That’s one reason it’s important to secure superior recommendation letters when applying to graduate business school programs. If you can show MBA admissions committees that you’ve done a great and strategic job networking with impressive people who are willing to go to bat for you and to attach their names to your application, that demonstrates that you are good at developing and managing relationships.

The reverse is also true, of course. If you choose your recommenders poorly, that reflects on your ability to maintain sophisticated networks and connections. These five proven tips for MBA recommendation letters come straight from MBAs and from business school faculty and staff: (Click here to tweet this list.)

1. Be pushy and informative

When Shael Sokolowski applied to business school, he submitted recommendations from two people — the head of a well-regarded advertising agency, where he had worked, and a marketing professor from college from whom he had learned a great deal.

“In both cases, these folks had come to know me well, personally and professionally, mentored me, and witnessed my growth,” says Sokolowski, who earned an MBA from Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business in New York in 2010.

“They knew I was ambitious, and when I connected with them, I talked to them about how much I valued our relationship and noted that their assistance would help catapult me to the next stage of my career, beginning with an MBA,” says Sokolowski, who is now a group account supervisor at the marketing agency IOMEDIA.

He had to push himself to contact an individual at the ad agency who he knew was insanely busy, Sokolowski remembers.

“There’s no harm in trying. The worst scenario is no response or a ‘no’ response,” he says. “You don’t need to think big or go home either. Someone who can articulate who you are, where you’ve come from, and where you’re going — especially what you’re capable of — will do.”

2. Now isn’t the time for autobiographies

However tempting it may be, never write your own letter for your recommender, advises Shari Hubert, associate dean and director of MBA admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in Washington, D.C.

“If the person asks you to draft something for them to sign, either find another recommender or let them know that you really need for them to write it, but that you’re willing to provide them with some background information to make it easier on them to recall various projects you may have worked on,” Hubert says.

3. Don’t second-guess instructions

If an MBA program asks for only one recommendation, that means the committee only wants one recommendation letter, Hubert advises.

“If they say they would prefer not to have a professor, then do not submit one,” she says. “There are usually reasons why schools have their specific guidelines, so it’s best to always follow them.”

4. No relatives, but yes to former bosses

If you work for your family business, you shouldn’t ask your mom or dad to pen your recommendation letter, even if she or he is the company CEO, according to Hubert. “Find a client if necessary or another supervisor, non-family member,” she says.

If you don’t want your current employer to know that you are leaving the company to go to business school, it’s OK to ask a former manager to write a recommendation letter, she says.

5. Meet with your recommender

Ideally, MBA applicants and their recommenders will meet several times, so that the mentor, coach or sponsor understands where the applicant is coming from and what she or he aspires to do, says Darren  Kowitt, a Columbia University MBA and admissions consultant.

“A plan that’s been percolating and brewing for months has a mellower, more refined texture,” Kowitt says.

The recommendation letter should “strongly resemble the candidate, but in the author’s words,” he says. “Too much coaching leads to interpretations of close coordination and ghost-writing, and anything too obvious there is a blatant affront to a process whose authenticity measures are hard to enforce in anything other than a gentlemen’s agreement fashion.”

Menachem Wecker is co-author, with Brandon Withrow, of “Consider No Evil: Two Faith Traditions and the Problem of Academic Freedom in Religious Higher Education” (forthcoming from Cascade Books).

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post MBA Recommendation Letters: 5 Tips for Convincing Admissions to Say Yes appeared first on Brazen Life.

Is all hope of getting into a top MBA program lost thanks to your lackluster undergrad performance?

Nope, says Jay Bhatti, who served on the Wharton admissions committee while getting his MBA at the school. “Many times candidates with poor undergraduate grades are admitted if they have shown significant accomplishments after school. However, it takes time to rack up these accomplishments. Most people accepted with poor undergraduate grades were older and had a few more years of work experience,” he assures potential applicants.

That’s good news for those with impressive professional credentials but less stellar academic records, but how exactly do you best convey your growth to ensure those reviewing your application don’t get hung up on your GPA?

Wow Them With Your GMAT Score

A 2011 Kaplan Test Prep survey of 265 MBA admissions officers found that just 24 percent felt a low undergrad GPA was the leading reason for rejection. That’s good news for those trying to bounce back from a low undergrad GPA. Less good news is the fact that more than double that amount (58 percent) said that a low GMAT or GRE was key to rejecting an applicant.

The bottom line: if you flubbed your college years, your GMAT counts more than ever.

“Make sure you have a strong GMAT or GRE score, since the exam is another indication of potential for academic success,” stresses Paula Wilson, director of MBA admissions at Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business in a discussion of overcoming less than impressive undergrad grades on BusinessWeek.

That could very well mean a ton of studying and taking the test more than once, so make sure you leave yourself enough lead time to adequately prepare. “If you are applying to a top 10 MBA school, you should aim for a GMAT score of at least 700,” says Bhatti. “If you got a score below 700, take the GMAT again. Even if you don’t break 700 the second time around, it at least gives the committee a more favorable opinion of your determination. This is why I tell people to take the GMAT at least a year before you plan to apply. It gives you enough time to prepare and get a good score. If you don’t get a good score, you have a lot of time to try again.”

Nail the Optional Essay

Impressive test scores are key to overcoming lackluster undergrad grades, but you can’t just get a great score, cross your fingers and leave it at that. The committee will certainly take note of your low GPA, so you need to address the issue head on in your optional essay.

“I strongly recommend that you take advantage of the optional essay portion of the application. Most schools will offer this. This is an opportunity for you to address any concerns you think the admissions committee might have about your application and to discuss, in your particular case, why you will be successful academically in their program,” advises Wilson.

What exactly should you discuss in the essay? Stacy Blackman, founder of an MBA admissions consulting company, has delved into the issue for U.S. News & World Report and says your approach depends on your circumstances. She directed one client who simply failed to apply himself during his undergrad years to write an essay that “made no excuses and admitted that he had lacked the wisdom to see the big picture during his undergraduate years. He demonstrated that he had since developed the maturity to work hard in all classes, not just those he found intellectually interesting.”

Another student who got a D in a key course due to a family crisis, however, would do better to explain the situation and own his priorities. The exact content, in other words, will vary person to person but should reassure the committee that whatever the problem was them will no longer be a problem now.

Jessica Stillman is a freelance writer based in London. She writes a daily column for Inc.com, contributes regularly to Forbes and Women 2.0 and has blogged for CBS MoneyWatch and GigaOM, among others.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post MBA Applications: How to Get Accepted to Business School with a Rock Star Career But Crappy Undergrad appeared first on Brazen Life.

Nothing could be further from the reality of today’s competitive MBA application process. No matter how decorated a student and professional you are, the applicant pool is full of equally qualified and remarkably diverse individuals. What does it take to impress and stand out from the crowd? (Click here to tweet this question.)

Tailor your resume

Everybody looks great in clothes tailored to them, since no two bodies are identical. Your resume works the same way. If you send the exact same resume to every MBA program, don’t expect enthusiastic responses. Showcase yourself in a light that appeals to individual schools.

For each school, shape the resume based on what you know about their unique elements, from teaching styles to location. With that in mind, maybe a skill featured first on your resume for one school is further down the list for another, or one particular aspect of a past job is explained in detail for one program but omitted for the rest.

Ask what this school emphasizes: case study, internships, group projects? Use your resume to show real-world experience matching the program’s specific brand.

