Thomas M Heuer, Richard A. Forsythe Chair in Entrepreneurship at Miami University's Farmer School of Business, offers the following advice to candidates looking to stand out among the masses:
1. Get work experience before applying: "Miami requires a minimum of three years work experience, with the average being ten, before students can apply to our program," said Heuer. "Work experience will help reassure and affirm that you are making the right decision with regard to getting an MBA." In addition, what you bring to the table with your professional experience could end up being of value to your fellow classmates and the program itself.
2. Explain why an MBA is the next logical step in your career trajectory and why a particular program is the best place to achieve your goals: Admission committees want to know why your particular career aspirations will be satisfied by their program. Therefore, you should know everything about the program that appeals most to you.
“Every MBA student should clearly understand their own unique value proposition and allow the courses and the work to further develop their skill set and expertise. This is an opportunity to encourage differentiation between you and your peers,” said Heuer.
After working for 10 years in the aerospace industry, Tim Koch decided that the best way for him to round out his business knowledge and expertise was to get his MBA. He completed Miami's program in December 2016.
“My decision to pursue my MBA was driven by a personal desire to improve my overall business skillset and because I thought the sales and marketing concentration coursework dovetailed nicely with my future objectives,” said Koch.
3. Prepare a wish list of courses: What coursework do you want from an MBA program? What skills do you want to further develop through the curriculum? What professors you hope to work with and how any specialized programs available could help your career?
“A highly ranked program will emphasize the development of persuasive presentation skills. A prerequisite for any leadership role is your ability to inspire the people around you. Take advantage of every opportunity to build your communication skills in class discussion, team projects and MBA competition. Companies will embrace your ability to influence through persuasive communications,” said Heuer.
For Koch, investigating MBA programs for their maturity in content, structure and depth of professional talent in terms of the real-world experience in its teaching staff was definitely a priority.
"After a survey of MBA programs in the U.S., I felt that Miami's comprehensive MBA program was best tailored to meet my professional and personal strategic objectives," said Koch.
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4. Visit with program's director: "After applying, make sure you visit with the program's director to ask questions pertaining to the program's strengths, teaching philosophy, student expectations and job placement process," said Heuer.
Koch met with the director when he visited Miami’s main campus. “It was important to me to understand that the program approached my investment and expectations as seriously as I did,” he said. “In Miami I found a program that took an interest in my success and made it their mission to facilitate that success – everything from the investments in the professors’ talent to the presentation and appearance of their classrooms and facilities.”
5. Take a road trip: Finally, make sure that you visit the classroom to observe the teaching approach, student engagement and class activities. Talk to numerous students about the program -- their support of the program should be a major factor in your final decision.
"One of the ultimate determinants in my selection of Miami's MBA program was testimony from past students and folks familiar with the program. They praised the program's content, structure and approach. Moreover, many told of the ongoing relationships they had cultivated during their time in the MBA program," explained Koch.
“Networking and relationship building is a very important competency for individual career success. Where else but an MBA program to practice networking with other students, faculty and guest speakers. Identify your prospects and spend time with them outside of class,” advises Heuer. “These relationships may not offer a short-term advantage but will provide a long-term career impact.”
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