For many MBA programs, work experience is the heart of one’s candidacy. While academic preparation is essential, an applicant’s professional history informs his or her ability to contribute to classroom activities and integrate each course’s subject matter into a broader framework. Further, schools want to admit students who will go on to be successful alumni, and past performance is a strong predictor of future performance.
If you’re planning on applying to MBA programs down the road, it may seem obvious that you should try to excel in your career today. Still, some may find that objective so broad that they aren’t sure how to act on it. Knowing about the specific markers that admissions committees consider when evaluating a candidate’s work experience can help you to focus your efforts and take an active role in your ongoing career development.
MBA admissions committees often begin by considering a candidate’s overall career trajectory. At the most basic level, they’re looking for movement or change over time: among varied projects, into new or additional roles, or between functions or organizations. For candidates who have gained all of their full-time experience working for the same organization, business schools typically expect to see signs of upward progression, such as promotions, raises, or increases in responsibility. If you plan to stay the course with your current employer until it’s time for your applications, be mindful of this and take proactive steps to build momentum. For example, you might speak with your supervisor about paths to advancement in your firm, lobby for assignment to high-profile projects or clients, or volunteer to take on additional tasks outside of your basic responsibilities.
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