Blog:
Five Reasons to Pursue an MBA If You Have an Undergraduate Business Degree
February 4, 2026
A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a fantastic degree for people seeking foundational skills and knowledge about business. BBA grads receive a practical education in core areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing while cultivating skills in critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and communication. The degree provides flexibility for graduates to become employed in different…
Finance to MBA: Five Considerations for Applicants
January 27, 2026
Finance is one of the largest industries that business schools draw from. Here, I use the term “finance” broadly, including corporate finance, investment banking, equity research, private equity, asset management, and other roles. MBA admissions committees like candidates with experience in finance, as they generally have the quant skills needed to succeed academically. The flip…
Should I Consider a Master’s Degree in Finance?
January 22, 2026
Are you aiming for a job in a competitive finance area such as risk management, corporate finance, or algorithmic trading but don’t want an MBA—at least for now? If so, consider applying for a Master of Finance (MFin/MSF) degree. There is high demand for skilled finance professionals, and this degree can prepare you for a…
Marketing Role to MBA: Seven Easy Tips to Get Accepted
December 22, 2025
More and more candidates with a marketing background are applying to top MBA programs, and the competition to land a spot in a coveted program gets fiercer every year. How can you capitalize on your background in marketing to submit the strongest possible applications? Here are seven tips to consider: Not sure what to do?…
Seven Tips for Low-Income MBA Applicants
December 11, 2025
Top business schools are increasingly seeking socioeconomic diversity alongside other dimensions such as race, gender, nationality, and professional background. Admissions committees understand that students who’ve navigated financial constraints bring valuable perspectives on resource allocation, risk assessment, and stakeholder impact that can’t be learned from a textbook—perspectives that make case discussions richer and challenge assumptions in…
First-Gen and MBA Bound: Tips for Standing Out in Your MBA Applications
December 4, 2025
Applying to business school is challenging for everyone. But if you were the first in your family to attend college, the process can feel especially overwhelming. From navigating college on your own to figuring out financial aid, internships, and career paths with limited guidance, you’ve already climbed mountains that most other MBA applicants never even…
Understanding Private Equity and Venture Capital: What MBA Applicants Need to Know
December 2, 2025
For years, private equity (PE) was the holy grail for many MBA candidates and students. Given the growth of the sector, an MBA is no longer required for certain roles, but firms still recruit heavily at top schools. Many candidates I talk to are interested in PE or venture capital (VC), but they don’t have…
Understanding Private Equity and Venture Capital: What MBA Applicants Need to Know
November 30, 2025
For years, private equity (PE) was the holy grail for many MBA candidates and students. Given the growth of the sector, an MBA is no longer required for certain roles, but firms still recruit heavily at top schools. Many candidates I talk to are interested in PE or venture capital (VC), but they don’t have…
What Is DEI, and Why Do Business Schools Care About It?
November 21, 2025
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is a collection of policies and programs within an organization designed to encourage representation and participation of people across all racial, ethnic, gender, religious, and ability backgrounds. With the increased attention being paid to DEI principles both across the United States and around the world, tomorrow’s business leaders need to…
CPA to MBA: Conduct a Pre–Business School Audit
November 12, 2025
Every year, thousands of accounting and audit professionals set their sights on top MBA programs. You’ve earned your CPA, served demanding clients, and climbed the ranks, but that alone won’t earn you a coveted seat at Wharton, Chicago Booth, or Columbia. Before you hit “Submit” on your business school application, take time to audit yourself—not…
Using Lessons from Greek Life in Your MBA Applications
October 20, 2025
Often, I have conversations with clients about whether or not they should use a story from their fraternity or sorority days as part of their business school application. As a former president of my sorority, I understand the leadership experiences available through Greek life, like most extracurricular experiences. As with any story in your application,…
Resources for Black MBA Applicants
October 10, 2025
Black students represent an important talent pipeline for firms across industries. In this blog post, we at Stratus outline several notable pre- and post-MBA programs that will provide a great launching pad for your professional career. (Note: Program details are subject to change. Please consult each organization directly to verify program availability and eligibility requirements.)…