MBA Insider's Blog

First Year Perspectives: Found Family - Life Lessons about Building Community

About Jeffrey: Prior to Anderson, Jeffrey was a creative marketer and storyteller from Durham, North Carolina. He worked in local government for the past decade helping residents navigate local government and delivering millions of dollars in capital and service projects to improve access to public transportation in the Research Triangle Region. Jeffrey is studying business strategy and entertainment. He plans to merge his love of storytelling and working on creative teams with his experience in project management and cross-functional team leadership to deliver representative stories in television to communities that need them.

Jeffrey is currently reading the Cradle series by Wil Wight, just finished hosting a watch party for Anderson Students for House of the Dragon, completed his first surfing lesson, and has perfected four new recipes.

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As I decided to come to Anderson, I was paralyzed by questions about how I would fit and what my life would be like, and a fear of being so far away from my family. Now that I’ve got two quarters under my belt, I’d love to share some tips for building community in the MBA Program.

 

A-Days and AROW

A-Days is an incredible experience that I cannot recommend more highly. I decided to come to Anderson after attending a Parker/EMA/SBA session, where I learned a lot about recruiting and my job prospects; but I also met 40+ other people passionate about entertainment. Many of us are leaders in EMA, attend movie premieres in LA and watch shows together. I also met one of my roommates at A-Days.

 

Learning Teams

Your learning team is 3-5 people who you do EVERYTHING with in your first couple of quarters. My team is 50% international and 33% women. We are recruiting for entertainment, banking, tech and venture capital (one of us is sponsored and decides to jet-set whenever we talk too much about recruiting. Your LT doesn’t need to be your best friends, but it’s massively easier if you like each other. I hosted a brunch for my team before school started so that we could get to know each other classes and other deliverables were due. It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Shoutout LT C9!!!

Orientation

Week 1 is the only time we’re all together and wearing name tags. Polish your pneumonic devices, take photos and notes, and get numbers - whatever you need to help you remember as many people as possible. It’s much easier to remember someone’s story when they are excited about telling it, so ask real questions:  “What’s your dream?” “Why did you decide to change your life?” “What’s the best trip you’ve taken?” My favorite Orientation experience was the rope’s course where we participated in a series of challenges. I met people in that course who aren’t in my section or any shared clubs, but we’re bonded for life and excited to see each other whenever we’re on campus.

 

Club Fair

I dropped too much money on clubs, but I regret nothing. Clubs are the cornerstone of your professional development at Anderson and a place to share your passion with others. I’m director of member education for EMA and get to plan interesting info sessions about the entertainment industry for my peers. I’m director of the watch for Indoor Adventure Club, and just finished hosting the watch party for the first season of House of the Dragon. I got to go to the Clippers opening game as a member of SBA and the Overwatch League finals with the VP of gaming for EMA and the opening weekend of Black Panther with BBSA. Clubs plan amazing events where I get to hang out with people I normally don’t see in class. While I’m talking about organizations, join professional programs like Consortium, Forte (for my women identifying individuals), Prospanica, National Black, Toigo; there are many organizations out there to provide community through business school, especially if you are an underrepresented candidate in some way. Use that community to make friends and build bonds.

 

Trips

Budgets are tight, I get it…but if you’re questioning if going on the Vegas trip  or attending a conference is worth it. Listen to me…It is. These trips are moments to authentically connect with your classmates without the pressure of school, recruiting, or clubs. You’ll have enough FOMO in business school, don’t add to it, by prioritizing something over a shared experience with your class. Go ahead and write in Orientation (Vegas trip after first quarter), Snow Trip (ski trip supporting C4C after second quarter), Sundance (if you’re in EMA) and budget for 3-4 additional trips (I hear my class might be going to Japan or Morocco this spring break).

 

Slack

CHECK SLACK. There will be days where you are tired, weeks where you are overwhelmed and all you want to do is stay at home. All I’m advising you to do is not do it alone. You need a “Me Day” post it in Slack, chances are someone needs it too, you can organize an introverted beach day like my buddy Dan and I. If you feel like you’re not going to pass accounting, post in Slack and you might find yourself in a study session with the Consortium crew. Not sure where you’re next meal is coming from “i-freefood” has you covered.

