Q&A with a Member of the USC Marshall MBA Class of 2011

In this post, my former client (USC2011), who just graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business, has provided great insights into the MBA program.  USC2011 provided the following background information: "I am a recent graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business. I also completed my undergraduate studies at USC in finance. Prior to business school, I worked in finance and consulting before running my own restaurant. I will be starting my post-MBA career with KPMG as an associate in the Valuations group."

 
Adam: Looking back on your MBA experience, what do you think you have gained from the experience?


USC2011: Personally, the greatest of my lessons came from outside of the classroom in constantly being pressured to do a dozen things at once, in learning to work with all sorts of people and in learning to keep my cool in uncomfortable situations. Yet and still, if I had to pinpoint one thing that I have gained from the MBA experience, it would be the network of professionals that I have been invited into. Even though I earned my spot in the Trojan network when I graduated from the undergraduate business program, the Marshall MBA network was even tighter than I had imagined. This network has opened many doors for me and my peers and I firmly believe that it will continue to do so for the rest of my career.


Adam: What parts of the program have you liked the most? The least?


USC2011: The two aspects I liked the most about the program were the people and the entrepreneurship program. Our class had a truly diverse group of people representing all walks of life from a singer/songwriter from North Carolina to an environmental engineer from Turkey; and we were all bound by the Trojan network that I spoke of in the previous question. At C4C weekend in Stanford, it was truly amazing to see every Marshall MBA radiating in school spirit when we won the coveted Golden Briefcase.
On a more academic note, the entrepreneurship program at USC is top notch. As a former entrepreneur, I commend the program for preparing students in every aspect from conceptualization and realization of a business idea to the difficult personal decisions that follow in pursuing that business. I found the program to be very hands-on and practical. In fact, many businesses have been launched with the help of this program.
As for what I liked the least…I have to admit that I am biased. If I had to choose, though, I would say the location. There are plenty of things to do in Los Angeles. But there are only so many places in the immediate area that students can unwind at after a ten-hour group meeting.


Adam: To what extent do you think the school has delivered on its mission?
 
USC2011: I think the school was very focused on career placement and improving the quality of the program. This is an on-going mission that is still in progress but the program is becoming stronger in both aspects, though more prominently in career placement.


Adam: How would you describe the culture of the business school?
 
USC2011: The culture is reflective of what you would expect from a southern Californian school: open-minded, fun, entrepreneurial, etc. Add in some of that infamous Trojan spirit and you will arrive at the culture of the Marshall MBA program.


Adam: Did you actually have any time for clubs? If so, which ones are you active in?
 
USC2011: I specifically made time for clubs, as I was more interested in things that happened outside of the classroom. In my first year, I joined nine clubs. They were mostly career-related and they were a great way to learn more about career paths. I was a representative for the Entrepreneurship Club, Consulting Club and the Marshall Ambassador Program. In my second year, I was more selective about my choices, choosing only clubs that were relevant to my career and interests. I was the president of the Hospitality Club and became a career coach for first-year students.


Adam: Are there any common characteristics you find amongst your classmates?
 
USC2011: While my classmates possess the typical MBA characteristics, the one common characteristic that we have all obtained over the last two years was school spirit. We have tremendous school spirit and a strong bond within the Marshall network.


Adam: Are there any changes coming to the school?
 
USC2011: I was very excited to see that more and more prestigious firms have started to recruit at our school. Furthermore, the curriculum and classes are constantly morphing to meet student needs. I think they are also reinstating the study abroad program that was temporarily suspended while I was in school.


Adam: What is your opinion of the career services center at your school?
 
USC2011: Our career services center is great if you use it. Much like many other things in life, if you show the initiative, the career services center will take care of you. There have been many changes for the better. There are more career workshops as well as time for individual counseling. The office has been actively reaching out to companies/alumni for recruiting purposes and have been successful, as reflected in the placement record.


Adam: What is the job market like for you and your classmates?


USC2011: Placement this year has been surprisingly good. Not only are the numbers better than expected but the quality of the placement has improved significantly with many of my classmates entering the consulting and investment banking fields.


