Getting into an MBA in the UK: The no B.S. guide from Candidate Coach 9798734608456

Table of contents :
Acknowledgments
I. REFLECTION
1 How to Use this Book
2 What is an MBA??
3 Is an MBA Even Necessary?
4 What about a Specialized MBA?
5 The Case of the Entrepreneur
6 When to Consider an Online MBA
II. RESEARCH
7 How to Begin: Research & Soul Search
8 Attending an MBA Fair
9 It’s All About Fit: Making Your Short ListLIST
10 Campus Visits
11 Engaging with Alumni & Current Students
12 What’s the Deal with Rankings?
13 Accreditation
14 Employment Reports & Career Services
III. APPLYING
15 Defining Your Brand
16 Make Your CV Sparkle
17 Diversity in All its Forms
18 When is the Best Admissions Round to Apply?
19 The GMAT Question (and Other Tests)
20 English Proficiency Exams (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).)
21 Essays: the Key to Getting Shortlisted for the Interview
22 Getting Reference Letters
23 The Interview
24 How the Admissions Decision is Made
25 Getting Waitlisted
IV. COORDINATING
26 Making Connections: Developing Your Network Early
27 Financing Your MBA
28 Scholarships
29 Loans
30 Visas: During & After your MBA
31 Insurance
32 Pre-MBA Summer Work
33 Quitting Your Job Gracefully
V. ARRIVING
34 Getting Around: From the Air to the Ground
35 Safety
36 Opening a Bank Account
37 Finding an Apartment
38 Getting a Mobile Phone Plan
39 Staying Healthy: Finding a Gym & Other Options
40 Food & Entertainment
41 Communication & Customer Service
42 Tourism
43 Learning the Language
44 Working During Your MBA
45 Internships
46 Exchanges & Double Degrees
47 Landing Your First Job Post-MBA
Epilogue: What if I’m Rejected
Glossary
About the Author

Citation preview

Getting into an MBA in the UK Eric Lucrezia

Avron Books Copyright © 2021 Eric Lucrezia All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author or publisher. ISBN: 9798734608456

For Kathie Lucrezia Matthews, who gave me life, supported the idea of my far-flung adventures with just a bit of trepidation, and whenever I come home to visit, serves the best lasagna and cheesecake you can find!

Table of Contents Acknowledgments

I. REFLECTION 1 How to Use this Book 2 What is an MBA?? 3 Is an MBA Even Necessary? 4 What about a Specialized MBA? 5 The Case of the Entrepreneur 6 When to Consider an Online MBA

II. RESEARCH 7 How to Begin: Research & Soul Search 8 Attending an MBA Fair 9 It’s All About Fit: Making Your Short ListLIST 10 Campus Visits 11 Engaging with Alumni & Current Students 12 What’s the Deal with Rankings? 13 Accreditation 14 Employment Reports & Career Services

III. APPLYING 15 Defining Your Brand 16 Make Your CV Sparkle 17 Diversity in All its Forms 18 When is the Best Admissions Round to Apply? 19 The GMAT Question (and Other Tests) 20 English Proficiency Exams (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).) 21 Essays: the Key to Getting Shortlisted for the Interview

22 Getting Reference Letters 23 The Interview 24 How the Admissions Decision is Made 25 Getting Waitlisted

IV. COORDINATING 26 Making Connections: Developing Your Network Early 27 Financing Your MBA 28 Scholarships 29 Loans 30 Visas: During & After your MBA 31 Insurance 32 Pre-MBA Summer Work 33 Quitting Your Job Gracefully

V. ARRIVING 34 Getting Around: From the Air to the Ground 35 Safety 36 Opening a Bank Account 37 Finding an Apartment 38 Getting a Mobile Phone Plan 39 Staying Healthy: Finding a Gym & Other Options 40 Food & Entertainment 41 Communication & Customer Service 42 Tourism 43 Learning the Language 44 Working During Your MBA 45 Internships 46 Exchanges & Double Degrees 47 Landing Your First Job Post-MBA

Epilogue: What if I’m Rejected

Glossary About the Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Special thanks to my editor, Annwen, whose efficient expertise, local knowledge from around the UK, and various experiences with prestigious British MBA programs have helped to make this work complete. Many thanks as well to the various colleagues and friends based in the UK, whose insights and contributions added to the richness found on the pages of this book, particularly Alex Jones, Susan O’Connor, and Aydin Erkohen. Contributing Editor: Annwen Gray Cover Art: Christopher Evans Back Cover Photo: Javier Sugo

1 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK This book is your one-stop-shop. A straight-to-the-point, no bullshit guide to the top MBA programs in the United Kingdom; from getting started to getting settled, by people who have worked for years on the inside of recruitment and admissions. The chapters of this book have been laid out in a logical and chronological order in which you will most likely need them. The book is also designed such that you can pick and choose, jumping to any chapter if and when you see fit. It is entirely customizable to your needs, regardless of where you are in the process, providing the support you need, when you need it. The contents of this book have been developed by distilling and refining thousands of conversations between MBA candidates and admissions and recruitment professionals around the world, resulting in the most important concepts that are paramount to your approach, research, and actions in the coming weeks, months, and years. The aim is to guide your thought process and research onto the right pathways, giving you the key questions to ask so that all the vital elements are considered before you make this once-in-alifetime decision to do an MBA or not. You will learn if an MBA is right for you, how to go about the research and application processes, and how to successfully enter the MBA experience in the UK, which will surely be a catalyst in propelling your career to the next level, should you choose to do so. The book is jam-packed with little nuggets of inspiration and pearls of wisdom, organized in a logical order that you should find quite useful as you begin or continue this journey. In addition to the main text, key points are highlighted in boxes like this one here:

This book is a practical guide to help you: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Find out if an MBA is right for you. Find the right British MBA program. Get admitted into your 1st choice MBA in the UK. Make the transition into your British MBA. Be prepared for success post-MBA, in the UK and beyond.

Selecting the right MBA is, in a way, not unlike buying a house. It’s expensive, it’s a huge investment, there are risks involved, and most people don’t do it more than once. Your choice in MBA is, however, even more permanent than purchasing a home; it’s the brand you’ll wear on your chest (and your CV) for the rest of your life. That said, it’s important that you have a certain methodology to your own process. This book aims to help you do that, and so here are a few conventions we’ll use to make things a bit clearer: 1. In this book, when we refer to an MBA, we’re speaking about a classic, full-time MBA, often called a Global MBA or International MBA. 2. Very often the words résumé and CV are used interchangeably. While some may argue that a résumé is a short version of your CV, in the MBA world, we’re usually only interested in the short version. For the purposes of this book, let’s just call it a CV. 3. Throughout this book, unless otherwise stated, the word GMAT is used to refer to either the GMAT or the GRE exam. While nearly all top MBA programs accept both exams, most candidates choose to take (and many schools have a preference for) the GMAT. Most of the information compiled in this book is based on MBA programs from top-ranked international schools. If you are reading this book, it’s probably safe to say you are targeting schools with a large international

presence, taught in English, and that have a well-regarded international reputation. Taking that as a given, the information presented here is based on the standards and expectations of such schools. At the same time, there can be great variation among these world-class institutions; therefore, it is fundamental to keep the following rules in mind when doing your research and preparation: The three Golden Rules of MBA research: 1. It depends. Every program is a little different. 2. Read the website first, and in depth. 3. Verify uncertainties with your recruiter/admissions representative.

Why these rules? Firstly, while the experts can answer many of your questions about the universe of MBAs with generalizations and tendencies, in many cases, the specific answer to your question can vary greatly or have multiple answers. For that reason, as you compare programs, most of the time the answer will unfortunately be “It depends.” How to deal with this? Your first step is to read the website for each program you’re considering. In theory, business schools have spent loads of time and money to create beautiful websites that deliver you all the information you need to understand what they’re all about, and how to get there. On behalf of recruiters and admissions reps from business schools around the world, please know that the expectation is that you do your homework first. So before you start firing off questions which can be easily answered from their website, it’s your job to read it in full detail. At the most basic level, it simply shows respect for their time. More deeply, however, it is an indicator of how autonomous you are and how much initiative you’ll take to problem solve. Of course not every topic can be covered by a website, and as school reps will often admit, the website isn’t always clear and comprehensive. So once you’ve gotten the basics out of the way, by all means, do approach admissions reps and recruiters, and ask them to clarify any points that remain obscure. That’s part of why they’re there - to

support you in your research, and encourage your application.

2 WHAT IS AN MBA? First of all, let’s define what an MBA is not. Despite the sound of it, an MBA is not a master’s degree. As impressive as the title is, Master’s in Business Administration is also a bit deceptive in that it is actually a level above a master’s degree; although a master’s is usually not required to apply for an MBA. An MBA is usually considered a terminal degree in business. While PhDs in business do exist, they’re not usually the most sought after degrees by those looking to work in the corporate world, nor by burgeoning entrepreneurs. A PhD in business would be quite suitable, however, for those looking to go into research or academia, as well as in some specific markets. In case you missed the introduction, when we refer to an MBA in this book, we’re speaking about the traditional full-time MBA (sometimes called a Global MBA or an International MBA). Additionally, most of the information compiled in this book is geared towards targeting MBA programs from top-ranked international schools, and is designed for those seeking a full-time MBA program to have that transformative boost in their global business careers. The main defining element of an MBA from a master’s (and other programs), is the amount of prior work experience. In the UK, and most of Europe, most schools require a minimum of three years’ full-time work experience. While there may be exceptions, this is usually a hard reality. So if you’re not there yet, and you want to begin a degree ASAP, you’d probably be best suited for a master’s program that doesn’t require that experience. On the other hand, there is such a thing as too much experience, which will vary from school to school. On average, beyond ten years of professional experience, you may be better suited for an Executive MBA program, which is much more adapted to that stage in one’s career.

The target experience range for full-time MBA programs in the UK is around 3-10 years of post-university, full-time, paid, non-internship professional experience. Employability At the end of the day, what business schools and MBA programs are looking for is people who are already strong achievers, to teach them a few things, plug them into their network, and put their stamp on them to be able to say, “Look what we made!” Of course this is hugely over-simplified and said in a humorous way, but one of the driving realities in the long term is that the reputation of any MBA program is only as good as its alumni. That said, a major focus in your assessment will be how likely you are to succeed in being hired into a well-paying job in the field of your target. This plays directly into the rankings and overall image of a business school, which we’ll discuss more, later in the book. Why is there a target experience range? From an admissions perspective, there is a very clear difference in the level of professional maturity or readiness, when we examine someone who has not worked enough in a full-time role, versus someone who has more substantial experience. Someone with at least a few years under their belt has a deeper understanding of office culture, as well as office politics. They have usually witnessed firsthand examples of strong and weak leadership. They have invested the time to learn a role deeply, get good at it, then often get bored with it, and yearn for something more. They have felt the pains that go along with having a career through a few annual cycles. They have had opportunities for promotions, raises, and potentially to manage other people. They generally have been given opportunities and responsibilities. And above all, they have figured out what they want for themselves professionally, and in some ways more importantly, they have figured out what they don’t want. All of these elements are key ingredients for a candidate to be considered “MBA-ready.” Conversely, the concept of too much experience is largely driven by the

corporate world and that key element of employability. True or not, a common perception by HR departments in the corporate world is that someone with too much experience may be untrainable. Another perception is that someone with more experience is too expensive, or won’t be happy in the role(s) they have in mind. With the number of applications most companies receive in a competitive market, they’ll simply remove the job applications beyond their target range of experience level (and consequently, age, which is usually directly correlated with experience). For that reason, MBA students on the high end of experience level may need to go a bit beyond the traditional career services available on campus to ultimately land that job post-MBA. In the name of staying relevant to the corporate world (which also impacts their ranking, reputation, and relationships with potential recruiters), business schools adapt their intake range of experience and age to the needs of the business world. At the end of the day, business schools can be viewed as gatekeepers for the professional world. Companies look towards business schools to not only do the necessary training, but also the necessary filtering of professionals who merit rising to the highest levels. The indices and metrics that are used are expressed through accreditation, which is discussed in a later chapter. So what is the sweet spot? In the United Kingdom, as with most European countries, the age range of late twenties to early thirties is what most corporations are looking for in hiring MBA grads. There are obviously many exceptions, and if you do your MBA well, set realistic expectations, and prove yourself in the employment recruitment process, you’ll likely get the job you’re hoping for at the end of the day. Excellent MBA programs work closely with their campus career services (and corporate recruiting partners, as well as faculty, etc.) in defining their student criteria, so it doesn’t help much to try to persuade them otherwise. The right timing is key.

3 IS AN MBA EVEN NECESSARY? If you’re reading this book, you probably are among those who could greatly benefit from what an international MBA has to offer. But it is true that an MBA is not the right path for everyone, so it is worth considering this point carefully, and it has everything to do with 1) where you’re currently at in your career, and 2) what your specific goals are. Like any degree, an MBA is a vehicle, and if your goal is to get to the moon, you’d better not get into a boat. There are many legitimate reasons for pursuing an MBA. Most people will cite increased salary and network as the main motivators for seeking such a program, along with enhanced knowledge and skills. More specifically though, one of the first ideas to pinpoint for yourself is the direction in which you would like the MBA to help take your career. Vertical? Lateral? Abroad? An MBA is surely a powerful catalyst to propel your career somewhere, but it would be too risky a project without a precisely calculated formula. Ask yourself the following question: What kind of move do you hope to make with your MBA? 1. 2. 3. 4.

A vertical move, staying in the same industry and function? A lateral move, pivoting to a new industry, function, or both? A geographic move to a new country? An entrepreneurial move to build something from the ground up?

That said, an MBA is probably one of the most transversal degrees out there, taking in young professionals from an incredibly wide variety of professional

backgrounds, developing them in one of the most dynamic and efficient ways, and sending them out into nearly infinite professional pathways. If you’re at the right point in your career and your professional goals are clear, there is a high likelihood that an MBA could be right for you. Simply the desire to have those three magical letters on your CV is not enough of a reason to take the risk of pursuing an MBA. That’s only ego speaking, or perhaps that of your parents, depending on your family background. An MBA without direction is like an airplane without wings. It is boat without wind in its sails, nor a map, a compass, or a destination in mind. It is therefore extremely important that you do the proper research and preparation as you approach this process, leveraging as many tools as you can, such as a book like this, a mentor, or the guidance of a career coach.

4 WHAT ABOUT A SPECIALIZED MBA? To be, or not to be (a specialized MBA)? That is the question. By definition, an MBA is generalist, so the question itself is paradoxical. Nonetheless, the rise in popularity of specialization in the world of MBAs is undeniable, and may be a good option for you, depending on your specific goals. Companies, too, have shown interest in MBA grads who possess a specialization in one field or another. But then are you pigeonholing yourself? In other words, is that so narrowly focused that some doors would close because of it? As always, the answer depends very much on you. How sure are you that you want to go into a particular industry? Some examples of specialized MBAs are in Luxury Brand Management, Hospitality Management, Agribusiness, and Sports Management, all of which call for a specific skill set that you would be exposed to during that specialized MBA, and probably more importantly, have a vast network of alumni and strong company partnerships in those very specific fields. For example, if luxury brands are your passion, you’re 100% sure you want to work in the luxury industry, and making a pivot to the luxury industry is your main reason for doing an MBA, then an MBA specializing in luxury brand management is probably a great choice for you. Such a program will likely have the most industry-specific courses, many close corporate partners in luxury, and a known reputation in luxury education, all of which will more likely connect you to your goal. If however, you’re only considering a move into the luxury industry, but there’s also a good chance you’ll work in some other field as well, then you’re probably better suited for a more traditional, generalist MBA program. That is exactly why this is one of the fundamental decisions you should make in your researching and soul searching phase, before you start sending out applications.

One of the best things you can do to understand how suitable a specialized program is to your needs is to review the contents of the program. As always, start with the website, but definitely go deeper on this one and ask your recruiter, speak to alumni, and perhaps contact the program manager to get more clarity on how much a particular program focuses on that specialization. If you really want to go deep, you can try asking your recruiter if it would be possible to connect with someone from the career services team who works with students in that specialization. Keep in mind however, that this may not be possible in the early stages of your research and application process, as Program Managers’ and the Career Services’ time is in high demand. Depending on the school, you may need to be further along in the process to gain access to such people. As a rule, all MBAs will have the standard nuts and bolts of an MBA (finance, marketing, organizational behavior, managerial accounting, economics, etc.), but what percentage of your time will be focused on the specialization of interest? You should ask: How many classes per term are on that specialization? What are those classes, specifically? What links does the program have to that industry? What percentage of graduates from this specialized MBA ultimately finds employment in that field?

5 THE CASE OF THE ENTREPRENEUR Does it make sense to study entrepreneurship during an MBA? Can entrepreneurship even be taught in a classroom? Many would argue that it cannot. After all, if an entrepreneur, by definition, is someone who goes off on their own to start something new, why would s/he choose to do a program that gives you training to be a leader in the corporate world? Here we are with another paradox. Yet, as counterintuitive as it may be, there are strong arguments for young or aspiring entrepreneurs to do an MBA. An MBA teaches the entrepreneur to fail efficiently. After attending hundreds of MBA events all around the world, meeting thousands of potential MBA candidates, many recruiters would agree that maybe a quarter of them mention entrepreneurship as one of the reasons, if not the reason, for doing an MBA. In reality, however, very few people actually pursue an entrepreneurial pathway during or immediately after their MBA. Most of the time they will end up choosing a path that’s more secure, particularly if no viable entrepreneurial project is coming to them. Once the reality of student loan repayment becomes more imminent, the task of coming up with funding when you’re already in the red can seem insurmountable. Conversely, there are those who hadn’t planned on becoming an entrepreneur who end up with a great idea they bring to fruition, often after connecting with like-minded individuals in their MBA class. If your business school offers an incubator, that can really help as well. While there is no magic formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur, incorporating the many lessons from entrepreneurship classes, developing and working your networks ad infinitum, and never giving up, there is a clear

advantage to doing a program, such as an MBA, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship. So what can an MBA offer to the entrepreneur? Simply stated, to fail efficiently. Great success does not come from one lucky first try; there are usually many, many attempts, prototypes, business models, team structures, marketing strategies, investors, etc. before the idea sticks and blossoms into something self-sustaining. Typically, most entrepreneurs invest considerable time, effort, research, work, money, etc. into their idea, hoping that it will launch successfully. And when it (almost inevitably) doesn’t, it can be heartbreaking. From a human perspective, the process can be emotionally draining to the point where it’s hard to pick oneself up to try again. Inspiration, energy, funding, and so much more can dry up, making it seem nearly impossible to do start again. Entrepreneurs must learn to deal with failure in a systematic way, and turn each failure into a learning experience. Studying entrepreneurship during your MBA teaches people how to manage expectations when it comes to starting up a business, how to pace oneself, what’s important and what’s not, how to prepare for mistakes and realize they are not failures, but part of the process. The key is to learn how to take those lessons, adjust accordingly, and relaunch again and again. Classes in entrepreneurship will also teach you how to write a viable business plan that’s in accordance with local laws, how to protect yourself and your ideas, hunt for investors, market your idea, as well as dealing with the burdens of success and growing your newly successful business. With all of those pieces put into place, ideas fleshed out, and topics covered, you will develop and grow a strong sense of confidence in yourself. You’ll know what you need to do and what not to do. You’ll learn critical reflection, how to be more flexible, as well as how to really sell your ideas as being the solution to a need that the public has. As education works to demystify many ideas, situations, and concepts related to entrepreneurship, students learn to take these actions into their own hands, and a real confidence emerges. And informed confidence is everything. Let’s not forget about the network. One of the most valuable components of any MBA program is the network you gain, and that’s arguably even more

important when you’re launching a start-up than when looking for a corporate job. Your MBA cohort and larger alumni network is one of the first places you’ll turn for investors, collaborators, and once the concept is launched, to spread the news to acquire customers. In sum, an MBA can be a powerful tool for the burgeoning or young entrepreneur; however, as always, it takes proper planning to make sure you get the most out of the program to get your entrepreneurial project off the ground.

6 WHEN TO CONSIDER AN ONLINE MBA With everything you get from the MBA experience, what probably trumps them all is the network. We can talk about how wide one’s network is, but let’s not overlook the importance of how deep it is. The depth of those connections will depend on how significant and how frequent the human-tohuman interactions were during the program. Regular face time with real people, where you can look them in the eyes, shake hands with them, share the pains of late nights trying to get all your projects done, and go have a beer to celebrate a job well done afterwards - those are the kinds of experiences that make for deep human connection. As much as we try to replicate human connection with ever-growing online platforms, it’s just not the same. After all, a bunch of people with whom you have online chats from time to time often ends up being not much more significant than your list of Twitter followers. Frankly, someone like that is far less likely to go out of their way to connect you to that interview you’ve been trying to get, or hook you up with an opportunity to take you to the next level. Since the appearance of Covid-19, the world has experienced a pandemic in the digital age, where seemingly endless solutions exist to bring people together. Still, we all remember how quickly a Zoom conference can get old. For starters, our level of engagement is not the same as in an actual classroom, where outside distractions and the familiarity of our own homes aren’t factors. Secondly, such platforms are often designed for one primary speaker at a time, and therefore don’t allow for those little side conversations to happen, where sometimes you get quick answers to clarify a point, or discuss a topic more in-depth with a classmate or professor during a coffee break. During times when a pandemic or other crisis may call for distance learning, a business school should be taking measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone on their campus. Depending on their resources and

agility, schools may make adjustments so that opportunities are made for inperson interactions as well, at least facilitating small groups, even if off campus. Of course, this should be within the recommendations and requirements of any relevant government agencies, such as wearing masks, and maintaining distances. That said, the best way to do an MBA is clearly in person. At the very least, some of the “blended” MBA programs out there may offer online classes, along with in-person classes, career events, trips, and other interactions, which could be a reasonable alternative to be sure you make those authentic connections. If a traditional full-time MBA simply doesn’t work for you, and you’re considering some type of hybrid MBA, talk to your recruiter or the program manager to get details on exactly how the program intends to develop that essential network, and help you build those deep connections that are such an important part of your MBA experience. Those for whom an online MBA is the only possibility because of work, family, or other reasons, you’ll have to put in the extra effort to make those vital connections in order to have a network that’s going to be useful to you. Reach out to other local current students or alumni to organize coffee chats or happy hours. Travel when you can, even if just once or twice, to spend time on the campus or at alumni functions. For the reason of travel, it may make more sense to do an online MBA at a business school that has a campus, or at least an alumni office, close enough for you to reach in person on occasion.

