London Business School MBA event in Tokyo on October 23, 2017

A former student let me know that there will be an LBS MBA admissions event in Tokyo. For details and registration (which is necessary) please click here.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com

LBS Japan Club Hosting Event in Tokyo on Saturday, July 29, 2017

The LBS Japan Club will be hosting an event in Tokyo on Saturday, July 29, 2017. Follow this link for more information!

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com

UK MBA Programs and the TOEFL

A stir was caused in the application world a few months ago when news surfaced that the TOEFL test would no longer be accepted as a component of the visa process that accompanied successful applications to top MBA programs in England. This caused some MBA programs based there to announce that they were no longer accepting TOEFL as an element of their admissions process as well. This left applicants scrambling at the time to investigate other tests, such as IELTS.

Shortly after this occurred however, London Business School representatives stated publicly that they could continue taking the TOEFL both as a requirement of admission, and as a part of the visa process. Cambridge Judge, after initially posting on their admissions website that a test other than TOEFL would be required for admission to their program, are now saying that TOEFL is acceptable, both for their own admissions process and for the visa process as well.

Not all school have followed in that lead however. Here's a quick summary of the TOEFL landscape amongst MBA programs in England that I consider the top schools. Each school name can be clicked through to the page on their admissions website that contains instructions on assessing English proficiency.

London Business School:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no language requirement needed for the visa

Cambridge Judge:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no language requirement needed for the visa

Oxford Said:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no word on the language requirement for the visa

Manchester Business School:
Accepting TOEFL for admissions, no word on the language requirement for the visa

Warwick Business School:
apparently not accepting TOEFL for admissions

Cranfield School of Management:
accepting TOEFL, but including a note that the TOEFL is not accepted by the UK Home Office for Tier 4 visas

I am monitoring this situation and will post on it further when I have more information.

John Couke
john.couke@gmail.com

Interview with Mary Miller on the EMBA-Global (Asia) Program offered by Columbia, HKU and London Business School

I am pleased to present the following interview with Mary Miller, Program Director of the EMBA-Global Asia program offered by Columbia Business School, HKU Business School and London Business School.  

Career Impact

1. Have any of your students attempted a career change (changing their function, or even moving to a new company) after completing the program?

Yes, many of our students don’t wait to graduate before they change positions in their current company, accepted a new position with a different company or started their own business.  EMBA-Global Asia gives students confidence in their ability to take on new challenges and opportunities in addition to the support, knowledge and skills to do so.  While our program is still young, it is difficult to keep track of all the employment changes that happen during and after the program. These individuals are truly global citizens who are talented and sought after by international companies.

Admissions

2. What kind of TOEFL or IELTS score are you hoping to see? Is there a minimum for either test?

An important component of the program is the lively discussions that occur in and out of the classroom, so English fluency is critical to get the most out of the program.  However, we have no minimum score for either test.  All of our candidates are interviewed, so this offers an additional opportunity to demonstrate their English language ability. If we think candidates need to improve their English language skills, we encourage them to obtain this in various ways prior to the beginning of the program.

3. In some countries like Japan only very senior employees get management experience. How do you factor this in when weighing the managerial experience of applicants to the program? 

We are aware that the countries have different business practices and we think it is important to have diversity in the classroom.  An individual’s management experience is important, but so is his or her attitude and reasons for pursuing an EMBA degree.  Even a candidate without a lot of management experience can be a leader and have much to share and contribute.

4. I assume that company support makes it easier for students in the program to manage the scheduling and travel. However is company support a necessary component of an application?

We want students to get the most out of the program and think it is important for them to have the support of their employer in terms of time out of the office, and so this is required.  While financial support by the company is also encouraged, it is not required.  When a company gives a candidate time away from the office, this demonstrates a commitment to the individual’s professional development and is a very positive influence.

5. The academic background of applicants is mentioned on the admissions website - how important is the undergraduate GPA? What can applicants do if their GPA is relatively low (for instance below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale)?

While the academic background is important, the GPA is also the only aspect of the application that can’t be changed.  Most people have matured 5+ years after they were undergraduates.  They are business managers and leaders and we’ve found that their attitude and commitment is a critical component to their success in the classroom.  That said, it is always helpful to prepare for the rigors of the course work by reviewing material that may have been forgotten or not used for a long time. We have a pre-MBA online course that we encourage candidates to complete once they are admitted. They can do this at their own pace and this helps them determine areas where they may need to expend extra effort.