Adam: Do you have any specific advice for those considering application to your school?


USC2011: We are a very fit-driven school. Make sure you know what you are getting into before you consider the program.


Adam: Are there any specific websites or blogs that you would recommend that applicants look at to learn more about your school?
 
USC2011: A classmate of mine was writing a blog for the Financial Times. Here is the last article he wrote.

I want to thank USC2011 for taking the time to answer my questions. I wish USC2011 the best of luck as she begins to engage in her new career.

-Adam Markus

I am a graduate admissions consultant who works with clients worldwide. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form. Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to. Please note that initial consultations are not offered when I have reached full capacity or when I determine that I am not a good fit with an applicant.

Q&A with a Member of the Chicago Booth MBA Class of 2011

My former client, Booth2011, is an American who previously worked at a Big 4 accounting in audit and advisory.  After Booth, he will become an associate in an investment bank. 

Adam: Looking back on your MBA experience, what do you think you have gained from the experience?

Booth2011: A lot of what I would like to say is cliché - a great business education, a lifelong network, improved interpersonal skills and awareness, etc.  And no doubt these are true and extremely valuable.  But above all, I gained from my MBA experience a much-improved approach to solving problems and thinking about issues.  Being surrounded by so many smart and ambitious people and being exposed to their thoughts and ideas have really expanded the way I think.  There are many layers and subtle aspects to problems that aren’t readily noticeable but can’t be ignored.  The classroom experience and the continuous dialogue with professors have taught me to scrutinize my assumptions and biases and ensure that my logic is on solid footing before I present an argument. 

Adam: What parts of the program have you liked the most? The least?

Booth2011: The parts of the program I liked the most were the ones over which I had the most discretion.  The flexible curriculum, which Booth rightfully touts as a major plus, has allowed me to commit the majority of my focus to subjects that are directly relevant to my career interests.  Conversely, the aspects I enjoyed the least were the standard requirements that must be met to obtain the degree.  I didn’t enjoy as much the classes that I felt weren’t as relevant for me. 

Adam: To what extent do you think the school has delivered on its mission?

Booth2011: The school’s mission is to “challenge everything.”  This mantra manifests itself in every lively classroom debate.  Faulty or flimsy assumptions will simply not go unchallenged, forcing you to question many concepts that you would just as soon take as given.  When you’re around so many bright people who come to class and study groups with dynamic, innovative ideas, it becomes obvious that each of us has the ability to question the norm, disrupt the status quo, and push the boundaries of conventional business thought.

Adam: How would you describe the culture of the business school?

Booth2011: The culture is definitely one of collaboration, ambition, and entrepreneurship (both in the traditional sense and the sense of owning your career path and making it what you want it to be).  Outside of school, students are very open and seek to get to know each other on a personal level.  Although few people live in the immediate area surrounding campus, the classes are still very tight-knit and gather regularly at various spots around the city.  Each school has its popular stereotypes, and before coming to Booth I had heard them all – quant school, nerdy culture.  I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised at how well-rounded the students were and how far from that stereotype the school actually is.  It’s a tremendous experience academically and socially. 

Adam: Are there any common characteristics you find amongst your classmates?

Booth2011: Very intellectually curious, ambitious, willing to work hard to achieve a goal, and looking to have fun.

Adam: What is hot at your school right now?

Booth2011: There is definitely a buzz around entrepreneurship at Booth right now.  To be sure, the school has been and always will be a top target for employers in finance, consulting, management, and marketing.  But the Polsky Center and the New Venture Challenge (NVC) are both very popular, and students seem inspired by what other Booth alumni have done.  A great example is Bump Technologies, known for its “Bump” iPhone app. They have gone from winning the NVC to attracting nearly $20 million to date in venture capital funding.

Adam: What is your opinion of the career services center at your school?

Booth2011: The career services center at Booth is tremendous.  No matter what career path or industry you are pursuing, they have an extensive staff ready to help.  The recruiting process for more traditional careers like investment banking, consulting, or marketing is thoroughly mapped out to guide you at each step, while counselors are also well versed in helping students seeking less visible or more nuanced positions.