7 HOW TO BEGIN: RESEARCH & SOUL SEARCH As with most things, the first research for an MBA begins online. You’ll probably start with schools that you’ve heard of, both locally and abroad. In many cases, however, the school that’s ultimately the right fit for you may not be the first one that comes to mind. Also generally speaking, one of the best things you can do for your career to have a more diverse and attractive career profile is to do your MBA abroad. Stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new country and culture develops the kind of soft skills that nearly all companies are seeking. But besides thinking about the dream school that could be right for you, there are a few other things to consider first, before it all starts to make sense. The pathway to finding the right MBA for you: 1. Know yourself. 2. Know the job markets. 3. Know the schools out there. Once you’ve gotten the idea that an MBA might be right for you, the first thing you need to figure out is who you are. This is what is meant by soul searching: What are you good at and passionate about? What do you enjoy doing? What would you do if money were not a factor? If you can answer those questions, you’re well on your way to honing in on the MBA program that’s going to connect you with your best career path post-MBA. Let’s be honest, we don’t always stop and take the time to think about these very core questions about ourselves. Very often we’ve fallen into jobs by circumstance, by people that we’ve met, or simply the need to pay the

bills. But taking the risk to do your MBA requires going deep. Bear in mind that it’s a huge risk to quit your job for a year or two, have no salary, spend tens of thousands of dollars or more, and hope that at the end of it all, we’ll find ourselves in a career that gives us the right challenges, job satisfaction, and salary that keeps us motivated, based in a location where we feel happy. The idea is that by following the steps outlined in this book, it becomes a much more calculated risk that gives you better results, and saves you a lot of headache and stress. Beyond you as a professional, let’s not forget that we are all human and will either struggle or thrive, depending on our environment. That means you should consider who you are as a person, where you are in your career, and what factors most influence your success. Every business school, and every MBA program within that school, will have its own unique culture, demographics, and ways of doing things. More about school culture in later chapters, but for now, here are some things to think about. Questions to ask yourself as you soul search: Do you do well in a large or small class setting? Do you prefer a more competitive or collaborative environment? Are you stronger as a test taker or a presenter? How much of your time in class do you seek to learn by case method versus more traditional types of teaching? How important is it to you to be in a highly diverse environment? What kind of diversity are you seeking? As a woman or a man, what percentage of female students is acceptable to you? Are you looking for a program that has a more entrepreneurial or traditional approach to business? How often do you expect to have face time with companies, versus time in the classroom? Are you looking for a program with international travel included? Do you prefer organized extracurricular activities or more casual socializing?

Do you prefer a greener campus outside of the city, or is it important to be located in a major business hub, so long distances don’t need to be traveled to visit companies, go to interviews, attend alumni events, etc.?

Secondly, know the markets. What’s the latest on growth of a particular function, in a particular industry, in the place or places you intend to live and work post-MBA? In this part of your research, salary is truly an important factor: what’s going to make you money? To be honest, as a recruiter, it’s music to our ears when someone we meet at an MBA fair knows exactly what they want to do, yet they are flexible as to where they want to do it. Why? This is because the path you take, the classes you choose, contacts you focus on, and jobs you interview for will likely be largely based on your selfknowledge and targets in terms of function and industry. Conversely, flexibility on job location post-MBA and openness to new markets will be a huge advantage in terms of expanding your opportunities. That is largely because if you interview well with a multinational company, they may not have a position available locally, but they’ll share your CV with their counterparts in other markets, and may offer you a role in a location you hadn’t previously considered. With all of this in mind, you should make a list of your (at least) top five locations you’d consider living and working post-MBA, and do your due diligence in researching job opportunities in all of them. Good places to start are LinkedIn and GlassDoor, where you can get a sense of growth projections over the next few years, for the needs of people with your skill set and training. Two helpful resources for employment data are the MBA Career Services and Employer Alliance (www.mbacsea.org) and GMAC itself (www.gmac.org) - along with its partners - regularly produce a variety of reports and analyses related to business, careers, MBA programs, and other topics. In terms of opportunities in the UK, one of the best sites you can visit for understanding the local job market is http://www.ons.gov.uk/, and click the Employment and Labour Market tab. Once you’re able to clearly articulate who you are, what you bring to the table, and where you want to go professionally, you’re truly prepared to

research the schools and programs out there that will help you hit those targets. In this sense, an MBA program, like any program, is a vehicle, and you want to be sure to get into the right one. Again, if you want to go to the moon, you better not get into a boat. Finally, in a world transformed by the global pandemic known as COVID-19, part of your research should include understanding how your target business schools will manage their program during a possible global health (or other) crisis. Considering how fundamental in-person interactions are for the development of your network, it’s important to understand what contingency plans each school has in place to deliver you the kind of MBA experience you want and need, despite government-imposed shutdowns or restrictions. The feedback they give, creative solutions, and how nimble they are may strongly influence your choice of program in the end. After all, the health and safety of everyone is paramount, yet we want an MBA that’s engaging and delivers results.

8 ATTENDING AN MBA FAIR MBA events, such as fairs, give you the chance for direct interaction with some of the schools you may be targeting, as well as introduce you to many schools you may not have considered before. They’re usually free or very inexpensive, and give you the opportunity to get all your questions answered from an admissions rep, recruiter, and/or alum, as well as get a sense of the culture of the school.

Pro Tip: Use the same email address on your CV as the one with which you register for MBA events. Since schools’ databases are often organized by email address, this helps the schools more easily keep track of whom they met, and avoids you getting repeat marketing materials. It is appreciated by your recruiters. You may even choose to create an email address specifically for this entire process of interacting with business schools and other related services. Just be sure to check it regularly.

MBA events come in a variety of formats. Events organized with one-to-one meetings have become more popular in recent years, which allow for more personalized interactions, while other events are more like an open classic fair, or trade show. Some MBA events organize small candidate group discussions, may include individual school presentations, mixed school recruiter panels of general information (like you’ll find in this book), or some kind of hybrid of all of these. In addition, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more online event platforms have become available.

Whatever the case, when you register for an event, be sure to read through the event format so you know what to expect, and prepare accordingly. Pro Tip: Focus on the schools that are not locally based, since you can more easily visit the local ones any other time. You’ll often see the longest lines at fairs for the schools which are popular in your home city. Be smart; make an appointment with such schools for a personalized visit outside of the fair, and take advantage of the presence of schools from further afield to get to know them.

While MBA events are not usually the setting for official interviews, let’s be honest - all the school reps are making notes on their first impressions of everyone they meet. These conversations could have a direct impact on what is shared with the Admissions Committee, which can work in your favor (or not) later on. Besides having the right level of experience, all recruiters look for candidates who can carry a conversation, express themselves clearly in English, articulate their ideas, and formulate mature questions. Beyond strong communication skills, candidates who are respectful, open, confident but not arrogant, and dress the part are what makes for a strong positive impression. At the end of the day, no candidate checks every box, but making an overall good first impression will definitely motivate recruiters to want to follow up with you and make sure you have every resource you need throughout the process. Tips for a successful MBA Recruitment Event: 1. Do your homework! Every business school has taken the time to create a website that carefully details all the information you need about their programs. Frankly stated, it is your job to take the time to read it, ideally before you meet with the school reps. Have a look at the list of participating schools and read through the websites of those you intend to approach. In the event of any surprises, make use of your smartphone

while you’re in the lobby or waiting in line to speak with a rep to brush up a bit on their programs. Some of the event providers actually also make school profiles available, that you can find in the waiting area at the registration table before you enter the event room.

1. Update your CV. If you’re short on time, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but at least include your latest professional experience and contact info. Most recruitment event providers have a platform for you to upload your CV directly, so the school reps can view it in advance, as well as refer to it on site. You should definitely do this, as it’s a great help to them. Additionally, it would be smart to have multiple hard copies with you on the day of the event, in case of technical difficulties.

1. Keep an open mind. Seriously! You may think you know what schools you would like to attend, but guaranteed, there will be other schools out there that you may not have considered that may be an even better match for you and your goals. It's all about the right fit, and often we all start off with a limited scope of what opportunities are out there. Try to talk to as many schools as possible before, during, and after the event. In addition to schools that are acclaimed in your field of interest, think about what skills you may lack (hard and soft), and what cultural expertise you lack (knowledge of business in different markets). The school that may be right for you may be the one that presents the steepest learning curve and challenges you the most.

1. Dress the part. You should absolutely treat this like an interview. In other words, definitely do not show up in jeans and a hoodie. Everyone will notice and wonder why.

1. Never start the conversation asking for money! Although nearly all schools offer scholarships, it’s just bad form to make this your first talking point. It’s kind of like asking for sex on the first date before you’ve even had the first course! Scholarships are usually awarded based on the strength of one's profile, interview skills, GMAT, etc., so until you show the recruiters what you've got to offer, it's nearly impossible to say exactly how much you can receive. What recruiters won’t publicly admit is the candidates who ask about scholarships straight away are never the good candidates anyway. In any case, save the scholarship question for the end (or better yet, have a look at the website – you’ll usually find everything there). It's just more tactful.

Open Fairs Events that are “fair only”, resembling a trade show, tend to be a bit more chaotic and more anonymous, since there are usually no individual appointments. For those very reasons, you want to stand out a bit. Besides dressing the part and showing up prepared, now is not the time to be shy. Put yourself at ease; be confident and friendly when you approach each stand. With a smile and a handshake, you should introduce yourself briefly and refer to something you already know about the school, based on the research you’ve done. This will set the right tone and indicate to the representative that you’re a serious potential candidate. Of course you can’t research every school, but maybe before you walk up to a table, look up a few key things on your phone to show that you’re motivated. But also be honest. You could always start off by saying you were originally not looking at this school, but since they were there you had a few questions, and apologize for not having done any research in advance. That kind of humility and respect goes a long way. One-to-One Events These events are much more than just a fair. They are carefully organized and run on a very structured time schedule, where a vetting process takes place in advance to ensure that school representatives spend their time only with candidates who are a match to their predefined criteria. The event providers

therefore have a strong hand in organizing which schools you will meet with. They will do their best to get you meetings with your favorite MBA programs, time permitting, but may advise you to look at other schools that could be a good fit for you, if you don’t meet the criteria for your top picks. Since meetings usually run back-to-back, and are only about 20 to 30 minutes long, it’s very important to be on time or you may miss your chance entirely to meet with that school. Since time is short, school reps very much appreciate when potential candidates like yourself come to the table with at least a basic knowledge of their school. This allows you to skip the basic stuff and spend that brief encounter going into deeper questions about the details of the program you can’t find on the website, as well as discussing your career goals, your expectations, and getting to know you as a candidate. This will be a much better use of your own time and theirs! In principle, these are one-to-one individual meetings, but sometimes they can be in small groups for a variety of reasons. Sometimes this is the preference of the school rep, but more often than not, this is due to time constraints, scheduling conflicts, or high popularity of a particular school. Try to be flexible and understanding if you don’t get that one-on-one attention, as it’s usually not anyone’s fault other than circumstances. Recruiters are usually happy to schedule additional one-on-one time later on, whether in person or by phone, to have a more personalized discussion if you have further questions. Other Benefits to Attending an MBA Event: Meet alumni from various MBA programs A chance to practice your elevator pitch Learn about scholarship opportunities Meet and network with other MBA candidates Meet with GMAT prep schools Meet with MBA prep consultants and coaches

Panels Many MBA recruitment event providers will offer panels as part of their event. These are great opportunities to get general tips and advice, much like you’ll read in this book. Generally the questions are meant to be kept general, not about any particular school. You’ll find that most people in the room have the same questions as you do, so don’t be shy, and put up that hand. Hopefully you’ll get some helpful answers, and maybe even learn a bit about some schools you hadn’t considered before. What’s important to remember during the panels is that this is not the occasion to showcase yourself, and usually not for getting too specific in your questions about a particular school. The moderator will usually begin by outlining the format and nature of the panel in the beginning. So while you don’t want to dominate the conversation, asking a relevant question could potentially make you stand out slightly to the recruiters on the panel, who would be certainly happy to talk to you more on an individual basis later, to share more specific info about their MBA program. Some MBA Event Companies to Look Out For: Access MBA / Advent Group QS / Top MBA The MBA Tour MBA25 E-Fellows Forté Foundation

Individual School Presentations Just as the name suggests, event providers sometimes offer these short seminars, where you’ll hear from just one school at a time. Usually also about 30 minutes in length, these are designed for a large group format, where the school rep will usually present the school first, and then take questions at the end. This is definitely a good option if you’re at the very beginning of your research, and want to learn as much as possible. It would be a good idea to come prepared with some questions to ask in front of the group, so everyone

can benefit from the response. Ideally, you want to ask about things that are not easily found on their website. Networking Cocktails Some events will include a moment for networking with school reps, or perhaps alumni or even corporate representatives. This format is much more relaxed, often with wine, juice, or coffee available, and there is no limit to timing or the number of people who can communicate at once. This is not the moment to be shy but to let your interpersonal skills shine. If you have business cards prepared, this is a great moment to use them as well. Try to identify at least one person you’d like to meet and shake hands with and don’t be afraid to ask questions that are relevant to you, but also to the person who is standing before you. You never know how such contacts could be beneficial in the future, so don’t skip this part of the program if it’s offered. A word of advice – don’t go overboard on the alcohol, since appearing drunk won’t suit you well. One or two glasses is probably the maximum you’ll want to enjoy. The goal is making a good impression on new contacts, not getting wasted. After all, the wine may be free, but your reputation is priceless!

9 IT’S ALL ABOUT FIT: MAKING YOUR SHORT LIST As stated several times throughout this book, the hard work you put in is all about finding the MBA program that is the best fit for you, both personally and professionally, which may not turn out to be any of the schools you had at the top of your initial list. We’ve already discussed researching and soul searching to better know yourself, the various job markets and locations you’re considering for work post-MBA, and casting your net wide to consider the plethora of MBA programs out there. It’s important not to forget about the human aspect of doing an MBA, so that you feel comfortable, supported, and happy on the campus where you will be pursuing your degree. If that is the case, you’ll have a much greater chance at success during and post-MBA. After attending a few MBA events and fairs, and visiting many, many business school websites, you will have developed the criteria for yourself to begin to narrow your choices. Your first short list may include something like 10 to 15 MBA programs, but you’ll definitely want to refine that list even more before you start working on applications. Narrowing your choices early will not only make your job easier as an applicant, but also for the professional contacts you’ll request to write your reference letters. Considering application fees which often range from $100 to $200 per application, focusing on three to five schools in the end will make things less expensive for you as well. At the same time, considering the huge financial investment of an MBA, a few hundred dollars more or less at this point probably isn’t a huge deal. In the subsequent chapters, we’ll discuss the importance of and how to make the most out of visiting the campus and engaging with alumni and current students in the program. We’ll also talk about how to acquire and interpret

some of the hard data that will play into your decision, and understand concretely if the programs you’re considering will be able to produce the results you’re looking for. Following that, we’ll talk about how to go about the application process and how to be the best candidate possible in the eyes of the Admissions Committees of your shortlisted schools.

10 CAMPUS VISITS Every campus has its own culture. It’s very hard to truly know if you fit in without ever stepping foot on it. One of the benefits of narrowing down your target schools to just a few early on in the game is that it makes it a lot more realistic to visit all the schools to which you’re applying. There’s no better way to get a true feel for the culture of that campus and how you feel on it. Realistically, this is somewhat of a luxury for many candidates, due to constraints of time or money, especially if you’re considering schools all around the globe. In that case, the combination of a virtual tour and a few in-depth conversations with staff and students might be as close as you can get. Beyond that, be sure to check their events pages to see if they’ll be holding events in your country as well. Again, this can be a great way to interact with staff and connect with local alumni. What’s important to remember is you’re about to spend the next one to two years of your life on this campus, and if you feel supported, happy, and connected to the other people on it, you’ll be far more successful and get much better results. Some business schools welcome visitors any time, but most prefer to be contacted in advance to set up an appointment, so they can prepare a productive visit for you. Others have specific days throughout the year when they’ll accept visitors. As always, check the website first for this information, and if it’s not clear, check with your recruiter so you can make a good impression and avoid any awkward surprises. Key tips for a successful campus visit: 1. Confirm the directions with your recruiter.

2. Have the name and contact number for the person you’ll be meeting available for when you arrive on campus (and in case of any travel delays or other surprises). 3. Dress the part. Although this is probably not your official interview, first impressions are important. While a full suit is probably not necessary, a hoodie and ripped jeans are not appropriate. Better to be overdressed. 4. Have a few printed copies of your CV with you; you may be asked by more than one person to see it, and it’s always better to be overprepared. 5. If you have business cards, bring them. 6. Bring enough cash (in local currency) for lunch and transportation. 7. In case you won’t have Wi-Fi during your journey, think about downloading an offline map, or take screenshots in advance so you don’t get lost. 8. Be ready to talk about yourself: summarize your career thus far, as well as your post-MBA goals, as specifically as you can at this point. 9. Head out with your phone fully charged, particularly in case you get lost or are running late. 10. Arrive early. Being late never looks good, especially in the UK! 11. Present yourself as confident, friendly, and polite to everyone you meet. That means look them in the eyes, smile, give a firm two-pump handshake, and say your full name. And yes, everyone means everyone! 12. Think about the person to whom you’re speaking and ask appropriate questions. If it’s a professor, ask about class content and expectations. If it’s an admissions rep, ask about the application procedure or the interview. If it’s a student, you can ask all about their experiences, from their own admission process to classes to campus life. You’d be best suited to write down all your questions in advance, and always keep it professional. 13. A campus tour is usually pretty standard. Ask if it’s possible to see the campus residences, if they have them, as well. 14. Ask if it’s possible to sit in on a class, or part of one. This may need to be arranged in advance, so make this request as early as possible while planning your visit. 15. Try to get a sense of student life on campus. Find out if you can see any student associations in action, the fitness center, or student hangouts. Take note of posters, flyers, or the school newspaper to get the inside

scoop of what the student experience is about. Many schools will also have student experience blogs to help you get a sense of what’s happening on campus. 16. For each person that you meet, ask for their business card or their email address. A brief thank you email following the visit is a nice touch, and makes you more memorable. Visiting your top choices of business schools will leave you with a real sense of the vibe on campus. This is where one very important aspect of fit comes into play. Did you feel welcomed? Did you meet staff that were helpful, friendly, and professional? Did you connect with students who feel challenged but happy? Did you feel happy to be there? This connection - or lack thereof - can make the final decision a lot easier at the end of the process. Sometimes your ‘gut feeling’ can tell you a lot!

11 ENGAGING WITH ALUMNI & CURRENT STUDENTS Beyond what you can learn about an MBA program from its website and the recruitment and admissions teams, current and former students are who will give you the real scoop about what lies ahead for you, if you’re admitted. Only alumni can give you first-hand accounts of their employment success post-MBA, while only current students can give you the most up-to-date information about the program itself, with all its bells and whistles. Most programs do change quickly, so be mindful of this when speaking with and seeking advice from alumni. If someone has spent a year or two doing their MBA somewhere, spent tens of thousands of dollars, and is happy about their experience, then there’s a good chance they’re doing something right. Current MBA students (or participants, as they are often called) are usually very approachable. Many MBA programs will enlist their support in the form of an ambassador program, whereby you, as a potential candidate, can learn from and about these students, reaching out to them directly, or via the school’s website. Perhaps in reading their profiles, you’ll come across a current student with a similar professional background to you, who has similar goals, or comes from the same country. This could be an ideal starting place to get a sense of what someone similar to you has to say about their personal experiences so far, and their thoughts about the MBA program they are currently pursuing. Current students are especially valuable to speak with since they have the most up-to-date student perspective on how the program is being run, the latest classes and career opportunities, and what’s going on

campus. It should be noted that it’s generally considered inappropriate to ask a current student to evaluate your profile. Should you ask students about your admissibility, you’ll most likely get rerouted to an admissions rep, who is in the correct position to give you such feedback. Alumni can be a bit more difficult to reach at times, as they are often oversolicited by many fantastic candidates such as yourself, sometimes seeking answers to a seemingly infinite number of questions. Even the kindest, most open personalities can get overwhelmed with the volume of questions they may receive, and of course, they are busy professionals putting their MBA to good use in a demanding managerial role somewhere in the world. Nonetheless, engaging with a few alumni can be one of the most valuable steps you take in your research process, since they are the only people in the world from a given MBA program, who know first-hand what the full experience is like during and after that program, as well as their personal return on investment as a lifetime member of the alumni organization. LinkedIn can be a great place to start for identifying alumni from whom you could potentially gain insight. To find someone that matches your target profile, simply search the name of the MBA program plus whatever industry, professional activity, or company you may be targeting. Depending on your account, you may be able to message him or her directly, but this would certainly be a justifiable reason for investing in a LinkedIn Premium account, which is something you’ll very likely do during your MBA anyway. Why not start now? Another approach to consider is setting some targets with an alumni “wish list”, school by school. This is your database of contacts that you hope to connect with throughout your research process and beyond. If you’re having difficulty getting in touch with people on this list for a given program, you could certainly ask your recruiter for support, citing a few names of people that you’d like to get in touch with. They would most likely be happy to help reach out to those alumni, or provide you with some contacts of alumni they already know are reliable and responsive.

It should be noted that some schools may require at least one interaction with an alumnus prior to submitting an application. Again, it is an indicator of how serious you are, and to what lengths you will go to learn about one of the biggest decisions of your life. Pro Tips for Contacting Current Students or Alumni: 1. Begin your message with modesty. These people do not work for you, and are often frequently solicited with questions. They’re quite frankly doing you a favor by responding to your questions. 2. Keep your first message brief, asking if they wouldn’t mind answering a few questions as part of your research in the program from which they graduated. 3. You’d think this goes without saying, but be sure to cite the correct business school and MBA program. Attention to detail and politeness count! 4. If they say no, don’t be offended. Thank them anyway and move on. 5. If they say yes, thank them for their time, and try to include all your questions in a single shot. Be sure not to go overboard, and (as always) avoid questions that can be easily answered by doing your basic research on the school website. 6. Avoid questions about your eligibility. That is the role of the staff and admissions team, not current or former students. The idea here is to gain their perspectives, and learn about their individual experiences. 7. Keep it appropriate. This is not an opportunity for romance! 8. Be patient if their responses come slow. It’s OK to send a gentle reminder message after a week or two, but don’t be pushy. This isn’t their job, and they may be short on time. 9. Thank them again for their time, particularly if you agreed upon a phone call, where they really made time to talk with you.

