Share this article on...
Contact Us
- Report errors or inaccuracies topmba@qsnetwork.com
- Contribute articles contribute@qsnetwork.com
- Advertise advertise@qsnetwork.com
MBA interview with scholarship winner
The winner of a US$40,000 scholarship, Galina Petrova from Russia is about to pursue an MBA at Chicago Graduate School. She will graduate in 2010. TopMBA.com spoke to Galina on applying to business school, writing essays, and passing the GMAT.
What prompted you to apply for business school?
My decision to apply dates back to my studies in the university when I realized that I had a passion for business while most Russian universities taught economics in purely academic fashion. I aspired to learn as much as possible about the different sides of business – how it is done in different industries, in different countries, what makes companies successful and how one can manage them right. When I learned about the excellent career opportunities that a business school could open, I made my decision to apply. It turned out that business school could be both a great academic experience and a very important milestone in my career.
How well do you think the MBA is regarded in your home country?
After I got my acceptance letter, I realized that people around me had mixed feelings about it. When they first heard about my plans, they immediately asked why on earth I would need an MBA. The next day they approached me and asked how they could apply too.
Employers in Russia are also different in their opinions: some believe that the knowledge received during the MBA program is inapplicable to the Russian business environment, while others hire MBAs by the dozen and make every effort to reach out to them. Most Russian MBAs settle down in consulting, private equity and natural resources industries.
How did you get the ball rolling towards studying for your MBA?
I started with attending the information sessions, asking questions and deciding on which schools to apply to. The information I got from such sessions was valuable, because I could meet admissions officers and students and understand what schools had to offer. At the same time I was able to understand my own criteria for choosing the best school for me.
At one such session, I was advised to go for a campus tour and see the schools for myself. I followed it and visited five schools, made friends with current students, and kept in touch with them. Their advice on essays and applications was very valuable, particularly in the crunch of the second round deadline when I frequently called them and asked questions.
How did you get through the GMAT?
GMAT is a very tough test. I realized it early on when a good friend of mine, a mathematician, took it five times before he could get it right. From his example, I learned that most people underestimate the grunt work required to master the test. This work is time-consuming, highly frustrating, and difficult to manage. There are thousands of logical twists and dozens of books. When you are in the middle of a 400-page book at 3am in the morning - after having several cups of coffee - you need a good motivation to continue. To support my interest and morale during the six-month GMAT preparation journey, I created a system of tracking my progress. This system gave me direction: I knew exactly my percentage of correct answers, areas for improvement, and my progress. This system boosted my morale, made preparation enjoyable and fun. I owe my 760 to it.
How did you choose which schools to apply to and what were your main criteria?
I chose which schools to apply to on a case by case basis. While visiting a school, I asked myself questions such as: do I want to learn from these people? Do we have the same values? Do I feel comfortable here? How serious are students about their careers? Where are they headed after graduation? After my visit, my short list of schools became shorter. I applied only to those schools where I could see myself studying.
MBA Admissions