MBA Student Ambassadors: The Secret Resource for MBA Networking
Gathering as much information as possible about your target MBA programs is essential for submitting strong applications and deciding where to attend. While online research and attending information sessions are helpful, nothing beats getting insights directly from an insider. This is where MBA student ambassadors come into play.
In addition, student ambassadors provide valuable details about the nuanced aspects of a program and answer questions specific to your goals. If not, they can typically connect you with someone who can. Today, we explore why networking with them is so helpful.
What is an MBA Student Ambassador?
MBA student ambassadors are current students or alumni chosen to represent the school to prospective applicants. Not only do these ambassadors showcase the school’s culture, values, and academic offerings, but they also provide a personal connection to the institution. They are selected for their academic achievements, leadership skills, and enthusiasm for the program. Schools also seek diversity among ambassadors to reflect a broad range of perspectives. In addition, these ambassadors have extensive knowledge of the program and act as a bridge between the school and potential students.
Is Networking with MBA Student Ambassadors a ‘Must Do’?
The simple answer is no, it’s not absolutely necessary to speak with student ambassadors. However, if you don’t have anyone in your network who attends your target schools, ambassadors can be extremely helpful. They offer unique insights that can level the playing field, particularly for applicants from non-traditional or diverse backgrounds. By sharing their experiences, ambassadors give you a clearer understanding of the program’s culture and resources, helping you make a more informed decision.
Why You Should Consider Connecting with MBA Student Ambassadors
Here are a few reasons why networking with MBA student ambassadors is beneficial:
Authentic Perspectives
Student ambassadors usually provide candid insights about their experiences, which offer a real sense of what to expect. However, they have been handpicked by their programs, so it’s unlikely you’ll meet someone who had a negative experience. Nonetheless, most students and alums tend to be positive about their school.
Insider Knowledge
Ambassadors possess intimate knowledge of the curriculum and extracurricular activities. For example, if you’re interested in a niche area, they can either help or connect you with a peer.
Cultural Fit
Each business school has its own distinct culture. By connecting with student ambassadors, you can gain a deeper understanding of the school’s environment. Additionally, this helps you evaluate whether the program’s values, community, and student life align with your personal and professional goals. Ambassadors can also answer specific questions about social life, competitiveness, and housing options, giving you a more complete picture. As a result, you’ll be better equipped to assess if the program is the right fit for you.
Career Resources
Beyond that, student ambassadors can offer valuable insights into the school’s career services and opportunities. For example, they can provide details on internships, networking events, and recruitment processes. They also help you understand how the program supports students’ career goals and fosters connections with alumni. As a result, this allows you to evaluate how effectively the school can support your professional development and future success.
Demonstrating Interest
In addition to gaining valuable insights, demonstrating interest in a school is essential. For instance, many schools include application questions about how you’ve engaged with their program before applying. Reaching out to student ambassadors not only helps you gather useful information but also shows genuine interest. Consequently, this engagement can strengthen your application. The insights you gather can also serve as strong material for your essays, helping you craft a compelling narrative about why the school is a great fit for your goals.
Student Ambassador Resources at Top MBA Programs
Below is a list of student ambassador resources of some of the top US business schools as well as London Business School and INSEAD:
1) Chicago Booth
The admissions team at Chicago Booth has curated a diverse group of students who are readily available for you to connect with. They even offer a convenient directory where you can find a match based on career interests and other criteria.
2) Wharton
Wharton has a dedicated team of Admissions Fellows consisting of 55 second-year students who come from diverse backgrounds, pursue various careers, and have a wide range of interests. Like Booth, Wharton provides bios and a searchable database to help you find the best fit for your needs.
3) Northwestern Kellogg
While Kellogg does not provide the opportunity to directly connect with student ambassadors, it does offer a wide variety of in-person and virtual admissions events, some of which involve Q&A with alums or current students.
4) Stanford GSB
Similar to Kellogg, the GSB offers opportunities to connect with MBA student ambassadors within the context of its virtual and in-person admissions events.
5) Harvard (HBS)
HBS invites local alums to join in-person admissions events in a variety of cities and also occasionally hosts Q&A sessions with current students.
6) MIT Sloan
‘Sloan on the Road’ events are designed to offer an immersive experience that provides valuable insights into the program and are joined by MIT Sloan alumni, who make themselves available for 1:1 networking sessions.
7) Yale SOM
Yale School of Management (SOM) takes pride in its dedicated MBA Student Ambassadors who are current students that play a crucial role as contacts for various clubs, interest groups, and programs within the school. Connecting with these ambassadors will give you a deeper understanding of the Yale SOM experience.
8) Columbia Business School
Columbia’s MBA Student Ambassadors, also known as members of the Hermes Society, represent diverse clubs, careers, and interests, with the mission to offer a student perspective on the vibrant life at CBS, both on and off campus. CBS also offers a convenient searchable directory.
9) University of California-Berkeley (Haas)
Haas Student Ambassadors are passionate current students who provide prospective students with firsthand information and help them dive into the distinctive culture and collaborative community that defines Haas.
10) University of Michigan (Ross)
Ross takes pride in its extensive network of student ambassadors, which it claims surpasses that of any other MBA program. With such a robust group of ambassadors, it’s easy to find individuals who share your interests, backgrounds, and goals.
11) London Business School
To provide new students with a glimpse into the LBS ecosystem, the school has thoughtfully compiled a collection of profiles featuring students, alumni, and ambassadors. To connect with an ambassador, simply review the profile and contact them through their email.
12) INSEAD
INSEAD offers the opportunity to connect with an INSEAD Ambassador by request through admissions. You can also read MBA student blogs to learn more about the INSEAD experience.
In Summary…
MBA student ambassadors are valuable resources when exploring different business school programs. Their insights can provide you with a deeper understanding of the curriculum, culture, campus life, career resources, and more. By leveraging their experiences, you can make a more informed decision about which MBA program aligns best with your goals. We think they are a secret resource for MBA networking!
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Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.