12 WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH RANKINGS? For some people considering an MBA, the ranking is the primary factor in their decision-making process. You tend to see more of an obsession with rankings in the most populous of countries, like China, India, and the U.S., but it’s not always important to everyone. While a high ranking is something any business school would be proud of, and a “Top 10” business school is surely impressive on one’s CV, rankings give only a fraction of the information you need to make that very important decision as to which MBA program best meets your needs. To repeat, it’s all about fit. There are a handful of MBA rankings out there that are the main go-to’s, as well as many other lesser-known rankings, which are more niche, often targeting specific countries, industries, or formats. None of these classifications are ever absolute truths and they all provide a limited snapshot about the quality of a business school. They certainly tell you very little about how well these programs relate to your career goals or align with your personality or learning style. Each of the rankings use vastly different methodologies, focusing on different markers of success, thus a particular program could score quite differently from one list of rankings to another, even within the same year. Similarly, an MBA program can occasionally jump up or down by quite a lot from one year to the next, or in rare cases disappear from the list altogether. Nonetheless, it seems to be that the international benchmark for rankings these days is still the FT Global MBA Rankings, published by The Financial Times each year in late January, where you’ll find numerous ranked MBA programs from the UK. When you know very little about an MBA program, a ranking gives you some context. The better you get to know yourself and the programs available to you, less

relevant the rankings may become. Most ranking organizations publish how their methodology works, often drawing data from a mix of alumni, faculty, administration, and sometimes even current students and corporate recruiters as sources. The proportional weight of each of their responses will vary greatly. For example, looking at the percentage salary increase post-MBA, this may count very heavily in some rankings, and very little in others. Diversity of the student body and the faculty may be counted in some rankings, and not in others. And so on… To make the most of reading a rankings report, be sure to read the methodology used, which will give you a deeper understanding of the context and how they arrived at these results. Depending on your own goals and what’s important to you for the MBA experience you want to have, certain rankings may be almost completely irrelevant to you, while others more informative. Besides the primary list of overall ranking, there are often other rankings within. Be sure to click on the various links within the rankings to see which schools rank best for specific topics. Such categories include Highest Weighted Salary, Most International Experience, and Best MBA for Women. Arguably these subcategories can be even more relevant, since you can take note of the topics most important to you and your goals. In sum, when you’re just getting started in your MBA research, the various rankings can be helpful to get a sense of what business schools are out there in the United Kingdom and around the world, and how they are perceived by these different publications. Some of the rankings lists online are interactive, so in just a few clicks, you may be able to filter and focus on the schools in your country or region of preference. If you’re targeting the UK, you can start by focusing on all of the British schools that appear on these lists, and begin your deeper research from there, by reading through their websites and following the suggestions throughout the rest of this book. In the end, you may discover that the MBA program best fit for you is not the one that the FT or Bloomberg ranks highest, or is even ranked at all. Full-Time MBA Rankings to Consider:

The Financial Times (FT) The Economist “Which MBA?” QS Top MBA Bloomberg Businessweek U.S. News & World Report Forbes Poets & Quants Eduniversal Best-Master’s

13 ACCREDITATION Despite the rankings, the network, international notoriety, and those three magic letters: M-B-A, it’s technically the accreditations that give MBA programs, and more broadly speaking, schools and universities their value. Accreditation organizations are what underwrite the validity of the business schools you’ll be researching, and while perhaps not the sexiest parts of an MBA program, it is definitely something you want to check for. Business schools, as well as individual MBA programs, need to meet certain criteria in order to apply for accreditation. They submit a lengthy application, outlining many aspects of the program, professorship, class profile, admissions standards, etc. and these agencies ultimately determine if the program meets their standards. Thereafter, every three to ten years, these programs must reapply and demonstrate that they have maintained these standards of excellence. It should be noted that not all, but a handful of the most sought-after employers will only give you credit for an MBA if it is AACSB accredited. MBA program accreditations may be displayed prominently on the cover of the brochure, or more discreetly in the corner of the back page, and are almost always somewhere on the website. If you can’t find this information readily, as always, ask your recruiter what accreditations they have. These seals of quality may be a baseline starting point for your research in finding the school that is the right fit for you. If an MBA program lacks an accreditation that is important to you, you may want to simply filter it out of your search process. If only online dating were so easy!

The three most highly regarded business school accreditation agencies are: AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. A school possessing all three is known as having “Triple Accreditation” or “Triple Crown Accreditation.” Any school possessing all three is probably a solid choice. Keep in mind that some fantastic schools and MBA programs may only hold one or two of these, based on a technicality, and should not be ruled out on that alone. As with everything, accreditations are one of many indicators mentioned in this book, to help you identify the best MBA choice for you and your career. Besides these big three, there are several other accrediting agencies in the world of MBAs to look out for. Most of these are often just as rigorous and methodical as those who make up the Triple Crown, but don’t have the same historical significance. Depending on your specific career goals, some of these other accreditations may be valuable to that business school and to you. “Triple Crown” Accreditation Agencies:

AACSB - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business EQUIS - European Quality Improvement System AMBA - Association of MBAs

Other Important Accreditation Agencies:

ACBSP - Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs BAC - British Accreditation Council IACBE - International Accreditation Council for Business Education CHEA - Council for Higher Education Accreditation DEAC - The Distance Education Accreditation System DETC - Distance Education and Training Council

EDUQUA - Swiss National Quality Assurance Body Regional Bodies (there are 7 recognized by the United States Department of Education: MSCHE, NEASC, WASC, SACS, NAC, HLC, and the ACCJC)

14 EMPLOYMENT REPORTS & CAREER SERVICES Nearly all top business schools produce some kind of employment report, which is a great way to anticipate a bit more clearly the kind of results you might be able to expect. The data is often assembled by the Career Services team, working with Alumni Services and other departments, and promoted by the marketing and recruitment teams. Here you can see the articulation of these various departments at work, showcasing how each of their roles impacts their students post-MBA. In a nutshell, what are grads doing (and where) and what is the return on investment? You can usually find such a report on the website, but if not, you should feel free to ask your recruiter to email you a copy. Not having such data available is rare, and if a school is unable to provide some kind of statistics on the results of their program, that might be cause for concern. Keep in mind that very young programs may not have this data compiled yet. At the same time, such a program would not likely be considered among the world’s top MBA programs. Things to look for in an employment report: Breakdown of post-MBA employment field (% going into finance, consulting, sales, starting a business, etc.) Breakdown of country of residence/employment post-MBA % who changed sector; changed function; changed country Average number of months finding a job post-MBA Average % salary increase post-MBA? 3 years post-MBA? 5 years? Average starting salary/compensation (breakdown by sector, by country, and by function) % receiving a signing bonus and how much

% not seeking employment (sponsorship, starting up, continuing education like PhD, postponing job search) Getting to know the offering of the Career Services team at each MBA program is an integral part of your research. The way in which they complement the academic content is designed to provide you practical, hands-on experiences throughout the program, and ultimately connect you to interviews and employment opportunities. Examples of actions that the Careers Team may provide are skills assessments, workshops on various skill sets, mock interviews, alumni cocktails, mentoring, corporate networking events, visits to various companies, or helping connect you to actual job interviews. It should be noted that attendance at career events may or may not be required, and after a busy week jammed with classes and group projects, you may not be motivated to attend. It can be truly overwhelming, which is why careful time management is so vital. Arguably, attending career events may be seen as more important than attending classes, which may or may not be required by your school. If you have a conflict with an important career opportunity, you may be excused from missing a class. You should, however, plan to take every relevant career opportunity presented to you, for in the end, the main goal is employment post-MBA. Keep your eyes on the prize. Placement is a term sometimes used in the context of the rate of employment post-MBA. There is a bit of stigma surrounding this word, particularly among Career Services teams, since it could imply that they are responsible for “placing you” into a job post-MBA. Considering this, you may want to use caution with this term, and instead inquire about the employment rate. Depending on where you come from, the concept of job placement may be different. In Europe, and certainly in the United Kingdom, MBA students are not placed into jobs at graduation. The Career Services team and other collaborators from the program will do their best to help connect you to opportunities for network-building and potential employment; however, in the end it’s 100% up to you – not them – to apply for and land that job. Job search, even when attending one of the top MBAs in the world with the support of an amazing Career Services team, is not a passive process. You need to be resourceful, proactive, and tenacious.

15 DEFINING YOUR BRAND If you’re reading this book, you’re probably at the point in your career, and in your life, where it’s useful to think about your personal brand. One’s personal brand could be defined as their unique composite of skills, experiences, and personality, expressed through your words, actions, and appearance, whether online or in the real world. It can be summed up as how you allow the public to perceive you, based on who you are and the choices you make. Whether you’re applying for a job or studies, working on your CV or LinkedIn profile, or even more casual social media, it’s worth considering how you are currently perceived by others, and if that aligns with how you would like to be viewed. This can make all the difference in whether you are successful or not, whatever the goal. First impressions count, so start by taking stock of how you dress and speak, as these are often the first things other people notice. What do these things communicate about you, your personality, your level of professionalism, your personal style, and approachability? An objective outside opinion could be helpful for this. What do you want others to perceive and know about you? It might mean slowing down your speech or to stop fidgeting, which can make you appear anxious. It could be the tidiness of your clothes, hair, or facial hair that sends a message of professionalism. Depending on your ultimate goals, in certain contexts, you may want to make adjustments, while at the same time remaining true to who you are. The idea is to present the most polished version of your authentic self. When it comes to your CV, consider the design and layout. The header, in particular, is a place where you can inject a bit of personality and style (without going overboard) via font choice or even a logo that represents you and could be consistent on things like business cards you may choose to

make. More about your CV in the next chapter. If you’re not already using LinkedIn, it’s absolutely necessary that you create an account and check it at least once a week. Your page must be up-to-date with any growth that happens during your research and application process, along with an inspiring professional photo up top. Use your LinkedIn, and Twitter if you like as well, to post articles on topics that interest you, particularly about business or international affairs. While it’s great to have an opinion, especially on some of the more contentious current events, consider what images and words you may post. Try to keep a positive tone of voice, don’t attack people online, and definitely no foul language. When it comes to other social media like Facebook or Instagram, the personal brand that you hope to emulate should shine through there as well. While you certainly have the right to express yourself in your private life as you see fit, don’t ignore the reality that anyone can search for you, and draw whatever conclusions they will about who you are. If you question whether or not your style of humor, political engagement, or skin-revealing photos may give the admissions committee a bad impression of you, you may want to taper the kinds of things you post. At a minimum, be sure to set privacy controls to restrict who can easily see your posts and photos, but keep in mind that even tight privacy settings are not always 100% ‘waterproof’. Even better, you could maintain a separate Facebook page to keep a stronger separation of your professional life from your personal life. In life, we often hear “Don’t mix business with pleasure.” Your online presence is an extension of who we are as people, so consider the same philosophy on your social media. Be aware however, as algorithms constantly evolve, to stay on top of how you may suddenly be more visible than before. Two rules of thumb: 1) If you don’t want your grandmother to see it, don’t post it. 2) If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, don’t say it online. When it comes to applying for your MBA, you want to communicate the best version of your professional side to any recruiters, admissions reps, or alumni you meet along this journey.

16 MAKE YOUR CV SPARKLE Having an up-to-date CV is the basic starting point for interaction with anyone related to your MBA search and application. It is a springboard for conversation that describes your past and present, and should as well point towards your future. If you reach out to a recruiter or admissions rep via email, the first thing they are going to ask you for is your updated CV, so be smart - get your CV up to date immediately, even if it’s not your final polished version that you’ll submit with your official application. If you really want your CV to work for you, consider sitting down with a coach that can examine it in detail, give you a full critique and that competitive edge. The style, format, and contents of your CV will depend on several factors, including your specific goals, industry, country of target, and your own personality. Based on these four main aspects, you’ll determine what to include or not, and where. At the end of the day, your CV needs to survive the 10 second rule. That is to say, whoever is looking at your CV needs to be able to digest and understand who you are and what you’ve done in about 10 seconds. That’s about all the time an HR manager will give, if they have a pile of hundreds of CVs to sift through. Key selling points need to stand out, and the reader shouldn’t get tripped up by awkward layouts or unattractive distractions. For the most part, in the MBA world, a maximum of 1 or 2 pages is the standard acceptable length. Some MBA programs only allow a 1-page CV, so be prepared to create a condensed version if that is what is required. In The 4 aspects that influence a CV format:

Career Field Country Goals Your Personality

the context of limited time and resources, getting to the point is a skill in itself. Nobody has time to read through your 11-page, single-spaced, 1cm margin CV with every client and project you’ve done for them. I’m talking especially to you, my engineer friends out there. This may be a different kind of CV than you’re used to. As mentioned, one of the four aspects of a CV is goals, and in this case you’re applying for an MBA. The format is different. Furthermore, and with all due respect to formatting styles from other parts of the world, it should also be said that considering we’re talking about applying for British MBA programs, it would be best to have your CV in a “Western” format, so that the admissions team will easily be able to find what they need to understand about your profile. Starting at the top, you need to create a great header to your CV, with your name prominently visible - think cinema marquis! Your name should be in lights because there’s no way you want the person reading it to forget you. Secondly, all your contact info must be accurate and up to date, including your country code with your phone number. Now I’m talking to my American friends out there, who all too often assume that anyone reading their CV automatically knows they and their phone number is American. Include only one phone number, and one email address. That’s it. We don’t want to guess which one is best to reach you. As far as physical address, we’re not sending you mail, but the city and country of residence is important, so if we do call, we know what time zone you’re in, and don’t disturb you in the middle of the night. After that, your nationality or nationalities should be included as well. If you’ve got three citizenships, that’s fantastic, and we want to know about it (you may even get a diversity scholarship for it). Finally, in the UK, it is not common practice to include your date of birth, nor a photo on your CV. That information will certainly be requested later when you complete the official application. Of course

recruiters at British schools encounter CVs from all over the world and are used to seeing many variations, so don’t panic if you’ve already sent one over with those elements included. It’s worth noting that many MBA programs will include a suggested CV template on their websites to guide you on what to include or not, and where. After the header, the first section should be your professional experience, often followed by your education, then skills, which often include, but are not limited to, language and computer skills. Optional sections may include presentations you’ve done, articles published, conferences attended, awards received, etc. Finally, a section about your personal interests is always nice to humanize you, and give something light for the reader, to which s/he can relate on a personal level. These details help the story of you to jump off the page, from a flat piece of paper to a three-dimensional person of interest. No need to mention that references can be provided upon request. This is understood, and wastes valuable space on your CV. When all is said and done, the CV you share with MBA programs in the UK should not exceed two pages. Things not to put on your CV while approaching an MBA include (but are not limited to) your height, weight, hair and eye color, religion, political affiliation, whether you have a driver’s license or not, and information about your parents, spouse, and children. All of this is irrelevant and distracts from the goal of your CV. There’s also no need to mention any disclaimers or laws about the reader’s right to review and use the information. Very kind of you, but we assumed this was OK when you sent it to us. And yes, at some point, nearly all MBA recruiters have seen these things on CVs, and had a good laugh. In the world of MBA recruitment, these personal details would be akin to including your blood type or zodiac star sign – funny, but not very useful. To make your own CV really sparkle, you can find loads of resources online, like workshops and webinars to attend. In the case of an MBA application, you may choose to make an individual appointment with a coach who can offer you customized attention to help you get shortlisted for that MBA interview. Many business schools also offer free seminars where they share application tips and provide CV reviews, which will most definitely

strengthen your application for that program; moreover, this allows you to foster relationships with various people who work at that school, and gives you an even better sense as to whether or not that school is the right fit for you. Mind the gap! Many applicants worry that having a gap in their employment will harm their chances to get in to the MBA program of their dreams. Rest assured, a gap in employment is rarely a problem, so long as it is explained. There are many reasons people might have a period of time when they weren’t working: company layoffs, health reasons, family, relocation, starting a business, travel, etc. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of people around the world experienced a sudden change in their job situation. Out of fear, some people try to hide a gap in employment or avoid talking about it, but the reality is recruiters and the admissions team are pretty good at deciphering CVs and are quick to notice gaps, as they tally the total months and years of employment to determine eligibility. The message here is to be forthcoming about any gaps, either while speaking with the recruiter, in the application itself, or both! Many MBA program applications have a section for additional info or an optional essay, which is the appropriate opportunity to discuss and illuminate your story. A few final points to mention are about “shop talk.” When applying for an MBA, it’s probably best to avoid too much technical jargon that only people working in your industry would understand. Since your CV is meant to efficiently and elegantly summarize your entire career thus far, remaindering you about the “goals” aspect of your CV, you want to be simple about things and avoid too much vocabulary that won’t be understood by people in the admissions team. In terms of color, it is a choice to keep your CV in black and white or not, but it’s usually advised to avoid the color red. Finally, once you’re at the stage of submitting your application, it would be wise to make sure your contact information on your CV matches with the information you provide in your application.

17 DIVERSITY IN ALL ITS FORMS It’s time to show your true colors. For decades, companies and universities alike have worked hard to attract a diverse population among their ranks, as study after study shows that diversity not only breeds success but reflects well upon any organization. MBA programs often boast their diversity statistics in order to attract a steady flow of unique profiles to their cohorts. Since you’ll likely be applying to an international school, some aspects of you become very attractive to contribute to his diversity factor, whether we’re talking about nationality, race, gender, sexuality, physical ability, etc. What’s more, there are many scholarships provided by business schools and outside organizations to support the education and career advancement of every category of human you can think of, if you’re ready to do some extra research. Take a moment to take stock of the various diverse elements of you and how they compare statistically to each MBA program you’re considering, and think about not only what attracts you to that particular program, but also what may attract them to you. For example, if you’re looking to study abroad, what percentage of people from your home country would you prefer to have alongside with you in the class? Are there sufficient accessibility services available if you use a wheelchair or have a hearing impairment? Does that school have an LGBT student organization or take measures to ensure that queer students feel safe and welcomed? Depending on your individual situation, these are some topics you may want to address with your recruiter or student ambassadors to get a true sense of the culture. Another method, especially if student ambassadors aren’t an option, is to poke around on LinkedIn to find current students in the program and ask them about their own experiences and perceptions thus far, regarding

diversity and inclusiveness. Within your essays and during your interview, you’ll probably want to describe what makes your profile unique. Don’t be afraid to open up and show who you truly are. London, for example, is famous for being one of the most diverse cities in the world. What is unique about you that makes you stand out, but also fit in?

18 WHEN IS THE BEST ADMISSIONS ROUND TO APPLY? There’s a lot of mythology that surrounds the admissions rounds. As a general rule, in the UK, earlier is often better than later; however, a more nuanced answer to this question bears further discussion. While this definitely will vary from school to school, the reality is that these business schools have created the various admissions rounds for a reason, so you should feel free to use the one that’s best for you. That means you shouldn’t necessarily be afraid to apply in the later rounds; it does not mean that you’re a bad candidate. The only absolute truth here is, you should apply when you are fully ready to apply and your application is at its absolute best. This can avoid having regrets and wondering if you’d just taken the time to _____ before submitting, if you’d have made the cut. If you are fully ready to apply for an early admissions round or the Round 1, then there may be some advantages, such as additional scholarships. Remember that schools have targets to reach, and the sooner they can know how many students to expect for the next intake, the sooner they can start planning around that. So if your research and preparation is properly done and you’ve got a competitive GMAT score, there’s probably no reason you shouldn’t apply early. There is also a feeling among Admissions Committees that some of the best candidates apply earlier. That sentiment is usually linked to the idea that such candidates are thinking ahead, highly motivated, have done their homework and preparation well in advance, and are perhaps among the most competitive. Expect a lot of type-A personalities in the earliest rounds, which can also mean that if you apply early, you may be measured against some of the fiercest competition. At the same time, if there is a cap on how many total candidates the school can admit for a given intake, the early rounds naturally

have many more openings still remaining, compared to during the later rounds. This is exactly why your individual readiness is the best indicator as to whether or not you should apply early. On the flip side, applying in the later rounds might feel like a better option for you if you need more time to ensure that your application is in tip-top shape or you want to have a more competitive GMAT score before applying, or if you’re concerned that your application might be less competitive for one reason or another. At the same time, with some of the most popular MBA programs that may impose limits on how many students they’ll enroll, there may be fewer seats still open if you apply in the later rounds. It’s worth mentioning that most schools use their waitlist strategically to ensure they don’t miss out on any great candidates that apply in the later rounds. In other words, if they think you’re a great fit for their program, they’ll be sure to have room for you regardless of when you apply. If, on the other hand, you find the timing is a bit too tight for applying for the next intake, you may decide to take some pressure off, slow things down, and go for the following intake. Of course, that all depends on where you are in your career. If you’ve already got significant professional experience, and you’re starting to be outside of the target age group for a full-time MBA, you may be compelled to accelerate things and do your best to be as strong of a candidate as possible in the shortest amount of time. Fingers crossed. In your research, you’ll find that some business schools use an open, or rolling, admissions process. This may feel more comfortable for you, there are no rounds and you can apply when you want, any time before the final deadline when the school no longer accepts applications. This also requires a bit more self-discipline to pace yourself accordingly to ensure you get each component of the application done on time and done well. Rolling admissions doesn’t mean, however, that you should wait until the very end to get everything submitted. Not only will it feel good for you to get your application done and out of the way early, but waiting until the last minute could run the risk of being rejected simply because the program has filled to its capacity, or missing that deadline due to technical difficulties or other unforeseen circumstances.

Let’s not forget that sometimes life circumstances can get in the way. It’s not at all uncommon for MBA candidates to have sudden changes in work or family situations that force them to delay their MBA application. Sometimes an opportunity at work, such as a promotion to a managerial role, could be a great experience not to pass up, which would look fantastic on your MBA application as well as on your CV post-MBA. It can be a hard decision to delay your MBA by a year, but in all likelihood, you’ll eventually need to get your MBA to advance your career to the level you’ve been targeting.

