Plan your MBA- Post MBA Goals & Shortlisting B-Schools - MBAkarma

Expanding on my previous post on Planning an MBA- The Steps to Success I will target the second step in the timeline- Brainstorming MBA goals and Shortlisting B-Schools.

If you went through the MBA applications calendar we discussed previously, you would remember that I suggested to finalize post MBA goals and shortlist universities sometime between January to March in the year you wish to apply in. Refer the timeline below.

Finalize your career goals between January to March

This is a really crucial step. You don’t want to fall short in your essays because the goals were not fleshed out well.

You also don’t want to target universities that are not best suited for your profile and post MBA goals.

Preferably while preparing for GMAT you shouldn’t focus anywhere else.

However towards the mid of your GMAT preparation, somewhere in Jan or Feb, start writing down answers to these questions-

1. Why do you want to do an MBA?
2. Why do you want to do it now?
3. Why should you be selected by your target University?
4. Shortlist Universities to apply to- based on your interests and profile strength.

You can get answers to these questions by reading, introspecting, researching and speaking to seniors, alumni or MBA consultants. This will grant you clarity on your career goals and how MBA can fulfil the achievement of these goals. This clarity will further help you at a later stage in drafting great essays- the most critical part of an MBA application.

Think of MBA as a bridge. A bridge to take you from your current position in career to a future desired position.

Now ask yourself, can you reach the future desired position without taking this bridge? Maybe there’s another better way. By simply working harder at your job, changing companies, getting on the job training, attending little crash courses or plugging your skill gaps in any other way (depends on your situation).

If the answer is yes, then an MBA is NOT for you. Do not pursue an MBA to just follow the horde, to just earn money or escape your current situation. An MBA is good for you only if it really bridges the gap between your current situation and your future plans.

Also since you would have shortlisted the right universities before taking the GMAT, you can have your scores directly sent to them. During the GMAT you have the option to send scores to 5 universities. You wouldn’t want to miss a university of your choice or send scores to a wrong university. It can also save you burn a hole in your pocket later.

If you have done your brainstorming well, you should finalize not more than 5-6 universities, otherwise it can become a confusing, overwhelming and expensive affair. Do not hesitate to speak to anyone who can help you be it seniors or alumni.

By March make sure you are done with finalizing career goals and shortlisting B-Schools before you take the GMAT.

Still have questions? Reach out to us on info@MBAkarma.com to get a free consultation on your career goals.