Adam: What is the job market like for you and your classmates?

Booth2011: The job market seems to have taken a very positive turn compared to the last two years, especially in financial services.  All the top employers come to the school and aggressively hire for internships and full-time. 

Adam: Do you have any specific advice for those considering application to your school?

Booth2011: Make sure you know specifically what about Booth makes the school the perfect fit for you and your career plans.  Learn as much as possible about the curriculum, extracurriculars, and school culture to show that you know what Booth has to offer and what you have to offer Booth.  Admissions wants people who know exactly why they need a Booth education as well as people who can enrich the makeup of the class.

I want to thank Booth2011 for taking the time to answer my questions. I wish him the best of luck as he begins to engage in his new career.

-Adam Markus

アダム　マーカス

If you are interested in my counseling services and would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form, which is publicly available on Google Docs and Scribed, and then send your completed form to adammarkus@gmail.com.  You can also send me your resume if it is convenient for you.  Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to.  See here for why.

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Q&A with a Member of the LBS MBA Class of 2012

My former client, LBS2012, is Japanese. After working 8 years for a global IT company as an engineer and a management consultant, he joined the MBA program at the London Business School in August 2010.

Adam: What parts of the program have you liked the most? The least?

LBS2012: What I like most is that the program is extremely flexible. For students who do an internship in autumn, they are allowed not to take any lectures during the autumn term. I also know some students who have a part-time job. Instead, some students sometime choose to graduate early. MBA program at London Business School is not just lectures but also everything that you can do for your career.

One specific program that every student appreciates is exchange program. Every year about 30% students go abroad to study. Because London Business School has a good reputation and is located in UK, it has exchange programs with many US schools, European schools, Asian schools, and so on. This year 6 out of 11 Japanese students are going to different countries for the exchange program.

On the other hand, one specific program that I could not enjoy was the field trip. In the lecture of operations management, students are required to visit a factory in UK. (Land Rover, Jaguar etc.) There were a couple of things to learn but we have more sophisticated factories all over Europe. In fact, until last year, students visited some different countries. There is a strong feedback system in the school so I hope the students from next year get to travel to factories in other countries.

Adam: What has most surprised you about your first year?

LBS2012: A well-known fact is that London Business School is a diverse school. Nevertheless, I was surprised by the truly diverse environment. For example, my study group has a Mexican, an Indian, a Bulgarian, an Australian and an Icelander. (No American or British!) Their jobs were management consulting, hedge fund, financial consulting, lawyer, and government officer. Americans and Canadians are the single biggest group at LBS but they consist of only about 15% of the students.

Adam: How would you describe the culture of the business school?

LBS2012: The culture is truly student-oriented. Almost all the club activities, trips, parties, forums and any other except lectures are initiated by students. For example, there are countless student-oriented trips such as Japan trip, Portugal trip, Istanbul trip, Russia trip, Hong Kong career trek, France career trek, Africa micro finance trek and so on. I think this is the unique aspect of London Business School where people from different countries can make use of their uniqueness and take their own initiative.

Adam: Do you actually have any time for clubs? If so, which ones are you active in?

LBS2012: Yes. I have enough time doing non-academic activities such as clubs except when academic workload is high. I actively involve with basketball club and Japan club. Also I participated in consulting case competitions. I personally recommend everybody to join some competitions because it is a great chance to learn from your teammates and expand networks even outside schools. In my case, although we lost at the final, I got a chance to travel to Barcelona and met a lot of students from other MBA schools.

Adam: Are there any common characteristics you find amongst your classmates?

LBS2012: Background of students is extremely diverse, but most of them are generous to difference. One reason is that almost all the students have spent their life in different countries. Also they have a common high level educational background or career experience. Many of them graduated from the top universities in their countries or spend their career in prominent firms. (There are so many McKinsey consultants from European offices!) I also feel the career focus is somewhat similar. Many of the classmates will do internships at investment banks or consulting firms. (However, at the same time, there are other types of students who focus on social, entrepreneurship, energy industry.)