 

Ultimately, it’s easy to build community in business school. You just need to show up - which, admittedly, can be harder than it sounds. But you are in a big program and I promise you, someone else is feeling the way you feel and also wants to find someone to walk with them through it.

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Student Blogger: Jeffrey Sullivan ‘24

Undergrad: UNC Chapel Hill, ‘12

Pre-MBA: Local Government Marketing and Communications

Leadership@Anderson: Director of member education for the Entertainment Management Association; Director EDI for the Admissions Ambassador Corp; Director of EDI for the Anderson Student Association; Director of marketing and communications for the Black Business Student Association; Director of allyship for the Alliance for Latinx Management at Anderson; Director of The Watch for the Indoor Adventure Club; Director of theater for Creatives at Anderson.

 

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Frequently Asked Questions

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Top 10 Applicant Questions

People are generally scared to ask questions -- but chances are if you're thinking about it, so is someone else! Throughout this past recruiting season, we compiled a list of our top Frequently Asked Questions to help you on your MBA information-gathering and your application journey!

Question 1: How can a prospective student learn more about the UCLA Anderson MBA program?
UCLA Anderson offers many group information sessions, student chats, webinars, and more throughout the week so prospective students can get to know us first-hand. These events range from on-campus to off-campus in various cities, and a lot are virtual! Needless to say, there is no shortage on ways to learn more about us. Visit our Admissions Events webpage to register for events that work for your schedule. If you are signed up to receive our information emails (if not, sign up here!), we will send out information about upcoming programming and special admissions events. Please note that some of these events have capacity limits so sign up to secure your spot.  

Note: We highly encourage you to reach out to our students! Our Student Ambassadors are excited to speak with you and we've made it very easy for you to reach out through our Connect with Our Students portal. All student clubs have a designated officer to speak with prospective students (usually the VP of Admissions/Student Outreach). With our 50+ clubs, you're sure to be able to find someone with specific career goals, interests, and backgrounds. Go ahead, shoot them that email and make that connection!

Question 2: Is UCLA Anderson back to in-person instruction?
Yes, this incoming class of 2024 began their MBA in-person on August 1, 2022. UCLA Anderson is hopeful that it will remain this way throughout the academic year, but will continue to follow LA Country Public Health guidelines should there be a rise in cases to best ensure the safety of our community. 

Question 3: Is there a minimum GMAT/GRE score or GPA required for admission? 
There are no minimum test scores or GPAs required to be admitted. Many factors are considered in our holistic decision process. Admissions decisions are not made solely on the basis of grades and test scores. However, you may want to note our average and range of scores in our most recent class profile and ensure that your GPA and/or test score represents your ability. If you do not believe your score reflects your ability, we recommend that you consider retaking the test if you are able.

Note: We do not offer waivers for the GMAT/GRE exam requirement. All applicants must submit either GMAT or GRE scores (only current UCLA School of Law JD or UCLA School of Medicine MD students have the option to submit the LSAT/MCAT scores respectively in lieu of the GMAT or GRE). We recommend you take the test you feel most comfortable with, as there is currently no preference for either exam in the admissions review process.

Question 4: Do you require work experience to apply?
No, we do not have a work experience requirement to apply. However, note that in our most recent class profile that the average work experience for the incoming class is 6 years with 90% of our students have 3+ years. Given that this is a professional degree where classroom discussions and projects are enriched through drawing from prior work experience, we find that work experience is critical to the admissions review process. Additionally, you will likely find that a lot of employers have work experience requirements during the recruiting process. However, there are still those exceptions and ultimately you will need to help the admissions committee understand why the MBA is necessary for you at this point in your career. 

Question 5: Do I need to submit my official transcripts and/or official test (GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS) scores when I apply to UCLA Anderson?
No, you do not need to submit your official transcript documents or official test scores when applying. For your initial application, uploaded scanned unofficial copies of your transcripts and documents, and self-reported test scores are perfectly sufficient for the Admissions Committee to begin evaluations. If invited for an interview, you will be asked to provide office copies of your transcripts and official test scores (more specific details will be provided at that time). It is crucial that you send in these official documents to be considered for admission.

Question 6: Do I need to take the TOEFL or IELTS English Language exams?
We require all international applicants to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores (with exception of some countries -- please contact the MBA Admissions office to check), regardless of the language of instruction during your undergraduate studies. This is a requirement from UCLA Graduate Division, which is the authority that oversees all graduate admissions. These exams are important to show the Admissions Committee that you have sufficient English communication skills to succeed in the classroom and in our program.

