The mbaMission Podcast

Send us your admissions questions!What does starting a company during business school really demand beyond a strong idea?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and Gatehouse Founder Liza Weale sit down with GrowthFactor CEO and MIT Sloan alumnus Clyde Anderson for a candid conversation about the Sloan experience, entrepreneurship, and school fit. Clyde explains how he moved from finance to business school, why Sloan became the right match after a surprising waitlist turn, and how a classroom insight became the seed of a company.The discussion covers Sloan’s analytical core, its culture of experimentation, the role of co-founders, and the practical resources that supported GrowthFactor, including startup workspace, entrepreneurship classes, faculty guidance, and MIT delta v. Clyde also describes why Sloan remains valuable for students who do not plan to launch a company, from consulting and finance paths to veterans, operators, and students pursuing less linear careers.For applicants considering MIT Sloan, this episode offers a useful reminder: fit comes from more than a school’s reputation. The strongest match often appears when your goals, your way of learning, and the community around you push you to become more fully yourself.Guest contact:Clyde Anderson, CEO of [email protected]://www.growthfactor.ai/00:00 From Sloan Waitlist to Startup CEO05:03 From a Waitlist Update to a Sloan Interview09:28 The Benefit of Authenticity When Applying to Sloan13:22 The Birth of GrowthFactor 19:47 Finding Co-Founders at Sloan22:51 The Sloan Startup Resources That Supported GrowthFactor25:07 How Sloan Students Champion One Another28:38 Sloan Career Paths Outside of Entrepreneurship34:21 How Delta V Helps Launch Student Ventures35:17 The Post-Graduate Power of Sloan’s Alumni NetworkBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!How do MBA admissions consultants help their clients beyond editing their essays?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky sits down with two highly experienced admissions consultants, mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Gatehouse Admissions Founder Liza Weale, for a candid, inside look at what MBA consulting entails.The conversation covers the brainstorming and experience inventory process that begins every client engagement and how consultants build personal relationships with their clients over months of collaboration. Rachel and Liza also shed light on the qualities that separate successful applicants from candidates whose results are less positive. They explain why the process often feels “messy” in the early stages and why reading your essay out loud is one of the most powerful strategies in the revision process. In addition, the discussion touches on the show-versus-tell principle, why applicants should spend more time on their resume, and how to identify “alignment” across an application when reviewing a final draft.Whether you are just starting to think about business school or are already fully immersed in the application process, this episode offers a rare look at how experienced admissions consultants work and what you can learn from the process, even if you never hire one.00:00 Pulling Back the Curtain on MBA Consulting03:18 The Kicker and the Art of Layering: Storytelling in Essays06:13 Brainstorming and the Experience Inventory Process09:40 What Makes a Client Succeed and How Relationships Factor In14:12 The Messy Middle: Ambiguity, Authenticity, and Trust in the Process16:08 The Importance of Answering the Question and Reading Out Loud19:19 Editing Without Attachment20:41 The Underrated MBA Application Resume31:14 The Human Side of MBA AdmissionsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The old deal with work is broken. Leaders today are looking for a way to get their company’s culture back, but an expert in the consulting space argues that rather than returning to old ways, we should be reinventing work from scratch.In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald and Executive Director Jessica Shklar sit down with Debbie Lovich, a BCG managing director and senior partner with 32 years of experience, for a conversation about the future of work, the collapse of the traditional employment bargain, and why the most successful companies of the next decade will be the ones that learn to make work human again.Debbie is the author of Make Work Work: The 5 Daily Practices of the Employee-Centric Leader, available for preorder now. She has spent 32 years at BCG advising global organizations, and this book represents a lifetime of lessons she wanted to pass on before retiring at the end of 2026.Whether you are a current or aspiring leader, an MBA candidate thinking about organizational culture, or someone who spends most of your waking hours somewhere you wish was better, this episode will give you valuable insight into what the future of work could look like.Preorder Make Work Work today: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/831079/make-work-work-by-deborah-lovich/00:00 Introduction: The Old Deal with Work Is Broken01:27 What Is Employee-Centric Leadership? 08:12 Joy Is a Business Value Driver11:51 The Five Daily Practices: An Overview12:06 Practice 1: Celebrate People – Be Specific, Be Timely, Know Your Person14:53 Practice 2: Go See and Help – With the Intent to Assist, Not Judge16:43 Practice 3: Be Interested in the Person – Curiosity as Leadership18:51 Practice 4: Co-Create Everything – Take Pride, Not Credit23:07 Practice 5: Do First – Never Ask Anyone to Do Something You Have Not Done37:09 AI, the Employee-Centric ImperativeBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this episode, listeners learn how to optimize the formatting of their resume, strategically handle issues with their transcript, and make their short-answer responses effective.Host and mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald talks with Executive Director Jessica Shklar and Managing Director Rachel Beck about how admissions committees evaluate applicants’ professionalism. Drawing on decades of evaluation experience, these experts discuss why following instructions, avoiding technical jargon, and setting feasible career goals are so crucial in the application process. Listeners gain deep insights into showcasing collaboration over individual achievement, managing post-submission anxiety, and navigating team-based interview formats.00:00 Hidden Messages in Your Application and Why They Matter01:26 Professionalism Basics: Typos, Formatting, and the Wrong School Name03:51 Word Count Violations and Resume Overstuffing07:06 Interview Rambling and the Wharton Team Based Discussion11:30 Red Flags in Extracurricular Activities15:17 Handling Test Score and GPA Shortcomings20:49 Identity, Oversharing, and Knowing What Belongs in an Application29:41 Optimizing Short-Answer Application Questions31:57 Seeing Every Line as an OpportunityBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What is the case method, and how does it work at Harvard Business School (HBS)? Plus, what should MBA applicants know before they enroll?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar sit down with HBS professor Joshua Margolis—a member of the program’s Organizational Behavior Unit and a faculty member in the Christensen Center for Teaching and Learning—for a candid, behind-the-scenes discussion of how the case method works at the world’s most case-driven business school.Professor Margolis, who helps train the next generation of HBS case method teachers, walks listeners through what a “case” is, how the school’s three-step learning model works (individual prep, study group, full class discussion), and how HBS instructs its faculty to write and teach cases. In addition, he breaks down the infamous “cold call,” including how the classroom is laid out and how faculty keep track of which students have contributed (and which have not). He also explains that the goal of the cold call is to establish a foundation for a robust discussion, not to embarrass the student who is picked.The conversation also gets practical for applicants: how much time a first-year student should expect to spend preparing for each case (two to four hours individually, plus more as part of their study group), the “learning to learn” curve of the first six weeks, and the “warm call”—when Professor Margolis gives a student five minutes’ notice at the end of class to summarize the discussion, identify three themes, and take a position. In his view, this exercise is the most direct thing HBS does to train future leaders.00:00 What Is the Case Method (and Why Does HBS Use It)?01:19 The Three Components of the HBS Learning Model: Case, Study Group, Classroom03:27 How HBS Faculty Are Instructed to Write and Teach Cases07:56 What Teaching Using the Case Method Is Like12:53 How Cases Are Revised After Being Taught 16:10 How the Cold Call Works and How Faculty Pick a Student to Open Class19:47 Cold Calls in the Middle of Class and the Warm Call at the End22:30 How HBS Professors Get to Know Their Students24:42 How Much Time First-Year Students Should Spend Preparing a Case28:57 Evaluating a Case Class as a Prospective Applicant36:13 Understanding the First Six Weeks’ “Learning to Learn” CurveBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Is real estate a feasible career path for MBA students? And how can one break into the industry?