MBA Career Fairs: Do’s and Don’ts

MBA recruiting season is almost here, and many b-schools around the world are preparing to welcome candidates with open arms.

From making the right impression on recruiters to learning what they’re looking for in written applications, career fairs and information sessions are key to your journey to business school.

But how do you make the most out of your visit?

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you take full advantage of these events.

Don’t: Arrive late

As obvious as it sounds, arriving late will make you stand out for the wrong reasons. Getting to the event early will give you a chance to introduce yourself properly to current students, alumni, staff and faculty, and to make a good first impression.

Do: Research beforehand

Make sure you research the school to get a true sense of what the program might be like. Showing that you’ve come prepared makes you look good in the eyes of recruiters, particularly in conversations where you’re trying to find out more about the recruitment process.

Don’t: Ask basic questions

While asking questions shows initiative, there are good and bad questions to ask. Avoid inquiring about the most basic aspects of the program (application requirements, duration, elective and compulsory classes) that you can find answers to online, and instead focus on the more thoughtful questions. And no – asking a school rep if you have a good chance to get in isn’t one of them!

Do: Socialize with the right people

Meeting other aspiring MBA students is a good way to ease into the day, but the people you really need to impress are school representatives. Whether they’re faculty members or admissions gatekeepers, talking to them will give you a unique insight into the program and make sure they remember you when you apply.

Don’t: Let other people talk for you

If you’re attending a session with family members or friends, make sure to always speak for yourself. Approaching faculty and recruiters can be daunting, especially if you’re shy, but letting other people talk for you denotes qualities that might not make you look like a good fit for business school.

Do: Take note of what you see, hear and feel

While it may feel awkward to walk around with a notebook in hand, writing down your impressions on the day is guaranteed to help you in the long run. Attending multiple b-school events can be quite confusing, and you want to make sure you remember exactly your thoughts, as well as any highlights and low points, as you choose the ones to apply to.

QS offers a range of MBA events all over the world to help you embark on your b-school journey.

The QS World MBA Tour gives you the opportunity to speak with MBA admissions officers and alumni from top business schools – you can check out this year’s destinations here.

At QS Connect MBA events, you can attend prescheduled face-to-face meetings with MBA admissions directors from some of the world’s best schools, giving you a significant advantage in the application process. You can register to attend here.