How to Make the Most out of Your MBA, From Applying to Networking

Deciding which business schools you’d like to apply to is only the first step of the long application process that will hopefully land you a spot on a coveted MBA program. From competitive admissions to starting your MBA degree, it can be hard to know exactly what to do and how to do it best.

We’ve caught up with recruiters and students from Boston College Carroll School of Management to find out how you can make the most out of your MBA experience.

Don’t let insecurities stop you

Hailey Tavares, Admissions Associate at Carroll School of Management, says students shouldn’t let insecurities stop them from applying to their dream school.

She said: “My advice to a candidate that’s applying with a lower GPA, lower test scores or less work experience would be to be transparent with the admissions team that you’re working with.

“Here [at Boston College] we take a look at every application holistically, so we’re considering more than just the part that you may be worried about.”

There’s no such a thing as a perfect candidate

Jackie Brockmyre, Associate Editor of Graduate Enrollment, believes every candidate possesses unique traits or experience that can make them stand out in the application process.

She said: “One myth about applying to business school is that some candidates believe you have to have a business background to be a quality MBA candidate, which I don’t think is true.

“From an admissions perspective, we value the diversity in academic profile and work history. We want students from Liberal Arts, from engineering, students who have worked in non-profit business, or a non-business background as well.”

Making the most is key

Cal Crawford, MBA student of the Class of 2020 at Boston College, says her MBA experience taught her the importance of making the most out of every opportunity.

She said: “The number one piece of advice I have for incoming students is to just show up. It sounds like a very simple piece of advice, but it’s actually very hard because time is very limited, and bandwidth is very limited for all MBA students, particularly part-timers.”

She added: “Whether it’s showing up at a social event for an hour or throwing your name in the ring for a potential applied learning opportunity, showing up […] can really make your MBA experience.

“Your MBA is intended to expand your network and challenge you in ways that happen beyond the classroom. Showing up brings you these opportunities that are at your fingertips. It just takes an extra effort that you need to carve out for yourself.”