19 THE GMAT QUESTION (AND OTHER TESTS) With repetition comes familiarity. With familiarity comes confidence. With confidence you can achieve any goal you set your mind to. Why do a GMAT? Nearly every top business school requires some kind of entrance exam like the GMAT, and while admittedly a standardized test is severely limited in what it can measure, the benefit is just that - it is a standard measure of what it aims to test: the business potential of candidates from around the world. It is not a test of your level of English nor your math skills, per se; grammar and algebra questions are merely a medium to measure some important skills in the business world: strategy, time management, problem solving, and endurance. As you will discover as you dive into test prep, there is a certain strategy to approaching each question and mastering the exam. There are certain ways of attacking each problem and an ideal amount of time to dedicate to each question. And it is a marathon test, so the capacity to stay focused for about four hours is key. N.B. - Since the GMAT is the test of reference for admission into most business schools, throughout this chapter, when the term GMAT is mentioned, we are referring more broadly to the GMAT, GRE, and other standardized aptitude tests that may be accepted by the schools to which you’re applying, unless otherwise specified. Most business schools will acknowledge that while the GMAT is important, it is not the most important component of your application. The GMAT and

other standardized tests have no way of measuring international experiences, leadership skills, getting along with people, inspiring a team, or any variety of soft skills which, at the end of the day, are what really get you the job. That is why the interview is often considered the most important part of the application process. Nonetheless, often for lack of a better tool, the GMAT remains part of the game, and often an early filtering process for schools who receive far more applications than they can shortlist. The GMAT is an opportunity for you. Many people consider the GMAT your first MBA class. It will often get you in the right frame of mind as you prepare to be a student again. Consider it as a tool to sharpen your brain as you approach student life again, and warm you up for academia and some of those tougher finance classes. Additionally, it can be helpful to regard the GMAT as exactly the filtration device you want in place for the school that will be your future alma mater. You want to be sure that the other people in the MBA with you will also be at least the same level of quality, intelligence, and motivation as you. When we think about children, we’re very cognizant of the fact that they are a product of their environment, so parents usually keep an eye on who their friends are, as we know they will have an influence on the choices they make, and their development. As adults, we’re not very different. If you were to be part of an MBA program where there had been a weaker qualification process, you’d likely find yourself surrounded by mediocre classmates with mediocre motivation that will result in a mediocre performance and results for everyone, yourself included. Is that really worth the investment of both your time and money? As painful as the GMAT can be, looking back, you’ll be happy and reassured that you and everyone else in your program have been required to complete this qualifying step. If not, you really need to question whether or not the program to which you’ve been admitted is really worth the investment. It would serve you well to view the GMAT as a positive challenge to ensure you’ll be among people who are bright and ambitious, who will inspire you to push beyond your limits and boost you to the next level in your career. The people with whom you do your MBA will become the core part of your alumni network, and your network will, in part, define who you are, having

an impact your career for the rest of your professional life, whether you remain in the UK or relocate to somewhere else in the world. GMAT, GRE, or something else? While nearly all top MBA programs will accept either the GMAT or GRE, the vast majority of MBA candidates choose the GMAT. Needless to say, check with each school about their specific requirements or preferences, but often the choice is yours. The two exams are similar in that they each contain verbal and quantitative (mathematics) sections. While the quant sections are more or less the same, the main difference between the two exams is the verbal section: on the GMAT, it’s more grammar-intensive; the GRE is more vocabulary-intensive. If you’re unsure which test you’d likely do better on, perhaps before investing too much time and energy, the best thing to do is a full-length simulation of each exam. After having tried both, you will have a much clearer sense of on which of the two you’ll perform better. Besides the GMAT and GRE, some schools offer their own version of a standardized test or entrance exam. However, since most people apply to several MBA programs and very few top schools offer this alternative, at the end of the day, most people end up having to take at least one of these two exams regardless. In terms of the school-specific entrance exams, some people find these easier or less stress-inducing, likely because one cannot usually prepare for them. You must go into it more or less blindly. Additionally, since these psychometric tests are usually not adaptive, nor graded against the scores of other test takers, it may be considered “easier.” On the other hand, others find these tests more difficult. If you’ve completed the CFA, LSAT, or the Series 7 and you’re wondering if these can be accepted in place of taking the GMAT, that’s a fair question. While such exams are arguably more difficult, most MBA AdComs still prefer the more familiar and adapted GMAT. There are some exceptions though, so it’s worth discussing this with your recruiter, since it’s usually not mentioned on the program website. “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin

The first step is the timing. GMAT prep can be extremely taxing and you don’t want it to go on and on forever, so before you jump in, think about when is the best moment. Considering your application timeline and how far in advance you are, when is the best moment for you to take the test? Also, think about what else is going on in your life. Will you have more time in summer? Will you be more focused in the autumn? Is Christmas break the best time to do your final revisions? Once you’ve identified your ideal exam date, you count backwards the right amount of time to officially begin your preparation. Generally speaking, if you’re a native or completely fluent English speaker, you have an advantage (at least on the verbal component), and two to three months should be sufficient. Some people can bang out test prep in just one month. However, if test-taking in English is still more of a struggle for you, at least three to four months might be more realistic. Probably no more than six months should ever be necessary. At some point, your score will plateau and won’t go up much more. Other factors that may influence the necessary prep time frame are your strength in mathematics, the field you work in, and how long it’s been since you’ve been in school and taking tests. Once you’ve figured out the date, add it to your calendar and stick to it, keeping in mind that the results are valid for five years. With regards to timing, the goal is to give yourself the right amount of time to prepare properly, and get to your target score the first time you take the test officially. In the event that you want or need to retake the test, you must wait at least 15 days before you’ll be allowed to do so, according to GMAC regulations. (GMAC is the organization who creates the GMAT.) The amount of time you give yourself between official tests will depend on how far off you were from your target score. If the gap is quite big, you may want to invest three or four weeks until you try again; however, if you think you’re truly ready but just had a bad day, you may want to reserve a test date as soon as possible. The point being, you might choose to include extra buffer time in your prep period in the event that you’ll need to retake the test. Again, if you’ve prepared thoroughly, you should hopefully hit your target on the first official test you take. Next, you want to set a goal that’s realistic. While all of us would love to

reach a score close to 800, that is extremely difficult and most people struggle to break into the 700s. Speak to the recruiters at the schools you’re considering to understand what their average accepted score is. Most MBA programs are reluctant to speak in terms of minimum scores, because there are multiple factors at play that could make a candidate admissible, despite a less-than-desirable GMAT score. You should instead ask about the average or range of scores of their admitted students. Based on this information from each of your schools, you can set yourself a target score that is realistic for you and your goal. Now that you’ve calculated the date of when your official prep period begins, go to the GMAT website and download one of the free exam simulations. You want to have that ready to go on your computer, so you’re not wasting time on Day 1. You should also read through the exam instructions so all of that is clear for the day of your first computer-based full exam simulation, just like the real deal, only you’ll be on your own computer. You want to do a simulation right from the very first day as a pre-test. True test prep begins the moment you’ve done your first full 3 hour and 30 minute exam simulation. If you say you’ve been “studying for the GMAT,” and you’ve not done a full simulation, you haven’t really started. Period. If your simulation is a miniGMAT that gives you an estimate of what you might get on a full test, you haven’t really started. This is an endurance test, so there’s no other way to simulate the test without taking one that’s just as long. Bite the bullet and do it for yourself! If you haven’t done a full-length GMAT exam simulation, you haven’t really started your prep. You want to do that first simulation without any prior preparation, as it will give you what’s called a baseline score. This will tell you your starting point before putting in the work of bettering your results. It gives you an indication of how far off you are from your goal. Don’t worry if you're scoring in the 400s or 500s on that first pre-test. Once you dive into your prep work, you’ll see dramatic improvement by the time you do your second simulation, and your confidence in your abilities and your strategy for approaching the test

will improve as well. The other benefit to doing a full exam simulation from Day 1 is that you’ll have a very clear sense of which sections you need to concentrate on most during your prep, instead of wasting too much time on areas in which you’re already fairly strong. With your simulation done and all of the above in mind, you can now create your customized study plan. Many people choose to self-study along with a book you can purchase from GMAC or work in study groups. The motivation and focus you can find in coworking may provide you with the perseverance you need. Others choose to enroll in a GMAT prep school, whether attending classes in person, or online. There are many such schools out there that offer a variety of products, from short boot-camp style classes, to longer formats spanning several months. Other resources are completely online or mobile app-based, which many swear give fantastic results as well. Regardless of format, all of them will provide you with specific strategies that are vital to understand when approaching the GMAT. Some GMAT Prep Schools and Resources to Consider: Manhattan Prep Admit Master Princeton Review MBA Strategy Kaplan City Test Prep Veritas Quant Reasoning PrepScholar Magoosh ExamPAL E-GMAT GMAT Pill

Think like an Olympic athlete. The GMAT is an endurance test. It’s about honing your concentration skills,

so you can stay focused for three and a half hours. Not unlike running a marathon, you are going for long distance. This is why it’s so important to practice full-length tests multiple times. You cannot prepare for a 42km marathon by running 5k here and 10k there. It doesn’t work that way. Let your friends and family know how important this test is, and that you won’t be available very much for the next few months. You’re going to want support as you run this race, and certainly as you cross the finish line. Keep your eyes on the prize and make the GMAT your #1 priority during your prep period, and until you’ve reached your desired score. That means besides work and important family obligations, cutting out everything else that’s extra. While everyone’s study needs are different, you can get back to your book club and poker nights once the GMAT is done. The utmost focus is required for success, and those close to you will understand. You can have a big celebration with them once you hit your mark. Once you’ve put in significant time, about halfway through your planned prep period, you’ll want to do another full exam simulation to check your progress. Undoubtedly, you’ll show improvement, which will give you the confidence and boost in morale to keep going. From the GMAT site, you can get just two free simulations, but also loads of free practice questions. Since you’ll ideally do at least four or five simulations in total before you take the official test at a test center, there are ways to get your hands on other free simulations. Most of the test prep schools will provide at least one free simulation, even before you sign up for one of their courses. Take advantage of them, but be aware that sometimes these versions may be a bit more difficult. You can always purchase additional exam simulations from GMAC itself. If at the end of your planned prep period, you’re exceeding your target score, you’re probably ready to take the official test. Keep in mind that due to nervousness and an unfamiliar setting on the day of the test, many people’s scores drop a few points from their highest simulation score. Therefore, you should ideally be scoring 20 to 30 points above your target score prior to taking the real exam. If you’re not yet scoring above your target score at the end of your prep period, you may want to extend your preparation until you improve. There’s likely no use in taking the test anyway, hoping your score

will go up on the day of the real test. This almost never happens. So study…but don’t over-study. As Olympian as you need to be in the approach, we all need balance. Proper food, sleep, and exercise are important all throughout the test period, particularly in the week leading up to the official test. A healthy mind works best in a healthy body. If you’ve properly conceived a timeline that matches your abilities, you’ll reach a great score on the GMAT in a reasonable amount of time. You don’t want to spend a year studying for the GMAT, or the entire idea of this test will become too painful. You’ll begin to resent having to do this at all, and your results will suffer. Stay balanced and positive. Once you’ve taken the test, you usually have the unofficial score report generated instantaneously. It takes a couple of weeks before you have the official score sent to you, as well as to the schools that you indicated prior to taking the test. Each MBA program has its own code, which you can provide when you register for the test, in order to have results sent automatically. If not, you can always send the results individually, as needed. If you’re in a rush, many business schools will accept an unofficial score report in order to make an admissions decision, knowing that it usually doesn’t change from the final official score. Once everything has been verified, you’ll have your official score. Occasionally there may be a slight variation between the two. If you’re unhappy with your score, there’s no shame in retaking it. If you’ve submitted a relatively low score with your application, you may likely be encouraged to retake the GMAT. The fact that you’re willing to go through the experience again shows a certain tenacity and determination that many admissions professionals can appreciate. You’re willing to fight hard for your dreams, and not give up at the first bump in the road. Taking the GMAT two or three times is not at all uncommon. After that, there is usually a point where one’s score tends to plateau, and if you know you’ve tried your hardest and you’re still not improving, it’s best to accept that this is probably as high a score as you’re going to get. Please…don’t take it ten times! It should be noted that there is the possibility of cancelling your score. If at the end of the test, you know for sure that you’ve done abysmally poorly, then this might be a good option. For example, if you were sick the day of the

test, or there were software malfunctions on the computer on which you took it, or you were just having a really off day, you may want to do this. Otherwise, you should maintain your score, since even though it may not be as high as you wanted, it may still be acceptable to the Admissions Committee, as long as the other elements of your application are very strong. If not, you’ll most likely retake it anyway, so canceling doesn’t really change anything. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that if you are in serious financial hardship, it is possible to ask your recruiter if the school could help support by providing an admissions fee waiver. This is by no means guaranteed, and if they offer them at all, they are very limited. This is not something to be abused, since many other people may be worse off than you; however, if this is truly your situation, feel free to ask.

20 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY TESTS (TOEFL, IELTS, ETC.) The TOEFL or another English language proficiency test is essential in the admissions process to be sure that you can effectively participate in the MBA program. It does not replace the GMAT, nor vice versa. Usually both an English competency test and a business aptitude test are required to apply. Among the most widely accepted English test scores are the TOEFL (usually at least 100 points) and the IELTS (usually at least 7 points); however, flexibility may be granted if your score is close, and the other components of your application are strong. Other accepted English proficiency tests may include the TOEIC, the Pearson PTE, or the Cambridge CPE. Exemptions are usually made for native English speakers, or if you can prove that you have lived, worked or studied for at least three years in an Englishspeaking context. For example, you might be exempted from the English test with a combination of a one-year study abroad in Chicago, and 2+ years working in an office that uses English every day in your home country. This varies greatly from one school to the next, so be sure to check with each school where you plan to apply. It is their prerogative to accept these experiences in lieu of a TOEFL or not. If you do feel very confident in your English abilities, it could be worth your effort to seek a pathway for exemption, and avoid having to spend unnecessary time preparing for this test. On the other hand, you may feel more comfortable taking it to be more sure of yourself and your level. If you’re unsure if you’d qualify after checking the school’s language policy on their website, speak to your recruiter for a recommendation as to how to proceed. Depending on your native language and your current English skills, this test could be very easy for you, or prove to be a challenge. Either way, it’s usually not the most heavily considered element of your application file,

compared to the other components. At the end of the day, admissions committees must be sure that you’ll not only be able to understand what’s being said and written in class and during career events, but also that other people will be able to understand you, since an MBA is so much about participation and collaboration. It’s about two-way fluid communication. Heavier importance may be given if you indicate your career goal is to work in an English-speaking environment post-MBA like the UK, rather than returning to your home country or another country, where English may be far less used. For most people, a month or two is sufficient to prepare to take the test successfully. As with the GMAT, you’ll want to start off by doing a fulllength simulation at the beginning of your prep to assess where you stand and how much work you’ll need to put in. There are loads of test prep companies out there that you can easily find online, should you choose to pay for a course. But first, refer back to the previous chapter about the GMAT for a few more tips that are also applicable to preparing for the TOEFL, IELTS, or other such tests. Some TOEFL Test Prep Schools and Resources to Consider: Manhattan Prep TST Prep Kaplan Magoosh ETS

Since English proficiency tests are only valid for two years, compared to five years for the GMAT, you are not advised to take this test too far in advance of working on your application for an MBA program, in case you postpone. If your GMAT is already done, it should be relatively manageable to prepare your TOEFL in parallel to working on your applications, and of course while maintaining a job.

21 ESSAYS: THE KEY TO GETTING SHORTLISTED FOR AN INTERVIEW While the interview is often regarded as the most important piece of the admissions pie, the essays are one of the main keys to getting shortlisted for the interview stage. This is your first chance to express yourself to the admissions committee and show who you are, filling in many of the gaps that are not obvious from your CV and GMAT score alone. If you’ve arrived at the point of essay writing and you've followed the advice in this book, you must have found at least one school that you really feel is the right fit for you and your career. This is your first chance to demonstrate that fit. Before you dive into preparing your essays or your GMAT, it’s important to consider your timeline in order to prioritize correctly. Depending how far in advance you are from actually applying for MBA programs, the order in which you do things may change. For example, if you are planning to apply for MBA programs five or more years in the future from now, it’s too soon to take the GMAT, because it will expire in five years’ time. In this case, you should spend your time getting to know the many programs out there. If you plan to apply in 18 months to four years from now, you should take your time to thoroughly prepare and get a highly competitive score. Then with that out of the way, you are free and relaxed to focus on your research, essays, and other elements of your application. However, if you’re looking at a shorter timeline, you may want to switch things around. Starting with the GMAT in this case may not be the best approach. In fact, knowing yourself and the schools you're most seriously considering is probably your most urgent priority. It could be very helpful to look at the essay questions asked by your shortlisted schools, which will give you an idea of what they are all about, what's important to them, and what

they expect from you. Furthermore, the very act of writing your essays will help structure your own ideas about yourself and your future career goals, and essentially sharpen your vision about your next steps in your professional life. This is such a fundamental step for anyone in your position to do, and a very healthy exercise to consider before investing so much time and money into preparing a GMAT, which you may discover you don’t need to do, should you ultimately decide an MBA is not the path for you. A healthy exercise for you to do: One of the objectives of the admissions process is to map out your career goals. What is your short-term target (right after graduation) in terms of sector/industry, function/role, and geographical location post-MBA? Then think about the same question in the medium term (3-5 years post-MBA), and then long-term (10-15 years post-MBA). If you can answer all this (and they are realistic goals), you have a pretty good career map that you can refer to as you construct your essays, plan for your interview, and discuss your career plans with advisors or recruiters. Once you’ve decided it’s time to work on your essays, it’s important to carefully read what exactly the essay question or questions are asking. Is it a free form essay, where you can write what you want, or are there specific questions to answer? If indeed something specific is being asked, above all, you must be sure to answer the question. One handy trick to be sure you’ve done this accurately is to have someone read your completed essay, and ask them to guess what the question was. If they can guess the question, you’ve probably done your job. While you want to show a bit of creativity in your thinking, a good response is always sure to answer the question. You’d be surprised at how many candidates fail to tick this seemingly obvious box by telling a story they want to tell, but not answering the question being asked. You want to tell a good story. No one in admissions wants to read a chronological list of your achievements, nor a string of over-the-top phrases singing the praises of what a wonderful school you think they are. Flattery won’t get you very far without some solid content. Consider politicians and business leaders, like Barack Obama and Steve Jobs, who were engaging and

convincing orators because they knew how to tell a good story. Reflect on some of the more poignant moments in your career or personal life where you overcame great challenges, even a failure that taught you an invaluable lesson. Give your story enough detail to provide context, without getting lost along the way. Build up to that defining moment of victory or growth that made you who you are today. A glimpse into your personal window of experience that shows perseverance, humility, and collaboration with others will speak volumes about your character and determination. Be sure to tie the anecdotes you share back to the main point and briefly reference how it connects you to your next steps at that particular business school. A word of caution, since you’ll probably be writing essays for multiple MBA programs for which you apply: be 100% sure to have the right school name on the right essay! A tip to stay organized: create a separate folder on your computer or cloud drive for each school, so that each essay is sent to the right place. This error too is far too common, and can result in some major embarrassment. Stay organized and avoid this mistake. At the end of the day, the purpose of the essay is for the Admissions Committee to get to know you, your goals, your personality, and what you will contribute to the class (and beyond, as an alum). You want to demonstrate professional maturity, a deep awareness of what their program is about, and how it can connect you to your clearly defined goals. You want to be specific and realistic. This is truly key. The AdCom needs to get a clear idea as to what you hope to do following your MBA; both immediately after, as well as in the medium and long term. An MBA is a bridge to connect you from your current reality to your future goals. If the gap is far too wide, no bridge will be able to help you make that leap. If you are someone seeking several major career changes, a sign of professional maturity is acknowledging that this would probably have to be done in multiple steps, which you can outline in your essays. Besides engaging your audience with a good story and answering the question asked, there are several themes that stand out in making someone a good candidate. If you can find a way to include any international experiences in the story, be sure to do so. It will highlight your own

worldliness. Any anecdotes you can share about yourself in a leadership role could also impress the Admissions Committee. Share about a time when you’ve performed as a team player, which shows that you can interact well with others in a high pressure environment. All of these are considered highly desirable qualities that, if reinforced in the minds of the AdCom, could help you to get shortlisted. Once your essays are written and refined to the point that you think they’re ready, of course you want to run the spelling and grammar checker on your computer. Then do it again manually to be sure nothing was missed. While minor errors are often forgiven, particularly if the candidate is a non-native English speaker, your essays should approach perfection in terms of your use of the English language. You also want to be sure to respect the requested word count. Did the question come with a maximum, a minimum, or an average word count? Getting your ideas and your story out within a limited number of words can prove to be a bigger challenge than anticipated. You may have to make some cuts to tell your story efficiently, so carefully evaluate which elements are essential. After all, getting to the point and still having an impact is a skill in itself, and frankly, no one in the AdCom wants to read a never-ending saga. At this point, you will want to share your essays with one or two trusted friends (preferably native English speakers) to read and provide honest feedback. You may also choose to work with a professional coach to support you in the entire essay process. Either way, be sure a few sets of eyes give you feedback on your finished product before you submit. Essay Tester: Ask someone to read your completed essay blindly. If they can guess what the question was, you’ve probably done a good job. Video Essays Some business schools employ the use of video essays as a tool to get to know you better in a less scripted way, and as a means to ensure it is indeed you who is giving the answer. This has become a popular solution to the problem of plagiarism on the essays, which nearly all business schools have

been working to combat in one way or another in recent years. Sometimes video essays are administered by a third party company who share the results with business schools who are their clients. You may receive one or a few questions to answer at random. Often you have one or two minutes to reflect on the answer you’d like to give, followed by one or a few minutes to give your verbal response which is recorded. In addition to ensuring that it’s definitely you answering the question, it shows the admissions committee how you think on your feet when faced with a question to which you have not had unlimited time to craft the perfect answer, as in real life interactions. It also gives the AdCom a sense of your presentation skills, organization of thoughts, confidence, charisma, level of verbal English, and creativity. While video essays can be a cause of stress for many, it may be reassuring to know that not all business schools use them, and sometimes they are optional. Many schools allow you to do several unrecorded practice questions, so you can get used to the system and the timing. You can also practice recording yourself with a friend asking you various questions, until you become more at ease with the situation. With a quick search online, you can find many examples of the types of questions you may encounter in a video essay. Of course on the day of, you should be sure to dress professionally, be mindful of what else is on camera (take down or move that old Baywatch poster you still have for some reason), and double check that all the necessary technology is in tip-top working order so everything goes smoothly. For a complete checklist of tips for your video essays, please refer to the video section of the chapter on Interviewing.

22 GETTING REFERENCES To qualify as a reference, s/he must know you first in a professional capacity, and must know you well. Most MBA programs require two professional references, but as always, follow the directions on the website or as instructed by your recruiter. If two are requested, don’t provide just one. Don’t provide three or four. As always, follow directions. As far as whom to ask, your references must be people who know you well in a professional capacity. Ideally this would be your current direct manager, but other current or former managers, colleagues, or anyone with whom you’ve had a close, ongoing working relationship could work as well. If you cannot ask your current boss because you have not yet disclosed that you’ll be leaving soon to pursue your MBA, don’t be alarmed. Admissions offices are very accustomed to this scenario, and are prepared to accept alternative solutions. Consider the entrepreneur or independent consultant, who may have no supervisors or even colleagues. It’s therefore widely accepted for referees to include any variety of professional collaborators such buyers, suppliers, clients, customers, etc., provided they have a deep enough relationship with you to be able to speak on your professionalism and character. Even outside of the office sphere, if you belong to a professional association, volunteer group, sports team, musical group, etc. where you’ve held a leadership role and where someone knows you well enough and for long enough to speak about you in detail, this could often be acceptable as well. Be sure to verify this with your admissions officer or recruiter first.

