Building Bridges with Current MBA Students

I am frequently asked whether or not an individual should visit a specific business school. A visit is not required and most business schools will tell you that the visit will not affect their decision. However, if it is financially feasible and the visit fits into your schedule, I always recommend that a candidate make the visit. One of the reasons is because of the opportunity you will have to meet current students and alumni at the business school.

In your business school visit, speaking with current students and alumni can be very beneficial. These individuals will hopefully be honest and friendly in sharing their business school experiences with you. Even if they describe an aspect of the MBA program that they really enjoy, it may not be particularly attractive to you. Some applicants have the benefit that they are friends with or work with students from the MBA programs they are looking to attend. This may not be the case for other people. If you do not have this opportunity, call or email the MBA programs you are applying to and ask to be connected with someone who may have similar interests. Additionally, you can search online for individuals at the business school and ask to converse with them. By doing this, you can connect with individuals who have similar academic interests and goals.

The majority of business schools will be able to help in your request for research. When you do speak to these individuals, make sure you know what you are going to speak and ask about. You should know exactly what you are looking for in an MBA program and you should aim to find out what your target MBA programs have to offer. Here are some things to remember when it comes to informal networking:

1) Don’t be too annoying! Understand that these individuals are taking time out of their hectic days to assist you. In my experiences I have had clients happily forward me emails they have had with accommodating contacts, and I wince when I see the high volume of anxious and persistent emails that the applicant has sent. Make sure that you limit your contact and that each email serves a purpose.

2) Always remember to say thank you. A show of thanks can really benefit your relationship. If your contacts can make the time, you should show your appreciation.

3) Have a purpose. When meeting or in a phone call, make sure to create and stick to an agenda. Your contact will expect you to have specific questions and won’t appreciate an hour of idle talk.

4) Don’t let them wait for the business school results. If your contacts have offered to help you, it is always a good idea to follow up and let them know of your results at the end of your MBA applications process. This relationship may be beneficial or enjoyable later on so don’t end it just because you are finished with your MBA application.

5) Remember that when you write your essays, to not just list the number of students you spoke with at a session. Rather, describe the new information you learned about the MBA program from students.

For more robust guidance on your MBA application essays, check out the Stacy Blackman Consulting Essay Guide Series – school specific guides with essay tips, sample essays, information on what your target schools value and more.

Founded in 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting has helped thousands of MBA applicants gain admission to the most selective business schools in the world. The Stacy Blackman team, comprised of MBA graduates, former admissions officers and expert writers, editors and marketers, helps clients develop and implement a winning marketing strategy. Stacy Blackman clients have a significantly increased probability of admission to top schools and are frequent recipients of merit scholarships. The company is regularly featured in publications such as BusinessWeek, the Wall Street Journal and the Economist. Visit the Stacy Blackman blog for daily news updates and admissions tips, and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

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