Write panoramic essays

The biggest mistake MBA applicants make when writing essays is not looking at the group as a whole. Each essay should complement — not overlap — others, like pieces of a puzzle coming together to create a picture.

Do two of your essays focus on leadership? Change one to talk more about your cooperative abilities. Does every essay end in triumph? Share an unfortunate error or failed endeavor and what it taught you. MBA admissions officers want to read about a well-rounded skill set in diverse situations.

Overall, your essays should paint a picture of your most important personal and professional traits without getting too focused on a couple particular themes. In addition, make sure your essays don’t repeat information found elsewhere in the application, particularly your resume.

Nailing the interview

The interview is probably the most nerve-racking aspect of the MBA application process. With preparation, though, you’ll come in confident and ready to impress.

1. Reach out to your network

You probably selected each target school based at least partially on knowing an alumnus or having met one or two during an information session or visit. Get in touch and ask what they remember about their interviews.

How many people were present? Was it formal or conversational? Did interviewers ask new questions or request elaboration on topics from your essays?

Of course, no two interviews are identical. But you can build a basic idea of the atmosphere, expectations and common questions from those who have been there before.

2. Prepare potential content in advance

Yes, this can seem daunting, but the payoff is substantial. Time spent pondering interviewers’ questions is time lost. Plus, sitting in silence can come across as awkward or unprofessional to MBA selection committees.

Create a base of useable responses that come quickly to mind and cover many topics, from employment and education to visions and values. Make sure they don’t sound overly rehearsed, though. You shouldn’t memorize word-for-word, but rather build confidence with talking points so they flow naturally in the right situation, even under pressure.

While preparing, also think about how you might be able to impress the interviewer with unconventional — but appropriate — responses. A great option is featuring relevant anecdotes from volunteer service, travels or daily life in addition to those from work and school. You don’t want to sound like someone focused on nothing but your job and studies.

3. Record a sample interview or two (or 17)

Thanks to today’s technology, there’s no excuse for not knowing what you look and sound like in an interview setting. Use a computer or phone to record mock interviews and watch them. You’ll be stunned how often you say “um,” “like,” or other verbal tics, which should be minimized.

Also, pay attention to your body language. Does your attempt at eye contact make you look borderline psychotic? Are you too stiff? Do you fidget? Recognizing those behaviors is the first step to correcting them and adopting a professional yet comfortable interview demeanor.

Though nothing in admissions is ever guaranteed, a well-tailored resume, diverse set of compelling essays and preparation for anything an interviewer can throw your way will make you a triple threat coveted by any MBA program. Good luck!

Ryan Hickey is the Managing Editor of Peterson’s & EssayEdge and is an expert in many aspects of college, graduate, and professional admissions. He’s worked in various admissions capacities for nearly a decade, including writing test-prep material for the SAT, AP exams, and TOEFL, editing essays and personal statements, and consulting directly with applicants.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post Make Your MBA Application Impossible to Resist with the Best Resume, Essay and Interview appeared first on Brazen Life.

If you’re on the fence about enrolling in an MBA program and aren’t sure whether it’s the right move for your career, here are a few underrated ways you’ll likely benefit.

1. Make important connections that will help your career

When you go through a rigorous program like an MBA, it’s inevitable that you’ll form strong bonds with your fellow classmates and even a professor or two.

The good news is that these relationships can prove beneficial throughout your career since you’ve built an instant network of like-minded business professionals you can consult with, discuss new opportunities with and perhaps even work directly with in some capacity. What’s more is that the school itself can offer an array of alumni career services, so be sure to ask about such offerings when doing your research.

2. Have a chance to be the boss

There really is no better forum for getting the chance to take on a business leadership role and polish your negotiating, delegating and directing skills (without your job being on the line) than in an MBA program. That’s because you’ll likely have to work in teams to complete projects, so you’ll get the chance to assume various roles you might not otherwise get to take on in a corporate setting. These lessons and simulations can help prepare you for the real thing and get you used to navigating challenges and dealing with different personalities.

3. Meet prominent business leaders

You can learn a lot by reading case studies and articles in business journals and blogs, but nothing beats hearing true tales from the trenches and strategies for success straight from CEOs and other business executives. (Click here to tweet this thought.)

MBA programs often give students access to these business minds by hosting seminars and guest lectures. Think of these events as extra credit that can raise your career GPA. And if you really work those opportunities, you might even add a few quality connections to your network.

4. Cultivate your business specialty

Though many students pursue MBA studies to achieve general business knowledge, some discover a passion for a specialized area such as finance, marketing, e-commerce or international business. The different study tracks and elective classes available in business school can help shape your career and open your mind to new possibilities.

5. Overcome your fear of public speaking

You can’t succeed in business without the ability to present your ideas — at a staff or client meeting at the very least. The pressure to be “on” will only increase if you’re not comfortable speaking to a group.

Throughout MBA programs, students spend time in front of the classroom making presentations to their peers; you may even be required to take a speech class. These exercises will help develop the confidence and speaking skills necessary to command a room and make sure your message is heard.

The decision to go to business school is not one that should be taken lightly; it’s an expensive and time-intensive pursuit. But don’t make the decision based only on dollars and cents, or because you think you “need” an MBA. By taking into account whether some of the fringe benefits above might propel your career forward, you can better assess whether an MBA is right for you.

Dawn Papandrea is a Staten Island, NY-based freelance writer who specializes in higher education, careers, personal finance, and parenting. Follow her on Twitter @DawnPapandrea.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post 5 Underrated Reasons for Earning Your MBA appeared first on Brazen Life.

That’s why MBA hopefuls will be glad to hear that more than 75 percent of the 211 employers who responded to a Graduate Management Admission Council survey intend to hire at least as many MBA graduates this year as they did last year.

But a promising crystal ball reading — particularly one from an interested, albeit respected, party that administers the GMAT test — doesn’t mean that MBA students will face any less of a crowded field of competitors when they search for post-graduation jobs.

To put yourself in the best possible position for beating out those competitors, here are seven things you can do while earning your MBA that will improve your chances of landing a job afterward:

1. Take an ax to your resume

MBA students and graduates often make the mistake of listing every achievement imaginable on their resume, thinking that will help them avoid being overlooked, warns Roy Cohen, a career coach in New York City and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide. But the truth is, including so many achievements can actually make it more difficult for employers to understand why they should hire you — not easier.

“Companies and hiring managers do not want to work to figure out how you will add value and over what time frame,” Cohen says. “Make sure that your [resume] is precise in showing that you have both the experience and skills to outperform in the job and career that you are pursuing. Equally important, edit the resume to focus on removing the nonessential and distracting items.”

2. Vary the style of your resume

Each MBA student should have multiple versions of the same resume, with different styles and formats that go beyond the traditional one-pager, advises Aaron Simkovich, controller at Maranon Capital in Chicago and a Boston University School of Management MBA.

Simkovich recommends giving all of those different resume versions to a recruiting firm (if you work with one). “They should know what type of resumes worked with these companies in the past,” he says.

3. Consider a makeover (and no, we’re not talking about a resume makeover)

“If the last suit you bought has shoulder pads, then it is time to take a trip to the mall to buy a replacement,” says Roberta Chinsky Matuson of Matuson Consulting, who helps Fortune 500 companies recruit talent. “While you are there, be sure to stop by the hairdresser for a fresh new look,” she added in an interview with About.com’s Karen Schweitzer, which is chock-full of other tips for MBA job applicants.