Question 7:  Can I submit updates to my application after I have submitted it?
Unfortunately, we do not accept official updates to the application once it has been submitted. If you do wish to add information after your application has been submitted, it can be added to your file but there is no guarantee it will be used in the admissions review process. Updates can be sent to [email protected]. If you would like, you can request that your application will be moved to a later round for consideration if you want to ensure any updated information is included during evaluations (assuming this request gets submitted in time). 

Question 8: Do you accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs?
No, we do not accept transfer students or credits from other MBA programs. We believe that part of the Anderson experience is developing relationships with classmates during the two years of attendance in the MBA program. You may still apply, but you would be required to begin as a first-year student. It may be possible to test out of some core courses to be replaced by MBA elective courses of your choice.

Question 9: If I earned a three-year undergraduate degree, am I still eligible to apply?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply. We do admit students with 3-year degrees but the rest of your application needs to be strong to compete against other applicants. If you would like your academic records to equate to a 4-year degree, you would need to either complete a Master’s degree or other Post Graduate Degree/Diploma.

Question 10: Can I begin the MBA program in the winter or spring?
We do not offer spring or winter admission.  All students in the Full-Time MBA program start at the same time (end of summer).

 

>> Get more answers to your questions by visiting our Admissions FAQ webpage.  Still have questions? Ask them here!

 

We hope this information was helpful!

 

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

 

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Questions? Ask A Question

 

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Letters of Recommendations

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

As part of your application to the UCLA Anderson Full-Time MBA Program, we ask for two letters of recommendation (and only one if you are a reapplicant). This post will help to answer the most common questions we get related to letters of recommendation so you can get the most benefit from this integral part of your application process.

Why are letters of recommendation a part of the MBA application?
Your letters of recommendation or “recs” provide the admissions committee with insight into your management and leadership potential based on your past performance in a professional setting. They help us understand your ability to work well with others, both as a leader and as a team player. Recs can illustrate how you deal with challenging situations, think strategically and learn and adapt from previous successes or failures.

Who should write my letters of recommendation? 
Contrary to popular belief, they do not necessarily need to come from the highest ranked person you know at work or come from people you have met in different settings (academic or personal vs. professional). Your letters of recommendation should ideally come from a direct supervisor and/or manager who will advocate on your behalf and can speak to your work performance, capabilities, and potential for future career success. Your recommenders should be able to provide us with detailed and insightful information in response to our recommendation questions. It is most helpful when they are able to address how they know you, how you compare to others in your organization, and your potential to continue growing into a strong leader. Keep in mind that we are more concerned with how well your recommenders know you, not their titles, so don't worry about getting a letter of recommendation from the CEO of your company if they don’t really know you well. By the same token, we know that it is tempting sometimes to want to ask a former professor who may have given you great marks, but most often these kinds of recommendations fail to provide us with the kind of detailed insights we look for in recommendations.

What if I cannot request a letter of recommendation from my supervisor?
If you cannot request a letter of recommendation from your supervisor, you can always contact a former employer. If you do choose to reach out to a former employer, make sure that it is someone that you have remained in contact with and can speak to how they’ve seen you develop since you worked with them. You want to make sure that their feedback is not restricted to speaking to who you were when they knew you, two, three, or five years ago.

If you are an entrepreneur or are working in a family business, in addition to considering previous employers, you can consider clients or vendors, as well as supervisors from volunteer organizations. It is not advisable that your recommender be someone you are related to since they could be seen as biased in your favor.

What does the admissions committees hope to learn from a letter of recommendation? 
The admissions committee wants to learn about your leadership potential, your teamwork skills, as well as your ability to overcome challenges. Letters of recommendation allow us to see you through the eyes of your direct supervisors/managers; individuals who have witnessed your career progression. They can speak to what you have accomplished in your career, how your career to date can position you for future success and help support your post-MBA goals. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that your recommenders are familiar with your MBA plans.

How can you help your recommender do a good job with my letter of recommendation?
When you are reaching out to potential recommender make sure they understand how important this is for you and your MBA plans. Give them a way out if they simply are too busy and don’t have the time to write you a “great letter of recommendation.” You should take the time to speak with your recommenders about why you are interested in pursuing an MBA and what you hope to gain. Share a copy of your resume and remind them of some of your professional accomplishments. By sharing your plans, you will help them write a more compelling letter of recommendation. Refrain from ghostwriting material for them as the final product will not be as compelling or genuine as what your recommenders will be able to on their own.

