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NYU Stern Current MBA Student Interview

January 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

NYU SternAccepted.com is continuing a blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Here’s a talk with Huriyyah Muhammad, an NYU Stern student who is passionate about travel and making movies. Thank you Huriyyah for sharing your thoughts with us!

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate and when did you graduate?

Huriyyah: I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio where I spent the first 16 years of my life. At 16 I was eligible to graduate from High School but instead chose to participate in an exchange program that allowed me to live in Khartoum, Sudan for a year and travel to surrounding nations in the Middle East and N.E. Africa. It was an amazing experience that instilled in me a love of travel, as well as an early look at cultures around the world. So much of what is taken for granted here in the US is hard to come by in nations around the world. It cemented a greater appreciation for creature comforts, as well as the opportunities that came my way.

Following my time in Africa, I enrolled in Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, where I majored in Computer Science and double minored in English and Mathematics.

Accepted: Why did you decide to attend NYU Stern?

Huriyyah: I decided to attend NYU Stern because I was in love with the community from the moment I walked in the door. While NYU Stern is highly ranked, there is a down to earth feeling that permeates the community. I got the sense immediately that everyone I came in contact with was rooting for my success, from the admissions team, to the current students I spoke with, to professors whose classes I had the privilege of visiting.

Accepted: What are some of your favorite things about living in New York City? Least favorite?

Huriyyah: Favorite thing is the diverse community. Least favorite thing is the dirt.

Accepted: What’s your favorite class so far?

Huriyyah: Probably Firms and Markets, a microeconomics class.

Accepted: Do you plan on continuing to work at Infinite Wings Media, the business you started, after you receive your MBA? In what ways are you hoping Stern will help you as an entrepreneur?

Huriyyah: Being an entrepreneur has been an invaluable learning experience, as has been producing multiple independent feature films. I’m very proud of the work that I’ve done and the stories that I’ve been able to help create. What became more apparent to me in the past few years however was that it was essential for me to increase my understanding in critical areas including finance, operations, strategy…etc. This is what I expected from an MBA, and so far, I have not been disappointed. What I’ve learned in such a short amount of time is invaluable, not to mention the connections that I’ve made.

What also became apparent to me over the past few years is that I missed working in a larger organization, one with the human and financial capital in place to really touch people around the world. Post MBA, I look forward to finding a place within a major studio or production company that has a long history of making films and that will allow me to bring my unique creative and business background to the table. I’m passionate about making films, and it’s how I hope to do my part to help make the world better for us all.

Accepted: I see that you are a member of the Consortium. What attracted you to the Consortium program? Is the program living up to your expectations?

Huriyyah: Yes, I am a member of the Consortium. Connecting with other top MBA candidates across the US who share similar cultural experiences has been great. Through the Consortium, not only did we get to meet, but we got to spend a substantial amount of time together toward developing relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Accepted: Can you share some application tips for other students applying to business school through the Consortium?

Huriyyah: The biggest tip I can provide is just be yourself. Also have faith that no matter what happens, it’s for your best good.

Accepted: Do you have any advice for some of our applicants who will be applying to NYU Stern?

Huriyyah: Make yourself visible.

Accepted: Last but not least, do you have a favorite place to curl up and study when you don’t want to be bothered?

Huriyyah: Yep. I go up to the Accounting Department and sit in the lounge. Pretty quiet up there. I guess everyone is busy crunching numbers.

Please visit our NYU Stern B-School Zone and Consortium Zone for more NYU- and Consortium-specific advice. Still haven’t decided which b-school are best for you? Download our FREE special report, Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for You, to help you narrow down your choices and begin your application efforts out on the right foot.

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Haas MBA Student Interview

January 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

UC Berkeley HaasAccepted.com is continuing a blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.

Here’s a talk with Amara Aigbedion, a student from Houston who is loving living in Berkeley and throwing herself into all sorts of new experiences at UC Berkeley Haas. Thank you Amara for sharing your thoughts with us! P.S. Amara used to take a helicopter to work…read on for more details!

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate and when did you graduate?

Amara: I was born in Texas and grew up in Houston. I went to high school and college in Houston (University of Houston). In undergrad I majored in Mechanical Engineering. I’ve always had an urge to be hands-on and had a knack for math and science. In my career I’ve been drawn to technology and energy. As a child I wanted to be an astronaut at NASA and was able to attain internships working on Space Shuttle Discovery during undergrad. Ultimately, I ended up working in the petroleum industry, which is the other industry that Houston is known for.

