The best negotiators understand the needs and challenges of the person on the other side of the table. You can apply this approach to the MBA interview process by considering the issues that are most pressing to an MBA admissions officer.
Admissions teams worry about whether the students they select will be able to obtain employment, make meaningful contributions to the class and community, and represent the institution with integrity. Whether you interview with a member of the admissions committee, a graduate, or a second-year student, think about your MBA interview from the admissions team’s point of view.
Here are some of the stakeholders that admissions officers are ultimately trying to please, so keep these groups in mind during the interview process:
The Career Management Center
Essentially, admissions officers are betting on how well you will fare in the recruiting process. One of the reasons that MBA programs have video essays is that they want a quick way to see how candidates will present themselves during recruiting. If a program admits candidates who struggle with recruiting, the career management team will beat a path to the admissions committee’s door to voice their complaints. Present yourself professionally and develop career goals that make sense given your work experience and the program’s resources.
Classmates
Much of the learning in an MBA program happens within your peer group. All students must have something valuable to share with their classmates, whether it is their Excel wizardry, their knowledge of business negotiations in China, or their ability to create persuasive presentations. Give your interviewer a sense of the value you will add in the classroom, on project teams, and in extracurricular activities. An MBA student conducting interviews will be asking themselves if they would want to have you as a classmate. Present yourself as someone who will add value to the MBA community.
Faculty and Staff
If you have been invited to interview, the admissions team already thinks you can handle the academic rigor of the program. The interview provides a glimpse of how you will handle yourself in the classroom and on campus (as well as in post-MBA roles). Will you be a student who monopolizes conversations in the classroom and in group projects, or will you be an active and supportive listener and teammate?
Alumni
A school’s brand lives on through its graduates. Alumni interact with current students during the recruiting process at many schools—and also in their companies as new recruits join their firms. If new hires from their alma mater do not represent the brand well, alumni will let the admissions committee know!
The University at Large
Universities thrive because their schools produce engaged and successful alumni who give back. Will you be a “net giver” or a “net taker”? The admissions committee looks for students who have made positive contributions to their undergraduate institutions, companies, and communities. Highlight examples that demonstrate that you will be a graduate who builds a lifelong partnership with the school.
Our talented team of counselors at Stratus have experience working as admissions professionals and conducting MBA interviews, on top of personally succeeding in MBA interviews to secure seats at leading MBA programs. We are available to discuss your individual situation in a free consultation. In addition, visit our blog for more guidance on preparing for MBA interviews!