How and when should letters of recommendation be submitted? Letters of recommendation can only be submitted electronically by your recommender to us. You will need to enter each recommender’s details in your application so that they can be sent a personal link to the recommendation form. Recommendations should be submitted by the round deadline in which you are applying. To ensure that your application is evaluated on time, please make sure to inform your recommenders of the application deadline and stay in touch with them to confirm submission of the letter. 

Bonus Tip!
Don’t forget to thank your recommenders for taking the time to write your letters and for supporting you in your development. Keep them posted of your future MBA admission and share your growing accomplishments with them.

Good luck with your letters of recommendation and make sure to keep checking back with us to learn more about our process and our program!

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

First year Perspectives: Transitioning from Summer to Fall

About Sarah: Sarah Gerlach grew up in Southern California, but headed north to UC Berkeley for college and graduated with Bachelors of Science in Environmental Economics. She then started a career in tech, working in digital marketing at Google in Mountain View and New York City. Sarah chose to attend UCLA Anderson because it gives her the opportunity to explore new career paths, like management consulting, while also pursuing her passions like environmentalism.

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As a Southern California native, the only autumns I knew growing up consisted of weather in the high 60’s through the low 80’s. There were Halloweens when it was over 85 degrees and we would be sweating while trick-or-treating, and Thanksgivings where we would go to the beach on black Friday. Fall would slowly roll into winter; we would celebrate Christmas and the New Year. There would be roughly 3-4 inches of rain. Then it would be March again and temperatures would climb back up to their regular spot in the 70s.

I was lucky enough to spend almost three years in New York before moving back to Los Angeles. I moved to Manhattan in June, when New Yorkers are at their happiest: the days are long, the parks come alive, and the rooftop scene is thriving. However I was in for a rude awakening the very first fall. I will never forget waking up on Thanksgiving morning to a blustery 9 degrees Fahrenheit. December, January, and February came with their grey skies and snowstorms. It was cold and I was woefully unprepared, but I learned to love putting on my scarf, boots, beanie, gloves, and coat every morning.

Being back in Southern California this time of year makes me miss the East Coast, with the changing leaves in Central Park and the ability to wear fall accessories without sweating. But I am also reminded of how much I love the subtle changes in California that represent our lack of seasons. In fall, it finally starts to cool down at night! Football season ramps up and basketball kicks off (let’s go Bruins)! And Trader Joe’s sells delicata and acorn squash again! The lack of bold seasonal changes is a hint to look more closely around the beautiful UCLA campus and notice the subtle differences, like the light breeze permeating through the Anderson courtyard.

Most importantly, the change of seasons this year has me reflecting on how much my life has changed over the last six months. Coming to Anderson was a big decision, and now that I’m here, it’s one I know I would make every single time. The best part of fall quarter is feeling settled. I am finally getting in the groove of studying, contributing more to campus clubs, and finding my place amongst my diverse peers. I realized this transition to fall is more internal than external, so I think I’ll appreciate the 70 degree weather for a little while longer.

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Student Blogger: Sarah Gerlach ‘24

Undergrad: UC Berkeley ‘15

Pre-MBA: Digital Marketing at Google

Leadership@Anderson: First-Year Director, Admission Ambassador Corps; Director of Education, Management Consulting Association; Director of Alumni Relations, Alliance for Latinx Management; Section Director of Sustainability

 

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Development

UCLA Anderson is a student-run campus. A lot of the programming from the prospective student phase all the way to graduation is led by our student body of roughly 700 students. We look for those who want to be leaders on campus to "drive change" and leave an impact for not just their peers, but future students. So when you apply to UCLA Anderson, your extracurricular activities and leadership roles in your undergraduate studies, workplace and/or community can help to show us how you have exhibited qualities that leave an impact. There are multiple places to share your involvement in our application, including the "Activities" section, resume, essay, and interview.

