Thinking of applying for an MBA? Nelly Quintanilla, Assistant Director of Admission for Graduate Business Education at Loyola Marymount University, shares four essential tips to be accepted into an MBA program.
Designed to be completed over two to three years on a part-time basis, the Loyola Marymount University (LMU) MBA provides students with foundational business knowledge. They can also hone their abilities within their chosen concentration and take part in an optional global immersion experience. Classes take place in the evening. This enables working professionals to gain the skills, experience, and mindset they need to take the next step in their careers.
But what do you need to apply for an MBA? And how do you get the best out of your learning experience? LMU’s Assistant Director of Admission for Graduate Business Education, Nelly Quintanilla, shares four essential tips to prepare MBA candidates for applying to business schools.
Many business schools prefer candidates who can demonstrate relevant work experience. That’s certainly the case for LMU, as Nelly explains.
“We’re going to look for some experiences where you’ve been able to be a part of some strategic planning conversations,” she says. “You were in that meeting room, raised your hand, and really dug deep into the strategy behind the decisions for the business.” (00:36)
In addition, for those without paid work experience, there are options. “Consider internships where you have been exposed to that kind of work,” suggests Nelly. (00:57)
Internships demonstrate that you’ve participated in the decision-making process. They show you’ve identified problems and provided solutions, giving you practical experience in a real business environment.
As the old sports saying goes, “talent wins games; teamwork wins championships.” Showing your willingness to work with others is crucial when applying to study for an MBA. LMU’s MBA program requires unity and teamwork, two core principles you will hone while pursuing an MBA.
“In our classroom, with our MBA program, you’re going to be working in teams consistently,” says Nelly. “Projects are going to be coming at you back and forth. So, demonstrating how you’ve been able to rely on others and also be a leader within your group is going to be helpful.” (01:20)
Overall, the MBA student experience at LMU is rich and diverse. With an entering class size of 29 students (Fall 2023), of which 24% are international, 35% are female, and 41% are domestic students of colour, this inclusive and high-performing community will stand you in good stead.
You need to demonstrate how you can be a force for good when applying to study for an MBA. This applies to your impact within the community and in a global context. Describe your leadership roles from your professional background. Then give it context to show admissions officers how your leadership experience will help you lead in the future.
“We’re going to be looking through your application to see what goals you have as an executive leader and how you’re going to impact the community, not just your business,” explains Nelly. (01:46) “We do have a strong value where we appreciate our students who do have those goals to benefit the community. It’s part of our Jesuit tradition.” (02:00)
Ultimately, at LMU, the aim is to cultivate business leaders who use their business education as a force for good in the world.
When applying to top MBA programs, you need to demonstrate your readiness for a rigorous program. Not only do you need to show how dedicated you are, but you also need to show that you have a vision of what you want to achieve.
MBA admission committees look for four key qualities in top candidates:
1) Strategic work experience in business decision-making
2) Proven teamwork and collaboration skills
3) Leadership with community impact goals
4) Clear commitment and growth vision for their MBA investment
“We want to know if this is the right time for you to invest in yourself in this next step of your life,” Nelly says. “So, talk to us about what goals you have and how you’re going to take advantage of this investment.”. (02:29)
LMU is certainly a place for those who dream big, with alumni having gone on to work for the likes of Deloitte, Google, and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Follow in their footsteps with Nelly’s essential tips and become LMU’s latest success story.
Are you applying for an MBA? Find all the support you need on our Admissions pages.