4. Find ways to gain relevant work experience

If you know what career field you want to work in, choose internships that relate to that professional path. “The more pertinent the better, and the more recognizable a company [such as General Electric, Microsoft] the better,” says Mike Kahn, an executive senior partner at the Lucas Group focused on human resources.

“Just having any job over the summer won’t help much, though it is certainly better than no work experience at all,” he says. “When I see a resume of a recent college grad and they have no employment at all, that is a big red flag.”

5. Dive into LinkedIn

MBA job applicants should get involved in networking groups of all sorts, as well as social media sites, Kahn advises. “Be sure your LinkedIn page is robust and includes a high-quality, professional photo,” he says. “While LinkedIn is the gold standard for online networking today, keep all of your online presences a potential employer may come across professional.”

6. Learn to right write correctly

Students often take for communications skills for granted, but they do so at their own peril, because recruiters pay close attention to the written and spoken word, says Lee Igel, an associate professor at New York University’s Tisch Center and a regular Forbes contributor, who has advised senior executives at large companies.

“It seems obvious to students, because we’ve all been composing and talking for years; writing and speaking are, however, specific skills,” Igel says. “Recruiters and other executives who make hiring decisions have been telling me for years that they’re happy to discover candidates who can do one or the other. A candidate with both is like manna from heaven.”

7. Try to have fun

That’s the final piece of advice for MBA students who are job hunting from Roxanne Hori, who wrote a Businessweek article on the topic. Enjoying a job search might sound utopian, but Hori reminds students, “Business school is a unique opportunity to build an amazing network of friends and colleagues you may have for the rest of your life… Take advantage of all these things. They will enrich your business school experience many times over.”

Menachem Wecker is a former education reporter at U.S. News & World Report.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post 7 Things You Should Do While Earning Your MBA to Increase Your Chances of Finding a Job appeared first on Brazen Life.

Students pursuing an online MBA face distinct challenges — as well as unique opportunities for growth — when attempting to simultaneously maintain a full-time job. The concept of a work-life balance is a familiar one, but what about a work-school balance? Both areas are important to your professional development, and fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice either.

In fact, the skills that you sharpen in an online MBA program can make you more efficient at your job, and the hands-on experience you gain from working full time can enhance your performance in school. As long as you tackle both ventures with the right strategies, you can overcome potential challenges and succeed in both the workplace and the virtual classroom.

Here are four ways to ace your MBA while kicking butt at your full-time job.

1. Focus on your time-management skills

Because you’re balancing schoolwork and a full-time job, it’s essential to gain control over how you divvy up your time to ensure your performance doesn’t suffer in either area. It can be tempting to procrastinate when overwhelmed, but doing so will only lead to more stress in the long run.

Organization is critical for staying on top of important deadlines. To avoid confusion, consolidate important meetings and tasks from your job as well as assignments and tests from your syllabi onto one calendar so you can easily keep track of your responsibilities for both. Designate specific study times, and you’ll be more likely to stick to them. If you know that you’re likely to put off a project until the last minute, you may want to set earlier deadlines for yourself to avoid procrastination.

Remember that while multitasking may sound more time efficient, it can be difficult to stay focused when you’re juggling several tasks at once. You’ll not only finish assignments more quickly if you handle them separately, but the quality of your work will also be better.

2. Develop your presentation skills

From outlining your business plan for a potential partner to promoting your venture at an event or giving a presentation in class, a number of occasions call for strong public speaking skills. It’s crucial to tailor the content and tone of your presentation to the audience’s interests and knowledge level. Once you have their attention, your points can make a memorable impact.

Practice makes perfect, but overly rehearsed lines can make a presentation sound mechanical. As you practice, get a sense of the timing and flow of your presentation without having every word memorized. Remember to remain enthusiastic when giving any presentation — confidence and energy are far more convincing than a perfectly polished speech.

3. Apply lessons from the classroom to work, and vice versa

Now is a great time to begin fine-tuning your leadership style. Many MBA programs provide opportunities to participate in group projects that allow you to hone your leadership skills. Collaborative projects are beneficial to your career in the long run, because whether your goal is to start your own venture or become the CEO of another company, you’ll need to be able to manage and inspire others.

Furthermore, you’ll gain valuable insight from your professors, mentors and peers about your leadership abilities that can be advantageous and applicable to your full-time job. Your success in the business world will also depend on your ability to work as a team, so use any group assignments to better your collaboration skills.

4. Network better — at school and at work

You’ll be invited to a number of events in an MBA program that will expose you to a variety of professionals whose knowledge and advice can be helpful to your success. Start by drawing up a list of specific individuals, whether alumni, staff or fellow students, that you want to contact. Be proactive about reaching out to them, but don’t expect anything in return. It’s critical that you know something about your contacts before you get in touch with them, because your discourse will be more meaningful for both parties. Don’t be afraid to go outside of the obvious people in your immediate industry. The more you can grow your network, the greater your professional possibilities.

Keep your communications short, friendly and complimentary. In fact, don’t start with a request of any kind — instead, send a quick email letting them know it was nice to meet them, or that a speech they gave inspired you. Once they respond, you can ask for a meeting over coffee. Additionally, don’t forget that networking is a two-way street, so try to create as much value as you can on your end. Always follow up to thank them for their time, and you’ll forge stronger relationship and a continually larger network.

Rebecca Lindegren is the Digital Strategist for MBA@UNC, the online MBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler. In addition to higher education, Rebecca is passionate about leadership, online marketing and skiing. Follow her on Twitter.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post 4 Tips for Balancing an MBA Program with Your Full-Time Job appeared first on Brazen Life.

You know — more or less — how to effectively manage your time. You’ve studied test strategies until you can’t keep your eyes open. And you’ve taken dozens of practice tests.

You’re also exhausted. And to truly ace the GMAT, you have to study more efficiently, not longer. Create rituals, not a more-is-better approach. Access a support network, not just go to a generic study group.

Here are five effective ways to tackle the GMAT you probably haven’t tried yet.

1. Join a Meetup group

Did you know Meetup has an entire website section devoted to helping folks ace the GMAT? Not only can you find study buddies, but people who have already taken the test attend to share advice. Right now there are just over 2,000 members in 17 cities, and there’s no doubt this group will continue to grow.

2. Find your effective study time and turn it into a ritual

The common GMAT study strategy is “more is better.” But if you’re waking up at 5 a.m. to take practice tests when you really work best at 11 p.m., stop it. Stop it right now. This might mean going the library during your lunch break because your brain gets super-focused after you eat. Or sticking to a ritual you know you’ll never miss, like studying every morning for one hour before yoga. This takes a bit of trial and error, but the time you’ll save by studying more effectively more than makes up for it.

Sticking to these rituals will eventually create a natural trigger. Going to your favorite indie coffee shop consistently after work will motivate you the second you walk in the door. Train your mind to be in GMAT mode at a specific time or in a specific place every day. This way, the amount of time it takes to transition into study-mode will decrease. The less time you spend transitioning, the more time you can spend on actually improving.

3. Attend a free strategy session

You know this by now, but the GMAT is not your average test. It takes strategy before you can plan your study (and study before you can take the test). Just like any efficient cubicle-dweller, the 10 minutes you spend planning your day every morning will make that day infinitely more productive.

The good news is that there are many free strategy sessions happening across the country. The Princeton Review hosts free events all the time, both as intro courses or free classes to help you decide if you should sign up for one of their longer-term courses.