In the "Activities section, you'll only be able to list 5 activities. We limited this because the Admissions Committee is looking for the QUALITY of your involvement and leadership roles, NOT quantity. We look to your prior involvement since we believe your past is a good indicator for how involved you will be during your time at UCLA Anderson. Did you know that our 50+ student clubs and leaders help to host over 400 events every year? Recruiters and employers also see your past leadership experiences and involvement at UCLA Anderson as signs of your future leadership interest and potential in their organizations. You can also take on these leadership role during your 1st-Year!

You may have been involved in activities you've since forgotten or have had varying levels of involvement in depending on other events in your life. Here are some examples to hopefully remind you of your involvement and even potentially inspire you to get involved again...it's never too late to start! -- 

University/College Activities

• Leadership roles in a campus club and non-profit organization
• Writer or Editor of a campus publication
• College athletics: Team captain? Most Valuable Player? Operations manager?
• Orientation leader or campus tour guide
• Volunteering
• Fraternity/Sorority involvement and leadership
• Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)
• Case competitions 
• Tutoring, mentoring and other community service

Post-University Activities

• Involvement/role in non-profits or professional organizations
• Leadership role in an alumni association or undergrad interviewing
• Workplace engagement teams and employee resource groups
• Volunteer team leader
• Public speaking or teaching roles
• Active role in political organizations or local campaigns
• Founder of a non-profit or community event

You may be asking why are your university and post-university activities are of relevance and of interest to the Admissions Committee?  If you think about it, these past experiences mirror the MBA program to some degree in that you will be be balancing many different priorities -- including career, social, and academics. In fact, the average UCLA Anderson student is involved with 8 different clubs while holding leadership roles in 3!

Your past involvement gives us some indicator of your ability to contribute to your community while succeeding in these other areas at the same time. That said, if you didn't have time in the past or could not balance these activities successfully, let us know how you have grown professionally and personally to be able to manage effectively as an MBA student. In the end, we value all contributions, big and small, that our students make to create the amazing environment and culture that we have on campus!

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Stay Connected
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Second Year Perspective: The Value of an MBA

About Annie: Annie McNutt (’23) is originally from Los Angeles. She graduated from Emory University with a Bachelors in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. After graduation, Annie stayed in Atlanta and worked for Kimberly-Clark in a variety of marketing roles from digital marketing to global product management. Most recently, Annie worked as a customer marketing manager for Kimberly-Clark in London. At Anderson, she seeks to pivot her career from marketing into entrepreneurship. Annie is interested in the events industry and connecting people; she hopes to become a serial entrepreneur. She is currently a second year FTMBA at Anderson.

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It’s one of the latest debates: is it really worth it to get an MBA? Some will argue that the expense is just too high and that you will not see a return on your investment. As someone who is currently in the thick of it, I can say, without a doubt, investing in an MBA is investing in yourself. And I, for one, believe it is worth every penny.

 

Don’t get me wrong, there are days when I question why I’m back in school. But to me, it all boils down to a few key reasons why I believe getting an MBA is still so valuable.

 

The network

The network of people that you meet in an MBA program is unparalleled. The caliber of individuals all pursuing varying career goals with a drive to improve themselves is not something I have experienced since my college days. Beyond the career implications for being a part of such a strong network of individuals, I can honestly say I’ve met some of my best friends at business school. For two years, you hustle together, work together and play together. No one knows or understands you like your MBA friends will and it is so vital to have that support system when pursuing your MBA.

 

The access

The access you have as an MBA student is so incredibly valuable. As a student, you have access to research, reports and library resources that would usually cost thousands. You also have access to incredible speakers and alumni that come to campus for class or club events. Getting to be in the same room as a Netflix CEO or the former Marketing Director of Lawry’s sauce is definitely a perk of being an MBA student. And finally, the access to a broader Los Angeles network as an MBA student is hugely beneficial. People to whom you reach out are much more willing to support a student in figuring out their next step than talking to another executive about their career goals.

 

The security

Finally, I for one believe that having an MBA can never be a bad thing. While it is an expensive security blanket, having the letters after your name and the degree in your back pocket is only going to benefit you in the future. I’ve never heard someone say “oh I wish I had never gotten my MBA.” But I have heard people say “I wish I HAD gotten my MBA.” As long as you have the degree, that is something that no one can take away from you. And you can continue on to pursue your professional dreams knowing that you won’t ever be turned down from a job for which you are perfectly qualified simply because you didn’t have an MBA.