Accepted: Why did you decide to attend Haas?

Amara: The environment both physically and academically attracted me to Haas. As an aspiring entrepreneur I wanted to be in an environment that fostered creativity and openness. Haas also has strong networks within the companies in Silicon Valley. Some of the brightest minds in technology are out here and I wanted to be as close as possible to them.

Accepted: What are some of your favorite things about living in the Bay Area? Least favorite?

Amara: Best things are the proximity to great outdoor activities. Out here within my first semester, I’ve learned to surf, been hiking and rock climbing at several locations, visited Yosemite National Park, skied for the first time in Lake Tahoe, and took golfing lessons at Tilden Park Golf Course which is a few miles from campus. All of these activities are a short driving distance away. Being able to open myself to these activities has enriched my MBA experience.

The only negative thing about the area is that there are so many things to do that it is actually difficult to choose sometimes.

Accepted: What’s your favorite class so far?

Amara: So far I’ve only taken my core classes but my favorite class has been finance. Unfortunately I didn’t have the opportunity to take a business course in undergrad. However, I believe that regardless of one’s background, he should have a basic understanding of how projects and investments are evaluated. Understanding the fundamentals of finance has put a lot of things into perspective from my previous job to making purchase decisions. I now know how to go about determining the value of a company or asset as well as how to invest in the stock market.

Accepted: Do you have an internship lined up for next year? If so, what role did Haas play in helping you secure that position?

Amara: I don’t have a job set in stone yet but I have some offers that were afforded me through the Consortium. In the summer, prior to coming to school, Consortium students attend a conference and career fair (OP Orientation Program) where they have the opportunity to interview with top companies in advance of their classmates. The career coaches at Haas helped me update my resume, set up mock interviews with alums, and helped me with other preparation activities that prepared me for the Consortium OP Conference. This made my life a lot easier when I got on campus.

Accepted: Can you tell us about your job at BP?

Amara: My job at BP was a great learning experience. I started as a subsea engineer in deep-water Gulf of Mexico. In that role I was able to ride to work on helicopters and organize offshore campaigns performed by remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). I worked on several small and large projects from appraisal to operations. The oil and gas industry is very hands-on and requires expertise from a variety of disciplines. I was fortunate to meet interesting people of all walks of life from the rig hands in the field to the executives in the boardroom. I was able to learn the importance of various perspectives and how they contribute to the overall company objectives.

Accepted: That sounds like an exciting job! Haas is known as one of the more diverse business schools in the U.S. – was that an important criterion in your b-school search? How is that diversity enhancing your MBA education?

Amara: When I applied to Berkeley I was looking at the school’s reputation, the people, and environment. I have found that the people who choose to come to Haas are very down to earth and collaborative. Also, the proximity to outdoor activities, good weather, Silicon Valley and the Consortium fellowship were huge draws. It has helped to create a balanced life experience. I would have to say being in this environment has afforded me the opportunity to open myself up to having brand new adventures and acquiring friends from all backgrounds and ethnicities. I’ve been able to travel internationally with my colleagues, which has helped me to understand diverse markets and perspectives when it comes to assessing opportunities.

Accepted: What attracted you to the Consortium program? Is the program living up to your expectations?

Amara: I initially heard about the program from a friend three years ago. She informed me of the fellowship opportunity as well as some of the other benefits of the program. Namely that there was a common application that allowed one to apply to up to six top business programs in the nation, full and partial fellowship opportunities, and a summer career conference prior to one’s first year. I was intrigued and immediately began researching the Consortium

The Consortium has turned out to be a tremendously valuable organization in my life without which, I may not have decided to pursue my MBA at this time. The common application, fellowships, and strong network are only a few of the benefits that I have realized.

Even beginning in the application phase, the organization took a very hands-on approach to recruiting by hosting info sessions across the country and webinars. I attended one in Houston where I was able to connect with former alumni and obtain information about the member schools. The opportunity to be a part of this network of talented, like-minded, and genuinely warm-hearted people has a value beyond measure.

Accepted: Can you share some application tips for other students applying to business school through the Consortium?

