With Diversity in Mind: Three Keys to Maximizing Admissions Events

Posted on mba.com

Each year, business schools aim to recruit diverse MBA classes, seeking students who have worked in different industries, have unique life experiences and come from a range of backgrounds. In fact, many schools host targeted admissions events to attract a diverse candidate pool, with special focus on women and US underrepresented minorities. The events range from low-touch webinars, with limited personal contact, to high-touch campus diversity conferences, with significant individual interaction. Schools use these diversity events to attract candidates by:

– Enabling candidates to meet students, alumni and other candidates from similar backgrounds,

– Offering a “safe” space for candidates to ask questions related to their ethnic, gender or sexual orientation that they might not feel comfortable asking at more general admissions events, and

– Conveying to candidates that they will be welcomed into the MBA community, even if currently there aren’t that many students with similar backgrounds.

Diversity admissions events are incredibly valuable to business schools, and they offer a tremendous opportunity for candidates as well. To take full advantage of what diversity events offer, keep these three keys in mind.

Approach Diversity Events with Specific Goals in Mind

While attending admission events can be time-consuming, maximizing these opportunities can significantly strengthen your MBA candidacy. Before participating in admissions events, set clear objectives that focus on gathering information and fostering relationships. Initially, consider leveraging admissions events, particularly low-touch ones, such as webinars, online chats and MBA school fairs, to learn about the MBA application process generally.

VISIT MBA.COM TO READ THE REST OF THE BLOG.