4. Do fewer problems

Taking unnecessary practice tests will not help you learn the material well enough to ace the GMAT. Instead of taking 12 practice tests, take three. Then pick apart every single question. Studying the problems might mean doing fewer of them, but you’re not done just because you got it right. Spend twice as long reviewing as you spent doing. Evaluating your practice tests makes all the difference.

A good way to do this is to make a weekly date with a GMAT buddy (who you found through Meetup, right?). Choose five to 10 questions you found most difficult. Take turns going through each question, step by step, uncovering the traps. This will be easier with someone you can talk it out with.

5. Get competitive

Turn your GMAT study sessions into a game. Choose a common book and do timed drills. Bonus points if you have access to a place where you can publicize the scores. Best out of three wins?

Whether a one-minute dance party every half hour or GMAT jeopardy works best for you, this post has great list of 7 ways to make studying for the GMAT fun.

What other unique ways have you found to prepare for the GMAT?

Marian Schembari is a blogger, traveler and all-around social media thug. She landed in San Francisco via New Zealand via London via New York, where she’s now the Marketing Manager at Thumbtack.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post Ace the GMAT: 5 Ways to Increase Your Score That No Counselor Will Tell You appeared first on Brazen Life.

Whether you’re a recent college graduate or further down your career path, you might be asking yourself this question. The question isn’t “should I or should I not go to graduate school?” It’s a question of when should you go.

Here are the merits of attending business school now versus waiting:

 You should attend business school now if…

1. You’re unemployed

Like the price of any commodity, the value of education increases during poor economic times. When layoffs begin and the job market dries up, it’s a great time to go after your MBA.

If you’re collecting unemployment benefits, have savings and get decent loans, you can pursue your MBA full time without distraction and with little economic downside. If the job market improves, you’ll be qualified for better, more lucrative positions. If it doesn’t, you’ll at least have a competitive advantage.

2. Your employer will pay for it

According to Forbes, the average cost of an MBA is more than $100,000. Paying back school loans can take decades. If you have a full-time job and your employer is willing to foot the bill for your master’s degree while continuing to pay you a living wage, it’s a no-brainer.

Working full time and taking graduate classes at night means you’re going to have little free time, and it’ll be a challenge to keep those grades up. But for those up to the challenge, the rewards are great.

The 2013 QS Top MBA survey estimates the average starting salary of an MBA holder is $113,000. A six-figure salary without student loan debt is no small thing in this economy. If you work for a company with reasonable upward mobility, a company-sponsored MBA can also be a fast track to upper management.

3. You want to run a business, but lack management skills

A common misconception outside the business world is that an MBA is a master’s in finance. MBA programs are more about management than anything else. Many applicants to b-school aren’t business, economics or accounting majors. Many have or are working on their undergraduate degrees in fields like engineering, geology, or even art history.

What all viable MBA applicants have in common is a desire for leadership and business management skills. An art major might pursue an MBA to become a gallery owner or museum curator. Engineering and architecture majors with MBA degrees start their own firms.

If you want to create your own company but lack management experience, an MBA might be a good idea.

You might want to wait if…

1. The demands of your life won’t allow you to concentrate on the degree

If you’re going to pursue your MBA, commit to the experience. Graduate level classes require considerable time and effort. An MBA alumnus from the University of Delaware said she spent an average of 20 to 30 hours per week in class, studying and working on group projects. The minimum GPA for graduation was 3.2. While she wasn’t working at the time, she was raising a new baby and found herself exhausted by graduation day.

Not all MBA programs are as rigorous, but all require a significant devotion of time and have exacting graduation requirements. If you aren’t able to manage these demands along with your workload and personal life, you’ll not only waste time and money, you’ll also damage your academic record.

2. You don’t know what you’re going to do with your degree

Admissions officers for business schools want to hear candidates articulate a plan for their career paths after graduation. They don’t want to hear that you want to make more money. Students with specific goals have a greater sense of purpose and are more serious about completing their degrees.

Admitting qualified and determined candidates benefits business schools because it allows them to maintain high academic standards and completion rates, metrics key in attracting qualified applicants — and tuition dollars.

If you plan on applying to business school, spend some time considering where you want an MBA degree to take you. Polish your messaging. This doesn’t mean you have to plan out your life until retirement. Just make sure your personal statement and interview talking points convey both maturity and a sense of direction.

3. You don’t need it

By now the story of the college dropout whose tech startup makes him a billionaire has become an American cliché. You don’t have to get an MBA because you think you should or because you want to impress others.

If you possess rare, bankable skills, and already have a job you love or are pursuing a dream, you might not benefit much from an MBA degree. You might also not be management material. If your skill set or personality isn’t suited for managing a business, do a little soul searching before committing to two to four years of rigorous education and $100,000 in tuition.

Verdict?

If you continue on to graduate school out of college, the true economic cost is the money you could have made working, plus the expense and debt you incur, compounded by the lost interest of starting your retirement savings later and accumulating less money. If the increased salary that comes with your improved career prospects can make up for these losses, an MBA makes economic sense.

But this calculation fails to consider personal factors: lost time with family and friends versus stifled ambition, the stress of a lower income versus the pressure of a demanding academic curriculum, satisfaction with your job versus the freedom of owning your own business.

The best advice on deciding when to pursue your MBA is to make a list of the benefits and opportunity costs of the decision, discuss the matter with friends, loved ones and advisors, and above all, commit to whatever decision you make.

Rich Carriero has worked in the test preparation and college admissions industry since 1999. In addition to his career as a freelance writer, Mr. Carriero is also a GMAT Tutor and Academic Manager for Next Step Test Preparation. 

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post MBA Decisions: Should You Get Your Business Degree Now, or Wait? appeared first on Brazen Life.

Heading back to school to earn your MBA? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to quit your job.

In fact, you’ll find many advantages to remaining employed, whether part time or full time, while also pursuing an education. Continuing to work while earning a graduate degree can help offset the financial burden of your studies and help you gain real-world experience that will benefit your career. Working while in school also offers powerful opportunities for professional growth.

First, though, you’ll need to let your boss know that you’re going back to school, and that’s a conversation that makes many people uncomfortable. While this may not be an easy task, it’s important to keep your employer in the loop about your goals to ensure they’re on board and supportive.

If you break the news in the right way, your honesty could help your boss to see you as a more valuable employee. But you’ll need to eliminate any concerns on your employer’s part that your work performance might be affected by your studies, and shed a positive light on how your education will prove beneficial for the company. With the right strategies, you can convince your boss that business school will expand your abilities as an employee.

Want some talking points to make this sometimes-difficult conversation successful? Here’s how earning your MBA will make you a better employee.

You’ll better understand the company as a whole

Depending on your role within your company, it might be difficult to truly comprehend how different components of the business work. Particularly if you’re in an entry-level position, you may not have the chance to see the inner-workings of various departments, which could be holding you back from understanding the business as a whole.

Pursuing an MBA in entrepreneurship or supply chain management, for example, can offer you a deeper glimpse into how a business operates. Armed with in-depth knowledge about the role that other departments play in the overall functionality of a corporation, you’ll be prepared to make better choices in the workplace that align with the company’s strategy and goals.

You’ll sharpen your leadership skills

The ability to manage others and delegate responsibilities is a highly valuable trait in an employee. And guess what’s often a focus in business school? Learning how to lead! Even if this isn’t addressed directly in your program, you’ll likely have opportunities to lead during group projects and practical applications of what you’ve learned.