 

So, all in all, getting an MBA is a massive expense, let’s not kid about that. But what you get out of an MBA is so much more.

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Student Blogger: Annie McNutt ‘23

Undergrad: Emory University (’15) – B.B.A. Marketing

Pre-MBA: Customer Marketing Manager, Kimberly-Clark

Leadership@Anderson: CP of Marketing, Admission Ambassador Corps; VP of Speaker Series, Entrepreneurs Association; Co-President, Anderson Wine Club

 

Return on Investment = ROI on the MBA

 

Potential students looking at the MBA degree are totally justified in asking, "What's in it for me?" Part of the reward comes quickly in salary jumps (and usually signing bonuses) after graduation. On average our students see an 85% increase in salary between their pre-MBA and post-MBA compensation. That's just the start of their lifelong trajectory of higher income.

The greatest value of the UCLA Anderson MBA comes from access to our network. Year after year we bring in classes full of amazing people representing the globe and diverse backgrounds and interests, so everyone can learn from each other in the friendly warm melting pot here. Our latest brochure shows the general range of students we invite to join us annually.

Enhanced job opportunities are just the start of personal growth here for our MBA students. Leadership skills and social activism flourish in our supportive community. Combined with intense academic learning and career coaching, the experience makes our students "masters of their own destiny" as they say. This spirit is what turns many Anderson alumni into successful entrepreneurs later in their careers as they create options for income and impact.  

Anderson access extends beyond the UCLA campus even for students, as our program empowers them to also get practical experience with internships here in one of the world's great cities. Then with boosted resumes they get post-MBA jobs all over the US and abroad as they spread our helpful contacts around the planet.

The four letters UCLA are a global brand, but our Anderson MBA alumni in particular have a tight network that believes in sharing success by helping each other and current students too.

Check out our latest employment report to see the fascinating variety of places where our alumni go, and visit our career pages to see the paths through UCLA Anderson that get them there.

It all starts with an application to come join our community, so please explore more, ask questions, and learn why you are worth the investment in a UCLA Anderson MBA!

UCLA Anderson Application Insider: Career Pathing

This blog post is part of our "Application Insider" blog post series that provides insider information, tips, and advice about applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program.

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APPLICATION INSIDER TOPIC:

CAREER PATHING

Career advancement is the the driver for all applicants pursing an MBA. Whether you're looking to make an industry and/or functional pivot, or just looking to advance in your current company, you need to take the time to create a road map for yourself as you think about pursuing the MBA, what you hope to gain, as well as when is the right time for you to begin a program. To answer these three questions, we like to use a framework called "career pathing" to chart a course for your career development.

Step 1: Consider your past and present work experience -- what have you accomplished, what skills have you gained, what do you like most about your experiences, and what do you like least. Reflecting on your career to date will provide you with insight into what inspires you, your areas of strength as well as opportunities for growth. This information can inform your decision to pursue an MBA and potentially set the foundation for your post-MBA career goals.

Step 2: Think about the type of career that you hope to have post-MBA. Do you want to start your post-MBA career as a management consultant gain exposure to multiple industries before exiting into an in-house strategy role? Or do you want to become a senior product manager in a large technology firm with a long term goal to become a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)? Maybe you even just want to pursue your own entrepreneurial goals. The MBA is truly a flexible degree that can be applicable to almost any profession. However, it’s important to be specific and narrow down the function and industry that you would be interested in pursuing so that you can maximize your time and the resources offered by an MBA program. 

Step 3: Once you’ve taken a thorough look at your pre-MBA work experience and thought through your post-MBA goals, you can then focus on how to use your time in an MBA program. The many opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom at UCLA Anderson MBA will ultimately to allow you to explore interests both professionally and personally. This includes (1) networking building to get to know your classmates and our alumni network (2) leadership experience through club Board positions, (3) interest development through involvement in the interest clubs and case competitions, (4) socializing via our many interest clubs, all of which to support your career development.

An MBA will help you bridge the gap between where you currently are in your career and where you want to be in the future. You want to understand your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your current skillsets, and areas of development, so that you can pinpoint what resources you will need for your continued development and ultimately decide which MBA programs you are targeting. Creating an outline with this information will not only help you understand the impact that an MBA can have on your life and career, but it will also make it easier for you to write compelling MBA essays and support your MBA plan throughout the application process.

Check back for more "Application Insider" blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]