Proximity of relationship is key. Some MBA candidates may be tempted to ask a high-ranking member of an organization to serve as a referee. While the backing from the CEO of a multinational corporation might make an impressive reference, he or she may not be the best person to ask, if the depth of your relationship consists of a shared experience riding the elevator on one occasion or shaking hands once a year at the staff holiday party. If the person writing about you doesn’t know you very well, that will certainly come through in the reference letter. As admissions professionals, we have read hundreds, if not thousands of references, and we get pretty good at detecting a “fluff reference.” Someone who knows you better will inevitably write a more convincing reference than someone who struggles to find anecdotes and concrete examples of things you’ve accomplished. For that very same reason, you are advised to abandon ship if your desired referee says something to the effect of, “You can just write it and I’ll sign it for you. I don’t have time to do it myself.” Again, we’re very good at detecting these, and you’d be doing yourself a disservice. Kindly thank the intended referee anyway, and move on to someone else. If you’ve had a mentor in your life for some time, first of all congratulations. Mentoring is not only undervalued but can really help give you an edge over other candidates and professionals, during and post-MBA. Secondly, a mentor can make a fine reference, assuming they’ve known you for at least a couple of years, have had regular contact with you, and the mentor has worked with you relatively recently. Of course, you’d best confirm their eligibility as a referee with your recruiter. Many candidates ask whether professors can serve as referees. The short answer is, we’re more interested in getting to know you as a professional than as a student. We assume that you’ve learned and grown far more as a professional in the working world, than back when you were still in university. That said, it may be slightly more difficult for younger MBA candidates with only 2-3 years of professional experience to find multiple professional references. In this case, if it’s not been too long since you’ve graduated, some MBA admissions offices may accept a reference from a former professor, again with the understanding that you’ve worked closely

together and the professor knows you well. As always, check each school’s point of view on this first. People who should definitely not be considered for references are anyone in your family, any current subordinate to you at work, or anyone with a vested interest in supporting you who might be considered biased, and therefore disqualified. If your professional experience has been working in a small family business, you’ll have to search a little harder for references. Similar to the entrepreneur, consider regular clients, buyers, or suppliers who know you well. Take the time to explain to your referees why you want to do an MBA, which school(s) you’ve chosen, and remind them of some of your professional achievements. Help them to help you! The format and content of what your references write will all depend on the instructions that each MBA program provides for you, generally outlined on the admissions page of the website. While some schools may still prefer the old fashioned way with paper and stamps in the mail, these days, many have an online procedure. Either way, be sure to follow instructions precisely. If the school asks the referee to respond to specific questions, be sure they are answered in the reference letter. Other schools may require a reference form to be filled out, asking the referee to score you in various areas. On the other hand, there may be no required format, and the referee may write whatever they wish. As always, if there’s a recommended word count, respect it! Selecting your references is an important process. Needless to say, you want to choose a professional contact whom you are 100% sure will say nothing but great things about you. You’d be surprised how many references get sent with disparaging remarks about the candidate, which does not serve you well. Here are some helpful steps to follow: 1. Once you’ve decided whom to ask, it’s best to ask by phone or in person, not by text or email. It’s more personal and allows you to connect more deeply with your prospective referee, hopefully making

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them more likely to agree to help (and do a good job at it!). If the referee is locally based, offer to take them to coffee or lunch to catch up. Not only does it show appreciation and foster the relationship, it allows you to take the time to explain why you want to do an MBA at this point in your career, how you’re a good fit for the schools you’ve targeted, and to remind the referee of some of your professional achievements. All of these things will make your referee’s job easier. Help them to help you! If you’ve properly prepared them, it will make their job as painless as possible. Be sure the referee has all the tools they need to make your reference go through smoothly. That definitely includes your updated CV, the link of the admissions website, any additional instructions, and perhaps even a contact email in the admissions office, should they need it. This may also include addressed, postage-paid envelopes, should the school prefer snail mail for your references, to which your referee may be required to add a signature across the seal of the envelope. Be aware that your reference may not be comfortable with sharing his or her exact words, and if you fully trust them, that has to be OK. Remember - they are doing you a favor, and it’s important to respect their privacy. Follow up with a hand-written card, sent in the mail – particularly if they’ve done multiple references for you. Your success is, in part, thanks to their efforts, and some kind words of appreciation from you sent in the mail is a nice touch of class. Who knows - you may want to ask them to serve as a reference again in the future.

23 THE INTERVIEW For most business schools in the UK and around the world, the interview is the most important element of the application process, since it is so revealing about the “total package” of the applicant, but it also gives the applicant a much deeper sense of the school and the program for which they are applying. Since the interview step can be so intimidating for some, one of the best things to keep in mind is that you are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. While of course they have the upper hand in terms of admitting you or not, you are there to gain information about the school as well, to decide if they are the right fit for you and if you will accept their admission offer over that of another program. Proper preparation will help you exude the maturity, readiness, and quiet confidence (not arrogance) you should have on the day of the interview. The interview is extremely valuable because the admissions committee can learn so much about a candidate in a short time. They will quickly be able to assess your personality and interpersonal skills, far beyond than they can deduce from reading your essays. How fluid are your interactions with other people? Can you make a human connection with your interviewer? There may be more than one person interviewing you at the same time, and although not often, sometimes, you may experience a “good cop / bad cop” situation. Always start by making a connection with the more friendly of the two, and during the course of the interaction, try to win the heart of the one who’s more detached. If the admissions committee chooses this approach, it may be to see how you can manage a high pressure situation, and manage difficult people. This could be something worth practicing in advance with a coach or a few friends. They will get a sense if you are coachable or not, based on your response to

feedback given during the interview, so consider how you generally respond to criticism. Do you tend to feel attacked and stiffen up, or are you open to comments and suggestions? You may be told that one or more of your goals may not be very realistic, at least in the short-term, based on your current experiences and skills. Are you able to take on their feedback and adjust your career plans, perhaps by playing with your expected timeline, or acquiring a new skill first? Active listening skills are paramount. Based on your knowledge of the program - or lack thereof - they’ll quickly get a sense of how interested and serious you are. The things you say and the questions you ask will be very revealing of the depth of research you’ll have done, and how passionate you are about that school and MBA program. Showing a bit of excitement for the school is always well-received, and makes the interviewers feel good about the product they are offering. Be sure, however, that it is sincere because people can usually sense your level of authenticity, and nobody wants to listen to you rattle off a list of random accomplishments the school has made just to prove you’re aware of them. If speaking to alumni and learning about the features of the program doesn’t excite you at all, this may not be the program for you. Don’t force it – find a school that’s the right fit for you! You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Prepare your questions accordingly. One of the most important reasons for an individual interview is to assess if the candidate is hirable. The admissions committee needs to be confident that once you complete your MBA, you will likely succeed in landing a job soon after. It’s extremely important to business schools to have alumni who are happy and successful post-MBA, since that is reflected in rankings, among alumni sentiment, and the overall reputation of the school to deliver a product that works. Finally, the interview is a platform to discuss anything not covered in the application or clarify any points that you feel need nuancing. This can often include your expectations during and after the program, your interactions with alumni and current students, other schools you’ll be applying to, your

financial plans to stay afloat during your MBA, any concerns you may have, and any other stakeholders involved in your decision making process, such as parents, spouse, your current employer, mentors, or anyone supporting you financially. Let’s not forget that the choice to do an MBA is a major life decision, and that could have an impact on those closest to you, or who depend on you in some way. Below we’ll discuss how you can prepare for success before, during, and after the interview experience. Pre-Interview: Logistics 1. Thank them for the opportunity, and find out the format, structure, and schedule of the interview, if there are multiple parts. 2. Mark your calendar and block the day. Don’t try to squeeze the interview between other things, as it may take longer than expected, as may transport to and from. 3. Map your route, and ask if in doubt. If you have the time, you can previsit the campus to be sure you don’t get lost, but also to get a preview of what campus is like. Talk to people. Grab a copy of the school newspaper. Notice what’s happening, and you can speak about all of these things during your actual interview, which shows a real sense of interest and preparedness. 4. If you know who’ll be interviewing you, research them. They’re probably on LinkedIn. An awareness of their position and achievements never hurts. 5. Tame your own social media, if necessary. People definitely check how you represent yourself online. Pre-Interview: Content 1. Know the program and the website inside and out. 2. What you can’t glean from the website or prior interactions with the school becomes the basis for your questions for them during the interview. 3. Plan your personal presentation. Keep it short and simple, and include

only and all the things you want to discuss. Leave out what’s extraneous and what might be difficult for you to explain. You definitely want to practice this out loud with somebody a few times in advance, with a trusted friend or maybe a coach. Follow your CV but in chronological order (unless asked to do otherwise) from graduation with your type of degree up until your current job. Draw connections between positions, experiences, skills, and your studies. 4. Identify your goals: short, medium, and long-term. Professional maturity means that you can speak about your goals specifically and realistically. 5. Consider what hobbies and personal interests you’d like to share, when asked. Do at least one mock interview. 1. If possible, get a trusted professional to do a simulation with you, and get detailed feedback. 2. Get it on video if possible. While this is awkward to watch, you’ll be able to identify the little quirks that we all have, and practice an interview presentation style you’d like to embody. Be sure, however, to not let this allow you to become overly self-conscious. Part of knowing yourself is accepting yourself as you are. 3. Work on a rhythm of speech and body language that helps you as well as the interviewers to feel relaxed and natural. 4. Be comfortable speaking about yourself and handling surprise questions. It’s OK to take a moment to reflect before answering. Of course you want to dress for success. Depending on the culture of the school, you may find that during the MBA, people tend to dress down, but do not take that as a cue for you to show up for the MBA interview in jeans. You should dress exactly as you would for a job interview, putting your best foot forward. Let’s also remember that this is Europe - a good sense of style and self-expression is appreciated, even if that means deviating slightly from the more traditional business suit. Below are several ideas and suggestions for how to look the part.

Ideas for Attire: Suggestions for Women Dress as you would for a job interview. A suit works well (navy, black or dark gray). If the suit has a skirt, it should be long enough so you can sit comfortably. Coordinated blouse. Conservative shoes. No six-inch stilettos. Limited jewelry. No huge dangling earrings or arms full of bracelets. Wearing no jewelry is better than jewelry that looks cheap. Neat, professional hairstyle. If you choose pantyhose, a neutral color is good, or black or navy tights. Light makeup and perfume. Neatly manicured clean nails. Portfolio or briefcase. Ideas for Attire: Suggestions for Men Dress as you would for a job interview. A suit works well (a solid color like navy or dark gray) A long sleeve shirt, white or coordinated with the suit. Leather, conservative accessories: brown belt with brown shoes; black belt with black shoes. Dark socks. Little or no jewelry. Professional, neat hairstyle. Little or no cologne. Neatly trimmed, clean nails. Portfolio or briefcase. Interview Day: What not to bring. Gum or food. Water is OK. Coffee or soda. Let them offer to you.

iPod or other music player. Cigarettes or e-cigarettes. Cover tattoos if possible. If you have lots of piercings, consider leaving most at home. “Earrings only” is a good rule. Interview Day: Keys for success. ARRIVE EARLY!! Anticipate transport delays and/or getting lost, even if you’ve been there before! Have extra copies of your CV, and business cards if you have them. Greet everyone you meet with a handshake, a smile, and eye contact. (Let your host extend their hand first.) Err on the side of formal. Be attuned to cultural differences, and follow their lead. Wait to be invited in, to be asked to have a seat, etc. Please, thank you, and you’re welcome never goes out of style. Keep a pen and pad of paper within easy reach for making notes during the interview, to not forget any points you may want to come back to. Have your phone fully charged and on SILENT mode. Keep cash on you, in case the interview includes a meal. Go Time: Interview tips to remember. Although you’re interviewing them as well, always remember you are their guest. Prepare at least three solid questions that cannot be answered on the website. Have a good (and appropriate) story about yourself ready to tell. Be memorable. Let them lead the conversation until asked otherwise. Be attentive, calm, and maintain eye contact when speaking. Be sure to answer the questions, but redirect the conversation if necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat or restate the question if it’s not clear.

Highlight examples of yourself in action as a leader. That can be in or out of the office, such as a team captain or volunteer organization. Share any international experiences you’ve had (and what they taught you), and your innate curiosity about and respect for other cultures. Be yourself. If it’s a phone interview, all the above applies, plus: Guarantee you’ll have a quiet, uninterrupted space. Get a babysitter or dog sitter if necessary. Avoid distraction by interviewing from a cleared desk or table. Dress the part, even if no one can see you. It gets your mind in the right space. Since the focus will be on your words only, warm up your voice, and have some water available if necessary. Take advantage of your invisibility by taking copious notes; however, be sure the interviewers perceive to have your full attention. Don’t get so distracted with note-taking that you forget to listen. Put a smile in your voice. Positivity will come through on the call. If there are multiple interviewers, draw columns onto a page to keep track of who said what. If it’s a Skype or Zoom interview, all the rest applies, plus: ENSURE A STRONG INTERNET CONNECTION! There is nothing more frustrating than when the signal is weak or fails during a video conference. If your connection at home isn’t great, book a space somewhere like a library, co-working space, or hotel. Despite your best efforts, if there is an unexpected connection issue, many schools are sympathetic and will allow you to reschedule for a second interview. Anticipate sound delays, so speak slowly, articulate, and be patient. Fix your hair and dress the part - pants included! We’ve all heard the stories of the video call, where someone unexpectedly stands up and forgets they’re in their underwear. Eliminate distraction. Lock the door behind you, make sure you have a

neutral and professional background, and make sure the little ones are taken care of. That may mean a babysitter for your child or your dog, and no crazy pictures from Spring Break on the shelf behind you. Keep water nearby. Don’t be stiff, and smile - you’re on TV!

During the interview, you want to presuppose your strengths, rather than simply pointing them out. That is to say, weave these qualities into your story. For example, instead of saying, “I have a lot of cross-cultural experience,” you can say, “My cross-cultural experience really helped me when…” Or instead of, “I’ve worked in many high-pressure environments,” you can say, “Having worked in several high pressure environments before, I think I’ll definitely be able to respond to the demands/needs of _______.” Most institutions pride themselves in being bastions of diversity and they often have several scholarships to prove it, as well as to continue to attract candidates of many stripes. Show them your colors. Multiculturalism and international exposure come in many forms, so be sure to dazzle them with your unique background and story. During the interview, the admissions committee may mention some scholarships that could correspond to your profile that you hadn’t heard of before. Demonstrate intercultural sensitivity by showing them that you think more as an international business person than as a local who hasn’t seen much outside of his or her own bubble. Take an interest in global news and causes, if you think this is a weak point of yours. If English is not your native tongue, embrace your accent, as it highlights your unique origins. Look, nobody is expecting the Queen’s English – even in the United Kingdom; however, you must be understandable, and you must be able to understand them. While speaking, slow down, articulate, and repeat if necessary. Similarly, if you didn’t understand them, don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat. This kind of interaction shows compassion, patience, and a willingness to collaborate across cultures. It may also be helpful to avoid local slang and favor more universally used language. Don’t be afraid of humor. Not only does research show a strong correlation

between a good sense of humor and high emotional intelligence, but it’s intuitive. Comedian Tina Fey famously said, “You can tell how smart people are by what they laugh at.” Not only will a little joke here and there indicate to your interviewers that you’re at ease and self-confident, but it can show them that you’re clever and enjoyable to be around. A mildly tense situation, like a poor internet connection or other distraction during your interview, can be smoothed over if all involved are able to laugh at it. “A person without a sense of humor is like a wagon without springs. It's jolted by every pebble on the road.” -Henry Ward Beecher

Of course you want to remain professional, keep it clean, and not use any swear words or foul language. Probably in most cases, it's wise to avoid any polarizing topics like politics, religion, or any other current hot-button issues. At the same time, if such subjects are central to your professional story, it will be hard to avoid. In the name of remaining authentic, you should absolutely talk about your experiences, but choose your words carefully and be as diplomatic as possible. You never know the personal beliefs or experiences of the person sitting in front of you. It goes without saying that any comments or jokes that could be perceived as discriminatory or defamatory (by race, religion, gender, sexuality, age, ability, etc.) should be absolutely avoided. Turning things around, if one of your interviewers makes an off-color joke, you should not play along and feed into it. Although this is unlikely, it could be a test. Above all, should you hear any suggestion of discrimination or anything that goes against your values or moral code, it may be best to pretend you didn’t hear it and change the subject. On the other hand, if this person pushes the matter further, you may feel compelled to say you don’t think that this topic of conversation is appropriate. Bigoted people need to be disarmed, and if this person is any representation of the program or school to which you’re applying, maybe it isn’t the right place for you. That can be hard to swallow, considering how far in the process you are at that point, but

that brings me back to the values match, discussed earlier in this book. Better find out now whether or not the school’s culture is a good fit for you, than halfway through the program. Finally, you may want to address an off-color interview experience with another trusted contact from the staff, to see if this truly reflects the values of the school, or perhaps it was a case of a rogue interviewer who was having a bad day. Although you will have ended your interview with a thank you in person, a follow up thank you email once you get home is always a nice touch. That said, you’ll need to get the email addresses of your interviewers before you leave. At the end of the interview, feel free to ask if they have a card, or if it would be possible to get their email addresses. Another approach could be to ask the receptionist for their emails. It’s a good idea to follow up with your recruiter as well, to thank them for their efforts that got you to this stage. They often have a voice at the table when it comes to admissions decisions, so keeping communication and gratitude flowing could always help your case when it comes down to it.

24 HOW THE ADMISSIONS DECISION IS MADE The final decision for admission is a holistic one, usually taking into consideration the full picture of an applicant’s candidature. The purpose of the interview is not to keep you out, but rather to ensure that you’ll be happy and successful if you get in. The various elements that the school requires in the application aim to give them a 360 degree view of you and your career path, so they can make an informed decision about your potential for success as a participant in their program, and perhaps more importantly, about potential success as an alumnus putting his or her enhanced skill set in action in the workforce. Remember, your success in the future breeds future success in recruiting the next generation of MBA candidates. If you look good, they look good. Every school in the UK (and around the world) is different in how they rank the importance of the interview or percentage of weight given to it, among the various indicator tools they have at their disposal. For most schools, the interview is the most important assessment tool, followed by the work experience on your CV along with your GMAT score, perhaps neck and neck in second place. Previous academic performance would probably come in next, followed by your essays which normally would discuss your goals, and then finally your references. While there is no hard and fast rule, since every school is different, this descending list helps you approximate where many schools give the most attention. For a business school to admit you, they are specifically seeking to understand that you’re going to be successful in the program they offer, and leverage that in your career ahead. This is exactly why the earliest chapters of this book discuss researching and soul searching, meaning really understanding yourself with all your strengths, experiences, and lack thereof.

Knowing who you are and where you want to go is so paramount, and this, as well as your knowledge of their program being the right fit for you, really comes through during an effective application process. Be sure to articulate a focused career path that reassures the admissions committee that you know what you want, and that by integrating into their program, you’re confident you’ll get there. They need to know you’ll be able to handle the academic content and not struggle or fail out of their courses. And finally, they need to get a handle on your personality that shows maturity, positivity and openness, a balance of confidence with humility, and the ability to get along with and lead other people. Depending if the school uses a rolling admissions process or follows admissions rounds in waves, the turnaround time for a response could be just a few days, or it could take several weeks. At this point, you can expect one of three possibilities: you’re admitted, you’re rejected, or you’re waitlisted, which we’ll discuss in the next chapter. If you’re admitted, be sure to contact the admissions committee as well as your recruiter (if it’s not the same person) and thank them for your admission. You should definitely thank your referees as well, since they contributed to your success.

25 GETTING WAITLISTED While being told that your application has been waitlisted is extremely frustrating and potentially anxiety-inducing, you need to try to look at the positives. This usually means one of two things: either your application was just average, and the school prefers to first see how many other stronger applicants they will admit and receive an accepted offer from, or they may want to give you the opportunity to improve on one or several points. This may include retaking the GMAT, reworking your CV, waiting for a pending promotion at work, or even an additional interview. If admission to this school is your goal, pay close attention to any feedback they may give you, and focus attention on improving those things. Despite the frustration, being put on the waiting list is actually a good place to be because it means the school liked at least a few things about your application, and does see your potential. Above all, it’s not a flat out rejection, so try not to take it personally, and incorporate whatever suggestions you can get from your recruiter to improve your position. Ask what, if anything, you can do to make your application more attractive and stronger, and be sure to improve those things. It is reasonable to ask the time frame for when waitlisted candidates will have an updated response. If you have any other deadlines on your side, you should politely communicate those to your admissions rep with patience and respect. For example, if you have to accept a decision from another school by a certain date that is approaching, you could ask if it would be possible to have an updated answer on your waitlisted application sooner. It is normal for them to expect that you’ve also applied elsewhere, but you can let the rep know that they are your first choice. This puts a gentle pressure on them to give you their final answer sooner, since after all, you don’t want to end up

with no options for beginning an MBA program that year. You can similarly approach the other school and request that they give you a little more time to accept (or decline) their offer. These actions can alleviate some of the pressure you may be facing at a time when deadlines are conflicting among your top choices. Some advance planning regarding the order in which you apply to schools (first choice first, etc.) could also help avoid the painful situation of having to accept or decline an offer from your second or third choice school without yet having a decision from your top-choice school.

26 MAKING CONNECTIONS: DEVELOPING YOUR NETWORK EARLY Networking is more of an art than a science, but there are some key things to remember. If it isn’t already a reflex for you, active networking starts today. Every day presents new opportunities and people to meet who could become fantastic contacts for your career or otherwise. Learn to adopt good habits of making connections with people everywhere you go - in a restaurant, on a train, at a cocktail. If you’re an introvert by nature, this may prove to be a challenge at first, but it’s a vital skill for anyone who intends to successfully enter and complete an MBA, as well as advance up the corporate ladder, and certainly to launch a new start-up. A great place to start practicing could be at any of the MBA events, as mentioned earlier in this book. Such events are teeming with fantastic potential contacts, whether it be recruiters from a school, alumni, or fellow candidates. Particularly once you’ve narrowed your decision to a handful of MBA programs, you can really focus on making contacts at those schools. You’ll want to reach out as soon as possible to current students, alumni, admissions reps, and potentially professors, should they make themselves available, not only get to know the program, but to make yourself known as a bright and motivated young professional, looking to further him or herself. Now is not the time to be shy, but do be mindful and respectful of peoples’ time, particularly with professors, not all of whom prefer to be contacted by applicants. It’s highly important to acknowledge and respect people’s boundaries. Pro Tips for Successful Networking: Don't only network when you need something or someone. Not only do you avoid coming off as desperate or insincere, but often it can be too

late in the game if you wait until it’s urgent to start building those relationships. Schedule time for networking to take place, even if it means doing it at pre-planned events. Start with an approach driven by the goal being a mutually beneficial relationship. If both parties benefit, the bond will be much stronger. Have an open mind and talk to people outside of your comfort zone, who work in a variety of fields, who have a variety of different personal backgrounds. You never know who or when a contact might open a door for you. Leverage existing relationships. Often the best and easiest connections happen when it’s through a mutual friend or colleague. Be strategic about the conversations you’d like to have. Before you head out to that cocktail or even train trip, keep in mind a few points related to the topic you are working towards and be ready to (tactfully) talk about what you’re looking for. Similarly, think of a few points where you’re already strong where you could talk about a skill or service you could offer someone else.