Adam: What is hot at your school right now?

LBS2012: In the past few weeks, MBAT was the hottest topic among students. We created LBS kits and over 200 students went to France for MBAT. This was simply a sports competition (plus party) but you can strongly feel the unity of the school. You can feel the atmosphere of MBAT at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqQ_ANeAiIQ.

Adam: Are there any changes coming to the school?

LBS2012: One change is that the Second year project will become an elective for graduation. I think the project is the great chance to utilize what we learn for the real business issues. However, this change rather increases the flexibility of the program so this will help students who commit their internships or graduate early.

Another change is regarding visa. Until recently, students who acquire UK master degrees are automatically allowed to get a temporary work permit. This change has been thought to reduce the attractiveness of London Business School compared with the top-tier US schools. However, for UK companies, the requirements to issue new work permits for graduate students coming from outside EU are mitigated. As a result, MBA students still have enough chance to work in London. (In fact, many students got internships from UK companies.)

Adam: What are you doing this summer?

LBS2012: Fortunately I got two internship offers from a top-tier investment bank and consulting firm. Both offices are in Tokyo. I am also looking for another chance to work in UK for the next autumn term.

Surprisingly, many Japanese students got internship offers from companies/organizations in UK or different countries. In Europe, London Business School has a good reputation and it is not very difficult to get a job compared with US. It is true that a chance to work in Europe is another attractiveness of the school.

Adam: Do you have any specific advice for those considering application to your school?

LBS2012: One really important thing is commitment. Some misunderstand that London Business School does not require a strong commitment because it is a liberal school. However, the school culture is student-oriented. Therefore, the school requires the students who truly initiate something in the school. You need to keep showing why you want to be a member of the London Business School community at the initial application, interview, and any other chances to communicate with admission offices.

Adam: Are there any specific websites or blogs that you would recommend that applicants look at to learn more about your school?

LBS2012: I personally do not write any blogs but there are some Japanese students’ blogs that you can find at the Japanese student website, http://lbs-mba.jimdo.com/. The school also has its own student blog, http://blog.students.london.edu/. Also you can see some London Business School activities such as tattoo on Youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EswoNWK5Hw0.

Adam: Anything else you would like to tell us?

LBS2012: London Business School is a really flexible business school. If you want to do something except the lectures, you can manage your time and start what you want. This also means that the school and the students provide you with an immense opportunity of exploring your career and enjoying your life at London. Also we are in London where amazing number of business opportunities, entertainment and chance to network exist. (In reality, weather, food and public services are not good though…) I feel that half of the attractiveness of London Business School comes from its location. If you like London, why do you choose going anywhere else?

I want to thank LBS2012 for taking the time to answer my questions.

-Adam Markus

アダム　マーカス

If you are interested in my counseling services and would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form, which is publicly available on Google Docs and Scribed, and then send your completed form to adammarkus@gmail.com.  You can also send me your resume if it is convenient for you.  Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to.  See here for why.

ビジネススクール 

TUCK学校説明会開催のご案内

My former client who will attending Tuck this year asked that I post this about an upcoming information session in Tokyo.  This session will be conducted in Japanese.
-Adam
アダム

TUCK学校説明会開催のご案内

～TUCKの魅力を大解剖～

この度、Tuck（正式名称:Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth）の学校説明会ならびに懇親会を以下の要綱にて開催いたします。 本校の概要をはじめ、在校生・卒業生による体験談等をインフォーマルな形式にてご紹介する予定です。 全米最古の歴史をもち、小規模校ならではのインタラクティブなコミュニティ、チームワークを体感できるトップビジネススクールの一つ、Tuckの魅力を是非この機会にご確認ください。

当日は、2011年入学予定者も参加します。Tuckのみならず、MBA全般に関するご質問等にもお答えできればと考えています。ご多忙のところ恐縮ですが、ご調整の上、ご出席いただけると幸いです。

