It might be difficult to think this far into the future when GMAT prep and essay writing are front and center, but I dare suggest that getting to know the alumni of your future MBA program should also top your MBA application to-do list.
The alumni have paved the way for your future path into an MBA program and each network is as unique as the program itself. Devoting some time and energy to this dimension of the application process will help inform your perceptions (and essays and future interviews!) about a program.
How do you do this?
First, do some substantial research on your desired MBA program and take time to reflect on your potential choices. Approach these actions with the intent to develop thoughtful questions about your program of interest. These questions will not only show the admissions team that you are well-informed, but you will also learn something in the process.
You can start your research by looking at school websites or by reading articles written by MBA faculty. Look at more than the headlines. Read student testimonials, blog posts, and watch faculty videos. There is real information behind each tab. Return to the website periodically. Many schools work hard to deliver new content on a frequent basis. You may also be able to access an alumni tab with articles, events, and career information that shines a light on your future network.
Reflection is a more personal exploration that will require some quiet time, a long walk with headphones and your favorite inspirational music, or a coffee with your best friend or mentor. If you are in the application process now, you have likely experienced an “a ha moment” that has led you to this blog and others. This moment is the seed of why you want an MBA. Answering this “why” question is something I often see candidates neglect to do. Some healthy self-reflection will help you arrive at a genuine answer and the ability to articulate this can help you stand out in the application process.
Next, be specific.
Asking an admissions officer, “can you connect me with your alumni?” is not enough. This is too broad. Schools have thousands of alumni in every different geography and industry. Help me narrow the search. Give me a reason to go out on a limb for you when you are not yet an admitted student. From your research and reflection you will understand who you want to connect with and why that conversation will be important as you progress.
Schools often have other means of making connections as well. Create a profile on a school website and provide some information on your background and areas of interest. During the active admissions cycle, Tuck provides prospective applicants an opportunity to be connected with alumni via the online matching of our Tuck Connections program. Check to see if the other schools on your interest list offer this opportunity also.
Finally, remember quality not quantity.
Please do not ask me for one alumnus contact and then ask for 5 more. Obtaining the first contact and then running with it shows focus and independence in the application process. I will be thrilled to hear of your progress, but I will feel hounded if your email is always something for my to-do list. Use your current network to build future connections in a sincere and deliberate way. This will bring success and understanding (and a feeling of accomplishment!) around getting to know the alumni network of your future MBA program.
MBA alumni are all around you. If you are able, open up to your professional peer group and tell them you are pursuing an MBA. Do they have their MBA? Do they have friends who have MBAs? Find out if there are people in your company, at your alma mater, or at your gym that have an MBA. Ask to be connected. This will be an easy ask!
Best of luck!
Be genuine, thoughtful, and ask good questions! Making thoughtful connections with your desired program speaks volumes for you in all interactions. Soon you will be able to answer the committee’s questions with examples of first-hand experiences which translate into stories that will be memorable!