sloan School of Management Renowned for its pioneering spirit, MIT Sloan offers a Sustainability Certificate Program—and has since 2010. This initiative blends cutting-edge research with real-world application. The program emphasizes sustainable business models and innovative solutions that prepare graduates to make a meaningful, lasting impact. Explore MIT’s offerings: [*]Sustainability Certificate[/*] [*]Sustainability Courses[/*] [/list] 2. UC Berkeley Haas School of Business Berkeley Haas delivers a robust sustainability curriculum that empowers students to navigate the intersection of business and environmental responsibility. The coursework is designed to foster a deep understanding of sustainable business practices, ethical leadership, and systems thinking. Students have access to numerous interdisciplinary opportunities across the broader UC Berkeley ecosystem. Explore student opportunities at Haas: [*]Haas Sustainability Curriculum[/*] [*]Michaels Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business[/*] [*]Summer Minor in Sustainable Business and Policy[/*] [*]Extracurricular Opportunities[/*] [/list] 3. Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Stanford GSB stands out through its interdisciplinary education, hands-on learning, and commitment to innovation. The program incorporates sustainability into the core business curriculum while also offering practical experience in solving real-world environmental challenges. Additionally, students can pursue the MS Environment and Resources (E-IPER)/MBA Joint Degree, which further deepens their expertise in environmental strategy. Learn more about GSB’s sustainability focus: [*]Stanford Graduate School of Business’ Focus on Business and Sustainability[/*] [/list] For a deeper dive into what makes Stanford GSB unique—including insights on its culture, curriculum, and admissions strategy—check out our Insider’s Guide to Stanford GSB. 4. Columbia Business School Columbia’s Climate Change and Business Program centers on leveraging markets and business tools to tackle climate challenges. The initiative focuses on creating strategies that mitigate, adapt to, or even reverse the effects of climate change—locally and globally. In addition, CBS provides a range of sustainability-focused courses that explore the relationship between climate and business strategy. Learn more about the Climate Change and Business Program: [*]Columbia CBS Climate Program[/*] [/list] If Columbia is on your list, be sure to read our Columbia Business School Application Guide before applying. 5. Yale School of Management Yale SOM embeds sustainability across the curriculum. Students gain a strong understanding of how sustainable practices intersect with various business functions. This prepares them to lead organizations that operate both responsibly and effectively. The school’s emphasis on global leadership helps students approach challenges with a cross-cultural, socially conscious mindset. Learn more about SOM’s Sustainability Focus: [*]Yale SOM Sustainability Area of Focus[/*] [/list] 6. Northwestern Kellogg Kellogg offers a specialized Energy & Sustainability Pathway, which serves as a roadmap for students pursuing careers in natural resource-based sectors. The pathway includes courses that help students incorporate sustainability into investment decisions and enterprise strategy. This structure offers flexibility while helping students develop targeted expertise in this evolving space. Learn more about Kellogg’s offerings: [*]Energy & Sustainability Pathway[/*] [/list] Considering Kellogg? Take a deeper look at what sets the program apart in our Kellogg Insider’s Guide. 7. University of Michigan Ross School of Business Ross offers a unique dual-degree option through the Erb Institute, combining an MBA with a master’s in environmental sustainability or natural resources. This interdisciplinary approach develops leaders who can navigate the environmental challenges organizations face today. Ross also offers a Business and Sustainability Concentration, which complements the MBA with electives focused on the triple bottom line. These courses provide a well-rounded perspective on integrating sustainability into all aspects of business. Learn more about sustainability at Ross: [*]School for Environment and Sustainability[/*] [/list] 8. Darden School of Business Darden emphasizes experiential learning through its Sustainability Initiative. Students work on practical sustainability projects in close partnership with companies, nonprofits, and the broader community. The school also offers a well-regarded ESG concentration that gives students the tools to lead with impact. Beyond the classroom, Darden’s sustainable campus initiatives further reflect its commitment to responsible leadership. Learn more about Darden’s approach: [*]Darden’s Sustainability Initiative[/*] [/list] 9. Duke Fuqua School of Business Fuqua’s EDGE Center for Energy, Development, and the Global Environment prepares students to lead in energy and sustainability-driven industries. Through experiential learning and a concentration in Energy & Environment, students explore how to integrate sustainable thinking into real-world business decisions. Learn more about EDGE and Fuqua’s sustainability focus: [*]MBA Concentration in Energy & Environment[/*] [/list] 10. Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Cornell Johnson offers a wide range of sustainability courses and initiatives through its Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise. Students engage with real-world sustainability challenges, gaining perspectives that span industries and geographies. Experiential opportunities allow students to explore sustainable innovation and social enterprise in depth. Learn more about Cornell’s approach: [*]Sustainable Global Enterprise Curriculum[/*] [/list] Need Help Choosing the Right Program? We hope you found these resources helpful to decipher the best MBA programs for sustainability as you navigate your journey towards a sustainability-focused career. If you need further assistance in selecting the ideal MBA program for your goals, click here to request an initial consultation. Request an initial consultaton The post The Best MBA Programs for Sustainability appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it.