Let your boss know that you plan on applying what you learn about being an effective leader to your current position, so you can continue to grow within the company and contribute to their bottom line.

Your efficiency will skyrocket

While balancing your studies as well as a job, you will inevitably acquire immense self-discipline. As you juggle work and school deadlines, you will learn to effectively prioritize tasks. Time-management skills will simultaneously improve your school performance as well as your efficiency at work.

Give your employer added reassurance that you will keep your education and job separate by letting them know that you plan to outline a specific study schedule so that your schoolwork doesn’t compromise company time.

You’ll bring valuable knowledge and skills to your own department

Whether you’re going for an MBA in marketing or a Master’s in finance, higher education will provide you with a deeper understanding of your specific department. Some of your coursework will analyze how you can utilize a firm’s resources to achieve a competitive advantage.

This is something you should bring up to your employer — with a stronger grasp on what your department does, you’re in a better position to support the overall business’ success. In learning about opportunity recognition, you may be able to fuel innovation within your department.

You’ll become even better at working in teams

Regardless of what kind of program you’re enrolling in, you will be required to participate in a number of group assignments. The successes and challenges you experience while working with others in the classroom can inform your approach to team projects in the workplace.

Emphasize to your boss that you plan to hone your collaborative capabilities, and encourage your boss to point out any areas that you could improve upon while working on group projects. Inviting feedback shows that you are eager to grow and that you plan to leverage opportunities in your coursework to fine-tune your role as a team player.

Rebecca Lindegren is the Digital Strategist for MBA@UNC, the online MBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler. In addition to higher education, Rebecca is passionate about leadership, online marketing and skiing. Follow her on Twitter.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post Going Back to School for Your MBA? How to Tell Your Boss appeared first on Brazen Life.

If you have the drive to start a business all on you own, you know research beforehand is crucial. The best managers and business owners also know that running a successful organization requires continuous learning and reexamination of ideas.

If you’re already an entrepreneur or plan to start your own business soon, add these books to your reading list. Though many are not “official” business books, they can still help clarify what you need to do to get the to heart of problems, build better relationships and help push your business’s success even further.

On business fundamentals and productivity hacks

1. Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin

Godin has written a whole library of business-oriented books. But this is one of his best-loved books among marketing and business professionals – and probably one of the first books you should read before you launch your business plan.

Godin’s ideas are simple but elegantly explained: Your business and product must be a purple cow. If you’re not memorable, you probably won’t succeed.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey

Covey was one of the key players in making “proactive” a business buzzword. Even if you just rolled your eyes at the mention of that word, the book is chock-full of wisdom and ideas that have held true even after two decades.

The author’s son Stephen M.R. Covey spoke about the book with U.S. News. “I think it’s become even more relevant today,” he said. “The world’s become more connected, more interdependent, and technology aids all of that. 7 Habits really moves a person from dependence to independence to interdependence.

“More than ever we need to be able to understand how to effectively work with people. The common approach today is not what 7 Habits is teaching, which is a different way of saying, how can we work together to achieve and attain something better than either of us could do on our own?”

3. You Already Know How to Be Great: A Simple Way to Remove Interference and Unlock Your Greatest Potential by Alan Fine with Rebecca R. Merrill

This book might challenge you to stop reading this article.

Alan Fine says we spend far too much time looking at external material in hopes of improving ourselves. Instead, you should use the skills and resources you already have to release yourself from paralysis and move forward with your goals.

On how to develop better people skills

4. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, PhD

You’ve probably seen this classic book on the bookshelves of everyone from C-level executives to bookworm friends. Don’t let “psychology” fool you into thinking the good doctor is waxing theoretical for more than 300 pages. Dr. Cialdini draws on 35 years of research and a 3-year study to explain the six universal principles of persuasion.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Can a non-fiction self help book that’s more than 80 years old still be relevant today? Believe it or not, yes.

Carnegie shares valuable insights about how to read, charm and influence people and couples them with historical anecdotes. Warren Buffet called it a life-changing read – so yes, it probably belongs on your Kindle.

Mashable listed Carnegie’s book as a source to fix relationship building while networking. “If you have not spent time building relationships during your career,” said Jayne Mattson, “Start by reading the best book about relationship building of all time: Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People, which is still one of the most widely read books today on this topic.”

6. Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time by Keith Ferrazzi

You know all about the importance of networking – but the way Ferrazzi frames it, you should be focusing more on nurturing relationships than on “making connections.” Learn to reach out to people with Ferrazzi’s practical advice and insight and see what a difference it makes in your career and personal life.

7. The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey by Ken Blanchard

Manager or not, this time-tested mini-manual shows you how to effectively delegate and supervise without compromising your time with family and friends (or even your own job.)

This book is a fast read, and it will help you adapt better time management skills and – lo and behold – carve out more time for yourself.

On reflection on the good, the bad and the given

8. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

This book might be best saved for reading at home or during your commute. Psychiatrist Frankl published this memoir about his time as a prisoner in four different Nazi camps in 1946. It makes this list because of its emphasis on finding one’s own meaning and truth, whether that be your professional or personal life.

Frankl explains we might not be able to avoid suffering or hard times, but we can decide how we process pain and find meaning in it.

Frankl’s book is more than just an inspirational read for some business owners. “Throughout Frankl’s analysis of himself and his mental processes as he experienced one of the ugliest times in history, it also encourages professionals to help others find meaning in their work,” says Dr. Tim R Love. “Whether you’re at a desk job from nine to five or working the night shift driving the interstate, it’s important to find meaning in whatever it is that you do.”

9. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

If you’re in the business of, well, business, then you probably have a decent working knowledge of capitalism. Adam Smith’s 1776 masterpiece elegantly describes the inner workings of a modern market economy – and you’ll be surprised at how relevant his theory remains several centuries later. Plus, you’ll be able to give a coherent argument when somebody tries to tell you making a profit is evil.

On assessing your aspirations and strategizing

10. Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

It’s admirable and sensible: If you want to be good at something, observe experts or professionals in your aspirational field/skill/practice and do what they do.

But it doesn’t always work. Malcolm Gladwell argues that culture and environment actually affect our success much more than we’d like to believe. He also brings up the somewhat taboo subject of privilege and how we can help future generations live up to their potential.

Gladwell’s book has caught the attention of many types of people, including professor of mathematics Jason Brown at Dalhousie University in Halifax. “Does full understanding need to precede rote learning? I believe that the answer is “no” in basic mathematics. Students need to practise, practise, practise essential tasks; some understanding will develop only after the routines are memorized and well-rehearsed,” Brown said. “Command of an ability or talent requires repetitive work — no two ways about it.”

12. Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works by A. G Lafley and Roger L. Martin

As the CEO of Procter & Gamble, Lafley knows a thing or two about strategy (Martin is his strategy advisor and helped co-author this super-informative book.) The two main points that the powerful duo focuses on: Where to play and how to win.

Their five-point method for “winning” will help any manager or owner hone in on their organization’s strengths, challenges and opportunities for growth – and turn these qualities into a strategy that outsmarts the competition.

13. Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Jim Collins and his team spent five years following 28 companies trying to identify what made a company ascend to greatness and sustain its success. This book details their findings — and the facts might be hard to swallow. But they’re completely game-changing.

Is your bookshelf big enough for these new additions? Get reading, and I bet you’ll find that your business savvy increases dramatically.

Thad Baker is an outdoor enthusiast, musician, writer and food junkie. He likes to write about many different topics, ranging from digital marketing to career advice and even men’s fashion. Follow him on Twitter @ThadBaker87.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post The Best Business Books to Read Before Starting a Company appeared first on Brazen Life.