Amara: Approach the application holistically. Admissions will be looking at four key components: resume, test scores, essays, and recommendations. Every piece tells a portion of the story about who the applicant is. The resume will tell them about his/her work history, the test scores let admissions know that the applicant can handle the course load, and the essays will speak towards what shaped the applicant’s future goals. The applicant should not neglect his recommendations because they serve to fill in the stories untold by the resume and essays. They speak towards the types of relationships and lasting impact that the applicant has made within an organization.

Accepted: Do you have any advice for some of our applicants who will be applying to Haas?

Amara: Haas has four defining principles that are very important to student life and help to differentiate us: Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Beyond Yourself, and Students Always. Take time to reflect on these principles within your own life experiences. Then think about how you can effectively contribute to strengthening the Haas brand while at school and within your other future endeavors.

Please visit our Haas B-School Zone and Consortium Zone for more Haas- and Consortium-specific advice. Still haven’t decided which b-school are best for you? Download our FREE special report, Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Choosing the Right One for You, to help you narrow down your choices and begin your application efforts out on the right foot.

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Consortium MBA Admissions Director Interview Available Online

December 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
http://www.accepted.com/mba/Consortium.aspx

Consortium students at CMU Tepper

Thank you for attending our recent Consortium Strategy Q&As with Travis McAllister and the reps from participating Consortium schools UT McCombs, University of Wisconsin, UC Berkeley Haas, Yale SOM, Michigan Ross, CMU Tepper, Indiana Kelley, and Rochester Simon. The school adcom representatives each talked about what’s new at their schools and how their programs view Consortium applicants.

Here’s an excerpt that covers some info on Consortium member perks:

Linda Abraham: Maria asks is, “What is the most valuable aspect of being a member of the Consortium?”

Robyn Winstanley: One of the most beneficial aspects is that it does allow you the opportunity to create a whole additional funnel of corporate sponsors and relationships that you can develop for your future career goals. So within each business school that you ultimately choose to attend, of course you can work through the Career Management Center and then networking opportunities available through the alums of that particular business schools, but being part of the Consortium will also provide you an additional set of organizations that can be very useful to you, depending on what your future career goals are….

Obviously another large benefit is financially. We certainly encourage all students who believe that they can fulfill the values and mission of the Consortium absolutely to apply, as we’ve already mentioned the ability to receive a full-tuition fellowship….So a combination of both networking opportunities and the financial advantages are the two key things that I personally would highlight.

Jim Holmen: [R]emember that the Consortium has been around nearly 45 years. So when you join any Consortium member school, you become a member of their family of alums, but you are also part of the family of the Consortium alumni from all the member schools, and that significantly increases the pool of candidates that will be a part of your network of friends and colleagues.

Linwood Harris: I wanted to add the fabulous experience that students will actually gain by attending the Orientation program….You will get an opportunity to set your future career path on fire. And it’s a great way to connect with 300-400 students who are actually in the same shoes as you are, coming into this incoming class….Many of the students who actually come to campus in the fall, by attending that orientation program, they’ve already received some interviews and some great offers for internship before they even step foot into any class because of their relationship of being involved in the Consortium.

For the entire conversation, please view the transcript or listen to the audio file on our website. (This excerpt is from the second Consortium Q&A event we held. Here’s the link to the first.) You can also read up on Consortium-related news and advice by visiting the Consortium Zone.

To automatically receive notices about these MBA admissions chats and other MBA admissions events, please subscribe to our MBA event list. To listen to the Q&A recordings on-the-go, please subscribe to the Accepted Admissions Podcast.

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This Week! Consortium MBA Application Strategies Q&A: Round 2

December 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment
http://www.accepted.com/mba/Consortium.aspx

Consortium students at CMU Tepper

Applying to b-school using the Consortium‘s application has many benefits, including convenience and membership perks. But with all of your focus on a single application, you’re going to have to make sure that you get it exactly right. Learn how to create an effective Consortium application strategy with Travis McAllister, Recruiting Manager, and school reps from participating Consortium b-schools in an interactive admissions Q&A on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM GMT.* If you are applying through the Consortium, then you won’t want to miss this chance to learn insider tips and advice on creating a compelling Consortium application, and in turn, enhancing the mission of creating diversity in the business world.

Register now to reserve your spot for the Consortium Application Strategies Q&A: Round 2!

What time is that for me? Click on the link to find out the exact time for your location.

