Attending MBA information events that bring together representatives and alumni from many business schools such as those hosted by Access MBA and GMAC can be very helpful for those seeking to learn about more programs or meet admissions staff from their target programs. Combining event attendance with online research, attending info sessions, and connecting with students and alumni will give applicants a well-rounded idea of a program’s curriculum, values, and mission. But getting the most out of an MBA fair is not as simple as showing up and collecting a handful of flyers. These events are often full to capacity, which can limit the time visitors have to engage with university representatives and puts pressure on the attendee to execute a good strategy in order to ensure that their time is well spent. This post will offer several tips about how MBA applicants can come away from events having made several connections and gained valuable knowledge.
Prepare Your Supplies
In the digital age, analog tools often work best in crowded rooms. Personal name cards, a notebook, pens, and a floormap of the event will be essential at these fairs. For many university reps, it is common to review a stack of name cards after an event and do their follow up outreach – make sure your card is in their stack. When time is short, typing on a smartphone is likely not going to be the most efficient way to make notes. Instead, use a small notebook and a pen to jot quick notes, not only when speaking with the rep, but also when you overhear something interesting while waiting in line. Consult the floor map before you go in and while you are waiting in lines to chart your path to target booths.
Early is On Time
As mentioned in the opening, MBA fairs are commonly very full events with limited time, so arriving before the doors open will give attendees the best chance to beat the crowd to earn the most meetings. If the event offers or requires appointments, it is even more important to be on-time or early, as reps’ schedules are going to be tightly booked and you want to make the most of your time with them. In both cases, it is critical that you are prepared to introduce yourself succinctly with a well-rehearsed elevator pitch.
Own Your Elevator Pitch
The elevator pitch was invented for encounters like those at MBA fairs – brief opportunities to introduce yourself, make a positive impression on the listener, and ask a couple of pointed questions in a very limited amount of time. For each school, be sure to tailor your questions to what you know about the program. Spend time in the leadup to the event practicing your elevator pitch, making sure to include highlights about your current professional situation, career goals, and study needs. Joining local networking, Toastmasters, or language exchange events can provide the perfect environment for refining your elevator pitch.
Ask Memorable Questions
When time is short, you must be well-prepared. Having thought-provoking questions written in advance will not only produce the most valuable answers, but can also position you as a memorable candidate. Seeking information about how the program fits you – which will support essay writing and interview answers – should be a top priority. Just as you have prepared an elevator pitch, the university reps will have their own ‘script’ and intended talking points. Asking questions that require reflection and take them off-script can elicit better quality responses and leave them with a lasting impression of your preparedness and character. For example, if you are interested in building your own business post-MBA, instead of asking the admissions officer to introduce their entrepreneurial resources, ask specific questions about the details of their incubator program, specific start-up competitions offered, or memorable startups launched recently by graduates.
Don’t Skip the Follow Up
In many cases, reps will hand out their name cards or other materials that include contact information. Following up after the event can cultivate a valuable relationship that can have a direct and positive impact on your application. In your follow up, remind them what you spoke about and feel free to ask additional questions or check if it’s okay for you to contact them for application advice. University reps who attend these fairs often read applications, but even if they don’t, they can influence how some applicants are prioritized. You want to be remembered positively.
[Conclusion]
As with any important meeting or interview, preparation for an MBA fair takes time and effort to ensure a positive result. All of the steps one takes in advance of this kind of event – from program research to polishing one’s elevator pitch to asking questions about target programs – will be useful during the application, interview, and other MBA networking opportunities, so attending an MBA fair should be taken seriously and treated as a warm up for the application process.