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald speak with Frank Cohen, a Boston-based real estate developer, co-founder of Sheridan Road Properties, former senior director at Tishman Speyer, and a Kellogg MBA, about how MBA students can effectively pursue careers in real estate, even if they arrive on campus with no industry background.Frank also co-leads the JL Access Program at Georgetown University’s Steers Center for Global Real Assets, where he partners with the executive search firm Jackson Lucas to help students build the technical foundation and the relationships they need to succeed in real estate recruiting. He is profoundly familiar with what makes MBA candidates appealing to recruiters and what does not.The podcast conversation addresses the gap between what business schools teach and what real estate firms hire for, what a real estate interview tests, whether a single “real estate type” exists, how regional the industry is, and the networking tactics that consistently produce results. Frank closes with his best advice for any MBA candidate considering the field and provides some candid insight into what still brings him joy in the work, decades into his career.If you are weighing whether real estate might be a good career path for you or simply curious about how one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries recruits business school students, this conversation is well worth your time.Connect with Frank Cohen: https://jacksonlucas.com/frank-cohen/  00:00 Why Real Estate Tends to Be Less Represented in MBA Programs01:53 Frank Cohen’s Path from Northwestern Kellogg to Tishman Speyer and Rockefeller Center04:51 What JL Access Does for Georgetown Students07:21 The Gap Between What MBAs Learn and What Firms Hire For10:40 What a Real Estate Interview Tests14:20 Breaking into Real Estate with No Industry Background 17:02 How Regional the Industry Is, and the Importance of School Choice18:37 The Most Effective Networking Move Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Are any MBA applicants truly “nontraditional” applicants?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by Jeremy Shinewald, the founder of mbaMission, to examine a common notion in MBA admissions: that of the “nontraditional” applicant. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Jeremy argues that applicants should not focus on whether or not their background is “traditional” but on identifying and showcasing the personal stories that only they can tell.The conversation covers what overrepresented applicants such as consultants, bankers, and software engineers can do to stand out, and why Olympic athletes and other less-conventional candidates still have to prove classroom readiness. Harold and Jeremy also share practical advice for applicants who are still three to four years away from applying to business school: Figure out what genuinely interests you, invest yourself in it, and let the rest of the story build itself.The episode highlights several mbaMission success stories, including a pharmaceutical sales rep who pivoted into healthcare private equity, a European hockey player, a small-town mayor, and a professional baker—all of whom illustrate the same point: What makes an applicant memorable is rarely their title but rather the impact they have had on the people and communities around them.If you are thinking about applying to an MBA program or just curious about how admissions committees view differentiation, this conversation is well worth your time.00:00 Why “Nontraditional” Is an Inaccurate Label for MBA Applicants01:50 What Overrepresented Business School Applicants Should Do Differently04:00 The Bakery Essay: Authentic Storytelling06:18 Why a Unique Background Isn’t Enough10:26 The Three- to Four-Year Applicant Playbook15:09 What Impact in a Corporate Role Looks Like17:30 Nontraditional Applicant Success StoriesBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What role do informal letters of recommendation play in business school admissions decisions? Host Harold Simansky is joined by Melissa Blakeslee, an experienced MBA admissions consultant and former admissions director, to clarify what these endorsements are and why most programs discourage them. In this episode, Melissa shares firsthand insight into how admissions committees evaluate external outreach, helping candidates understand when an extra recommendation can add value and when it might instead cause harm.Listeners will discover how to handle recommendation offers from well-connected executives, what makes a campus visitor endorsement credible, and how to use specific school initiatives such as Chicago Booth’s “Shape the Class.” The conversation also addresses the proper timing for submitting outside endorsements and how to employ the strategy effectively when waitlisted.This episode is especially valuable for MBA candidates who are still determining their recommendation strategy or have been placed on a school’s waitlist. Listeners will learn how to identify appropriate individuals to provide an informal note, how admissions readers assess fit, and how an unsolicited letter can inadvertently signal a lack of judgment.00:00 Introducing Informal Letters of Recommendation02:14 Defining Informal Endorsements Versus Recommendations05:51 Using Campus Visit Endorsements to Emphasize Fit07:58 How Endorsements Vary Across Business Schools09:56 A Strategy for Waitlist and Deferred MBA Applications13:01 Examples of Helpful Versus Damaging EndorsementsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!How can MBA applicants and business school students network effectively?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar, mbaMission Executive Director, speak with Jeff Yolen, CEO and founder of Career Connector, about how to network effectively to advance your career. Jeff explains why cold applications so rarely lead to offers, how referrals can improve your odds of landing a job, and why informational interviews are one of the most valuable tools in the MBA recruiting process.They discuss how to identify the most valuable contacts, how to write concise outreach messages, what to ask for during a networking conversation, and how MBA students can start building relationships that support both their immediate professional goals and their long-term career growth.If you are thinking about MBA admissions, MBA recruiting, or your post-MBA career strategy, this episode offers practical advice you can apply right away.Contact Jeff Yolen: [email protected]:00 Networking and Post-MBA Career Opportunities05:58 Why Cold Applications Fail and Referrals Matter09:16 Where to Start If You Do Not Already Have a Network13:20 The Real Goal of an Informational Interview21:14 How Career Connector Helps Students Network Strategically25:23 Jeff’s Best Networking Advice for MBA Applicants and StudentsSubscribe for more MBA admissions advice and business school strategies from mbaMission.Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!How do you figure out what your post-MBA career goals should be when you only know you want change but do not yet understand what that change entails?