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The Consortium Admissions Director Interview Available Online

November 7, 2011 By 1 Comment

We had an excellent Q&A last week with Consortium‘s Kellie Sauls, Libby Livingston, and Shandra Jones. The excerpt below provides advice on what Consortium applicants can do to make their applications stand out:

Linda Abraham: Angela asks, “What helps make the application stand out and get the attention of those making the selection?

Kellie Sauls:  I think what helps an application to stand out is, first and foremost, just making sure that you complete the application to the full degree. It can be a little bit unsettling to review an application and see a lot of blank spaces, and we can get really creative when it comes time to filling in that space….

Then, you dive a little deeper… All the components of the application need to be significantly strong. It’s a competitive process, so if you have some things that you’ve done in your background that really stand out and that are unique, if you bring those things out, it’s a really great way to make your application stand out. It pretty much starts with the basics: just making sure that you get the application completed, and then just making sure that each area is as strong as it possibly can be.

I think a really great area that a lot of applicants tend to overlook…is the letters of recommendation. … it’s a great way for someone who’s not intimately involved in the application process to substantiate all of the wonderful things that you’ve said … but also call out specific examples in regard to your strengths professionally…

Libby Livingston:  I think that what Kellie has said is great … I think you should try to visit the schools that you’re planning to apply to show your interest and that you know a lot about the program. Through the individual school essays, oftentimes you can share information about the program and why you feel it’s a good fit…. I think it’s important to definitely take the time to learn about the program and visit if you can. If you can’t visit, there are lots of webinars and webcasts that you can participate in to get to know the school.

For the entire conversation, please view the transcript or listen to the complete audio file on our website.

Want to learn more about the Consortium’s unique program? Register for Consortium MBA Application Strategies Q&A which takes place TOMORROW, Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 5:00 PM PT. For tips on submitting the best MBA letters of recommendation, please see Landing Winning MBA Letters of Recommendation 101.

To automatically receive notices about these MBA admissions chats and other MBA admissions events, please subscribe to our MBA event list.

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Consortium MBA Application Strategies Q&A This Week!

November 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
http://www.accepted.com/mba/Consortium.aspx

Consortium students at CMU Tepper

Applying to b-school using the Consortium’s application has many benefits, including convenience and membership perks. But with all of your focus on a single application, you’re going to have to make sure that you get it exactly right. Learn how to create an effective Consortium application strategy with Rebecca Dockery, Senior Manager of Program Administration, and school reps from participating Consortium b-schools in an interactive admissions Q&A on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM GMT.* If you are applying through the Consortium, then you won’t want to miss this chance to learn insider tips and advice on creating a compelling Consortium application, and in turn, enhancing the mission of creating diversity in the business world.

Register now to reserve your spot for the Consortium Application Strategies Q&A!

What time is that for me? Click on the link to find out the exact time for your location.

* Due to time zone differences, the Q&A will begin on the next calendar date for the indicated time zones.

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Consortium MBA Admissions Q&A Next Week!

October 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
http://www.accepted.com/mba/Consortium.aspx

Consortium students at CMU Tepper

Considering applying to business school through the Consortium? Join us for an interactive admissions Q&A on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET / 1:00 AM GMT,* during which Travis McAllister, the Consortium’s Recruiting Manager, and participating Consortium b-school adcom reps will answer your questions on Consortium admissions policies, goals, and benefits. The Consortium prides itself on its mission of inclusivity and diversity in the business world, only accepting applicants who have demonstrated their dedication to this ideal. With constantly expanding benefits for its members, including fellowship and networking resources, the Consortium strives to ensure that under-represented groups are able to excel in leadership and management. If you are applying to the Consortium,then this is an outstanding opportunity to learn all about this unique program and the potential it holds to change your life, as well as the lives of the people around you.

Register now to reserve your spot for the Consortium MBA Admissions Q&A!

What time is that for me? Click on the link to find out the exact time for your location.

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Consortium 2012 MBA Application Questions, Deadlines, Tips

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Consortium 2012 MBA Application Essay Questions

My comments are in blue. This year’s core application questions are identical to last year’s, and I’ve posted their guidelines from 2009 as well below:*

The following essay questions provide us with an opportunity to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, experiences, and any other traits and abilities that are considered relevant to your educational goals and long-term career objectives. Please include your full name and essay number or subject on each page. Type your essays in a standard size 8 1/2? x 11? MS Word document. Please limit each essay to no more than two double -spaced pages.

