by Karin Ash
How to Maximize Your Internship for MBA Admissions Success
In my opinion, there is no better way to affirm your career interests than by working in your intended field for a few months via an internship. An internship is also the most effective way for a company to assess your skills and determine your leadership potential.
If you are serious about pursuing an MBA in the future, it is important to note that many companies that hire MBAs value quantitative, analytical, and communication skills. During your internship, look for opportunities to volunteer for assignments that will allow you to gain or enhance these skills.
What specific skills do employers seek? And what can you do to earn yourself a full-time job offer once you’ve completed your internship? Focus on the following nine skills to position yourself for success both during your internship and after.
1. Ability to execute
Not only do strong leaders have creative ideas, but they also know how to execute those ideas and transform them into action. Accept every assignment with a positive attitude, and work hard to produce the best possible results. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, ask for an additional task or project, or proactively suggest other work you could do that would strengthen one of your target skills.
2. Teamwork skills
The most effective leaders help others shine. Offer assistance to your fellow interns, coworkers, and boss. Commend your coworkers for work well done.
3. Commitment
Demonstrate your commitment to your work and to the company by arriving early, staying late (if there is work to be done), and most importantly, completing your projects on time and with creativity, thoroughness, and excellence.
4. Communication
Make an effort to be social, and always communicate clearly with your coworkers, administrative assistants, and managers. Effective communicators appreciate people’s differences and learn how best to motivate and inspire a diverse work group.
5. A willingness to ask questions
When you don’t know how to do something or understand what is expected of you, ask for clarification. It’s important to be able to work independently, but sometimes you need more information before you can move forward. Employers appreciate when you seek information that will enable you to successfully complete your assignment.
6. Professionalism
When you answer the phone at work, start by stating your name and department. When you leave a phone message, speak clearly, and again, state your name, department, and phone number.
If you are working in a company’s office space, rather than remotely, dress similarly to the full-time staff. Refrain from wearing perfume or cologne to avoid offending anyone who might have fragrance sensitivities.
7. Precision, carefulness, and attention to detail
Double-check your emails and any written work to eliminate all typos, and use a spelling and grammar tool.
8. Friendliness
Smile! Display your positive attitude through your body language and energy.
9. Creativity/Innovation
When you apply to graduate schools, you will be competing against other excellent candidates who often have comparable college grades, GMAT scores, and experience. One way to stand out is by demonstrating your ability to think creatively. How do you approach challenges and solve problems? During your internship, look for opportunities to differentiate yourself through innovative ideas.
Securing an impressive internship is just one step – but an important one! – in putting together a competitive MBA application. It’s never too early to begin planning and strategizing! Accepted’s advisors are ready to guide you through the process of creating a winning business school strategy. Schedule a free consultation with an Accepted admissions expert for more information on how you can get accepted.
With 30 years of career and admissions experience at four universities, including Cornell’s College of Engineering and Johnson Business School, Dr. Karin Ash facilitated students’ entry into the world’s best companies. As an adcom member, she also evaluated applications and therefore knows what schools and employers seek. Want Karin to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
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