記

日時: 2011年7月2日（土）14:30～16:30 ［14:00受付開始］

場所: ホテルヴィラフォンテーヌ汐留　コンファレンスセンター会議室2・3番
　　　　　 http://www.hvf.jp/shiodome/

概要:　 14:30-15:30　学校説明会 ［プレゼンテーション、パネルディスカッション、Q&A］

15:30-16:30　懇親会

出席者:        卒業生、在校生、2011年入学予定者

お申込み: 完全予約制、下記URLから6月28日（火）までにお申し込み下さい。

     https://register.applyyourself.com/AYEventSchedule/Events.asp?id=dart-mba&pid=879

Tuck Official Website  Admissions  Connect with us

 Attend an Event  Register to Attend an Event

お問合せ: tuckreception@gmail.com

ホームページ: TUCKオフィシャルサイト

http://tuck.dartmouth.edu

TUCK日本人向けサイト

http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pages/clubs/international/JP/

※本説明会は、完全予約制となっております。定員110名になり次第、締め切らせて頂きますので、お早めにお申し込みください。

※お申し込みいただいた方には確認のメールを追って返信いたします。

以上

※インフォーマルな形式の会です。カジュアルな服装にてお越しください。

※ご家族・パートナーも大歓迎です。是非ご一緒にお越しください。

※本説明会は、卒業生・在校生・2011年入学予定者によって企画されたものであり、出願審査とは 一切関係ございません。当日、アドミッションからの出席はございませんので、予めご了承ください。

※Please note the entire Information Session will be conducted in Japanese.

Q&A with a Member of the HEC MBA Class of 2011

HEC2011, my former client, is originally from India and worked in the technology and telecom sectors in the USA as a senior software engineer prior to joining the HEC MBA. HEC2011’s Post-MBA aspiration is to work in strategy consulting in emerging markets.

Adam: How would you describe the culture of the business school?

HEC2011: 

Culture of the school

There are 2 distinct cultures within the HEC School of Management. The “Grande Ecole” which consists of Masters in Management and other Master’s program, has a French orientation. Most students in Grande Ecole are from France, primary language of instruction is French.

The HEC MBA on the other hand is very international. The French constitute less than 20% of the intake. The MBA intake is divided into 4 batches, 3 English and one bilingual. Most French opt for the bilingual section.

The program is collaborative in nature unlike the competitive nature of the US MBA programs. Most of the assignments are to be done in groups of 5. The groups are put together to have people from different nationalities, backgrounds and gender. Group work and collaboration constitutes a hug part of the MBA experience. For example, we just spent 2 days in a military boot camp at ST-Cyr, the French military office training school, where we had to accomplish tasks as a group, organizing the MBAT an annual MBA sports tournament of schools in Europe is also a team effort.

Adam:  Do you actually have any time for clubs? If so, which ones are you active in?

HEC2011: The HEC MBA program is divided into 4 semesters. Core1, Core 2, Personal phase 1, personal phase 2. Core 1 and Core 2 are intense and it is difficult to make time for the clubs. However, if you are looking for internship which happen in Personal phase 1, then joining the clubs and networking is the best way to get internships.

I was not keen on going on an internship, so my club involvement was limited. I joined the NETIMPACT club and organized a Social business conference on campus and joined case cracking sessions in the consulting club.

There are 2 intakes, one in September and one in January. All clubs have elections which happen starting October (for the September session) and May (for the January session).

Adam: Are there any common characteristics you find amongst your classmates?

HEC2011: Diversity of professional and life experience is the common characteristic of my classmates. Most have worked extensively outside of their home countries, speak 3+ languages are looking to work in a region where they have not worked before the MBA. In terms of international mobility, HEC MBA scores very high (FT rank 3 I think). Most of them live on campus in the same residence building. So one gets to know most of the MBA classmates. This characteristic makes the case discussions in class interesting.

Adam:  What is hot at your school right now?

HEC2011: HEC has traditionally placed most of it’s students in Industry (Around 44%).

The school is increasing it’s focus to place more people in the consulting and finance sectors. The school is increasingly focused on Asia-Pacific, India and Brazil due to the growing economies in the region (increased career treks, job posting from career services etc)

Adam:  Are there any changes coming to the school?