Core Essay #1 (Required): Please describe your short and long term goals post-MBA. How has your professional experience shaped these goals and influenced your decision to pursue an MBA degree?

This is a straightforward MBA goals question. Connect the dots between your past and your dreamed of future; show how the MBA is the bridge between the two.

In discussing your professional experience, don’t regurgitate your resume. Highlight specific, influential, and impressive events or projects in your career to bring out both what you like and are good at.

Core Essay #2: Is there any other information you would like to share that is not presented elsewhere in the application? You may also use this essay to provide further explanation of employment gaps, test scores, etc. (Optional)

This is a question with a split personality. On one hand, it is open-ended. On the other, the Consortium says that this is the place to provide context for anything that might need explaining. Use it for that purpose. If you are one of the lucky ones who doesn’t need to “provide explanation,” then you can use this optional essay to provide a different perspective on your candidacy by revealing something new, something not present in the required MBA essays.

If you would like professional guidance with your Consortium application, please consider Accepted’s MBA essay editing and MBA admissions consulting or our Consortium Packages, which include advising, editing, interview coaching, and a resume edit for the Consortium application.

Consortium 2012 MBA Application Deadlines

Application Deadline November 15 January 5
GMAT® and/or GRE Taken by November 1 December 20
Admission Decision Varies by school Varies by school
Fellowship Notification Mid March Mid March

Linda Abraham By , President and Founder of Accepted.com.

If you would like tips like these for your non-Consortium schools, please see our 2012 MBA Application Tips

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MBA Applicant Blogger Interview: Abhishek’s Journey

September 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Next up in our series of featured MBA applicant bloggers is Abhishek, author of the blog, “Beyond GMAT: The Quest Begins.” Please enjoy Abhishek’s thoughtful answers and use them to help you make your way through the MBA admissions process.

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from, where did you go to school and when did you graduate; and what prior degrees do you hold?

Abhishek: I am Abhishek Chakravarty, a middle class Bengali Brahmin boy born in Palamu, in the tribal state of Jharkhand, India. I went to Sacred Heart School, the only English medium school in the district of Palamu and later graduated from Manipal Institute of Technology in Karnataka, India as an electrical and electronics engineer in 2007.

Accepted: When do you plan on applying to business school? Which schools will you apply to? Do you think you’ll apply to a “safety school”?

Abhishek: I will apply to b-schools this year for full-time MBA curriculums commencing in 2012. I will apply to top US and non-US (India and Singapore) business schools. My application spectrum includes one from the Top 10, three from the Top 20 and two Safety Schools. (Two considering the fact that I want to get back to work latest by 2014. Fingers crossed!).

Accepted: How many times did you take the GMAT? Are you happy with your score?

Abhishek: I took the GMAT once and got a 710. Although I feel I underachieved by 20-30 points, I am not complaining; a 710 would still make me competitive for top b-schools provided I have stellar apps.

Accepted: Does cost play a factor in where you’re applying? Do you plan on applying for financial aid or scholarships? Has your current job offered to pick up part or all of your b-school tab?

Abhishek: Coming from a middle class Indian family, cost of the b-school is definitely one of the factors that will determine where I am applying. I understand that getting a top MBA is a significant investment and I need to figure out all possible sources of funding that would help me attend a particular b-school. In that light, scholarships become hugely important.

My post MBA plans are to enter the core Information technology consulting business. And since my current company is more of a services company, it offering to pick up all or part of my b-school tab is more or less ruled out, and is not an option really.

Accepted: What courses or experiences or people have motivated you to go to business school? How?

Abhishek: I am well versed in technology processes and I foresee a paradigm shift towards the way we look at technology. However, I lack formal management skills and definitely need better insights into the details of just how an enterprise takes shape, and survives. Also, the recent technological developments and changing business scenarios around these developments make a strong case for attending a b- school. Needless to say, a top MBA will not only expand my professional horizons but also equip me with strong networks to give my career a boost in the right direction.

Accepted: How has the current economy affected your decision to attend business school?

Abhishek: The current world economy while extremely volatile is also full of opportunities. It’s best to sit back, get your business basics right and learn from the present failures. I am an optimist all the way, and while the current economy does not emit great vibes, I sense a lot of activity in the technology domain. I want to be done with business basics and bolster my networks while things look down, because when they start looking back up (and we all know they will), I want to see myself as somebody who used the volatility to his advantage.