But before you get ahead of yourself and start dreaming of which ridiculously expensive car you’ll buy and what exotic destinations you’ll jetset to for long weekends, ask yourself this:

How would your life be different if you were $50,000-$150,000 poorer?

You’d probably eat more beans and rice at home than wine and dine at the classiest restaurants in town. But if you’re eating at home anyway, you could at least have a great-looking piece of paper to stare at — the one designating you an MBA.

Google “Is an MBA worth it?” and you’ll find many articles explaining that an MBA is really just an expensive golden ticket that almost everyone can get their hands on. Forbes, Fortune and The Wall Street Journal have all published articles this year arguing against the degree.

Even if your employer’s tuition assistance plan helps you out, you need to ask just one question before shutting everything else down for the next two years of your life: Will an MBA really make you more money in your field of work?

Seems simple, right? You don’t need a complicated decision tree or a life coach to determine if an MBA is right for you. All you need to know is if you’ll see a return on your investment and if you can still enjoy what you do for a living without starting over at another company. It’s not rocket science — that’s way more expensive.

When an MBA makes sense

You need only tools that can add to your opportunities, which should match your interests and long-term possibilities. MBAs call this value. Most people call this obvious. Passion doesn’t need to factor in just yet, since most people don’t develop their passions until they get deep into their work.

In many business functions, an MBA is still either a rare commodity or the minimum entry requirement — think human resources and investment banking. If a quality MBA is rare in your field because most people have other interests, you can create a niche for yourself. Just make sure the additional business knowledge will add value to your work. The money you’ll spend on the degree could be a bargain compared to the added benefit of job security.

Alternatively, if an MBA is a requirement for your field, then your answer is obvious as long as you’re committed to sticking with the work when it gets tough. In this case, the MBA won’t provide any distinct advantage relative to your peers, meaning you’ll have to make up the difference with hustle.

In either of these cases, applying to business school is a smart move. Anecdotally, several people in my cohort hadn’t thought this through and had already expressed shades of buyer’s remorse by the end of the first term. That’s an expensive lesson to learn.

Knowing your fit is key because using an MBA to jump into a new field is more difficult than it might seem. An MBA doesn’t prove to gatekeepers that you can or want to do the work required. (Click here to tweet this thought.)

When to skip the MBA

Though Internet and business media claim grad school is an expensive mistake, it can pay dividends in the long term. That said, if you’re stuck with the whole bill or a significant portion of it, you’ll also need to consider the psychological and familial impacts of carrying debt.

Of course, you can skip the MBA and learn on your own. Pick up Harvard Business Review’s Must Reads Boxed Set, which include required reading course materials from many top programs. Then move onto books like The Lean Startup and watch The Wharton School’s first-year MBA finance courses, which are completely free. You’ll get a good enough formal business education, which is more than Henry Ford or Steve Jobs ever had.

In the right context, an MBA can make sense, even as companies like Zappos shed the excess hierarchy of management positions in their workforce. In many fields, working your way up in the corporate world still requires some sort of credentialed validation.

Fortunately, lots of flavor combinations work well with beans and rice.

David Buckmaster lives in Seattle, WA and works as a compensation analyst for an international NGO. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Twitter.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post The Most Important Question to Ask Before Seeking an MBA appeared first on Brazen Life.

If you’re applying for an MBA program, chances are you’re looking for a new career trajectory, have good to great grades, attended a rigorous undergraduate program and have spent the years since graduation active in your career and perhaps even volunteer positions.

Congratulations… so has everyone else applying to your program.

In college, you started the modern British literature club — which was just an excuse to sit around and talk about the Harry Potter books. That might look impressive on your resume, but when your peers are equally accomplished, what are you doing to set yourself apart from your competition? How are you going to differentiate yourself?

The secret to a successful application

A quick search of “how to get into an MBA program” will yield a series of post on “secrets of success” — quick tricks to add to your application that will surely allow you easy admission to the top schools. It seems if those secrets in fact worked, not only would they not be secrets, but many more people would have earned MBAs.

The real secret that’s difficult to crack? Be impressive, be inspiring and be a visionary. You don’t have to be Steve Jobs (he probably wouldn’t have been accepted, anyway), but you do need to illustrate your leadership skills, unique spark and how you help get people excited and energized about ideas and opportunities.

Tell your unique story

Not every applicant has private equity or big consulting firm experience, but instead of parlaying what unique experience you have into a version of that, showcase your experience for what it is — a diverse and unique addition to a student body that’s known for its strict adherence to finance, strategy and consulting experience.

“Be impressive” and “show your unique and diverse attributes” is great advice, but it’s usually easier said than done. Your resume, general application and test scores can only tell so much of your story. Your grades matter, your experience is either relevant or not, your test scores meet the base requirements… The only real areas of your application you can control at this point are your essays and your recommendations.

Be selective with your recommendations

The recommendations you request say as much about you as the words you use to craft your essay. Choose recommendations based on how well the person knows you (obviously), but more importantly, on how relevant your experience with them is to the unique, dynamic story you’re trying to tell the admissions committee.

An important question to ask yourself before starting the application process is: What story are you trying to tell? Are you a goodie-two-shoes who’s followed every rule and lived a fairly vanilla life full of good grades, good schools and pastels? Or have you passionately pursued your interests, juggling challenging coursework and bettering your community (all while eating organic, free-range meat)?

Which story is more compelling? Which story will add to your fellow classmates’ worldview (and maybe their health)?

Leverage your essays

Your story likely falls somewhere in the middle of these two extreme narratives — but that doesn’t mean you can’t leverage your unique course choices, international experience, volunteer interests or self-employment struggles into the dynamic story admissions committees seek when recommending students for admittance.

Curate your story, highlight life-changing experiences and identify what should be included and what can be left out. Use anecdotes to illustrate your past while painting a picture of your future capabilities. (Click to Tweet this advice.)

Of course, your previous experience is important, but admissions committees are also interested in where you will be in five, 10 or 20 years. Maybe you’re interested in becoming a vocal social advocate or would prefer to climb the ladder at a big finance firm — either way, you need to show the admissions team how your experience, their program and your capabilities will get you to that place. Share your story and weave that thread throughout your entire application.

Paige Hewlett is a brand developer and business coach for small businesses and hopeful entrepreneurs and blogs about the pursuit of life’s good things at Come + Take It. Follow Paige on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post The Inside Scoop on Applying to MBA Programs appeared first on Brazen Life.

One, it’s still a miserable economy, and the competition for sought-after jobs has risen to bloodsport levels of cruelty.

Two, when we’re 18, most of us have a pretty lousy sense of self-knowledge and limited wisdom about what careers actually entail and how to build one.

Three, grad school is expensive. Even if you’re fully funded, you’ll need to bust your butt to cover living expenses because you’ll be giving up whatever salary you could be racking up if you weren’t studying.

Put these together, and you begin to see the faint outlines of a common conundrum. Many young people flail in their early careers or are shocked by the realities they face—and by their own lack of preparation. Going back to school once you have some idea of what you’re facing (and who you are) can be tempting, but it’s a big step.