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky speaks with Melissa Blakeslee, an mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant, and Rachel Beck, an mbaMission Managing Director, about how business school applicants can clarify, research, and articulate MBA career goals that will resonate with an admissions committee.The admissions experts explain why so many candidates get stuck on the career goals question, how to transition from a vague desire for “more” and a credible post-MBA plan, and why schools care that candidates have goals that are both ambitious and achievable. The conversation also covers practical research tools—such as LinkedIn, school employment reports, student club leaders, and job postings—that can help applicants build a stronger, more realistic story.If you are struggling to connect your past experience to your future objectives, this episode will help you approach the problem with more structure and confidence.00:00 Why MBA Career Goals Trip Up So Many Applicants01:50 Your Story Only Needs to Make Sense—for Now03:59 What “Ambitious but Achievable” Really Means06:12 Reflecting on What You Want from Your MBA08:16 Researching Roles Through LinkedIn and Business School Resources09:23 Using Business School Employment Reports to Test Your Assumptions15:30 Frameworks for Narrowing Your Options24:23 Why Unclear Post-MBA Goals Can Lead to Rejection26:14 Final Advice for MBA ApplicantsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Many successful MBA applicants were not accepted the first time they applied.In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar and Senior Admissions Consultant Melissa Blakeslee to discuss what MBA reapplicants can do to strengthen their candidacy and improve their chances of admission.The conversation explores why admissions committees do not view reapplicants in a negative light, how applicants can identify weaknesses in their original applications, and what kinds of growth schools want to see from candidates before a second attempt. Harold, Jessica, and Melissa also share advice on improving one’s essays, recommendations, career goals, extracurricular involvement, and school research.Whether you are considering reapplying to Harvard Business School, the Stanford GSB, UPenn Wharton, Northwestern Kellogg, or another top MBA program, this episode offers practical advice for moving forward strategically and confidently.0:00 Why MBA Reapplicants Can Still Be Successful1:53 How Admissions Committees View Reapplicants5:46 The Biggest Reasons Strong Applicants Get Rejected7:25 Improving Essays, Goals, and School Fit13:01 How to Show Growth Before Reapplying17:08 Reapplying Strategically and Expanding Your School List19:17 Why MBA Rejection Does Not Define Your FutureBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What does it really take to make partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and stay with the firm for more than three decades without losing yourself? Debbie Lovich, BCG managing director and senior partner, joins host Harold Simansky and mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar for a candid conversation about her path through consulting.Debbie became BCG’s fastest-promoted partner, achieving the position in less than six years. She was also the first woman on the firm’s executive committee. She later stepped away from the partner role to find work-balance before returning and making senior partner on her own terms.This episode covers the unglamorous truth about work-life balance in consulting, why Debbie got rejected by BCG twice before being hired, how the “up or out” culture actually functions, and what she tells every MBA applicant who thinks they want to do consulting.This episode is must-listen for anyone considering an MBA with consulting as their career goal.📖 Debbie’s new book, Make Work Work: The 5 Daily Practices of the Employee-Centric Leader, will be released in November 2026. Preorder now: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/831079/make-work-work-by-deborah-lovich/00:00 Introducing Debbie Lovich, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner07:48 The Path to Partner — Speed, Serendipity, and Purpose16:01 Work, Life, and Finding Balance24:41 Advice for MBA Applicants30:49 Retiring from Consulting and Writing a BookBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this milestone 100th episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky and mbaMission founder Jeremy Shinewald reflect on more than two years of MBA admissions insights. They share favorite moments, discuss what sets applicants apart, and explore how AI and evolving trends are shaping the application process.They also highlight the long-term value of an MBA, from career outcomes to lifelong connections, and look ahead to what comes next for the podcast.00:00 Celebrating 100 Episodes and Podcast Milestones01:15 Growth, Reach, and Impact of the Podcast02:18 The MBA “X Factor” and What Sets Applicants Apart03:43 Favorite Guests and Most Memorable Episodes06:38 AI in MBA Applications: Opportunities and Risks10:47 MBA Experience Today: In-Person Learning and Global Exposure15:49 Changing Applicant Profiles and Career Planning Advice18:19 On-Track by mbaMission, Admissions Strategy, and School Research21:33 Interviews, Emotional Intelligence, and Final ReflectionsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Think product management is just a Silicon Valley thing? Think again. In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, Managing Director Rachel Beck and host Harold Simansky break down one of the most in-demand post-MBA career paths that most applicants overlook: product management.Rachel defines the product manager role as that of a “mini CEO” who sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, marketing, finance, and strategy. She explains why the role has expanded far beyond big tech and where candidates with nontechnical backgrounds can find their footing. The conversation covers the AI era and why strategic thinking gives MBAs a decisive edge, the realistic career trajectory from product manager to chief product officer, which MBA programs best prepare candidates for PM recruiting, and why experiential learning is nonnegotiable for this career path.If you have ever thought “I want to be a product manager” without knowing exactly what that means, this episode is for you.New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast are released every Tuesday on all major streaming platforms.00:00 What Is a Product Manager?03:52 Project Manager Beyond Silicon Valley06:59 The MBA as a PM Jumping Point08:59 PM Career Path to Chief Product Officer14:11 Programs That Excel in Product ManagementBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What does the future of business school look like? Harvard Business School Professor Joshua Margolis joins host Harold Simansky and MBA Admissions Executive Director Jessica Shklar to explore how AI is reshaping the MBA experience.Joshua Margolis is the James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and the Unit Head for the Organizational Behavior unit. He is also Faculty Chair of the Program for Leadership Development. His research and teaching revolve around leadership and ethics, spanning courses on Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Leadership and Corporate Accountability, Authentic Leadership Development, and FIELD Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development.Whether you are applying to business school or already in the workforce, this conversation offers honest, practical insight into leadership, learning, and the evolving value of an MBA.00:00  Introduction: Three Paths to Business School02:51  Finding Your Story Through-Line04:15  From Research Assistant to HBS Professor10:45  Managing Human Beings in the Age of AI13:21  How HBS Students Are Using AI in the MBA Classroom15:33  The Ethical Line: When AI Use Goes Too Far17:15  Why the People Side of AI Is Harder Than the Technology21:52  Closing ThoughtsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Business schools ask about your activities outside of work but what are they really looking for?In this episode, host Harold Simansky is joined by MBA Admissions Executive Director Jessica Shklar and MBA Admissions Managing Director Rachel Beck to break down how MBA admissions committees evaluate extracurricular activities. They explain why who you are as a person matters just as much as your professional story, what counts versus what doesn't, and how to find meaningful experiences you might already have, without fabricating anything.Whether you're a high-hours professional wondering if you have time, someone worried they have nothing, or just want to understand what MBA programs really want to see, this episode will change how you think about your application.0:00 Why Business Schools Care About Your Activities Outside Work 2:13 How Are You Connected to Your Communities? 5:37 Family Responsibilities, High-Hours Professionals, and "Nothing to Share"7:32 Turning Small Moments Into Big Essays 12:20 What Makes Activity Descriptions Credible to Admissions 16:33 Non-Traditional Activities and Why Authenticity Wins 25:13 Business Schools Want to Know Who You Are as a PersonBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Getting rejected from business school can feel discouraging but it’s often a signal, not a setback.In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Nisha Trivedi and MBA Admissions Managing Director Harshad Mali to break down the most common reasons applicants get rejected and what they can do differently next time.  