In the end, the current economy has not affected my decision to attend business school.

Accepted: Why did you choose to blog about the MBA application experience?

Abhishek: With a full-time job and simultaneously preparing for the GMAT, I came across a lot of issues that needed to be addressed. These issues ranged from what to study for the GMAT to where to apply after one had the GMAT score ready! And I always found most answers on the MBA blogging forums. Since I myself was a recipient of such useful data and information while I prepared for the GMAT and as I apply to b-schools, I decided to tell my application journey as well and add to the store of very useful advice. It not only helps future GMAT aspirants in their quest to the best GMAT, but also keeps fellow applicants informed and motivated about important b-school info and save a lot of valuable time.

Do you want to be featured in Accepted.com’s blog, Accepted Admissions Almanac? If you want to share your MBA admissions journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at mbabloggers@accepted.com.

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MBA Applicant Blogger Interview: Motown, Ms. HR, and Mads Mom’s Journey

September 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

  

Next up in our series of featured MBA applicant bloggers are Motown, Ms. HR, and Mads Mom from the blog, “Fortune 800: Our Journey to an MBA.” Please enjoy their thoughtful answers and use them to help you make your way through the MBA admissions process.

Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – where are you from, where did you go to school and when did you graduate; and what prior degrees do you hold?

Ms. HR: I was born and raised in Michigan. I grew up right outside of Ann Arbor (Canton) so it was no surprise that I wanted to attend the University of Michigan. I graduated from the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!!!) in December 2007 with a BSE in Electrical Engineering.

Mads Mom: I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio, but was never an Ohio State fan, although everyone assumes that I should be because I am from Ohio. Obviously, I did the complete opposite and went to the University of Michigan where I graduated in 2007 with a BA in Sociology.

Motown: I was born and raised in Detroit, MI. I also went to the University of Michigan and graduated in 2008 with a degree in Civil Engineering and minor in History.

Accepted: When do you plan on applying to business school? Which schools will you apply to? Do you think you’ll apply to a “safety school”?

Ms. HR: I’m planning on applying this year in either round 1 or 2. It depends on when I complete the best application possible for me. I have about 7 schools on my list as of now but I plan on narrowing that list down to 5 schools. My top 3 schools are Cornell, Vanderbilt and Kellogg. I’m DEFINITELY planning on applying to a safety school. I know where I want my career to go and I need an MBA to get there so I’m anxious to get started.

Mads Mom: I am planning to apply to business school for Fall 2012, during round 1 or 2. I have not narrowed my list of schools down yet, but some possible schools include University of Michigan, UCLA, Berkeley, NYU, and Cornell. I will definitely be applying to a “safety school” because I ultimately want to go back to school next year no matter what.

Motown: I’m pretty set on Round 2. That’s when I will have my transcript available for the class I am currently taking and when I know I will be very confident in my application. Also, I want to interview and apply at the same time. Not to mention, I want to visit some schools this Fall before apps are due. I feel like a lot of business schools are great, and I will be happy attending any of the schools I’m applying to, which is why I don’t have a ‘top’ choice. I am applying to 6 schools, 2 are Consortium and the rest are a range of safeties and reaches.

Accepted: Why do you want to go to business school? What are some of the factors motivating you?

Ms. HR:  I want to build some fundamental knowledge on business and HR. Coming from an engineering background I feel like it’s a necessity in order to be successful in my career change to HR Management. The main motivating factor for going back to school is most HR leadership rotational programs require an MBA or Master’s in HR. I know that an MBA will give me that fundamental knowledge so I can be successful in my future career. Another motivating factor, is just my pure passion for HR. I’ve had to work on some projects with HR and after every project I felt like running straight over to HR. I know without a doubt that’s where I’m supposed to be.

Mads Mom: I am a career changer, so I want to go back to business school because I plan to break into the new career field of high tech marketing. Some of the factors that are motivating me include the fact that I want to get into a career that combines my two passions for technology and design. Going back to school will give me the foundation I need, and the possible pay increase doesn’t hurt either.
 