Business cards or not? Considering the breadth of technology and multiple channels of communication at our fingertips these days, the use of traditional business cards is less prevalent than before. While it’s definitely not expected to have your own business cards to share with recruiters at MBA events, it can be a nice touch. It shows a certain readiness and fluency in networking that recruiters appreciate, so whether you have cards from where you currently work, or you wish to print your own personal business cards, feel free to offer one to the people you meet. They may be happy to have that extra reminder to reach out to you, or may decline since they’ll already have a copy of your CV. Business cards are probably most useful for those unexpected conversations during a flight or at a bar, and may feel less invasive than asking someone if you can put their phone number directly into your mobile phone. Conversely, some people may have an aversion to business cards for environmental reasons, since they ultimately cause more waste. At the end of

the day, it’s a personal choice for you to make.

27 FINANCING YOUR MBA While the sticker price advertised by each MBA program is the number we often have in our minds as we do our research for the right program, we often don’t think about the total costs of completing your MBA until much later. That is to say, in addition to tuition, how much do you need to budget for that entire one or two years of life during which you’ll be pursuing your studies? After scholarships, which are often not guaranteed, you need to think about your cost of living in the UK, including your rent, food, transportation, school supplies, phone plan, leisure, and entertainment per year. Other costs to consider are networking events like cocktails, and trips for personal or professional/academic reasons. You definitely don’t want to be in a situation where you can’t participate in the events and activities your classmates are, because you didn’t budget properly. Not only could you miss out on some important professional opportunities, you could also miss out on some of the fun of doing your MBA. By most estimates, at the time this book was written, a year of life in the UK (excluding your tuition and fees from the business school) will cost you on average between £15,000 and £20,000, with a great deal of variation, depending on whether you live somewhere like central London, in a smaller city, or further out from an urban center. Generally speaking, your monthly rent will vary drastically depending on where you choose to live. Of course, this will largely depend on the kind of housing you choose, what, where, and how much you eat, and your lifestyle. If you really plan to stay on a strict budget, choosing the most modest housing option (probably a share flat and far from the center), cooking most meals at home, and taking advantage of all the student discounts you can find, some people say you can survive on about £1,000 to £1200 per month. Of course that doesn’t include the cost of any

weekend trips you may want to plan with your classmates, as many MBA students like to do occasionally. Of course if you’ll be coming with a spouse or children, costs will certainly be higher. One of the ways you can reduce your monthly expenses is by applying for a Council Tax exemption. Council Tax helps pay for a variety of services in your local community, including rubbish removal, maintaining cleanliness and safety in streets and parks, maintaining the water supply, partial funding for libraries and schools, and much more. If where you’ll be living is a household where everyone is a full-time student in a program that’s at least one year long, with at least 21 hours of study per week, you should be eligible for the exemption. To apply, as with most services in the UK, go to the website, www.uk.gov, and search for “council tax student discounts.” If your household is mixed, including non-students, you still may be eligible for a discount. Either way, it’s worth finding out if you can save yourself a bit of money during your MBA. Since you won’t have the salary you had before, you’ll need to plan ahead to cover the costs associated with your MBA. Those who have planned well in advance have savings that will go towards this. Some are lucky enough to have a family contribution; however, company sponsorships are quite rare for those doing full-time MBAs. You should aim to find as many scholarships for which you could qualify to offset costs, but bear in mind that the vast majority of MBA students take some kind of loan to help make their MBA possible. We’ll discuss these things in the chapters that follow.

28 SCHOLARSHIPS “Asking for scholarships first thing when you meet a recruiter is like asking for sex on the first date.” -Anonymous Recruiter Obviously financing your MBA is a huge question that shouldn’t be overlooked. Indeed, nearly all top business schools do offer some form of scholarships, which are often clearly outlined on their website. The first thing you should do is read what’s on offer, and what’s expected in order to benefit from them. But let’s face it - business schools are not charity organizations, and they’re not giving out money to people who just claim to need it. The reality is nearly every candidate expresses a need for scholarships, so you’ll need to demonstrate to them in the appropriate format - not just by asking why you should be considered for scholarship money or financial aid. One thing you do not want to do is ask about scholarships upon your first contact with a recruiter, whether at an MBA event or by email. First of all, the scholarship information is generally available for you to read on the website, and therefore you should’ve already read up on it beforehand, but when you ask about this first, it implies that your main motivation is money rather than the full MBA experience, education, and lifetime alumni network. While money may be a very important factor, it’s widely considered to be in poor taste to approach that subject first thing, especially without both you and the admissions team getting to know each other a bit. Once your recruiter has gotten to know you and your own selling points as a great candidate, as well as your genuine interest in the school, then you may want to ask some deeper questions to him or her about the scholarships that go beyond what is explained on the website.

At the end of the day, scholarships are one of the main tools that business schools use to attract diversity and top talent. Business schools aim to bring in bright and motivated young professionals with the right kinds of experiences behind them and the potential for great success, so they can add more and more examples of highly successful business leaders among their alumni ranks. Essentially, they are looking for people who are already great, so they can polish them a bit, connect them to opportunities, put their stamp on them and say to the world, “Look what we made!” So how do you prove to the admissions committee that you’re great? Well, it comes down to many of the things we discussed in the earlier chapters: do your homework, fit the criteria, have a well-done CV, and a competitive GMAT score. While the GMAT may often not be the most important criterion for admission, you’ll find that it can become very important when it comes to scholarships. There is often a strong correlation between GMAT score and scholarship output. Fair or not, this is one of the few globally standardized metrics that admissions offices have. You can regard the GMAT as a sort of contest to win money, and the higher the score means the higher the chance of receiving a scholarship. In addition to the more academically-focused funding opportunities, some schools also offer need-based scholarships, or a number of scholarships to multiply the forms of diversity on campus and in the classroom. Don’t forget to look into these options as well, as you might have that something special that they are looking for to enrich the experience of the others in the class (whether that’s a different perspective based on your international experiences, unique professional background, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, or a number of other things that make you who you are). The need-based scholarships may require (more or less extensive) proof of your financial situation to be eligible. Do be mindful of the fact that “financial need” in this case is being measured on a pretty global scale, so consider what your situation looks like in comparison to other candidates from around the world that will likely be applying for the same scholarships. This is another opportunity to demonstrate your personal and cultural awareness.

Beyond the scholarships available from the individual business schools, it is possible to find additional funding outside, but you should pay close attention to their often strict deadlines and specific eligibility requirements. A simple search online will land you on dozens of websites that can help you find additional financial resources; however, be aware that the supply of such scholarships is limited and there’s a lot of competition. It’s definitely worth applying for as many scholarship opportunities as possible, but the reality is that most MBA students rely, at least in part, on borrowing money in the form of a loan. One such website that regularly updates scholarship opportunities for a mix of program types around the world is Scholars for Development (www.scholars4dev.com), where you can search for scholarships for which you may be eligible as an applicant to a British MBA program. In general, the British Council is a fantastic source of all kinds of information related to education, including finding scholarships. Be sure to check out their website. Finally, another great source of financial aid is Chevening (www.chevening.org), which is the UK government’s international awards program, aimed at developing global leaders, through their Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships. Take careful note of application deadlines, as they process many applications from a huge number of people from around the world.

29 LOANS Nearly every MBA student takes out a loan to cover some of the costs associated with their MBA. Since MBAs are not cheap and scholarships are not a guarantee, be ready to borrow some money. The good news is, if you select your MBA program wisely and take the academics, networking, and job search seriously, you’ll be able to repay that loan in no time, and will be well on your way to a much better financial position in just a few years postMBA. In the United Kingdom, local banks are often reluctant to lend to international students unless they have a local guarantor who lives and earns a salary in the UK, high enough to be considered a safe bet for them. The guarantor may not need to be a blood relation, but they must demonstrate a steady income and sign paperwork that requires them to repay your loan in case you’re unable to, or in case you decide to disappear on them. Clearly this has been a problem in the past, which is why they approve their non-British borrowers with heightened caution. Many business schools have partnerships with local banks, but this does not usually mean you will have access to a student loan thanks to their relationship; you’ll still need a guarantor. In the case that you can’t get a loan from a British bank, your next bet is to shop around with local banks where you’re from. If you currently live abroad in a country other than the UK, you potentially have three banking systems to explore for lending options. Student loan rates will vary greatly from country to country, bank to bank, and year to year, so take the time to examine your options. Non-Bank Borrowing Prodigy Finance is one of the best-known lending institutions, specifically

designed for international students to offset the cost of tuition in business schools. The first criterion of eligibility is that the student must apply these funds to an MBA program based in a country other than their own. Prodigy also must have a pre-existing partnership with the business school to which you’re applying, who is effectively the guarantor for your loan. Prodigy is not a bank, and generally offers an interest rate one half a point above the current LIBOR rate. In some cases, that could be better or worse than the rate you could get from a bank in your home country, or from a bank local to the MBA program you’re attending. Nonetheless, Prodigy could offer a competitive rate on which you can borrow funding for your tuition, and depending on the agreement with that school, to also cover all costs associated with your MBA, including housing, food, and materials. They’re a relatively young company, founded by MBA grads themselves, whose website is easy and streamlined, and can usually give you a pre-approval for loan eligibility based on your personal situation and the schools to which you’re applying, even before you are fully admitted. Note that certain countries are not eligible for loans with Prodigy. Here’s a list of other non-bank lenders, like Prodigy Finance: CommonBond Future Finance Lendwise College Ave Student Loans Student Loan Hero Earnest Propelld LendingClub

30 VISAS: DURING & AFTER YOUR MBA Before you arrive The very first thing you should do is visit the British Government official website (www.gov.uk) and read up on the latest instructions and requirements for the visa application process, which will be specific to your nationality and the duration of your MBA program. This is the portal that every single international student coming to the UK to study will ultimately need to pass through in order to get the visa to arrive as a student. Each MBA program in the UK has slightly different policies and procedures regarding the visa process. In some cases, the admissions officers are trained to get you the right info, where as many programs employ a dedicated international student team whose staff are there to guide you on exactly what to do and when.

Important Disclaimer! Rules and conditions regarding visas change regularly, and may vary with your country of origin, timing, and the type of program for which you apply. It is always advised to consult the admissions or visa office at the school where you’ve been admitted, and of course the website of your local British Embassy for the most up-to-date information, especially post-Brexit!

All those who intend to study in the UK who are not of British or Irish nationality must apply for the Student Visa (formerly known as a Tier 4 visa). As always it’s incredibly important to do your due diligence and get the right information from each school as it applies to each program to which you’re

applying, based on your individual situation, as well as review the latest information on the aforementioned British government website. These visas are often not issued any sooner than six months prior to the start of your program, and in some cases, no sooner than three months prior. This will depend on whether you will be applying from inside the UK or not. On the other hand, you don’t want to wait until the last minute, as these administrative steps can take time. Typically you’ll get a response within three weeks. NB – Irish citizens are exempt from this, and do not need a visa at the time of publication of this book. To qualify for the student visa, you may be expected to provide a number of things, including proof of enrollment on university letterhead, proof of medical insurance coverage, as well proof that you have sufficient funds that will keep you afloat during your time in the UK. This is a measure aiming to ensure that you won’t fall into a difficult situation, and ultimately become a burden onto the state. As of the writing of this book, many schools will expect that you to show you have the equivalent of at least £15,000 to cover your year in the UK. You may also be also asked to show proof of accommodation (on or off campus), as well as a return airline ticket. In the case that you plan to come with a spouse or children, they usually will automatically qualify for a dependant visa and residence permit, meaning their right to be in the UK is linked to yours. Typically proof of additional financial resources is also requested, to demonstrate financial solvency for the family during your stay. With this visa, you and your family (if they are of age) may have the right to work in the UK up to a certain number of hours per year; however, you as the MBA student are strongly advised not to take on a job, and to concentrate on your program. In case you need to renew your student visa during your program, this will vary from school to school. These days, your visa is normally valid for the duration of your program, whether it be one or two years, or something in between. In the case of renewing your visa, many of the steps can be done online, but be sure to give yourself at least two full months before the expiration date of your visa. The renewal process can be lengthy, and it’s best

to avoid being stuck in the UK with an expired visa. Post-MBA One of the great benefits of doing your MBA or master’s degree in the UK is that (as of the time this book was written), you have the right to remain in the UK for up to two years after you graduate. The UK is one of the very few countries in Europe with this benefit. Eligibility will vary depending on your individual case, so you are advised to do your proper research and seek the support of the proper resources available at your school. If you are a citizen of the EU, additional opportunities may be available since Brexit. As always, you’re referred back to the official UK government website. Recently, a new pathway was created whereby recent graduates could apply for an Innovator Visa, which is a residence permit for those with plans to set up and run an innovative business unlike anything that exists already, or that is endorsed by an approved endorsing body, which is generally speaking, a start-up incubator. The idea is that if approved, you are seen by the British government as someone with the potential to make a significant contribution to the British economy. This may be an option for you after the previous visa expires, or straight after graduation if entrepreneurship is in the cards for you. To sum up, applying for a student visa can always be a bit cumbersome and intimidating for international students. The best thing you can do is be early, be organized, be politely persistent, and be patient. As much as it seems like it won’t sometimes, it always works out in the end.

31 INSURANCE Coming to the UK to do your MBA, everyone is required to register with the NHS, which is the British public national health care system. You will find that the UK has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, combining topnotch medical care, affordable prices for services which are mostly reimbursed, and efficient timing for almost all your needs. The UK Council for International Student Affairs gives helpful detailed advice about healthcare in the UK, on their website. To register with the NHS, you must pay the NHS surcharge which is about £200 (at the time this book has been written), after which you will be provided with the necessary health insurance coverage for your time in the UK. Your next step is to register with a local GP (general practitioner, or primary care doctor). The simplest way is to do a quick search online for “GP London” (or substitute London with your city or town). Another option is to stop by a local chemist (pharmacist) who often can provide a list of recommended doctors in the neighborhood. The UK Council for International Student Affairs: (Click: Info & Advice > Studying & Living in the UK > Health & Healthcare www.ukcisa.org.uk For those of you who prefer to get your health care from the convenience of your own home, there are several fantastic online options, such as the popular Babylon Health. You simply download the app and register, and you’ll find it’s an incredibly user-friendly way to schedule, modify, or cancel appointments with nearly all healthcare professionals, and many times it’s possible to have your appointment by video call. It’s quite easy to create an account, search for doctors by specialization nearest to you, and make or

cancel appointments with just a few clicks. It even offers to add the appointment to your calendar, and has key information like the address, phone number, pricing, languages spoken, and certificates earned. Additionally, you may prefer or even be encouraged by your MBA program to take private health insurance in complement to the NHS. The benefit of the NHS, besides quality care once you are subscribed is that you don’t pay for anything out of pocket. On the other hand, there may be occasions where you have to wait to see a certain type of specialist for something that is nonurgent. For example, to get a mole removed, you have to wait a few weeks or months in order to have this done. Rest assured however, that if you’re dealing with something life-threatening, you will be seen and treated immediately. The advantage of having private insurance is you can usually be seen immediately for such non-emergencies, but of course you pay for this out of pocket. There are loads of options out there and a simple online search will provide you many options that you can compare. For the most part however, the typical MBA student is young and healthy (and prefers to save their money) and does not opt to purchase private health insurance above and beyond the very comprehensive NHS. In light of the health pandemic of COVID-19, thanks to the NHS there are COVID free-of-charge test centers around the country, for which you can book an appointment online, for those who report they have symptoms. As with nearly all public services in the UK, a quick visit to the governmental website, www.gov.uk. If you report that you have no symptoms, you can also opt to pay for a test if you like one, which you may need to have in order to travel, enter certain private spaces, or participate in certain programs.

32 PRE-MBA HOMEWORK Congratulations! You’ve been admitted to your top choice of MBA programs and accepted the offer with a generous scholarship. You’ve sent the documents for your visa and you’ve got your health insurance sorted. Now you can relax until school starts, right? Guess again! You may have a bit of required homework to complete before classes even begin. It’s fairly common for MBA programs to give incoming students several mandatory assignments even before the first day of classes, with the intention of ensuring that everybody is up to speed and ready to dive into the year ahead. This may include books or articles to read, self-taught courses, exams, certifications to complete, or perhaps all of the above. With MBA students joining the class from all over the world, coming from a wide variety of professional and educational backgrounds, it’s highly probable that not everyone is fully prepared for some of the coursework that lies ahead. Additionally, considering how densely packed many MBA programs are, program managers may want you to get a head start on prerequisite readings so that you can dive right into group projects once classes begin. It’s best that you take these assignments seriously, do quality work, and be on time with deadlines. Managing your time like an MBA student and adopting smart scheduling habits begins now, if you’ve not already. Time is a precious resource, and that may be even truer during your MBA. Being late is not only seen poorly, but also negatively impacts the classmates with whom you share projects. Speaking of collaboration, starting from your pre-MBA period, it would be wise to develop connections with your future classmates. If the admissions team and academic coordinators are unable to share with you a list of others who will be joining the program, you can likely find many of them using social media. Working together from the start is a smart way to

get these pre-MBA assignments done efficiently.

33 QUITTING YOUR JOB GRACEFULLY As they say, don’t burn bridges. You want to make sure that you leave your job under the best possible circumstances, and not only so that you can leave with glowing references for many years to come. Who knows - one day you could end up working at the company again, or even in a different company with one or more of the same people! Timing is key. It’s very often the case that people don’t let their companies know that they’re preparing to leave to do an MBA right up until the end, when they receive their admissions letters. Your departure may have a significant impact on the continued success of a company or department, and you may receive pressure or even negative feedback about your desire to move on to the next steps in your career. If your direct manager is a great leader, and not just a boss, s/he will support your personal and professional development and encourage you to follow your goals, even if it means losing a strong team member. Anything different would be selfish on their part; however, an agreement may be reached about the timing of your departure, to minimize impact on the company and allow enough time to replace you, so you can begin your MBA unencumbered on time. At the end of the day, you need to follow your dreams and do what’s best for you. Even if you’re very grateful for the wonderful experience you’ve had in your current job, no one in the world is going to be watching out for your success more than you. The job you currently have represents your past and present, and the MBA and all the great things that will come thereafter is about your future. That means being strategic about when you inform your boss and colleagues that you plan to leave, and identifying when it’s best for you and the rest of the team to say goodbye. A little bit of planning will make it as painless as possible, and helps to preserve those ever-valuable

professional relationships.

34 GETTING AROUND: FROM THE AIR TO THE GROUND The United Kingdom is a country that is blessed with an all-around fantastic public transportation system, getting you really anywhere you need to go within or between cities. The London Underground system (aka – the tube, known elsewhere as the subway or the metro) is proudly known as the first in the world, and is particularly impressive considering the age, complexity, and density of the city it serves. Similarly, most other cities in the UK also have a mix of metro, trains, tramways, buses, and public bikes that make getting around as convenient as possible. For moving between cities, inter-city trains are generally reliable and affordable, particularly if you purchase tickets in advance. Short-haul flights within the UK are also an option. Air Travel Nearly all foreign students will arrive to the UK via London, although there are many other cities with international airports, such as Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. The six major international airports serving London are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), Southend (SEN), and London City (LCY). They are all modern, full of amenities, and mostly well connected to the city, but range greatly in size, as well as distance from central London. Be forewarned LHR is known as the busiest airport in the world! Depending on the airport you arrive in and your final destination, you may be able to connect by flight or train without having to pass through central London at all; however, in many cases you do, in order to get to the right train station. Ground Transportation to and from London To get from the airports to London, there are a multitude of options, including the tube, trains, coach bus transfers, which are by far your cheapest option. There are of course taxis, Uber, and car hires which you can book in

advance, and usually will vary between £35 and £60, depending on the airport you’re coming from. Make sure you agree on and confirm the price with the driver if it is not set in advance. Conveniently, both Heathrow and London City Airports are directly connected to the tube, while Gatwick, Stansted, and Heathrow all have dedicated express train service. When heading to the airport, (barring extreme weather conditions) you should leave home at least three to four hours before your flight departure time, and you’re usually there roughly two to three hours before departure, with enough time to drop bags and get through security. In times of a global health crisis, like COVID, there may be additional security checks or documents required, depending on current rates of infection. Be sure to check for important updates with your airline and with the UK government website, and consider arriving to the terminal at a minimum of three hours in advance. A handy website for arriving to London and getting around: www.visitlondon.com Public Transport in London Within London, as well as the UK’s smaller cities, you’ll find an extremely comprehensive public transport system, with a mix of metro, train, and bus that keep you well connected. In central London, you don’t have to walk more than a few minutes to find a station where you can connect to where you’re going. Paying for transport has become extremely convenient, and you no longer have to get the famous Oyster Card to make your urban movements more affordable; however, as a student, it’s worth checking to see if you’re eligible for the 18+ Student Oyster photocard which entitles you to a 30% discount on your transportation costs. The Oyster also exists as a mobile phone app, whereby you can simply tap your phone on the reader at any of the turnstiles where you enter the Underground or when getting onto a bus. Other options to access transport include ApplePay or GPay, or simply tap your credit card directly on the contactless card readers. You can of course purchase a single ticket the old fashioned way from the machines if you choose, but you’ll probably find any of the aforementioned methods to be much cheaper. Depending on how often you take public transport, you may

want to purchase an unlimited entry, which is sold annually, monthly, weekly, and daily. You may even be eligible for a student discount. You should check the Transport for London website for full details about all transportation questions (including discounts) on the Underground, Overground, buses, tramways www.tfl.gov.uk. You can transfer between the underground, trains, and buses for free, which allows you to travel to any of the six zones in the Greater London Area. It should be noted that you cannot pay with cash on the buses, which you often can in other cities. Furthermore, unfortunately, in most cases, the London Underground service does not run 24 hours. Public transport opens at 5:00 am and closes around midnight during the week, with slightly less trains on Sundays. As for the weekend, London doesn’t disappoint its late-night party goers with a public transport system that closes down entirely. There are five Tube lines - the Victoria, Piccadilly, Central, Jubilee, and Northern lines that run 24-hours on Fridays and Saturdays, keeping you connected to most of the important hubs. Public Transport in other cities Only a few other British cities have their own metro system: Glasgow, Newcastle, and Liverpool. Other cities like Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Leeds rely on a mix of their overground system, tramways, and buses. In general, transportation is cheaper than in London but is still comprehensive and you should be able to get wherever you need to go efficiently and safely. Most other cities offer discounts for students which can help save you money, or support for those with limited mobility, if needed.

