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EMBA Bootcamp: Top Tips on Attending an MBA Fair

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By QS Contributor Updated Jul 21, 2014
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Ten tips to get the most out of an MBA fair

Attending an MBA fair? TopMBA.com offers its top tips on how to get the most out of your experience. 

Attending the QS World Executive MBA Tour might be the first opportunity you have to meet with admissions directors from the world’s top EMBA programs. Make your first impression a good one.

1. Don’t ask questions that can be found in FAQs

You’re just one of many candidates who’ll be meeting with admissions officers at education fairs, so it’s important you stand out from the crowd. Don’t waste the precious time you have with them by asking questions that can easily be answered on the school’s website. Do your research first. Find those answers to FAQs, and write down a list of questions that are unique to you. This will show admissions officers you’re serious about their program, and just as importantly, leave the right kind of impression.

2. Come with a résumé

Registering for the QS World Executive MBA Tour isn’t enough, you need to be prepared. Do your research into which schools are attending, focus your energies on your preferred programs and have your résumé handy. Most admissions directors are there for that initial meeting with prospective candidates, so don’t expect to be handing out your résumé to everyone you meet, but in case you’re asked, it always pays to be prepared.

3. Do your homework

Draw up a list of the EMBA programs which suit your individual criteria, whether that is program type, specialization, funding availability or location. You’re now one step closer to choosing your school. Next, map out the questions you need to ask to decide between these schools and focus on talking to them at the fair.

4. Don’t wear sandals

It may sound like a cliché, but that age-old saying “first impressions last” remains true. An ironed shirt and polished shoes will go a long way to letting the admissions directors know you’re serious about pursuing their qualification. The QS World Executive MBA Tour provides you with a relaxed atmosphere in which to meet with directors, but consider your appearance. It could make all the difference.

5. Don’t be a brochure-napper

Business school websites will have all the information you need when researching your EMBA program, for starters anyway. But no amount of time in front of the computer can replace the value of being able to meet with admissions directors of top international EMBA programs face to face. Don’t spend all your time browsing tables and filling your bag with brochures and school prospectuses; engage in conversation with the admissions directors and alumni instead.

6. Try to attend the panel discussion and seminars

The QS World Executive MBA Tour has an extensive range ofpanel discussions and seminars available at each of its fairs, so make the most of them. This is your opportunity to listen to the admissions directors and alumni from some of the world’s top EMBA programs; discuss topics such as the full-time versus the Executive MBA. Some panel discussions also include industry recruiters.

7. Talk to alumni

You’ll find out just as much, if not more, about business school life from those who have lived to tell the tale. Most schools will have a local alumnus and an admissions officer at the fair, so speak with them both. Talk to the alumni of the EMBA programs you are most interested in and find out what advice and recommendations they’d give you as a prospective candidate. They’ll be able to tell you about course workload, time management, specializations on offer and perhaps most importantly about work/life/study balance.

8. Don’t ask if the GMAT is necessary at the first meeting

Almost all EMBA programs will require applicants to sit the GMAT. Some may waive them if they feel a candidate has the right skills, but that’s something to be discussed further down the track. The GMAT requires time, commitment and focus, much like the EMBA itself, so having the GMAT shows admissions directors you have the motivation to pursue this qualification. However, if the first thing you ask is: “do I really need the GMAT?”, how will that reflect on you?

9. Trust your instincts

You’re considering investing a lot of time, energy and money into an Executive MBA program so make sure it’s the right one for you. Trust your instincts when you meet officers and alumni. Each school has a unique culture and you want to enjoy your time there. Selecting a school is a two-way process and you have to feel motivated by the people you meet.

10. Have fun

The QS World Executive MBA Tour is a fabulous opportunity to meet with some of the world’s top EMBA programs, so enjoy the experience. Don’t get nervous and uptight about it, simply relax and take things as they come. If you have to wait to speak with one of your chosen schools, use the time to listen in on the conversation next to you, you never know what you might find out.

Read Part 2: How to prepare for an EMBA, Part 3: The application process and Part 4: The interview process