Motown: I’ve always had a passion for helping out Detroit. So once I looked at my grad school options and did some research, I realized that an MBA was the best fit for me. I would love to increase my business acumen, expand my network, and hone in on my leadership skills. I desire to first pursue non-profit consulting and then eventually open a non-profit back in Detroit that focuses on urban and economic development.

Accepted: Does cost play a factor in where you’re applying? Do you plan on applying for financial aid or scholarships? Has your current job offered to pick up part or all of your b-school tab?

Ms. HR: Cost is a factor but at the same time it’s not really. If I get into my top choice school I doubt I would turn it down due to cost. I’ve done some research and there is money out there that you can get. I will be working extra hard to try and nail down some scholarships. I also plan on applying for financial aid. My current job does tuition reimbursement but I would have to go to school part time. I would like to take the time off and just focus on school and take in all a full time MBA has to offer as well as expand my network.

Mads Mom: At this point in time, cost is not really playing a factor in where I am applying. I definitely plan on applying for financial aid and scholarships, but I pretty much don’t want the factor of money to deter me from going to a great school. My current job has not yet offered to pick up part of my tab, but I haven’t asked or persuaded them yet either.

Motown: Cost definitely plays a factor, which is part of the reason I am applying through the Consortium. I also looked into schools that have loan forgiveness programs since I am interested in the non-profit/social enterprise space, which does not pay as lucratively as some other jobs. I will be applying for financial aid and seeking out scholarships/grants as well. My current job doesn’t offer to pay for business school for people that want to go FT.

Accepted: Do you plan on returning to your pre-MBA job (in a more prestigious/lucrative position) after you finish business school? Or do you plan on moving to a new function or industry?

Ms. HR: Eventually I would love to come back and work at my current company. I really enjoy working here but at the same time I would like to work elsewhere for a little bit to gain a different perspective and really see if the grass is greener elsewhere.

Mads Mom: I do not plan on returning to my pre-MBA job because it is in a totally different industry that I want to get into.

Motown: I’ve spoken to a few MBA’s at my company, so it’s not totally out of the picture. But for now, I plan on moving into a new company within a totally new function.

Accepted: What courses or experiences or people have motivated you to go to business school? How?

Ms. HR: The main thing that motivated me to go to business school is the exposure I’ve had to HR at my current company. That exposure made me realize HR is where I would like to go with my career. An MBA will help get me there. Another motivating factor was hearing the career paths my HR colleagues took. Knowing that an MBA helped some of them tremendously I’m more than willing to go back to school so I too can have some of those same opportunities.

Mads Mom: My mother has a number of degrees and if there was someone that motivated me to go to business school it would be her. Personally, I decided that I wanted a career change and to get where I wanted to go I knew I was going to need and MBA to get there.

Motown: As far as coursework, at Michigan I took this really cool class where we worked with a village in the Dominican Republic where we helped them filter their own clean water. That really changed my perspectives on technology and the possibility of leveraging it to help communities. Also, last fall one particular conversation I had with a JD/MBA was really inspiring and made me finally decide that an MBA was for me in order to reach my future goals. For a long time I thought MBA’s were just people that did investment banking, I had no idea about the wide range of careers that MBA’s could have!

Accepted: Why did you choose to blog about the MBA application experience?

Ms. HR: At first I was really against blogging. I didn’t think I would have enough time to write or enough things to say. It was Mads Mom that kept on pushing it and I’m so glad she did. Now that I’m in the groove of things I’m really glad we are documenting our journey. Hopefully it will help current and future applicants out and we will always have detailed memories of our journey. Without question, I’ve learned a lot from our readers. I think the collaboration between us and the readers benefits everyone. Also for me, blogging makes me think long and hard about the b-school process and I hope this in depth thinking will help me build a great application.

Mads Mom: While doing all my b-school research I came across a number of blogs, and just figured that maybe someone would want to read about mine. I knew I was going to be extra busy because I have a little girl, so pushed for Motown and Ms. HR to get into it together and it seems to be working out great. It’s fun to just write a quick note, even if no one reads it, so that you can look back and remember what you went through to get to where you want to go.

Motown: I personally love blogs and read them all the time. So when Mads Mom suggested it, I was excited about it. It’s great to just document this whole, introspective process and be able to look back and see how far we have all come!

Do you want to be featured in Accepted.com’s blog, Accepted Admissions Almanac? If you want to share your MBA admissions journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at mbabloggers@accepted.com.

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