This is a recent trend. Right around 2021-22, the increase in salary in Technology and some functions in Finance was so substantial that it created a scenario where post-MBA salary vs. pre-MBA salary was not this 100-120% shift but a reasonable 30-40% change. And this change has offered leverage both for the admissions team and applicants.
1) Motivation Means More In-Person Research
For Applicants, the challenge now is to do in-depth research to determine why certain courses or experiential learning are important. This means quoting from the curriculum page or student blogs is over. It is a good starting point to explore why certain experiential learning is unique and how it will add value, but you are unlikely to get a lot of insight without talking to current students. This gap in insight, filters out Technology or Finance applicants with low social skills. It is strangely a win for the admissions team. They can read the essay and immediately understand those who did the deep dive and those who have summarized a curriculum.
2) Admissions Team – Tech Skills vs. Social Skills
For the admissions team, the challenge is separating applicants with extroversion from technically competent or brilliant applicants with limited social skills. Interestingly, for the class experience, such applicants have low value, but for certain post-MBA roles in Finance or Technology, the technical competence and learning capability still matter. This is even more relevant when you have a powerful tool in Generative AI to overcome the communication gap. You don’t need elaborate drafting of emails to influence a client or a peer. There are templates now. So, for the admissions team, the Video Essay and evidence of public speaking, social engagement, and group activity becomes extremely important.
The single-player pursuit of learning an instrument or an individual sport doesn’t help you to stand out unless you received national or international recognition.
3) Collaboration and IMPACT in Out-Group
Applicants need to understand this reality and shortlist examples demonstrating collaboration and IMPACT in a group. Any cross-functional collaboration or initiatives that require communicating with multiple stakeholders in the company outside your function are excellent ways to stand out. Make sure that you highlight such achievements in your resume. Even though such an experience is not what you truly love or defined your growth, it will help your branding as a person who can thrive in a multi-national, multi-functional, and multi-industry MBA class.
I remember this conversation with a male applicant who was keen on highlighting Sudoku to show his intellect. But the person was from a high-profile accounting role, and I had to explain in great depth why volunteering or extra-curricular that involve people outside the Finance function were important to stand out from peers who are also likely to highlight extra-curricular or talent that is a single-player pursuit.
So, to standout with your MBA application Essays and Resume:
1. Talk to current MBA students and capture the nuances of experiential learning or the value of a course
2. Highlight group initiatives where you had a visible influence
3. Include volunteering and leadership experiences outside your core job function
