Have you decided to get an MBA but don't have the network to stay focused or don't feel prepared enough to make grad school a reality? Get focused with Forté MBALaunch, a 10-month program that pairs women seeking an MBA with a support network and provides a structured roadmap for applying to business schools. You'll attend online webinars, advisor meetings, and monthly in-person peer group sessions in your host city.
Learn more about the Forté MBALaunch program first-hand with the below Q&A with former MBALauncher and current UCLA Anderson student, Erica Suk!
UCLA Anderson MBALauncher: Undergraduate Studies: Pre-Anderson Work Experience: MBA Summer Internship: Activities@Anderson: |
Q. How did MBALaunch help prepare you for the MBA application process?
A. I actually joined MBALaunch in the same year as my application year. I wish I had joined a year earlier or even a few years before since I saw how impactful its programming was for me even at that later point in the process. That said, it still was beneficial for me because I had a somewhat of a clear idea regarding what I wanted to do in and post business school, so I was able to flush out my ideas and confirm my plans with peers and mentors in MBALaunch.
Q. Did you feel more prepared entering business school because of MBALaunch?
A. Yes! Because I didn’t personally know anybody who had gone to business school, I gained a lot of information from the people I met through MBALaunch. I asked them questions regarding classes, recruiting process, etc. They gave me candid responses that have helped me make a smooth transition from work to school life.
Q. What is the main the benefit of participating in MBALaunch?
A. The people. Just like the benefits of informationals we conduct as business school students, I was able to talk to many people who shared similar interests as I did. There were also mentors assigned to us who answered any of our questions without any bias.
Q. What types of resources did MBALaunch provide you?
A. I especially enjoyed the mentorship program. A group of 3-5 prospective students are paired with 2 mentors. We met virtually each month to discuss pre-assigned topics such as essay topics, interview process, how to survive the first year, etc. It was tremendously helpful to get insight from those who have walked the path before us and also to hear thoughts from my peers who are going through the arduous process as I was.
Q. Do you still keep in touch with the other MBALaunchers you met who are now at UCLA Anderson and at other business schools?
A. Yes - I keep in touch with one particular person who was one of the main speakers from the program. She was always willing to share her time and thoughts with me before and during business school.
Q. What is it like to be a female at UCLA Anderson?
A. It’s great to see the caliber and the strength of the women in my class. One student group, in particular, Women’s Business Connection (WBC), is making headway in paving a way for more female students to thrive on campus and in the business world, and I am thrilled to be part of this community. Last year’s WBC president, Britney Sussman, made significant improvements and impacts through this organization, and I am excited to be part of this year’s cabinet to make even more contributions to help advance the women at Anderson and in post-graduate careers.
Q. Any final advice for prospective business school applicants?
A. Just do it (with confidence)! I had doubts throughout the entire application process because business school was a big time and financial commitment for me. Looking back, I know that I have grown so much – both professionally and personally – since day 1 of school and that’s only after 1 year! I can’t wait to see what others lessons I’ll take away with this year and am looking forward to applying them as a professional upon graduation.
Learn more about the Forté MBA Launch program, host cities and application details by visiting this webpage.