HEC2011: Recently there has been a change of leadership at HEC. Dr Bernard Garette took over from Dr Valerie Gauthier. First change is a movement in the direction of a more responsive administration. HEC traditionally has been a school run in a bureaucratic way by the Paris chamber of commerce (CCIP). Standards of customer service are far short of what one expects in the USA.  There is focus on improving the customer service.

There is a new MBA building with attached soccer fields and tennis courts taking place. It should be ready for the 2012 intakes. The facilities are going to be a huge leap than what the school offers now.

Adam:  What are you doing this summer?

HEC2011: I am taking electives until July and then heading to Sao Paulo for an exchange program with FGV, HEC’s partner institution and a leading b-school in Brazil. I will be taking classes to further improve my Portuguese skills, take Brazil specific electives and look for jobs post December.

Adam: Do you have any specific advice for those considering application to your school?

HEC2011:

First, understand the nature of the school and the program.

HEC MBA’s defining characteristic is the 16 month duration, diversity and the collaborative nature of the program. There is a distinct French influence on the school which is great if you speak French and love everything French or sometimes frustrating if you are not used to the French way of doing things. There is a difference in the nature of the program in the September and January intake.

Be clear about your post-MBA goals.

If you are looking to work in France or any industry where the French are strong, want to go on any of the great dual degree program HEC offers, want to experience and study in France, HEC is a great school.

The MBA program is a general management program and is not oriented to any one particular sector like Finance or consulting. Most students are career switchers. Understanding what you are looking for from the school and if you will fit into the program culture would determine whether your student experience would be rewarding or frustrating.

Importance of alumni networking.

HEC’s strength is it’s alumni network. If you come to study here, you will

probably have to rely on it to find a placement post MBA. So understand the importance of this network and do speak to alumni before you apply to the school.

Understand the application process and what the school is looking for.

HEC looks for people with strong work experience (average is 5-6 years). The median age of the intake is around 29-30, which is higher than the US MBA programs. HEC looks for maturity and diversity of life experience which will contribute to the class discussions. Applying early gives you a higher chance of admission. January intake has fewer seats than September. Do think of how you will finance your MBA. HEC does not have loan programs unlike other B schools and scholarships are limited are rarely over 15K Euros.

Importance of the French language.

If you are looking to work in France post MBA, it is imperative that you put in an effort to learn the language before joining the program. French is never a focus while you are in the program and it is difficult to pick up the language if you are living on campus in an English language environment of the MBA program.

Student living.

Be prepared for student living or if you cannot, try finding an apartment in Paris or Versailles well in advance. It takes time to find accommodation around here. The campus takes 1 hour to reach by train from Paris and a brisk 10 minute uphill walk to reach the campus.

The French influence (in both good and bad ways).

Be prepared to deal with the French way of doing things. The school still has not fully shed it’s bureaucratic nature of working and this can cause frustration. If you are a vegetarian, food on campus can be hard to take for 16 months. (This is not a trivial issue. 10 months with this food feels like eternity!)

Adam: Are there any specific websites or blogs that you would recommend that applicants look at to learn more about your school?

HEC2011: Pagalguy.com and gmatclub.com have informative threads about HEC MBA program.

Adam: Anything else you would like to tell us?

HEC2011: I like the HEC MBA program and the student experience it has provided me.

Living on the campus with the other students has given me the chance to get to know many interesting people. The collaborative nature of the program and the group interactions has deepened my friendships with many of them.

The program with it’s part case based curriculum and part lectures has given be a broad overview of different aspects of business and a new lens to see and think about problems facing businesses.

I want to thank HEC2011 for taking the time to answer my questions. I think he has given some really great advice for applicants.

-Adam Markus

アダム　マーカス

If you are interested in my counseling services and would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form, which is publicly available on Google Docs and Scribed, and then send your completed form to adammarkus@gmail.com.  You can also send me your resume if it is convenient for you.  Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to.  See here for why.

ビジネススクール