From unclear career goals and weak school fit to generic essays and ineffective recommendations, the team shares insights from real “ding reviews” and explains where strong candidates often fall short. They also discuss how to strengthen your profile, whether and when to reapply, and why rejection is not the end of your MBA journey.If you’ve recently been rejected, or want to avoid common mistakes, this episode offers practical, actionable guidance to help you move forward with confidence.00:00 Why MBA Applicants Get Rejected01:54 Common MBA Application Mistakes (Goals, Essays, Fit)05:18 The Role of Recommendations and Test Scores08:42 Demonstrating School Fit and Doing Your Homework11:21 Reapplying: When and How to Improve Your Business School Application14:07 What Makes a Strong Essay and MBA Resume18:02 Standing Out and Timing Your Business School Application22:02 Final Thoughts: Turning Business School Rejection into OpportunityBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business sit at the very top of the MBA world—but the experience at each school can be dramatically different.In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome MBA Admissions Executive Director Katy Lewis, a Harvard JD-MBA and former Stanford GSB admissions evaluator, to compare these two powerhouse programs.The conversation explores how Harvard and Stanford evaluate candidates, what kinds of applicants succeed in the admissions process, and how the programs differ in culture, curriculum, and career outcomes.Whether you’re deciding where to apply or simply curious about how these schools differ, this episode offers practical guidance for anyone considering an elite MBA program.00:00 Introducing the HBS vs Stanford GSB Debate02:35 What HBS and Stanford GSB Look for in Applicants10:57 Harvard’s Case Method vs Stanford’s Teaching Style17:56 Culture, Location, and Career Paths28:32 Why Admissions Can Feel Like a LotteryBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What should you do if your first MBA application cycle did not go as planned?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald and MBA Admissions Managing Director Debbie Choy for an in-depth conversation about the MBA reapplication process.Together, they discuss what it really means to be a reapplicant, why reapplying is not a “scarlet letter,” and how applicants can use a previous rejection as an opportunity to build a stronger, more authentic candidacy. The conversation explores how schools evaluate reapplicants, whether admissions committees revisit past applications, and what kinds of changes matter most the second time around.Harold, Debbie, and Jeremy also share practical advice on refining career goals, adding new data points, addressing weaknesses such as test scores or school selection, and avoiding the common mistake of simply reusing last year’s materials. Along the way, they offer real reapplicant success stories that show how thoughtful reflection, stronger positioning, and clearer storytelling can lead to admits at top MBA programs.Whether you are preparing to reapply this year or considering a longer-term strategy, this episode offers a realistic and encouraging roadmap for approaching the process with greater confidence.Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!How do you choose the right MBA admissions consultant, and what separates experienced advisors from newcomers to the industry?In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission founder Jeremy Shinewald and Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Nisha Trivedi to discuss what truly defines expertise in MBA admissions consulting.They explore why experience, collaboration, and rigorous training matter when helping applicants build compelling business school applications. The conversation also pulls back the curtain on mbaMission’s hiring process and explains why admissions consulting involves far more than editing essays.From profile evaluation and school selection to storytelling and strategic positioning, the team explains how seasoned consultants help applicants present their strongest candidacy.0:00 Introduction: Why Experience Matters in Admissions Consulting1:47 Jeremy Shinewald on “Overnight Consultants”4:29 Inside mbaMission’s Hiring and Screening Process6:43 The Value of Consultant Collaboration7:58 Institutional Knowledge and Applicant Resources9:59 Why Admissions Consulting Is More Than Essay Editing11:31 Profile Evaluation and School Selection Strategy13:23 Track Record, Reviews, and Proven Expertise14:30 Admissions Officers vs Admissions Consultants15:25 The “Chef vs Food Critic” Analogy16:31 Avoiding the Formulaic MBA Application17:05 Red Flags When Choosing a Consultant18:03 Final Advice for MBA ApplicantsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Private equity often dominates the MBA admissions conversation — but finance is far broader than PE alone.In this episode, host Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Founder Jeremy Shinewald and Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Julie-Anne Heafey to explore how finance applicants from investment banking, venture capital, equity research, and investment management can stand out in an intensely competitive pool.What truly differentiates a finance candidate? It’s not the number of deals you’ve worked on or the volume of companies you’ve covered — it’s impact. The team discusses how admissions committees evaluate leadership, insight, and influence within traditional finance roles, and why storytelling matters even more when your background resembles many other applicants’.If you’re coming from finance and wondering how to position yourself effectively for top MBA programs, this episode offers practical, strategic insight into crafting a compelling narrative beyond private equity.00:00 – Finance Beyond Private Equity: Who This Episode Is ForInvestment banking, equity research, VC, credit, insurance & more — how these candidates fit into MBA admissions.02:09 –  The Myth of “PE or Bust” at Top MBA ProgramsWhy finance is broader than private equity — and why non-PE applicants absolutely get in.04:21 – Insurance, Credit and Overlooked Finance PathsHow unconventional finance roles can offer broader leadership narratives.08:07 – Cutting Through Finance Jargon in Your ApplicationHow to translate technical work into relatable, impact-driven storytelling.10:20 – How Competitive Is PE vs Other Finance Backgrounds?Do acceptance rates differ? What really matters to admissions committees.14:05 – Finance Programs Beyond the Usual SuspectsNYU, Cornell, Yale, Kellogg, Ross, McCombs, MIT & more — hidden finance strengths.18:51 – Resume Strategy for Finance ApplicantsWhy deal lists aren’t enough and how to show real impact.21:39 – Storytelling That Works (Ping Pong and Puzzles)Creative ways finance candidates have differentiated themselves.26:15 – Recommendation Strategy for Finance ProfessionalsHow to avoid generic analytical praise and highlight leadership instead.30:52 – Crafting Compelling Essays from Traditional BackgroundsWhy finance applicants must work harder to uncover meaningful stories.33:25 – School Fit and Why You Truly Need the MBAArticulating your goals beyond “returning to finance.”34:51 – Final Advice and Free Resources for Finance ApplicantsConsultations, guides, and OnTrack overview.Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!West Coast MBA programs offer more than just proximity to tech. In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky is joined by MBA Admissions Managing Director Debbie Choy to explore the distinctive culture, career pathways, and hidden gems across leading West Coast business schools.From innovation-driven classrooms and entrepreneurial ecosystems to recruiting pipelines shaped by Silicon Valley and beyond, the team discusses how geography influences leadership style, community feel, and long-term opportunity. They also highlight unexpected programs that deserve more attention and explain how applicants should think strategically about fit—not just rankings.If you’re considering Stanford, Berkeley Haas, UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall, or other West Coast options, this conversation will help you clarify what makes these programs unique and whether they align with your goals.New episodes of The mbaMission Podcast drop every Tuesday.00:00 – Why Look Beyond Stanford and Haas?Framing the episode: spotlighting UCLA, USC, and Foster.02:43 – What Makes West Coast MBAs Different?Tight-knit communities, smaller class sizes, and strong regional roots.04:22 – Silicon Beach and LA’s Tech EcosystemThe rise of tech in Los Angeles and startup access.05:47 – Media and Entertainment: UCLA Anders versus USC MarshallWhy LA is hard to beat for entertainment careers.08:07 – UW Foster and Seattle’s Corporate PipelineAmazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and hands-on career preparation.09:53 – Alumni Network Strength and Part-Time ProgramsWhy these schools’ alumni bases rival bigger programs.11:15 – Overlooked Bay Area Options (Santa Clara and More)Tech access beyond Stanford and Berkeley.12:02 – UCLA Anderson’s Hands-On Curriculum and Finance StrengthsCapstones, the Fink Center, and student-run funds.13:51 – The Power of the USC Marshall Trojan NetworkAlumni loyalty, multiple MBA formats, and geographic advantage.15:28 – International Focus and Asia ConnectionsUSC and UCLA’s global reach.17:21 – East Coast vs. West Coast Media CareersTraditional media versus entertainment & streaming.20:08 – Wharton’s San Francisco AdvantageSilicon Valley recruiting and the SF campus strategy.23:16 – Who Should Choose Foster?Ideal candidates and product management pathways.25:43 – Final Takeaways on West Coast FitSmaller programs, regional strengths, and strategic decision-making.Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!DEI may be under scrutiny, but diversity hasn’t disappeared from MBA admissions — it’s evolving.In this episode of The mbaMission Podcast, host Harold Simansky speaks with Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Nisha Trivedi and MBA Admissions Managing Director Harshad Mali about how diversity, equity, and inclusion are being reinterpreted in business school admissions following the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action. They explain what admissions committees are really looking for today, how schools define diversity beyond race or ethnicity, and why authenticity remains a critical factor in successful applications.This conversation is essential listening for MBA applicants who want to understand how to present their experiences honestly, thoughtfully, and strategically in a shifting admissions landscape.00:00 Why diversity enriches MBA learning00:41 DEI and admissions: current context01:29 When DEI becomes contested03:10 Expanding the definition of diversity05:18 The Supreme Court ruling explained07:42 Are MBA classes becoming more uniform?10:02 Holistic admissions and merit12:36 Applicant stories that challenge assumptions15:08 Addressing identity in applications17:32 The importance of authenticity19:08 What applicants should focus on now20:15 Closing thoughts and guidanceBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What makes the Stanford GSB interview so different from every other MBA interview?In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, Harold Simansky sits down with Senior Admissions Consultants Christine Patel and Julie-Anne Heafey to unpack Stanford’s structured behavioral interview. They discuss how GSB evaluates candidates, why authenticity matters so much, and how applicants can prepare without sounding rehearsed. Essential listening for anyone preparing for a Stanford MBA interview.00:00 Why Stanford Interviews Are About Connection00:53 Meet the Experts: Christine Patel & Julie-Anne Heafey02:04 What Stanford Interviewers See and Behavioral Format02:51 “Structured Behavioral Interview”: What That Means08:23 Stanford Prep: Build Your Story Bank (Even Beyond the Resume)13:30 Mock Interviews: How to Prep Without Sounding Robotic22:34 How mbaMission Preps Candidates 24:11 Favorite Stanford Mock Question: “Why Stanford?”25:28 Avoid the “Touchy-Feely Class” Trap in ‘Why Stanford’26:51 Final Advice for Stanford GSB IntervieweesBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week’s episode of the @mbaMission podcast, the team takes a deep dive into Executive MBA (EMBA) programs and how they compare to part-time, full-time, and mid-career MBA options. Jeremy Shinewald and Harold Simansky are joined by Senior MBA Admissions Consultant Julie-Anne Heafey to unpack who EMBAs are designed for, what makes their admissions process unique, and how experienced professionals should evaluate fit.Together, they explore key considerations including career stage, leadership experience, employer support, testing requirements, time and travel commitments, family impact, and long-term career goals. The conversation also addresses common decision points, such as when an EMBA makes more sense than a part-time MBA or a one-year immersive program like Stanford MSx or MIT Sloan Fellows, and why thoughtful planning around logistics, finances, and narrative is essential for success.This episode is especially valuable for senior professionals weighing whether an EMBA is the right next step—and how to approach the process strategically and confidently.00:00 Executive MBAs: A Major Commitment of Time and Resources01:28 What Is an Executive MBA and Who Is It For?03:03 When Do You Actually Need an EMBA?09:20 Time Commitment, Employer Support, and Family Buy-In11:06 Location Matters: Choosing the Right EMBA Campus14:29 EMBA Career Outcomes: Staying vs. Changing Roles17:12 Cost of an Executive MBA and What’s Included18:38 Testing Requirements: GMAT, EA, Waivers, and Thresholds23:17 Age, Seniority, and “Am I Too Early or Too Late?”27:40 Application Strategy: Goals, Essays, and Interviews33:23 EMBA vs. One-Year Mid-Career Programs (MSx, Sloan Fellows) Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The U.S. MBA visa process can feel overwhelming for international applicants—but it’s far more navigable than many assume. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harshad Mali, Harold Simansky, and Jeremy Shinewald break down the full U.S. MBA visa journey, from F-1 student visas and STEM-designated OPT to the H-1B lottery and longer-term pathways. They discuss how top employers continue to sponsor MBA talent, why business schools are actively working to attract international candidates, and how shifting application trends may actually create new opportunities for global applicants. Rather than viewing visas as a barrier, this conversation reframes them as a strategic, multi-stage process that can support long-term career growth in the U.S. and beyond. 00:00 Navigating the H-1B Visa Landscape02:58 Understanding the MBA Journey and Visa Options06:03 The Role of Business Schools in Talent Development08:52 The Impact of the $100,000 H-1B Fee11:59 Future of Work and Remote Opportunities15:01 Embracing Uncertainty in Career DecisionsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Timing your MBA application can be just as important as your credentials. Applying too early—or too late—can affect everything from your testing strategy to your chances in a competitive applicant pool. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast,  hosts Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Nisha Trivedi to unpack when the right time to apply really is. Together, they discuss how to assess your personal and professional readiness, how Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 admissions differ, and why application quality should always outweigh speed. They also explore how work experience, career progression, layoffs, test timing, test waivers, and deferred programs factor into the decision. If you’re wondering whether now is the right moment—or if waiting could strengthen your candidacy—this episode will help you make a confident, strategic call. 00:00 When Is the Right Time to Apply for an MBA?02:32 MBA Application Rounds Explained (R1 vs R2 vs R3)10:43 What “MBA Readiness” Really Looks Like13:33 Deferred MBA Applicants: Timing and Strategy18:58 What Makes a Great MBA Application19:49 Work Experience, Impact, and MBA ReadinessBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Mid-career MBA programs offer a very different experience from traditional two-year MBAs—and for the right candidates, they can be transformational. In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, hosts Jeremy Shinewald and Harold Simansky explore accelerated, one-year programs designed for experienced professionals, including Stanford MSx, MIT Sloan Fellows, London Business School Sloan Fellows, and USC IBEAR. Joined by mbaMission Managing Director Debbie Choy, the conversation breaks down who these programs are built for, how they differ from EMBAs, and why they often serve as a strategic pause for reflection, leadership growth, and career reinvention. If you’re a senior professional considering your next move—and wondering whether a mid-career MBA could be the right investment—this episode offers practical insight and clarity.00:00 What Makes Mid-Career MBA Programs Different03:04 Inside the Stanford MSX Program05:50 The MIT Sloan Fellows Experience07:30 Who These Programs Are Best For12:12 Career Transition and Job Search Strategies15:06 Comparing MSX and MIT Sloan Programs18:02 Diverse Applicant Profiles and Success Stories26:55 Navigating the Application Process27:53 Financial Considerations and Investment in Education29:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The Stanford GSB is the most selective business school in the country, admitting only 6-8% of applicants each year. So how can you stand out in an incredibly competitive pool? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Jeremy Shinewald is joined by Katy Lewis, mbaMission Executive Director and former MBA admissions reader at the Stanford GSB. Katy shares valuable insights into the GSB admissions process, discusses the ways in which applicants can truly stand out, and explains what applicants tend to get wrong about Stanford admissions. If the Stanford GSB is your dream MBA program, you do NOT want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:59 Experience on the Stanford GSB admissions committee05:55 Breaking down the Stanford GSB admissions process09:18 How to stand out: The importance of recommendations10:56 How much do your GPA and test score matter?12:04 Are small mistakes deal-breakers?14:21 Comparing application rounds15:35 Dual degree applicants17:20 The admissions consultant perspective 21:16 What do applicants get wrong about the admissions process?22:06 Do you need to be an entrepreneur to get into Stanford?27:55 Advice for Stanford GSB applicantsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!What does it mean to be a nontraditional MBA applicant? What about an overrepresented applicant? Understanding these distinctions can make a big difference in how you approach your business school applications. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy is joined by Senior Consultant Nisha Trivedi and Managing Director Harshad Mali. Harold, Nisha, and Harshad discuss the benefits and challenges of being either a nontraditional MBA applicant or an overrepresented MBA applicant, and the strategies that applicants in either category can use to stand out in their applications. If you're applying to business school and wondering how your background will impact your chances of admissions, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:43 Who are nontraditional MBA applicants?02:46 Who are overrepresented MBA applicants?05:00 Successful nontraditional business school applicants07:50 Successful overrepresented business school applicants09:39 Explaining: Why an MBA?12:22 GPA and test scores (GMAT/GRE)15:00 The value of diverse voices in business school15:50 Advice for nontraditional MBA applicants17:58 Advice for overrepresented MBA applicants19:51 Managing the "unknown knowns"24:29 Where should nontraditional applicants apply?25:44 Final thoughtsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Healthcare is a dynamic and fast-changing industry. More and more MBA students hope to improve lives by driving innovation and strategy in the healthcare space, whether in biotech, pharma, hospital administration, or digital health. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Christine Patel. Harold, Jeremy, and Christine discuss which MBA programs are leading the way in healthcare, how health-focused MBA applicants can stand out in the admissions process, and how you can use your business degree to make a real impact in the field of healthcare. If you're interested in working in healthcare after business school, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast02:05 Evaluating healthcare MBA programs02:42 What does "healthcare" include? 05:33 What are the best MBA programs for healthcare?09:22 What if I don't have a healthcare background?10:36 Wharton Health Care Management (HCM)12:22 Can you be entrepreneurial in healthcare?13:20 Connecting with MBA healthcare programs13:47 More business school healthcare programs15:48 Dual degree programs17:37 What if I already have a graduate degree?21:47 Growing business school focus on healthcare23:43 Advice for healthcare MBA applicantsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The Stanford GSB application is notoriously challenging, and includes a variety of essay and short answer prompts including the famous: "What matters most to you, and why?" In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by Christine Patel, an mbaMission Senior Consultant and graduate of the Stanford GSB. Harold, Jeremy, and Christine break down the various components of the GSB application and share advice for applicants about how to write truly impactful essays and short answer responses. They discuss what the GSB admissions committee is looking for, how to figure out what really "matters most" to you, and common missteps GSB applicants make in their applications. If you're thinking about applying to the Stanford GSB -- or any competitive business school -- you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast02:00 The Stanford GSB application essays03:33 What matters most to you, and why?13:53 What Stanford for you?24:00 Optional short answer questions: Impact essays29:16 Short answer prompt: Family influence 32:31 Show, don't tell33:00 Final advice for Stanford GSB applicantsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, work, and lead. If you're thinking about earning your MBA, AI is likely on your mind. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Harshad Mali and Executive Director Katy Lewis. Harold, Harshad, and Katy discuss the impacts of AI on the economy and MBA careers, the ways in which business schools are adapting to the prevalence of artifical intelligence, and whether or not MBA applicants need to adjust their application strategies due to AI. If you're thinking about business school and wondering how AI will impact your business school education, and your post-MBA job opportunities, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:51 Business education in the age of AI05:21 AI's impact on the economy 06:33 How is AI changing MBA career opportunities?14:19 How are business schools adapting to the impacts of AI17:52 Digital literacy: What do MBA programs need to teach?22:23 What MBA applicants and students should focus on28:21 Advice for MBA applicants30:02 The ethics of AI33:32 How should you use AI on your MBA applications?Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!For many business school students, securing a summer internship between the first and second years of their MBA program is a top priority. These MBA internships are competitive, and the recruitment process starts earlier than you might think. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh. Aman is a former mbaMission client, currently in his second year at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Aman had long dreamed of working at Google, and over the summer completed a coveted product management internship at Google. Today Aman shares his insights into the internship recruitment process, and his advice for future MBA students. If you plan to start business school next year, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:47 MBA internship recruitment01:46 Aman's product management internship at Google02:36 When does MBA internship recruiting begin?03:23 Recruitment support at MIT Sloan06:17 Google internship application process08:21 MBA internship interviews10:30 Getting the offer11:59 Working with MBA students from HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, and Haas12:51 Aman's Google internship experience14:07 How competitive are product management internships?14:59 What is "Googliness" 17:05 Study Treks at MIT Sloan17:38 Internship recruitment advice for MBA students Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!2025 has been a unique (and at times unpredictable) year when it comes to business school admissions. Questions around the economy, tariffs, AI, international student visas, and more have left many aspiring MBAs wondering: is this the right year to apply to business school? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Jeremy, and Jessica break down what we've seen throughout the 2025-2026 application cycle, and discuss whether this is a good (or bad) time to apply to business school. If you are working towards Round 2 deadline, or considering applying in the 2026-2027 admissions cycle, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:56 The 2025-2026 MBA application season: What's happening?05:57 Should MBA applicants change strategies this year?09:47 How business schools are adapting11:41 The Consortium, Forte Foundation, and DEI concerns13:36 Using AI for MBA applications20:40 Will deferred MBA programs become more competitive?23:58 Is graduate school becoming more or less important?25:02 How are MBA applications changing?26:05 Is it a good time to apply to business school? Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!As MBA application deadlines approach, many applicants feel the pressure to make their application essays "perfect." But how should you actually go about revising and polishing your essays? How much rewriting is TOO much, and how does a final read-through differ from a standard round of revisions? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica discuss the best strategies for fine-tuning your essays, common last-minute mistakes MBA applicants make as deadlines approach, and when it's time to stop tweaking and hit submit. If you are applying to business school and putting the final touches on your applications, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:47 When and how to fine-tune your essays04:18 How to explain your work (without jargon)06:36 Polishing versus a full teardown 09:26 When to STOP revising 10:01 Should you use ChatGPT to revise your essay?14:00 Final read-throughs and checking for mistakes19:48 Dealing with writer's block 23:48 Communicating fit with examples24:19 Make sure you answer (all of) the question!26:11 Common mistakes in essay revisions 29:42 Final thoughts on essay polishing and final readsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we welcome back Liz Ramos, former head of human capital at Bain & Company. Today Liz is sharing her professional journey from management consulting to the field of HR/human capital. She talks about career pivot points, the critical role of people management in successful firms, and universal leadership traits that are needed in every sector. If you are considering a career change post-MBA, or are interested in the field of workforce management, or simply want to know what makes a great leader -- you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:36 Welcoming our guest, Liz Ramos06:34 Growth at Bain & Company 08:29 Pivoting to people development 10:49 Leadership styles12:35 Considerations when making a career change 15:07 Universal leadership traits 16:16 What makes someone happy in their career?18:21 Building a strong culture21:21 Balancing career and family 24:41 Transitioning from strategy to operations/HR25:54 How business school can prepare you for a career in HRBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Letters of recommendation are a critical -- and often overlooked -- part of the MBA application process. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica discuss the role recommendations play in business school admissions, how you should select your recommenders, and how to collaborate with your recommenders to ensure that their letters add real power to your applications. If you are applying to business school in the next 1-2 years, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:42 The importance of MBA letters of recommendation03:02 How to choose your MBA recommenders05:16 Does your recommender's title or alumni status matter?07:12 MBA recommendation components 08:48 What makes a successful recommendation?10:41 Addressing constructive feedback and weaknesses 12:47 How to collaborate with your MBA recommenders16:42 How strict are recommendation word limits?17:58 How much overlap is okay?20:49 What if a supervisor can't write your recommendation?25:51 What if your recommender writes a weak recommendation?29:12 How MBA recommendation ranking grids work34:15 Can your recommenders use AI?Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Getting into business school is challenging, but PAYING for business school can be just as stressful for many MBA hopefuls. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck to discuss all things related to financing your MBA. They talk about MBA merit scholarships, financial aid, employer support programs, and more. They also discuss some of the common questions we hear from applicants about negotiating scholarship offers and the long-term value of an MBA. If you are thinking about applying to business school -- or eagerly awaiting admissions decisions from your target schools -- and are wondering about how to pay for your MBA, don't miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast02:50 How to pay for business school 05:58 How hard is it to get a merit scholarship?08:08 Negotiating scholarship offers12:11 Thinking outside the box  13:19 Factors to consider: Location, cost of living13:52 Employer support 15:31 The cost vs. long-term value of an MBA16:45 Second year scholarship options22:50 Student loans 25:12 Getting a scholarship off of the waitlistBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is known for it's top-ranked faculty,dedication to the case method, and stunning facilities. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome back Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden. Dawna shares the qualities and features that differentiate Darden among top MBA programs, from its transformational dean, to its entrepreneurship and AI institutes, to its scholarship opportunities. Whether you are planning to apply to Darden or just beginning your business school research, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:47 Welcome to our guest, Dawna Clarke01:57 Momentum at UVA Darden02:43 Dean Scott Beardsley 05:39 Darden capital campaign07:28 LaCross AI Institute 09:39 Darden campus and facilities17:06 Top-ranked faculty and instructional excellence18:53 Skill development and the case method24:43 Mandatory ethics class26:36 The Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship, Technology, and Innovation30:24 Darden Worldwide Course34:14 Darden Rosslyn campus (EMBA and Part-time programs)35:25 Recruitment and job placement 38:27 Who succeeds at DardenBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh, a former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Today Aman is sharing his an experience as an international student attending business school in the United States. He discusses the ways in which he connected with other admits before arriving at school, the support he received from the International Students Office, and whether he feels -- now halfway through the program -- that coming to the U.S. to attend MIT Sloan was the right choice. If you are an international applicant considering MBA programs in the U.S., this episode is a must-watch!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:10 Welcome to our guest, Aman Singh02:30 Arriving on campus 05:45 Housing assistance 06:07 Connecting with students before orientation07:39 The impact of school size and structure10:38 Academic intensity and time management15:19 Planning for Year 216:46 Business clubs and certificate programs19:39 Was it worth it?Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome Liz Ramos. Liz has spent decades recruiting and hiring MBA students at firms such Bain & Company, Fidelity Private Equity, and Cambridge Associates. Today Liz shares her unique perspective on how top firms recruit and develop talent. She discusses how the MBA recruitment process has changed, what elite consulting and investment firms are looking for, and what MBA admits need to do BEFORE they arrive on campus. If you are aiming to begin business school in the next 1-2 years, this episode is a must-watch!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:50 Welcome to our guest Liz Ramos01:37 How the MBA recruitment process has changed04:04 Preparing for case interviews BEFORE arriving on campus07:21 How much does "fit" matter to recruiters?08:50 Evaluating soft skills09:57 Who gets hired?13:10 Recruitment coffee chats14:58 How to network if recruiters don't come to your campus17:07 Undergraduate recruiting vs. MBA recruiting 18:33 Advice for those who struggle with recruitment20:13 How many MBAs make it to partner?21:53 The X factor for consulting recruits 25:53 How focused do consulting applicants need to be?28:06 Comparing the MBB firmsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia offers one of the most rigorous and transformational MBA programs in the country. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden. Dawna discusses the kind of applicant the Darden admissions committee is looking for, how applicants should think about application rounds, the factors that predict success in the MBA program, and much more. Whether you are planning to apply to Darden this year or just beginning your school research, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:50 Guide to the UVA Darden Application01:30 Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions02:29 The Darden admissions team05:09 What kind of applicant does Darden look for07:54 Test options and test waivers at Darden10:08 Predictors of success in the MBA program13:16 Darden application rounds (Early Action, R1, R2, R3)16:05 Engaging with the school 18:19 Charlottesville, VA and the Darden campus22:14 Darden Worldwide Course25:50 Using ChatGPT/AI 28:59 Darden interviews32:00 Final thoughts and adviceBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!This week on the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome Aman Singh, former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Aman shares his journey to business school and the ways in which Jessica helped him to craft a powerful MBA application. He discusses his background in data science, engineering, and product management, what drove him to pursue pursue an MBA, and why -- before Jessica's guidance -- he thought M7 MBA programs were out of reach.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:00 Aman's journey to MIT Sloan05:11 School research and narrowing down a target list07:09 The application process and working with Jessica10:17 The MBA application timeline17:16 The value of brainstorming and reflection18:56 Choosing your admissions consultant19:56 How to write an MBA resume20:51 GMAT and GRE23:03 MBA InterviewsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!When working on business school applications, MBA applicants tend to focus on their essays, resumes, and recommendations. But inside the applications are a myriad of additional questions that require equal attention. This week on the mbaMission podcast Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica break down the MBA application short answers, share the most common last-minute questions they hear from clients, and discuss the importance of tackling the questions inside the application EARLY.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:26 MBA application short answer questions06:29 Read each school's directions carefully!08:24 The application activities section12:59 How to report compensation14:49 Optional essays20:34 Treat your application as a mosaic 22:18 Company descriptions23:45 Recommendations 24:47 Using AI on your applications27:07 The risk of oversharing Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!Round 1 business school application deadlines are here, which means interview season is just around the corner. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing all things interviews, and sharing our top tips for succeeding on interview day. This week Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Susan McInerny. Harold, Jeremy, and Susan discuss interview anxiety (and how to manage it), how to prepare for your interviews, what to ask your interviewer, and what NOT to do on interview day. Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for MBA interviews, whether those interviews are just around the corner or a few months away.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast00:42 Managing interview anxiety 05:15 HBS interviews05:51 Don't script your answers!08:26 Human-centered conversations09:25 When you don't have an answer10:59 How to prepare for interviews 14:54 Questions to ask your interviewer18:06 Funny interview stories20:32 Video interviews21:39 The Wharton Team Based Discussion (TBD)Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing common MBA interview pitfalls. Where do MBA interviews tend to go wrong, and why? And -- just as importantly -- what are the hallmarks of great business school interviews? This week Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhaneni. Devi is an alum of Harvard Business School and spent years interviewing HBS applicants as a member of the admissions board. As mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence, she conducts hundreds of interview simulations for HBS applicants every year. Devi discusses the importance of nailing your goals, how to prepare for MBA interviews, why an applicant's attitude is critical, and the risk of virtue signaling. Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for MBA interviews, whether those interviews are just around the corner or a few months away.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast02:09 Problems with your post-MBA goals04:58 Virtue signaling 10:21 When goals lack ambition 16:51 The importance of a strong sense of self25:14 Do not memorize answers! 27:35 Open-mindedness about the MBA application journey36:54 How to discuss your experiences40:31 Negativity vs. healthy skepticism Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald welcome back mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhaneni. Devi is an alum of Harvard Business School and spent years interviewing HBS applicants as a member of the admissions board. As mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence, she conducts hundreds of interview simulations for HBS applicants every year. Today Devi shares her insights on the HBS interview process, from who gets invited to interview to the ways in which you should (and shouldn't) prepare for your interview. If you are applying to Harvard Business School, this episode is a must watch!00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast 00:40 The Harvard Business School interview02:55 What does HBS want to learn through the interview04:18 What have you done vs. how you present your experience07:50 What does the HBS class look like09:25 Who gets an interview?10:30 How to prepare for your HBS interview13:40 How to discuss your work experience17:54 The perspective of the interviewer 24:06 Should you time your answers?26:28 Don't underestimate your HBS interviewer28:17 What non-work questions will you be asked29:54 Who doesn't make it past the interview31:40 Improving as a reapplicant 34:09 Closing thoughtsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald are joined by Devi Vallabhaneni, HBS alum and mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence. Harold, Jeremy, and Devi discuss some of the most challenging interview experiences they and their clients have had. They talk about the human element of interviews, how to tackle some of the hard questions, and why it's so important to practice before your MBA interviews.  00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast 00:43 Questions about your other applications 02:47 Critiques of your goals 03:45 Questions about religion  04:20 The human element of MBA interviews 04:43 HBS Post-Interview Reflection 06:29 "What other schools did you apply to?" 08:03 When to interview (are you ready?) 10:25 Not knowing your story 11:20 The importance of practicing interviews  12:47 The stamina needed for interviewsBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path.   ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram

Send us your admissions questions!In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we're tackling a question that we're hearing more and more often these days: can business school really prepare you to be an entrepreneur? Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald discuss their own post-MBA experiences as entrepreneurs, and whether the skills they developed in business school are necessary for aspiring founders. If you're dreaming of building your own venture, or want to understand how business school can shape a startup journey, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast02:34 Modern entrepreneurship06:00 Entrepreneurship through acquisition 09:18 Can you teach entrepreneurship? 16:30 What entrepreneurship resources do business schools offers18:41 When is the right time to start a business?25:29 Benefits of an MBA for entrepreneurs 28:36 Best business schools for entrepreneurship 32:19 Buying a company35:50 Do you need an MBA if you're already an entrepreneur? 43:58 The benefit of alumni networks Read Malcolm Gladwell's New Yorker article "The Sure Thing" here: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2010/01/18/the-sure-thingBook your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold, Susan, or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Book your FREE 30-minute MBA admissions consultation with Harold or another one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants by filling out this form.Learn more about onTrack by mbaMission, our innovative, on-demand MBA application platform, and take our two-minute questionnaire to receive your customized learning path. ‼️Use code MBAMPOD for 30% off any onTrack subscription‼️Contact Us:[email protected] Us:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram