Where Should I Work: A.T. Kearney or Bain?
A.T. Kearney and Bain are two of the top consulting firms in the world. They are elite organizations that offer employees a blend of prestige, high compensation, and exciting opportunities. So, it should be no surprise that they are highly sought-after employers for MBA graduates.
Continue reading…Georgia Tech’s Full-Time MBA Recruiter Answers Our 5 Questions
In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Amy Hayes, Full-Time MBA Recruiter at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. Hayes talks about what makes an ideal Georgia Tech MBA candidate, what to know before applying, and much more, below.
1.) What Advantages Does a GT Scheller MBA Have Compared to Other Offerings in Georgia?
“What makes Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business stand out is the way our curriculum and experiential learning opportunities explore the intersection of business and technology. Many of our students do come from a technical educational and professional background; however, we have nearly as many who don’t. All students are looking to address gaps, in technology or business acumen or both, to prepare to pivot into a new career or to gain a better framework for decision-making. In other words, our program is approachable no matter your background is. Our aim is to produce MBAs who understand how technology drives innovation in any industry. A general understanding of technology’s power is vital to any role. While many of our students take a broad approach to our flexible curriculum, we offer concentrations in seven functional areas and nine interdisciplinary areas that often draw students into our flagship coursework in Business Analytics, Strategic Sustainability, Marketing, Supply Chain and Innovation.
Additionally, Scheller is located not just in Atlanta, but specifically in Midtown Atlanta’s Technology Square. Our students benefit from an innovative ecosystem comprised of major global corporations, emerging tech companies, and many corporate innovation centers strategically placed to draw from Georgia Tech talent. This location positions students well with opportunities advantageous for networking. Among our extraordinary 12 practicum offerings, students are not only partnered with companies based outside of Atlanta (including Nike, IHG, Bank of America, Samsung, AT&T) but also work with neighboring businesses where there is opportunity to meet face to face regularly with executives of these organizations (including Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, NCR).”
2.) Is There a “Perfect” Kind of Candidate That Fits the School’s MBA Mold?
“Actually, we prefer to look at how a candidate can break the mold. What is it about your experience, your background, your career goals that will bring a diverse perspective to our program? Sure, we aim to bring in students who can be successful in the classroom and who we can successfully serve in terms of career placement, but I feel lucky to get to recruit prospective candidates with different stories and unique individuals to Scheller. Given our small program size of around 160 students, we have a tight-knit, collaborative community that commands intentionality in finding bright candidates with good character, great personalities, open-mindedness, and willingness to help others. I’m certainly held accountable by our current students to uphold our values in the recruiting process, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that they have a vested interest in who they will work and play alongside!”
3.) What Would You Say Students Need to Prioritize the Most Before Applying?
“I think as much as anyone dreads standardized testing, applicants should know that your performance on the GRE or GMAT is the one application area you can impact the most. Transcripts from undergrad are set in stone, and your work experience is what it is. Intentionally preparing for the GRE or GMAT and planning to test multiple times will not only help you achieve better results for admission and funding but might also set you up for better job placement as some industries will evaluate these scores in recruiting. When considering full-time MBA programs, it’s best to approach the testing phase with determination instead of dread.”
4.) What Would You Say Applicants Need to Worry Less About Before Applying?
“My recommendation is to worry less about exact courses you will take and mapping your MBA experience out before you get here. Having some degree of clarity about career goals and how certain classes or experiences within a program will help you get there is great to highlight in essays and interviews, but you should also be open-minded. Curiosity is a very attractive quality when we’re evaluating candidates at Scheller; and, I’m sure many programs would say the same. You’ll receive wonderful advising when you get to our program pertaining to curriculum and career goals. We find our candidates who are flexible and join clubs or take classes in areas they didn’t know they’d be interested in have the best experiences and see the most success in the long run.”
5.) If You Had to Choose One Book for a Potential GT Scheller MBA to Read Before Enrolling, What Would It Be?
“I would recommend Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth. It would be beneficial both in applying to business schools and in preparing to start business school as it contends that the best thing to arm yourself with is resilience. The application process is a journey in finding the best fit for you and you might have disappointments and new information coming to you that could shift the course you’ve charted for yourself. Your “dream school” might change. And, your business school journey might bring big challenges early on as you navigate the transition back into the classroom, are tested in your quest for a summer internship, and enter a world in which feedback freely flows from your classmates, career advisors, faculty, and even acquaintances. Your MBA experience will stretch you, but the return on your hard work will come in the ability to receive coaching and the perseverance you’ll carry with you throughout your career.”
Where Should I Work: Apple vs. Samsung
Apple and Samsung are two of the premiere mobile phone and technology companies in the world. But from the outside, it may be tough to gauge what sets them apart as employers.
Continue reading…Arizona’s MBA Admissions Assistant Director Answers Our 5 Questions
In our latest installment of the MetroMBA “5 Questions” series, we speak with Kimberly Winchell, M.A., the University of Arizona MBA Admissions Assistant Director at the Eller College of Management. Winchell talks about what makes an ideal MBA candidate, advantages at Eller, and the perfect holiday gift, below.
1.) Who is the Ideal Candidate for the Eller MBA Program?
“The ideal candidate for the Eller MBA program is someone who is looking to make strong connections with faculty and their peers while developing their business knowledge and leadership skills.”
2.) What’s One Clear Advantage Arizona Eller Students Can Expect Compared to Other Schools?
“Here at Eller MBA, we offer a boutique style program which means each student gets individual attention. This means strong connections with faculty, staff, alumni and many opportunities to get involved.”
3.) For Those on the Fence on Enrolling in Eller’s MBA Program, What Alternatives are Offered at the School?
“All of our MBA programs focus on teamwork, and the ability to communicate effectively with others. Our business communication classes are renowned for preparing students to be successful in their careers, whether it is Negotiation, or Crisis Communications, Eller MBA graduates are ready to problem solve.”
4.) Are There Any Changes We Can Expect Coming to Arizona Eller Soon?
“We have some exciting new features to our programs including a student ambassador group, and mentor programs. We are also growing our dual-degree options for students interested in pursuing more than just their MBA.”
5.) With The Holidays Coming Up, What’s One Perfect Gift You Could Give an MBA Prospect?
“An excellent GMAT score! What I actually hope for all prospective students is that they find the program that is the best fit for them, one that will allow them to grow both personally and professionally.”
Real Humans of the University of Michigan Ross School of Business Online MBA Program
The MBA landscape is rapidly changing. As schools look for new ways to invigorate the traditional business degree, newer, flexible programs are becoming a provincial point of focus. Some of the world’s more lauded institutions, like the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business—ranked as the 10th best business school in the country by U.S. News & World Report—have been more proactive about the sea change, recently introducing its first official Online MBA program offering.
Continue reading…Where Should I Work? Bain or Boston Consulting Group
When it comes to the consulting industry, there are three top dogs: McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group (BCG). These three elite firms offer a unique blend of prestige, expertise, and history, which make them highly sought-after employers, particularly for MBA grads. But since they’re all part of the same exclusive club, how do you know where to accept a job offer: Bain or BCG or McKinsey?
Continue reading…