If you’re thinking of rebooting your struggling career with a trip back to get another degree, consider these questions first:

1. Am I hiding?

Brazen co-founder Penelope Trunk is one of the most eloquent (and outspoken) voices calling out many trips to grad school for what they are—a way to avoid the uncertainty and unpleasantness of an early career. But grad school won’t help you discover what you want to do, and, unless it’s something very specific like medicine or engineering, it probably won’t help you get there. Here’s a typically forthright passage from Penelope:

“If you don’t know what to do, and you go to grad school to buy time, and then you figure out what you want to do, you will always have to answer the question, why grad school? It will be hard to come up with an answer that doesn’t reveal that you went back to school so you didn’t have to deal with adult problems. Better to flail in the work world and learn what you like than put it off.”

Take a long, hard look in the mirror and ask yourself if you really just don’t want to send one more resume out into the unresponsive void or take one more unpaid internship. If you’re looking to hide out, reconsider sending off those applications and look for other alternatives.

2. Am I wearing rose-colored glasses?

And if you’re the dreamer type who’s driven by a passion for a subject that overrides more “sensible” career considerations? “If worse comes to worst, I’ll teach!” you tell yourself. Just know that only one in four grad students end up with a tenure track job, and 54 percent report feeling so depressed they have a hard time functioning. Be sure you’re as passionate as you think you are.

“Test your interest first,” suggests grad school returnee Andrew Price on GOOD recently. How? “If you’re considering culinary school, for example, maybe volunteer in a restaurant or bakery or construct some sort of cooking curriculum for yourself first. In other words, find a low-commitment version of the thing you may want to do and do that first.”

3. Am I prepared for the lifestyle change?

Will it bother you if your friends outside of academia rack up all the trappings of success while you argue with your roommates about who ate the last pack of Ramen? Because grad school will set you back financially.

“Going back to graduate school, especially after you’ve been in the workforce for a while, will put you behind your peers. For a while, you won’t be able to afford the same things your friends can, and you’ll be stuck in the library on the weekends, especially if you need to hold a full-time job at the same time. This can be jarring if you’ve been used to corporate life, and it’s something you should consider,” a recent post by The Pyramid Consulting Group warns.

If you’re expecting to keep up with your usual routine of dining out or weekly pedicures while you’re in grad school, you’re going to get yourself into the unenviable position of carrying a humongous debt burden (unless you have very generous support from somewhere).

Get real about what your life will be like or risk saddling yourself with the kind of financial liabilities that will seriously limit your choices after you graduate (forget that stint as a low-paid anything).

4. Which of my existing skills can I leverage?

Okay, so you’ve got your financial ducks in a row and you’re sure you’re doing this for the right reasons. You have a concrete sense of where you want to go and a solid idea of how another stint in school can get you there. How do you succeed? A little reflection can reveal ways your seemingly unrelated experience can benefit you.

GOOD’s Price explains, “I studied philosophy in college; now I’m doing computer science. What could be more different, right? One’s all about logical reasoning and working with abstractions and uncovering inconsistencies and the other…. Well, the other is fundamentally also about those things. Actually, the differences are sort of superficial… Even if you’re going from medieval history to astrophysics, there will be skills that transfer. At the end of the day, there are a few really important general cognitive tools—conceptual analysis, facility with language, mathematical reasoning, creative thinking—and most of them are useful in most contexts.”

Jessica Stillman is a freelance writer based in London. She writes a daily column for Inc.com, writes for Women 2.0 and has blogged for CBS MoneyWatch and GigaOM, among others.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post 4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Go Back to School to Change Careers appeared first on Brazen Life.

If you’ve been in the business world for a while, you’re accustomed to assessing things in terms of ROI. And with scary stats like the cost of graduate school and the debt some grads carry afterward, it’s no wonder many people who are looking to get ahead in their careers are thinking twice about pursuing that MBA or a similar degree.

But then you hear all those learn-to-earn facts, how those with a master’s degree can expect to earn more every week than those with just a bachelor’s degree. Add that doctorate and professional degree holders make even more than those with master’s degrees (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), and you’ve got yourself a good case for heading back to the classroom.

Which brings us back to the sugar daddy scenario. Here are a few creative ways to fund your way through grad school:

Work your loan off

There’s one sure way to get student loan lenders off your back—through loan forgiveness. You may be eligible for significant loan reductions if you choose to give back to society after the completion of your degree by committing to public service through organizations like Teach for America, Peace Corps or AmeriCorps.

As a bonus, you’ll feel good because of all the great work you’ll be doing for others. Win-win!

Give your boss a pimp hat

No, not literally. But employer tuition is pretty much all about your workplace paying your way through school.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics’ report Trends in Student Financing of Graduate and First-Professional Education, 21 percent of all graduate students received employer tuition assistance in 2008. For MBA study, that number climbs to 40 percent.

In other words, there’s a good chance your employer might be willing to foot some of your tuition bill. (Go ahead and picture your boss in a purple and orange pinstripe suit and a cane—we won’t tell!) Be aware that some conditions will apply, like maintaining a certain grade point average or agreeing to keep working for that employer for a specified amount of time.

Flaunt your assets

Show ‘em what you got! After all, your work and volunteer experiences could actually be worth hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars because they could earn you college credits. Many career-focused degrees and vocational programs offer prior learning assessments so students can bypass a couple of those pesky introductory courses.

You can also try taking CLEP exams, which allow you to test out of prerequisite courses if you already have the foundational knowledge.

Adult-rated college cash

Don’t assume that only high schoolers are eligible for federal aid assistance. The same goes for scholarships, which are sometimes earmarked for nontraditional or online degree students. To score some nontraditional student aid, your best bet is to apply via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s worth a shot!

By staying open-minded about your education financing options, you can take ownership of your future on someone else’s dime. Not a bad deal!

Dawn Papandrea is the managing editor of MyEducation.com, which helps aspiring students explore and research degree programs. The MyEducation blog features admissions advice, financial aid tips, degree spotlights and higher education news.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post How to Find a Graduate School Sugar Daddy appeared first on Brazen Life.

And though disputing the value of a degree is “in” right now, here’s a counterargument for you: it’s not a waste of your time or money; it’s an investment in your future earning power.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s a gap well spent

If you’re unsuccessfully looking for work, you might end up with a long employment gap on your resume. A master’s degree can fill that gap. An advanced degree can also be seen as a reset button.

Young people often get pigeonholed in crappy careers after their first jobs. A master’s degree allows you a chance to get your stuff together and figure out what you really want to do. One friend of mine even transitioned from sports marketing to energy management, a change that would have been almost impossible without the master’s he earned.

By obtaining your master’s, you become part of a killer community. You get to meet smart, like-minded peers while earning your degree. Not only can you cultivate a network that will help with future career development; you also build lifelong friendships. (And maybe some other relationships as well!)

2. You’ll make progress toward your goal, even if you’re still figuring out what that goal is

Here are three recommendations for working professionals, based on my experience as a consulting associate who pursued an MBA partway through my career:

1.  First, think about your five-year plan. (If you don’t have one, for Pete’s sake, get off your lazy a**and make one.) Where do you want to be in five years? Are you working in an industry that makes you happy? Based on your answers to these questions, you can start thinking about which master’s program makes sense for you.

Often, it’s difficult for working professionals to leave the comfort and security of a paycheck. But if you realize you’re not making progress toward your ultimate goals, a change can be a swift kick in the pants.

I used this system of thinking to leave my consulting job before going to business school. I knew I wanted to work in the consumer Internet field and wouldn’t be able to if I stayed in consulting, so I decided to go to a business school located near one of the country’s biggest Internet hubs.

