This week, on the 3rd of March, the 2018 CentreCourt MBA Festival starts in London. This event is free to attend for registered participants. It will take place at a well-known London art museum. Admissions directors, deans and school representatives from the best 40 business schools in the world will take part in the event.
This important event represents best MBA programs in the world and also shows innovations like the Genius Bar (for applicants to obtain straightforward answers to their questions about getting admitted to a top program), The Committee (for applicants to “overhear” a simulated meeting of an admissions committee reviewing candidate applications), and Guess The School (a game where applicants will be guessing well-known MBA programs based on their culture and core values).
According to Poets&Quants, all future MBAs are welcome to this event, but there are some do’s and don’ts to use your time at the fair in the best way possible. So, what do you have to do to make a good impression on the admissions committee and make yourself recognizable?
The Do’s
Prepare a couple of good questions for your chosen school
Try to think of an interesting question that can’t be found on web sites or admissions articles. It will show the committee that you are interested and diligent. Also, it will help you write your essays during the admissions season.
Be open-minded
Use the unique opportunity to find out more about all schools present at the fair. Maybe you’ll notice some programs that you haven’t considered for applying before. Talk to their representatives, and it’s quite possible that you’ll find a new favorite school.
Prepare your ‘elevator speech’
Get ready to explain at any time why you’ve decided to pursue an MBA and what your professional goals will be after graduation. Show honesty and openness, show how excited you are to study at a business school.
Be a good listener
To get new insight, listen to all speakers at the fair, no matter if it’s a faculty dean or an admissions committee member. The more you learn about your dream school, the readier it will be to take you in during the admissions season.
The Don’ts
Don’t be a stalker
Don’t try to get the representative’s attention after the event. Some people write letters to the staff of their intended schools or even try to join them at restaurants. It’s just not a good way to communicate - it’s much better to send them an email after the fair and show your interest.
Don’t think the fair is your admissions test
Never try and talk with the representatives about your chances of getting admitted. They can’t give you a straightforward answer right then and there. The fair’s intention is to make you more knowledgeable about your dream school, not for you to force yourself on the faculty.
Don’t show the representatives your resume
It’s much better and much more professional to have a business card which includes your email to leave your address for the school’s staff to find.
Don’t come to an event with your coat and luggage
MBA fair are sometimes crowded - you don’t want to juggle your things among a lot of people. Also, mind that the tables might be packed, too, so you’ll have to listen standing up.
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