Tips for an Outstanding Masters/MBA Interview
For many college programs, interviewing is usually not a necessary step (although the article below also applies to undergraduate interviews). However, if you end up applying for a Master’s in the future, particularly a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), the interview is a key part of the admissions process. Business is about communicating effectively and for one to succeed in negotiations, one must know how to speak clearly and eloquently.
The following tips for a successful Master’s interview are by no means exhaustive and are just a reference point for candidates to start thinking about how to approach any interviews they might receive.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Reach out to current alumni and students: The conversations you have with alumni will really be important later on in your interview process, when you can support your enthusiasm and seriousness for applying to a school by referencing the people as well as the experiences that you enjoyed learning about
Watch Youtube videos: Get inspired by Youtube videos. Many schools post Youtube videos online that really allow you to visually map the school’s culture and campus “vibe” to your current understanding of the school
Do traditional research by looking at relevant websites: Website navigation can be dull but it is often very informative and can answer many of your questions
Visit campus: Nothing shows your commitment more than visiting the campus, especially if it is a coast-to-coast flight or a flight from another country
Have a strong understanding of the school’s culture: You can even remember quotes that represent a school’s culture (e.g. UChicago’s “Where Fun Comes to Die”, which represents the school’s rigorous academic environment)
PRACTICE
In front of the mirror: This method may not be the most comfortable, but you can see yourself and judge not only how excited you look but also how well you use body language
With friends: Practice with all your friends, even those you are not comfortable with, so it replicates the nervous and exciting feeling you will get when you interview
Pay attention to tonal variety and conviction: Don’t end your sentences with a questioning tone—if you don’t believe what you say, no one will
Limit the use of “like” and “ums” in your sentences: This is being a bit nitpicky, but the avoidance of these terms can amplify your confidence and ability to communicate well (if you must, replace these words with silence while you think of what to say next)
Power poses: Research shows that dynamic stretching and taking up more space with your body leads to confidence
Watch great speakers: Get on Youtube and look up some of the historical and powerful speeches of John F. Kennedy, MLK, and the like. You can even search for motivational speeches from some of your favorite movies. Watch how the best do it and get pumped!
SMILE AND ENJOY!
Don’t underestimate the importance of smiling comfortably and having an overwhelmingly friendly, positive, confident, and upbeat attitude. Smiling is contagious and will really go a long way to show that this program is really your top choice!
Ask the interviewer relevant questions about their experience with the school and get them amped up—they are just as excited about the school as you are!
At the end of the day, interviewers still want to feel that you enjoyed the entire process