2.  Talk to current students. Once you identify the program you’re interested in, talk to current students about their experiences. Existing students will prove that many others are in the same situation and that it’s not that difficult to transition from the working world to a master’s program.

3.  Don’t forget about evening or weekend options. Many top schools offer these programs. You can keep your day job and sometimes get your company to pay for school while earning an advanced degree. Use the job you hate for everything you can!

3. It allows you to better brand yourself

A master’s degree gives you instant credibility. Use this to your advantage.

When I was a student, I found potential employers and business partners were much more likely to return my emails because I had a “.edu” email address. Those conversations built my network and helped me brand myself as an expert in my field.

Let connections know you are serious about the field and are continuing your education to keep yourself ahead of the competition. I have a friend with an advanced degree in computer science who became a testifying expert while he was in school. Don’t let them figure out how good you are—show them.

4. It will help you find your way to the top

Master’s programs are excellent networking forums, as well as great places to gain experience—whether you’re in the job market or not.

Participate in group projects and take leadership roles in clubs and organizations. You can then draw on stories from your master’s experience for specific examples of hard work, dedication and perseverance.

In addition, recognize the power of the alumni network. In a job search, anything that connects you to a recruiter or future employer can get your resume to the top of the pile. Alumni typically have a soft spot for other alums, as they know what it takes to make it through a program at that college or university. Sometimes it’s true that it’s not what you know; it’s who you know.

Your master’s program isn’t just for passing time during a down job market. You can gain the degree like a bum or push yourself to make sure you come out ahead. Make those two years and thousands of dollars count—your personal job market doesn’t have to stay crappy forever.

What do you think? Is it worth earning an advanced degree?

Bhavin Parikh is the CEO and Co-Founder of Magoosh, an online test prep company that aims to make education more affordable by providing students with access to the best instructors and content with the convenience and accessibility of a book.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post Why a Master’s Degree Is More Than an Escape From a Crappy Job Market appeared first on Brazen Life.

Now that you’ve been accepted to your dream MBA program, how can you best use your time this summer to make the most of your upcoming two-year investment?

Here are seven recommendations for how to prepare for your MBA program.

1. Make a smooth transition from work

If you’re enrolling in a full-time MBA program, chances are you’re saying goodbye to a full-time job. Make sure to give proper notice to your employer, whether or not you decide to take time off before b-school begins. Tie up any loose ends before leaving so you can have a fresh start at school. Try not to burn any bridges with any bosses or co-workers, since you never know how they could help your career in the future!

2. Get your finances in check

Complete all necessary financial aid and scholarship forms required for your school, and ensure that you have the proper funds for tuition, books and living expenses. Most MBA programs also require a laptop, which is another investment. You certainly don’t want to quit your job, move and then find out you don’t have the money to attend! Your school’s graduate financial aid representative can answer questions about subsidized, unsubsidized, Grad PLUS and other types of loans.

3. Brush up on the basics

Most MBA students are between the ages of 25 and 34, according to MBA.com. So if you’re anything like the typical MBA candidate, you probably haven’t taken a math, accounting or finance course in quite a while. Don’t worry! There are many refresher courses available to help you recall those skills — online “boot camps,” courses offered at your news school and extension courses at other schools are just a few examples. You should also start reading the Wall Street Journal to stay up-to-date on important business news. There are discount subscriptions available for students.

4. Start networking now

Informational interviews are vital to learn which post-MBA career path is right for you. Research companies that recruit at your b-school, select ones in the industry you’re interested in, and ask your school’s career center to put you in touch with some alumni who work for those companies.  Interviewing people who are current employees or past interns of companies is a great way to see what their day-to-day work experience is like. It will also put your name out there, and give you a solid contact for future internship or employment opportunities. You can also utilize Brazen Careerist, LinkedIn and other career websites to identify connections in your ideal field.

5. Find your dream internship

It may seem too soon, but many companies recruit for summer interns in the first few months of business school. Start researching which companies offer MBA internships by scanning  job websites and reaching out to your school’s career center. Find out what the qualifications are and which types of applicants land the internships. Make sure your resume is updated and ready to be customized and submitted.

6.  Claim and establish your brand

Each year, more companies are using the Internet and social media in their background checks on candidates. Now is the time to update your privacy settings on Facebook, take down that TMI high school blog and energize your LinkedIn profile. Google yourself often and consider claiming yourname.com for more control of your search engine results.

7. Get involved

Attend any orientations that your school offers and make an effort to meet your future classmates. If you plan on moving close to campus, move in early in order to settle in and get used to your surroundings. The transition from work back to school full-time may seem strange at first, but once you start to get involved, you’ll forget all about forgoing that paycheck!

Kristen Creager is a member of the Brazen Life Contributor Network. She will begin her MBA program this fall at The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post 7 Ways to Kick Start Your MBA Program appeared first on Brazen Life.

It is also a bit unsettling to me to see the wide range of quality and content of the huge variety of MBA programs out there. The traditional MBA degree was a program geared towards the creme de la creme of the corporate world to equip them with advanced methods to take their respective businesses to the next level. While I am open to updating this classic model, I don’t think that we should throw the baby out with the bath water. The MBA should always be a professional, practical degree that progresses beyond the scope of business courses taught at the undergraduate level.

However, this easier said than done when it comes to an MBA. MBA students do not all come from similar backgrounds, nor should they. Truth be told, the admissions staff of an MBA program should assess the candidate’s leadership ability, quantitative skills and work experience/goals before admitting them into the program. Sadly, though, it is too difficult to turn a blind eye away from the tuition dollars that can come from a less-than-qualified candidate. To the chagrin of all business professionals, there is an MBA degree program out there for just about anyone, regardless of your background or your abilities. (And believe me, as someone who works about 20-30 hours per week on MBA studies and projects, this does not make me smile!)

So I am far from an expert, and maybe even a bit premature with this. But in my opinion, if you are an “MBA,” then you should have skills/abilities with the following (at the very least):

• Know how to produce and interpret a company’s annual report.
• Understand how the stock market works.
• Know how to use a financial calculator.
• Be able to produce a SWOT analysis of a business without breaking a sweat. (God help you if you don’t even know what a SWOT analysis is!)
• Be an intermediate to advanced user of MS Excel, AND know how to incorporate Excel-generated graphics into external reports.
• Communicate effectively in spoken, written and non-verbal mediums on a consistent basis.
• Be able to thoroughly evaluate marketing strategies and identify pitfalls and returns on investment.
• Understand and be able to evaluate and/or help implement a company’s IT strategy.
• Be able to create, identify and modify work-flow processes and create proposals to maximize efficiency.
• Know the basics of business and tax laws.
• Possess a leadership toolkit.
• Be proficient with technology tools and applications, especially those tools which have the ability to maximize efficiency and communication.

For sure, there are MBA programs that do not teach courses that address these areas. But that should be fine, if you properly identify the right candidates for your program. Take myself, for example. I would not have been accepted into the classical model of an MBA program because I lack the right work experience. (I have never held the job title of “manager,” ever.) However, I am the executive head of a non-profit and I do have extensive experience with technology and working for small businesses. Also, my liberal arts BA equipped me with above-average communication skills. Shame on the MBA program that gives courses on how to use MS Powerpoint and MS Word. You should discern that applicants have these skills before you admit them into the program. That way, this short time (one to two years) can be maximized as a way to produce professional business leaders, as opposed to just-competent office workers.

Get our best career advice delivered to your inbox. Sign up today!

The post What All MBA Students Should Know appeared first on Brazen Life.