-BB
01 May 2025, 19:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
| FROM Vantage Point MBA Admissions Blog: How to Have Impressive Extracurriculars When You’re Busy |
|
Originally published on April 19, 2019. Updated on April 30, 2025. Keeping yourself involved in extracurricular activities while also gunning for that next promotion or trying to learn Python for your day job is no easy feat. That said, MBA extracurricular activities are an important part of your overall story — they reflect your engagement beyond the office and can be a valuable way to demonstrate leadership and initiative. We find that people are often caught in the position of feeling like they don’t have time to dive headfirst into a long-term leadership commitment outside of work and their personal lives, but they also recognize that being a passive member of something isn’t all that impressive on an MBA application. Don’t worry — there is a workaround. Though impressive and ideal if possible, you don’t have to chair a junior board or co-found a non-profit to demonstrate your ability to be a community leader. We’ve compiled a few ideas below that are both flexible and high-impact, with strong leadership opportunity potential. To better understand how leadership is evaluated in MBA applications — and how to position your involvement effectively — read more on demonstrating leadership in your MBA applications. If you still need more support identifying the right opportunities for you, we can help. Request a free consultation to talk through personalized ways to showcase leadership and community engagement in your MBA application. Request an initial consultation Catchafire The company Catchafire pairs you with a nonprofit project need, and the work you do is both very valuable for the organization and extremely beneficial for your MBA applications. Consider this: before writing this article, I quickly searched for projects available for finance professionals on Catchafire and found a request for a one-hour phone conversation with the Laguna Canyon Foundation to discuss how to allocate indirect costs properly. If you’re a consultant or a banker, odds are that you can help a lot — in just one hour. Then it goes on your resume, and you can even talk about the experience in interviews. These projects often end up being more impactful than you expect, as you realize how much you can offer in a relatively short period of time. For many people early in their careers, it’s eye-opening to see how much you can contribute even with just a few years of experience. When pursuing a project on Catchafire, you could treat it as a one-off project when you have free time, or as a gateway to more sustained remote involvement with an organization. Either way, it’s a strong leadership and community engagement story for your applications — and a fantastic way to give back to organizations doing meaningful work around the country. Taproot Another favorite way to build impactful MBA extracurricular activities — slightly more involved, but offering greater leadership opportunities if you have the time — is the Taproot Foundation. Like Catchafire, Taproot matches volunteers with specific professional experience to nonprofits in need of support. They offer a range of remote projects, as well as local, team-based opportunities where you can even sign up to manage a group of other volunteers (for example, setting the schedule and leading the project timeline). At the time of writing, there’s a posting for a remote social media strategy plan to support a nonprofit focused on increasing access to affordable housing, as well as a SWOT analysis project for an organization preparing a large-scale advocacy event to raise awareness and funding for childhood cancer. Some of our clients from large, well-known companies could create a social media strategy or lead a strategic assessment like this in their sleep. The nice thing about Taproot is that you can start with a remote project, and later take on a team-based opportunity if time allows. Taproot will also reach out with projects that match your skillset, making it easier to get involved. Once you’ve identified the right extracurricular opportunities, make sure you know how to present them effectively. For tips on highlighting these experiences in your materials, check out our article on how to make your resume MBA-ready. Why are These Better Than Just Attending Alumni Social Events? To be clear — absolutely attend your undergrad’s alumni social events. But completing high-need, skills-based projects for nonprofits allows you to demonstrate real, tangible impact, which is far more compelling. Unless you are organizing the events or playing a significant role in the planning or execution, it’s hard to spin attendance alone as leadership. You can’t just be on the mailing list and attend a few socials or galas and call it an activity — most admissions officers will see through that (and HBS might even press you on it in the interview). If alumni events are all you can manage, do them. But if you can get involved in something even a little more substantial — even just over the next few months — it will go a long way toward helping you build your overall brand as a leader and engaged community citizen. These are just a few of many options but hopefully this gets you thinking about some of the possibilities out there. If you want to brainstorm ideas for MBA extracurricular activities, request an initial consultationwith one of our consultants. Request an initial consultation The post How to Have Impressive Extracurriculars When You’re Busy appeared first on Vantage Point MBA. |
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it.
-BB