Bicycles In London, the public system of bicycles is currently backed by Santander Bank, and are often affectionately (or not) known as Boris Bikes. Memberships can be created online, and the 750+ docking stations are everywhere throughout Zones 1 and 2 of the city, offering just standard push bikes for the moment, with electric bikes to be added to the system in the coming years. London is vast, so for long distances, most people prefer the tube, but for short or medium trips, cycling is one of the best ways to get

around, as you’ll move around quickly, you get exercise, and you can appreciate the beauty of the city. Since snow is rare in the UK, it is possible to cycle year round; however, extra caution should be taken when it’s raining, as streets can be dangerously slick, but in any case a helmet is now required by law. The city of London has made great advances in recent years with dedicated bicycle lanes all over the city, to make cycling to your destination much safer and easier. Most other British cities have also adopted a similar system of public bikes and a network of bike lanes. And if you’re using your own bike, don’t forget to invest in a solid bike lock, as theft can always be a problem in any city. All of this said, apart from the massive metropolis that is London, most cities in the UK are also very walkable. For many, this is the preferred way to get around, taking in all that your new British home base has to offer, with a mix of history and modernity to appreciate at nearly every turn. However you choose to get around during your MBA, transportation in the UK should not be a problem.

35 SAFETY The United Kingdom is a country that takes its safety and security seriously. Their police and other agencies are highly trained, highly skilled professionals that ensure a general safety for the public that is high by any developed world standards. Overall, you should find yourself feeling safe anywhere in the UK; however, there are some points to consider. Even in big cities like London, Manchester, or Birmingham, the main crime you need to worry about is non-violent petty theft. Incidences of pickpocketing and stolen bags are relatively common, particularly if the criminal perceives you are a tourist. Such crimes appear more frequently in and around major transport centers like train stations and bus terminals, which is typical in most cities in the world. Hanging around alone at night in such places could make you a target for theft, especially if you appear more vulnerable. You should also avoid taking out laptops, phones, or other valuable devices which could draw attention to you, and always keep a hand or an eye on your wallet, handbag, or backpack openings (a backpack with a phone in the outer pouch, or a phone sticking out of a coat pocket or open handbag behind you are easy targets). One of the most typical ways to have items stolen is at cafés. As a rule, you should never leave your phone, wallet, camera, etc. sitting on the table at a café. These thieves are professionals, and your valuables may be gone before you realize it. For handbags or laptop bags, you’re advised to keep them attached to your body and in front of you, or loop them through the chair upon which you’re sitting. The last thing you want to do is spend the evening at the police station, filing a report for your missing items. Although you can now file police reports online, it’s still a painful experience, and you’ll most likely never see the stolen items again, so most people don’t even bother.

Nonetheless, in certain circumstances you may need to obtain an official police report if you expect to file an insurance claim, if your passport was stolen, or if the items belong to someone else, such as your business school. It bears mentioning that the UK has steps in place to manage major crises, such as acts of terrorism. It is well known that the UK, like many other countries, has experienced a handful of incidents over the years that have made international news. As a result, the British government, as well as local institutions have developed a thorough protocol to prevent, contain, and manage acts of terror in the future. In airports and major train stations, it’s not uncommon to see cameras everywhere, as well as armed guards patrolling the area, while public and private institutions, including schools, churches, and shopping malls have developed their own heightened security plans. Such measures are referred to as UK Threat Levels, which is the national security alert system, put in place in 2006 to protect the public from any such threats of violence. You may feel reassured that extra security measures are in place, bag checks may be conducted, and on campus, you may be asked to show your student ID at the entrances. All in all, the UK is a very safe country to live, work, and study. You can expect that your stay in the UK for your MBA and beyond will be enjoyable and safe, and if ever needed, the police are there at your service. For any emergencies in the UK you can dial 999 from any phone. You can also dial 112 from any phone in the UK, or throughout Europe, to reach a police department in urgency.

36 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT Why is this important in the UK? The way things work in the UK, having a British bank account just makes everything easier, even if you’ll only be in the country for a year. For starters, many landlords will want you to have a British bank account before they will rent to you, in order to make monthly payments go smoothly, plus it makes you appear more reliable, since a financial institution will have your personal information. A local bank account may be required or preferred in some cases, and it can certainly make life easier when it comes to getting a phone plan or gym membership. Beyond that, you’ll see that making payments or moving money between friends from shared expenses is so much easier when you can perform electronic transfers, by sharing your bank details (sort code + account number), also known as an IBAN, BIC, or SWIFT code, depending on the country. This information is not private, and is the acceptable way to share the necessary information to move money between accounts, or to set up recurring payments for a service. Some business schools in the UK have partnerships with British banks, making it easier for you to sign up for an account. They may invite partner banks onto campus where you can sign up on the spot, and you may be able to use the business school’s address as your home address. You can change your address later, once you’ve moved into your new home. In other cases, your future school may provide a letter designated as proof of your student status, facilitating the process. Outside of such partner programs, you can walk into a bank in your neighborhood with your government issued ID (passport is easiest), along with proof of address (sometimes two proofs are required), which is usually an energy, phone, or internet bill with your name on it. If your rental agreement is all utilities included, you would have no utility bills. In this case, the bank may accept your rental lease agreement,

along with a letter from your landlord, verifying that you indeed live there. Another option for proof could be the contract from your renter’s insurance, which is required to have and often quite inexpensive for one year. Major British Banks: HSBC Barclay’s Royal Bank of Scotland Santander UK Lloyd’s Banking Group Standard Chartered PLC Nationwide Building Society Schroders Coventry Building Society Close Brothers

Online Banks: Revolut MetroBank Monzo

Making Payments In the UK, you can pay by card nearly everywhere, whether by credit or debit card. As with most places in the world, for decades now, cards in the UK are embedded with a microchip that enables transactions that are more secure than the traditional magnetic strip. These chips require a 4-digit PIN code that you must memorize and guard carefully as a secret. Do not share this PIN with anyone, and certainly not on any websites, nor via phone. Anyone asking your PIN may be a scammer – be careful! Furthermore, most businesses and points of sale these days offer contactless payments up to £30,

and since COVID-19, the limit on this has gone up. In these cases, you simply hold your card up to the card reader for a few seconds, and your payment is approved. The contactless payment limit can usually be adjusted, or the feature can be deactivated entirely, if you prefer, by logging into your “client space” on your bank’s website. Many points of sales also offer payment via ApplePay, Monzo, or Lydia, if you so choose as well. Similarly, you can use your British bank card to make online payments, where you normally provide the cardholder’s name and address, the card number, expiration date, and very often, the CVV2 code, also known as the verification code or security code. This is the last three numbers printed on the back of your card. Do not however (to repeat!) provide your PIN number for any online purchases.

37 FINDING AN APARTMENT Finding a place to live in a new country can be one of the most daunting tasks in making your transition, as a student or otherwise. As one of the most popular cities in the world, competition for getting an apartment in London in the more popular neighborhoods can be high, but with a bit of preparation, you should find a place that suits you well. Even in smaller cities, the process can be stressful and it’s best to be prepared with a few things in hand, in order to build confidence with a potential landlord and make things go as smoothly as possible. Prepare a file on yourself. Considering you don’t want to spend weeks running up and down the Thames looking for housing, it would be smart to show up with a proper folder containing all of the documents a future potential landlord might ask for that can prove that you are who you say you are, you have the ability to pay, and you won’t go running off after you’ve destroyed the place. Some of the obvious things to include are a copy of your ID, a document from your school that shows why you’re in the UK, and something that shows you have the right to be there - aka - your student visa. The landlord may also be happy to see something about your work history and/or bank statements. These things help demonstrate that you’re a responsible person who not only has the ability to pay the rent, but that you’ll do so on time. Whether you’re dealing with an estate agent or the landlord directly, the whole point is to build trust and the best way to do that is to be ready with as many elements as possible that inspire stability and reliability. That could mean emailing these items or uploading them to an estate agency platform in order to get pre-approval, or simply showing up to apartment visits with your file in hand, ready to hand over to the landlord should you decide this is where you want to make your new home for the year ahead. This will make you appear more professional

and the landlord is more likely to select you as their next tenant in case several people are applying. Needless to say, personality and making a good connection with the landlord can go a long way, and sometimes that’s all you’ll need if you’ve made a good impression. Although not as common, some landlords will request that you have a guarantor, which is someone who agrees to pay the rent in case you cannot. The person doesn’t have to be related to you, but they need to be willing to sign a document attesting to take on this financial responsibility. Of course, most international students don't have someone locally in the UK who can do this, but if you do happen to have someone who can serve as a guarantor, it certainly never hurts, and again, can help add strength to your file, in case many people are vying for the apartment that you’re dreaming of making your own. Checklist of helpful items to include in your file: CV/résumé, updated phone, and email at the top Copy of passport (ID page + visa page) Copy of British student visa Copy of Student ID card Enrollment form from your school Former job contract Previous pay stubs from the last few months Bank statements from the last few months Reference letters Co-signer/Guarantor, preferably someone who lives and earns a salary in the UK Copy of their British National ID or Residence Card

Speaking proper English can definitely help in making a connection and building trust with some landlords, many of whom have been renting their space out for several years and are used to dealing with international people. Conversely, your future landlord may have a heavy accent of their own,

making communication a challenge in both directions. This is really a caseby-case situation. They may put you in touch with a trusted friend or family member to make any exchanges go more smoothly. Similarly, you could ask a native English classmate or friend to initiate the conversations for you. There is no air conditioning! The climate in the UK is quite temperate. Compared to cities like New York, which have much colder and snowier winters, and much hotter, more humid summers, the UK is mostly quite mild. From an environmental perspective, it’s fantastic that the British don’t usually have air conditioners in their homes. Once or twice a summer, however, temperatures can reach the high 30s or even (more rarely) hit the low 40s (high 90s to low 100s in Fahrenheit), and you’ll seriously regret not having thought to purchase a fan in advance. You should consider buying one during the cooler months, or by April/May at the latest, to avoid being told they’re out of stock, as well as facing inflated prices.

38 GETTING A MOBILE PHONE PLAN If you’re going to spend a year abroad, it’s most likely worth getting a local phone number. Not only is it likely less expensive, and easier to communicate among all the new classmates and friends you’ll have, local companies may be more likely to call you back for an interview if they see a local phone number. Additionally, these days many bank or credit card transactions online require an additional layer of security to complete the purchase, via a code sent by text message, and this is usually not possible with foreign numbers. The easiest way to get a British number quickly is to purchase a prepaid SIM card, which can be found in almost everywhere, such as streetside news agents, tobacco shops, or of course the shops of the mobile service providers. This is one of the easiest things to get done in the UK, no ID is necessary to buy a SIM, and you can top up (add credit) online. There is usually a cost for the card itself, around £10, and then there are several prepaid options, which don’t have a contract. Usually texting and often calls within the UK or Europe are free and unlimited, but it’s all about the amount of Go (gigabytes). If you get a prepaid with at least 25-30Go/month included, you should be in good shape, as long as you’re not downloading movies all the time. In any case, you can usually go online to top up (add credit to your account). Getting a classic contract plan is a bit more difficult, but gets you more bang for your buck. You’ll need to provide your ID/passport, a visa, and two proofs of address, such as your apartment lease, in addition to your bank card and your bank details. Again, a good reason to open a British bank account as soon as you arrive. You may be able to get a student discount on a plan by providing proof of enrollment.

It’s interesting to note that the European Union passed a law in 2017 so that those with proper phone contracts will not incur roaming charges while traveling abroad within Europe, to a certain point. At the time this book was written, post-Brexit, the future of this agreement is still a looming question. For now at least, if you make many calls and use a lot of internet while abroad, at some point you will start getting charged, but if you’re relatively prudent, you should be roaming free. Of course check your contract for details. British Mobile Phone Service Providers The Big 4: Vodaphone O2 (owned by Telefonica) EE (merger of T-Mobile and Orange) 3 (Three)

Low Cost Options: Lebara (powered by Vodaphone) Giffgaff iD Mobile (powered by Three) Sky Mobile (powered by O2) Virgin Mobile (powered by EE) Tesco Mobile

As you probably are aware, WhatsApp and WeChat (more in Asia) are two hugely popular platforms to keep in touch not only for social reasons, but are widely accepted as a platform to use for professional needs as well. Some people prefer to keep connected to WhatsApp using their old number from their home country. It’s a matter of personal preference, but you’ll probably find WhatsApp is the preferred way to send messages and pictures in the UK,

and throughout much of the world. Most MBA programs and alumni associations use WhatsApp group chats to share information or coordinate events. You’ll probably want to make regular use of both, especially when it comes to building relationships with your fellow classmates.

39 STAYING HEALTHY: FINDING A GYM & FITNESS OPTIONS Like many services in the UK, gyms and sports centers may require a registration fee, which is on top of the monthly price you’ll pay. At the same time, many gyms offer discounted prices for students, so it pays to shop around. At certain periods of the year, they may run a promo where there is no fee. On the bright side, many gyms offer a deal if you refer someone, such as a month for free, a gift, or a discount for next year. Gym and fitness culture in the UK has been booming for years, with most major cities offering nearly every option you can think of, from classic gyms and swimming pools, to yoga, cycling, and Pilates studios, racquetball clubs, martial arts, and more. There are also many options for outdoor and team sports like some of the classic British favorites, including football (soccer), rugby, rowing, and cricket. Still, being in Europe means living in old cities, many of which have beautiful, historic buildings with small interior spaces to deal with. If you’re used to massive gyms like you find in the US or Australia, some of the spaces that house fitness options in the UK may be surprisingly small for your standards. Nonetheless, you’ll be sure to find a wide range of full-service gyms that provide the experience you’re accustomed to, at a variety of price points. Depending on the amenities you’re looking for, you’ll have loads of possibilities to keep yourself healthy and sane during your MBA. On the next page are some of the most popular options to explore. Low Cost Gyms The Gym Pure Gym Fitness4Less

easyGym Mid-Range Gyms Gold’s Gym Fitness First Nuffield Gym Virgin Active (depends on location) High End Gyms Barry’s Bootcamp Lloyd’s Gym Equinox Virgin Active Third Space

Water Sports If you’re a swimmer, some of the gyms mentioned also have a swimming pool, but there are surprisingly many public swimming pools all over London, and the entrance fee is not expensive at all. The same is true for many other cities in the UK. A quick search online will show you just how many there are, indicating when open swim hours are, and may mention student discounts available. It’s important to note that the British can be strict about hygiene and attire when it comes to swimming pools, with a seemingly endless list of rules. Besides a towel, depending on the location, it may be forbidden to wear anything but a form-fitting swimsuit in the pool area, such as a Speedo. Board shorts are strictly forbidden. A bathing cap may also be required, no matter how short your hair is. There are strict rules about footwear in different zones, what lanes you can swim in depending on either the stroke

you’re doing or if you have any equipment (fins, kickboards, etc.). It also helps to arrive during off-peak times, as the pools can get crowded. It’s also worth checking the time tables for special sessions, such as women only or adults only. Obviously during summer months, you’re best to go as early as possible, as the pools are typically packed, sometimes even to the point where they stop allowing people in. Other options If you’re interested in yoga, meditation, cycling, climbing, CrossFit, dance, or any other physical or wellness activities, there are really endless possibilities in the big cities. You’ll be able to find group and individual classes at every skill level, whether you’re trying something new or maintaining your current routine. Whatever your preference, during your MBA it’s vital to keep that healthy balance of mental and physical health, and have a regular method of getting the stress out. Plus it’s a great way to make new friends and contacts.

40 FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Maybe the Brits aren’t known for their local flavors, but London is famous for its incredible food scene, hailing from nearly every country on Earth. British cuisine is world cuisine, and benefits from the influences of many of its European neighbors, like France, as well as from parts of the former British Empire, such as India. Arguably, chicken tikka is the British national dish, which is rumored to have begun in Glasgow, Scotland! No matter where in the world you come from, you’re nearly certain to find restaurants cooking up food that reminds you of home. And it’s not just in London where you’ll find restaurants cooking up cuisines from all over the world. The more time you spend in the UK, the more you’ll get to know the regional specialties, like Scotland’s famous haggis, often served with tatties and neeps (potatoes and turnips). And the world cuisine movement has spread to most places around the UK, coupled with British pub culture, and you’re bound to have a tasty and fun time whenever you go out on the town. Not just fish and chips… The typical British pubs are often a good option to get a variety of food most times of the day at a reasonable price. Some famous favorites include bangers and mash, toad in a hole, and of course a Sunday Roast for a family-style dinner. Of course, undeniably, the world’s best breakfast is the full English fry-up! These old reliable establishments, as well as many streetside cafés, are places where you can go for drinks, grab a coffee, or have a full meal. Of the great things about dining in the UK is convenience. Perhaps they’ve adopted the customer-friendly policies of their fellow-Anglophones across the pond, but this is a noticeable difference when compared with Britain’s Continental neighbors. Most restaurants pubs conveniently serve food all day and evening, from opening to closing time. Having dinner around 7:30pm is typically the peak moment in British restaurants.

Are you being served? To be sure to have the best experience at a restaurant in the UK, there are several codes to learn. First of all, it’s considered polite to wait and ask a member of the staff before sitting down at a restaurant; although, many times a crowded terrace may have tough competition to get a table. In that case, it’s not uncommon to grab the first one that is free before someone else does. Once seated, you may get a server at your table right away, or you may have to wait awhile. Nearly everywhere, you can ask for a carafe of tap water for free, and bread is usually served on the side for free when your meal arrives. In some places, particularly if you’re just having a beer or a coffee on the terrace, they may ask you to pay once your order arrives. Otherwise you’ll have to ask for your bill when you’re ready, “Could I have the bill, please?” It is usually considered rude in the UK to bring a customer the bill before s/he requests it, as it would imply that the server is trying to rush you to leave, and the Brits are usually not quite in as much of a rush as they are across the pond in American restaurants. Paying in the UK is super convenient - most people pay by card. The server will come to your table with a wireless credit card machine, and splitting the bill among several people is never a problem. Tipping is optional; however, a pour or two in coins is always appreciated – cash is better than adding it to the total of your credit card charge, if you want to be sure your server actually gets to keep the tip you intend to leave him or her. If your party is a big group, £1 or so per person is usually appropriate for gratuity. Besides restaurants and cafés, London and many other British cities offer a vibrant nightlife, with loads of options for having drinks and fun with friends. London, as by far the largest city, has nearly unlimited options of bars for every type of vibe you could wish for, from Irish pubs to gay bars, live music, sports bars, and night clubs with every genre of music. Tipping for drinks in bars and clubs is not necessary, and keep your student ID on you when you head out – sometimes discounts apply! It’s also worth noting that the NUS (National Union of Students) website, among its many great services, offers a TOTEM card for students, where you can get great discounts on a variety of events, shopping, dining, concerts, even gadgets!

High culture remains very important in the UK, and the ministry of culture provides much support to the various museums, theaters, opera houses, ballets, and other cultural events. Nearly all the major museums in the UK are free, where you can visit some of the most impressive collections of historical and artistic significance from around the world. Let’s not forget London’s West End theatre scene, which comes about as close to New York’s Broadway as any other city in the world has come. Nearly all of the popular plays and musicals end up on the West End, as well as locally grown British plays that are not to miss. Ticket prices can be expensive, but they do range quite a bit, depending on when you buy them and where you’ll be seated. For the places that do charge, with many student discounts available, it would be a shame for you to spend a year in the UK and not take advantage of some of the best that British culture has to offer. Most cities in the UK host a website that lists all of the cultural events taking place for the year. If you like movies, cinema remains an important staple of British culture and can be a fantastic way to practice your English. There are several large cinema chains in the UK, as well as many independent cinemas, showing not only the mainstream blockbusters, often from Hollywood, but also movies from around the world. Some business schools offer discounted cinema tickets, so check with your student services department on campus. Many cinema chains also offer annual memberships, where you pay between £10 and £20 per month for unlimited films, and you can reserve your places in advance on the app. If you go to at least two or three movies per month, it’s worth it. Tea time! You may have heard, if tea can’t fix it, it’s a serious problem! Enjoying a hot cup of tea is by far one of the most famous Briticisms one could think of. And rightfully so, as it soothes, it’s social, and it perks you up to finish your day’s work – or in this class make it through the next hour and a half of advanced macro-economics class! Whether with sugar and cream or nothing at all, typical Brits take their tea seriously, are often found enjoying their tea breaks at 11 o’clock in the morning. Of course there’s afternoon tea, often served with jam and scones. Or tea might just mean accompanied with sandwiches, as a light dinner in the early evening. The average British person

has about three cups per day, so if you’re going to study in the UK, you best get to know the difference between your English breakfast and your Earl Grey. “There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.” -Bernard-Paul Heroux

I’m going on a picnic… Finally, one of the classic things to do in the UK, for locals and tourists alike, is to share some wine (probably French), cheese (also), and a baguette outside during nice weather. Taking advantage of one of the many parks, having wine outside while taking in a bit of nature is a favorite tradition in the UK. Although technically not permitted in many places, in most cases the police usually look the other way and allow for this world-renowned pastime. In summertime, the ice cream vans provide a popular treat, and are found almost everywhere people are. Of course it’s expected that you remove all your waste and any cigarette butts with you, so others can enjoy the space after you. When a sunny day is approaching on the weekend, you can be sure that the city will be alive with picnickers soaking up the sun and having a toast: “Cheers!”

41 COMMUNICATION & CUSTOMER SERVICE The way the British communicate can be at times noticeably different than the way the Americans do, since the Brits are known to be overly polite and excessively apologizing to everyone for everything. Some might say you can have an entire conversation by simply repeating back and forth the word, “Sorry.” Nonetheless, there are a few things that are universal in the Anglophone world. As always, please, thank you, and you’re welcome, go a long, long way. These social cues are not only appreciated, they are expected for the smooth functioning of societal interactions. Then there’s ever useful “sorry”, which can be used to initiate a conversation, to ask someone to step out of your way, or of course to apologize for stepping on someone’s foot, for example. Beyond this, it’s important to note that culture can vary quite a bit, depending where you are in the United Kingdom. Up north, people are quite friendly, whereas further south, people tend to be a bit more reserved. Adding another layer of complexity is the huge amount of diversity in the UK, which is a relatively small country, geographically speaking. This makes it quite difficult to describe with any precision precisely the typical behavior of your average British citizen. Obviously the UK is part of Europe, and so its people share much in common with its continental neighbors. By the same token, sharing the English language, the UK and the USA have mutually influenced each other over the past few centuries as well. It may be fair to say that culturally and geographically, the British Isles sit somewhere in between Europe and North America. The weather is a famous topic of discussion in the UK. It’s famously wet and dreary, so naturally it’s one of the things the British love to complain about the most – except for maybe politics and football (soccer, of course!)

Nevertheless, on a beautiful day, you may laugh at just how often you’ll hear comments about what a lovely day it is today, innit?! While continentals probably find it banal small talk, it seems to be the way British folks feel comfortable easing into a conversation. Perhaps the French equivalent would be the requisite verbal ping-pong match of “Ça va? Ça va. Et toi, ça va? Ça va.” that happens at the beginning of every conversation. Of course, you might want to be careful about being seen whispering in public. In contrast with French culture, this isn’t so common in the UK, and might even be considered as rude, signaling that you’re talking about someone else. Besides being super polite, one of the most famous stereotypes about the British is that they never show you how they really feel, particularly in high society or at formal events. As the Queen would say, “Keep a stiff upper lip!” (This means not showing any emotion.) This may prove challenging for newcomers, as you may feel that you never know where you stand with people. Whether it be someone you’ve accidentally bumped into on the tube, or perhaps a marketing professor who won’t seem to give a clear answer as to what s/he thought of your presentation and sales pitch for your latest group project, it can surely be confusing at times. The subtleties of British communication (and humor) take time to learn and appreciate, but by the time you finish your MBA in the UK, you’ll be a pro! There’s something different about the back and forth flow of communication, particularly by email in professional situations. If your native language isn’t English, you may have noticed how in the anglophone world, there’s quite often a series of exchanges to confirm things are understood and underway. This may not be the case where you’re from. For example, in France for example, if you put a request in for something, you probably won’t hear anything until the person you’re dealing with has come to a decision, or if the request is completed. In the UK, a more constant flow of communication is important to keep things running smoothly, and to be sure all parties are happy, so don’t be surprised if you get a few more updates or follow-up emails than you’re used to. In fact, if you want to make a good impression, it’s probably best to play the game and reply to emails the same day if possible, even if your response will be “in progress.” It may seem like a waste of time to communicate about something that is incomplete; however,

in the English speaking world, probably an equal amount of time or energy is wasted when we are left wondering if the email was received and if things will be done on time, and as we all know, punctuality is among the greatest of British virtues.

42 TOURISM Besides where you’re doing your MBA, despite its size, the UK boasts a number of dynamic cities and charming villages, as well as wide variety of nature to visit, from beaches and cliffs on the south coasts, to rugged terrain in the Scottish Highlands…and let’s not forget the legendary castles that you can visit. Of course, while in Europe, you may have your sights set on a few other destinations on the continent. Realistically though, if your MBA program is worth its salt, you’ll be quite busy, so you may find it difficult to work in more than a few weekend excursions during your studies. Traveling within the UK is probably most easily done via the National Rail network (www.nationalrail.co.uk). Since the 1990s, Britain’s train system was privatized, and is now comprised of a patchwork of several different train companies that can help you get around between English, Scotland, and Wales; however, Northern Ireland’s trains run on different system. There are currently plans to develop a more efficient, uniform high-speed train network, but this won’t be done for years. So while train travel can be slower (and a little more confusing) than in France and Germany, you will get to your destination. It’s also worth mentioning that if you book your train tickets in advance, you can get cheaper prices. You can usually choose to print your tickets or show them on your phone. Just be sure to have a state-issued ID on you for the conductor to check. Discounted travel is also possible from the Trainline website (see box below). To visit Paris, you could fly, but frankly the Eurostar is usually much more convenient, coming directly out of Saint Pancras Station in London, arriving at Gare du Nord in Paris. City center to city center beats ground transport to and from airports any day (both in terms of cost and time), if you ask any seasoned traveler. Plus, you’ll travel in comfort throughout the two hour and

20 minute journey, with dining options and restrooms. Since the UK has always been outside of the Schengen Area (nothing to do with Brexit, and leaving the EU), there are border controls and security checks to contend with, so you are advised to arrive at the station at least one hour before departure. That said, you’ll need to carry your passport and all relevant British residency documents for this journey. Once inside the Schengen Zone, traveling by train within Europe to other Schengen countries is less of a hassle, since there are no longer border checks at the country limits. Taking the France’s high-speed train, known as the TGV (tay-jay-vay) into Germany or Switzerland, or the Thalys trains, which serve Belgium, the Netherlands, and a few other destinations, does not have any passport control at the borders. However, you are strongly encouraged to always carry your passport with you in case of any unexpected situations. It is not uncommon for a country to impose spot checks on travelers, requiring passports to be shown, when necessary. Since the arrival of COVID, travel restrictions change frequently. Be sure to check government websites to have the latest info and avoid getting stuck, or stuck quarantined. Don’t forget your mask! Useful websites for booking trains around and outside of the UK: Trainline: https://www.thetrainline.com/ ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ Cross Country Trains: https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/ TGV / SNCF (France): https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv Eurostar (France/UK): https://www.eurostar.com/rw-en Thalys (BeNeLux): https://www.thalys.com/fr/en

Beyond the British Isles and Western Europe, you’ll probably want to fly, as train travel at such distances like Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe tends to get a lot more time consuming, and potentially more expensive than flying. The good news is there are several low cost airlines servicing nearly all of Europe. Be sure to read the small print when you book,

however, or you may be hit by some unpleasant surprises, like extra charges for even slightly oversize or overweight bags, or for not having checked in online at least four hours in advance, etc.

43 LEARNING THE LANGUAGE As you might expect, as with most top MBA programs around the world, all the MBA programs in the UK are taught in English. For better or for worse, English has become the lingua franca for much of the business world, and for much of the internet for that matter. You may have done well enough on the TOEFL and in your interview to get admitted; however, if you’re not comfortable enough to regularly engage in conversations with your classmates, and pretty much everyone, not only will you find it more difficult to get the work done during your MBA, but you won’t fully benefit from the rich experience of spending a year abroad if you can’t interact much with the locals. In terms of employment post-MBA, that’s a totally different story. The rule of thumb is, globally speaking, 95% of jobs in any given market will be in the local language. This number probably jumps to 100% in the United Kingdom, where they’re quite comfortable with the fact that the rest of the world has learned their mother tongue. In any case, for this reason, language skills are more important than whatever passports you may hold, because while a company can sponsor you for a visa, you can’t learn a language in just a couple of months. And why would a company be inclined to sponsor you for a visa if you lack the skills to easily communicate with the rest of the team? This is certainly true for the UK. Of course some locations, often in the Middle East, are big exceptions to this rule, where English is widely accepted as the language of business. In Singapore, English, along with Mandarin are the lingua franca. In Hong Kong, English and Cantonese. Even in Bruxelles, as the capital of the European Union, English is often the language used in the office, along with French.

Language skills may be more important than nationality, in that 95% of jobs in most markets will be in the local language. If your target is the UK and English is still somewhat of a struggle for you, it might be wise to take language immersion courses before you embark on this journey, with a focus on conversational and business English. For the average person, learning a new language at a functional level takes about two years. If you’re doing your MBA research well in advance, and are fairly sure about which country is your first choice of target, consider taking language courses well before you start working on your GMAT prep and school applications. If you spend a year improving your level of English at home now, coupled with a year of daily use and polishing during the program, you have a decent shot of having a strong enough command of the language for when it comes time to join the workforce in the UK. Keep in mind that while many MBA programs offer the possibility to take foreign language courses during the program, you’re about to dive head first into an MBA, not a foreign language certificate. The MBA content is already going to consume a huge amount of your bandwidth, and perhaps after some time, you may find you don’t have the time, energy, or interest in taking language classes. Everything you do during this intense year or two has an opportunity cost, and this must constantly be weighed when deciding how to spend the 24 hours of each day. The good news is you’ll be able to practice every day with each person you meet, in the program or on the street. Many people applying for British MBA programs intend to return to their home country post-MBA, or have an entirely different destination in mind for the next step in their career. It’s worth mentioning that if, during your admissions interview, you indicate that your goal is to work in an Englishspeaking country, your interviewer may pay particular attention to your fluency, and consider whether your goal of finding work in the UK is realistic or not. A great way to improve your English listening comprehension, no matter where in the world you are, is to listen to web radio in English. There are tons of free options out there, but why not go with one of the most trusted news

sources in the world, the good old BBC. Just search online for the “BBC Radio Learning English News Review” to gain free access to unlimited podcasts of current and interesting news stories, which you can even download and list to offline. Another option is to download the BBC Learning English app. Both of these options deliver you the same news stories as the main BBC channels, but designed for English learners, where they’ll speak more slowly, articulate their words, and avoid complicated expressions. In the beginning, you may not understand everything; however, if you do this every day for at least 15 to 20 minutes, in time you’ll understand more and more. You’re effectively training your ear to recognize the typical sounds in English, without the pressure of having to respond. Making it part of your morning routine while you have breakfast would be a very useful habit to adopt. On top of it all, you’ll get to know some of the most important names in British politics, business, and society, and be up to date on all the current events and options before you even arrive. How’s that for preparation!

44 WORKING DURING YOUR MBA If you’re planning to pursue a full-time MBA program, it is just that – fulltime. Although with a student visa, legally you may be allowed to work, you won't have time to hold a job during the program, and some business schools even make it clear that this is forbidden. Frankly, you wouldn’t want to work during your MBA anyway; you want to be 100% dedicated to your MBA experience. Your MBA program itself will present to you innumerable opportunities and priorities you’ll need to juggle outside of your required classes, including networking events, company visits, career workshops, guest speakers, mock interviews, and of course social events which are vital for making those human connections that are fundamental in having a strong network. Although these out-of-class activities may not be strictly required, you’d be foolish not to take part in as many of them as possible, since nobody ever got a job just from crunching finance formulas. Adding a part-time job to the mix will prove to be a distraction that exhausts your time and energy, and you’ll probably find yourself skipping out on these events and opportunities. If you happen to currently run some kind of online business that could be done from anywhere and doesn’t consume more than a few hours a week, you may be able to manage this. University officials might allow this or look the other way, but it may be worthwhile to keep your side hustle to yourself during your MBA. Whatever the case, you’ll need to organize a financial plan to keep yourself solvent for the year. As of the publication of this book, you should estimate that one year of life in the UK costs between £15,000 and £20,000, including rent, transportation, food, education/career materials, entertainment, etc. Of course this will vary greatly depending on the kind of accommodation you

prefer, particularly if there is a campus housing option or not, how you eat, and what your entertainment includes. If you take a student loan, as most MBA students do, you can roll in your estimated living costs. It should be noted that the question of how you plan to survive financially may come up during your interview, so be prepared to be comfortable talking about it. A good program manager wants to be sure that his or her students have considered this important aspect of doing one’s MBA. One exception (depending on the school) to the no job rule could be a role as a teaching assistant on campus. These part-time opportunities are often allowed and usually not too demanding. The subject matter of the classes may also be quite pertinent to your career goals, thus reinforcing your knowledge, even potentially holding opportunities for network building. Another work or leadership opportunity (paid or not) may be to become a student ambassador to your MBA program. Not only is this a great way to give back and promote your program with pride, but also to meet loads of potentially like-minded people, some of whom may ultimately become fellow alums. Making new contacts and connections is always worthwhile. On top of that, as an ambassador, you’re often considered one of the “superstars” and will be among the first students in the minds of those running the program as well as career services. As long as you’re representing the program well, those in charge will likely do their best to make sure you’re happy and taken care of, and may think of you first when it comes to networking or career opportunities.

45 INTERNSHIPS While most North American MBA programs last two years and offer an internship during the summer between years one and two, most European MBA programs are shorter, and do not necessarily offer internship opportunities. There is much debate as to whether an internship is useful at this stage in one’s career. It largely comes down to age and how big of a career leap you’re making. If you’re young enough, and planning a big jump in your career, an internship can surely be easier to get than a job, and may give you the experience and credibility future employers would prefer you have before they take you on full time. Still, many MBA programs offer projects and other experiences that help fill that void of direct experience in a new industry or function. In the UK, there are specific laws about internships (sometimes referred to as “work placements”), regarding their duration and being paid or not, how much is the minimum if paid, and whether or not you need to still be a student when you hold the internship. Your eligibility may also depend on your nationality and the type of visa you hold. It’s best to speak to the program manager or career services representative to understand if you qualify, based on the latest regulations. Either way, you’re not spending all this money on an MBA to become an intern again, working for little or no money. While they can be a great stepping stone, particularly for younger MBA grads, be careful that an internship does not become anything more than a few months of an experience. The whole point of you doing your MBA is to get you doing what you’re passionate about, and getting paid handsomely for it. At some point the company needs to hire full-time, or you should walk away. After a certain time, it’s better to put your energy into finding a full-time job, even if it’s not the job of your dreams, as the first one after you graduate.

46 EXCHANGES & DOUBLE DEGREES Some MBA programs offer exchange programs with partner schools, generally outside of the UK. There are many fantastic reasons for deciding to include an exchange as part of your MBA experience. Some advantages of an international exchange are: New course options to choose from Another internationally-recognized top business school Further international experience/another country on your list Enhanced student network A head start in learning the local language and culture Opportunity to interview with locally-based companies Start to develop your network in another global business hub Excitement of being in another foreign environment Prior to or during your program, you may turn your attention towards another region of the world for post-MBA employment. It would then be an obvious choice for finding an exchange partner there. Usually such partnerships are proudly displayed on business school websites; however, the details are often not clear. Partner schools are often bound to strict limitations set in the agreements between them. If an exchange is important to you, be sure to discuss these details with your recruiter, and ask for additional materials so everything is clear. There may be certain requirements like academic performance or years of experience, and there are probably limited seats for each partner school, which can vary from year to year. If you have your sights on a specific school for an exchange, be sure to ask how to get on the list early, as it may be first come, first served.

Some business schools offer the possibility to receive a double degree. The obvious advantages are having two prestigious MBA programs on your CV, but also two alumni networks, and twice as much international exposure. Usually entering such a program must be coordinated from the beginning of the application process, since both schools have stake in the admissions decision. One way or another, you must be admitted by both schools, and there may be a different tuition price to pay for a double degree option. Whether you choose to do an exchange or a double degree, both of these provide several potentially interesting opportunities for enhanced network and mobility during and post-MBA. Keep in mind that such choices would of course increase the intensity and demands of the program you would embark on, depending on the school you where would do the exchange. It’s definitely worth weighing the advantages and disadvantages of these options to see if they would truly help your specific career path, and if it’s the kind of experience you really want. Before you decide that you definitely want to do an exchange, it’s worth considering some of the potential disadvantages, since you can’t be in both places at once. These are some common negative points about exchanges, shared by MBA graduates who did them: The timing of the exchange may not be ideal or conflict with other opportunities, such as specific classes or networking events The possibility of limited courses available at the exchange school The difference in teaching style or quality than what you’re accustomed to at your home school The exchange may feel too short to gain traction or be valuable enough Finding short-term housing can be challenging Costs associated with the exchange (flights, accommodations, etc.) as well as a different cost of living abroad Language or culture barriers in the country of your exchange school Missing out on the excitement and connections you’ve made at your home school (FOMO)

47 LANDING YOUR FIRST JOB POST-MBA Keep your eye on the prize. It goes without saying that the ultimate goal of doing an MBA is to get a fantastic job that challenges and inspires you and pays you more than the one you had prior. The difficulty is, a great MBA program is so packed full of interesting academic content, group projects, competitions, workshops, events, and trips that it’s easy to get distracted from the main reason you have embarked on this journey. Factor in the social and cultural aspects of doing an MBA abroad, and you’ll soon see how difficult it can be to stay focused. Focused career goals are in fact a key factor in your admissibility into the program. If you’ve been selected, presumably you have demonstrated a clear enough vision for your next steps, but just how focused are you? Ideally, you have very clear targets before you even begin the program as to what function you want to take on, what industry, and in what country or region of the world you want to be. Perhaps even a short list of target companies. If this is not the case for you at the start of your MBA program, these are some of the first things you must identify as clearly as possible. Additionally you want to have a Plan B, particularly if you intend to make a double or triple transformation. For example, if your main goal is to relocate to the UK for work post-MBA, you may have things to consider like your level of English, getting a visa, and the British job market in that particular sector. Your Plan B should include some adjustments to this target if you’re not finding success or running into too many obstacles for your Plan A. This requires regular reassessment throughout your MBA program, and giving yourself a deadline at which point you move to your alternative plans. The best way to assess how realistic your goals are is to start applying for jobs early on in your program. Some career coaches will argue that you

should start applying for jobs right at the beginning of your MBA. For example, if you’re in a one-year MBA in the UK that starts in September, you could start applying for jobs in the fall, and certainly by winter it would be very wise to start applying. This will give you an idea as to how realistic your career plan is. It would be wise to consult your Career Services office that would likely be familiar with the timelines of the companies with which they may already have existing relationships. Some companies have a quite structured schedule for recruitment, and this can save you a lot of frustration and avoid applying at the wrong times. If you’re getting feedback that you’re entirely ineligible, you’d be wise to make some changes on the kinds of jobs for which you apply throughout the springtime. It means you might need to adjust your job application strategy half-way through your MBA. Exact timings will depend on the career field, but what is sure is that if you wait until after the program ends in June or July to first start applying for jobs, you’ll likely be left with no job. Remember that the Europeans value their vacation time and things may start shutting down for the summer as early as mid-July through late August, or even early September in some cases. You may find yourself job hunting even into the new year if you’re not diligent and careful about timing. We’ve talked already about the extreme importance of networking effectively and making connections early on. This will pay off in spades as you near the end of your program, and the networking efforts you’ve been putting in start to bear fruit. It’s important to remember that if you’re hoping to land a job in the UK post-MBA, to also stay active with your networks in your Plan B and C markets, including back at home. It’s a lot of work, but you want to stay a couple of steps ahead of the game, and take advantage of every opportunity possible being offered by the Careers team. At the same time, MBA cohorts have a lot of diversity, and it’s best not to focus much on what your classmates are doing at this point. Reflect, research, develop a clear vision, network like crazy, and stay at until something sticks! Nearly all top MBA programs will give you the tools to help you achieve your career, but it’s entirely up to you to use them. It should also be noted that the first job you get after your MBA may not be your dream job. Particularly if you’re making a major career leap, your first

post-MBA position may be a stepping stone to get you closer to where you really want to be. It’s all about managing expectations. An MBA can certainly be the catalyst that sends your career soaring in the direction of your dreams; however, sometimes that dream (and return on investment) is truly realized in your second, third, or subsequent position post-MBA. Of course very few Fortune 500 CEOs are hired directly after their MBA. You probably have another 30+ years remaining in your career before you retire, and surely you’ll want some room for continued growth over time. In terms of salary, statistically speaking, it is often around three years after graduation that you see a significant salary jump, thanks to having your MBA. That’s exactly why the organizations that conduct rankings often choose to survey those graduates who finished three years ago. It’s around this point in time you should expect to be well on your way to finishing the repayment of your student loan debt, and once again saving that hard-earned salary for the next steps in your life.

EPILOGUE: WHAT IF I’M REJECTED Assuming you’ll have followed the advice in this book, as well as that of any mentors or coaches you may have been working with, and made a fantastic impression on the Admissions Committee, this section will not apply to you. However, despite all your diligent research, efforts, and hard work, in the unlikely chance that things don’t go the way you planned, all is not lost. Within rejection there is opportunity. Sometimes the reasons for rejection may be obvious, or you may have to ask your recruiter or the Admissions Committee directly what went wrong. Definitely do not be afraid to ask them for some honest feedback, and find out what the rules or recommendations are for applying again. It may be the policy that you’ll have to wait for the next year or intake to apply, whereas some schools may allow you to reapply in the next admissions round of the same cycle, and yet others do not encourage reapplications at all. More often than not, candidates are rejected if one or more elements in their application file weren’t up to par. That may be as “simple” as retaking the GMAT, or better preparing for the interview next time around. Other reasons may be due to a lack of experience or perceived readiness to do an MBA. In this case, time is on your side, and in a year or two, you may be in a better position to be the strong candidate that you know you can be. In some cases, by going through this process, you may discover that an MBA is not what you’re looking for after all, as new ideas come to mind or other opportunities present themselves. While going through such a long (and potentially costly) process to come to this conclusion is not ideal, sometimes that’s how life teaches us, and going through this journey will have taught you some valuable things along the way. Whatever the result, and path you choose, now is not the time to give up. Keep that dream alive!

GLOSSARY

AdCom - the admissions committee Boris Bikes - the City of London public bike share system, also known as Santander Bikes Brolly - umbrella (it often rains in the UK!) Chevening - a major scholarship fund in the UK Council Tax - monthly tax paid to your local government, which covers the costs of water, sewage, cleanliness in the streets, as well as local services like libraries and schools Dunking - dipping your biscuit in a cup of tea GP - general practitioner, or primary care doctor Guarantor - someone who will co-sign a bank loan or rental agreement with you, and who agrees to make payments if you cannot Innit? (Isn’t it?) - a very common phrase to confirm or agree with something that has just been said Last Orders - called out in a pub by the bartender, often ringing a bell to signal your last chance to order a drink, and that they’re about to close soon NHS (National Health System) - British public healthcare system NUS (National Union of Students) - British nationwide student union, offering protections, discounts, and other benefits OysterCard - weekly, monthly, or annual access card for the London transportation system Sort Code - in British banking, the bank’s routing number TFL (Transport for London) - this public service oversees the capitol’s entire transport system, including the underground, buses, boats, and more. Their website is where to go if you have any problems, questions, or need to request a refund VAT (Value Added Tax) - tax added to your bill in restaurants, for example Wellies - short for Wellington boots, or rain boots (again, it rains often!) Your Majesty - the proper way to address the Queen or other high-ranking members of the British Royal Family, should you ever happen to be introduced to them ;-)

111 - phone number for non-life threatening urgent help 999 - emergency phone number in the UK, like 911 in the United States or 112 in the EU

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eric Lucrezia is a professional coach working with MBA applicants and career changers from around the world. He has been the Director of Recruitment for the Global MBA at ESSEC Business School, in Paris, France, where he worked for six years. He has also worked with thousands of students as a recruiter, advisor, coach, and teacher, at Sciences Po (also in Paris) and Long Island University, on the Gold Coast of Long Island, in the State of New York. Eric is originally from Long Island, New York, and has a passion for discovering new cultures and lands. With great privilege, he has visited many countries around the world, and his goal is to get to know at least 100 countries in his lifetime. He has lived in several cities abroad, including Barcelona, Spain and Sydney, Australia. For the past ten years, home has been none other than the City of Light, Paris, France.