6. What range of GMAT scores are represented in the current class?

The GMAT seems to be the requirement that causes the most anxiety for applicants. We have no minimum score and only ask that candidates do their best.  Many EMBA programs don’t require the GMAT, but we do.  One of the unique features of the EMBA-Global Asia program is that our students take electives courses with students in other MBA programs at all the three schools (CBS, LBS and HKU).  We hold all students to the same high standard.  While applicants don’t like taking the GMAT as part of the admission process, after they are admitted they are proud of their accomplishment and are glad that it was required.  As you might expect with such a diverse group of candidates, the scores also vary widely.

The EMBA-Global Experience

7. Is all learning conducted in the classroom? A lot of people have the impression that EMBA programs mix short bursts of in-class learning with online-based assignments. How about your program?

All courses are taught in the classroom with lively discussion and interaction, but learning takes place in and out of the classroom.  What is so wonderful about EMBA programs is that you learn something in the class that you can apply the next day in at work. Students learn from each other all the time – in and out of the classroom. Since our students come from all over the world and work in teams across time zones outside of class, a lot of team projects and assignments are completed using a variety of tools – email, Skype, video-conferencing. 

8. Can you give an example as to how students can grow their network by meeting students from other programs in elective courses? From what programs are these students coming from?

This is one of the unique aspects of the program. In July, three CBS faculty members (one being Dean Hubbard) taught an elective course in Hong Kong at HKU.  The class included some EMBA-Global Asia students, but full-time and other executive MBA students from CBS and LBS also enrolled.  It was amazing how easily they connected with each other, and by the end of the week they all had new friends and colleagues.

Thank you Mary for your time!

John Couke

john.couke@gmail.com

Interview on London Business School Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy with Linden Selby, Senior Admissions Manager

Linden Selby is a Senior Admissions Manager at London Business School and was kind enough to answer my questions about the London Business School Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy Program. For further questions please email: sloan@london.edu

Applying

1. Some schools place a stronger emphasis than others on establishing relationships with applicants during the application stage. Where does LBS Sloan fit in here? Do you encourage people considering applying to reach out to your admissions staff and introduce themselves?

We encourage this early research, and offer CV reviews at an early stage. People whose career achievements and objectives are a good fit with Sloan and London Business School have the confidence to kickstart the application process. We take each candidate’s experience and objectives very seriously.  If we are not sure about this, we provide detailed feedback on alternative options, or how to plan for Sloan in the future. 

Many people find out about Sloan through their personal network – including alumni of 5, 10 and 20 years back, so it’s a good chance for us to make sure that each candidate is updated on the programme. And we love the engagement. 

2. How important is it to visit campus during the application process?

Not everyone can visit campus, so we are happy to have calls – and make sure candidates know about events in their region so they can get a taster of the LBS spirit without leaving home.  But, if you can get to London, the best time to do this is between January and July when you can integrate a class visit, meet the current Sloan Fellows and – if you apply in the January or May deadlines have your interview! 

3. Do you differentiate in any way between sponsored and non-sponsored applicants?

Our sponsor companies have robust selection processes, and select talented high performing managers who are at exactly the right point in their careers to contribute to the class, and return to add continued value in their organisations. We see them going on to senior strategic and often international roles – and celebrate their success.  Sponsored students complete the same application requirements. As they are chosen sometimes more than a year before the programme starts, we often have the chance to meet them.  

4. Your admissions website notes that "students generally have more than 12 years postgraduate work experience".  Is there a cut-off in terms of the number of years of experience? If not, what do students with less work experience need to show? 

We will review all applications, and the average experience is around 18 years. Typical Sloan Fellows will have achieved a position where they have depth and breadth of knowledge and be in a senior role with decision making responsibilities and often responsible for P&L. We do make exceptions – sometimes for people in Government roles, or professional roles where they will add unusual insights that would add value to the class experience. This is where the CV review can help as Sloan may be a good fit in 2-3 years’ time. 

The Experience

5. Is there anything in particular you recommend all admitted students study or learn prior to enrolling in the program? 

If you have time before the programme starts then Speed-reading is a useful skill! 

Seriously, sit down with your family and identify all the things you want to achieve in London, and share your vision of how the Sloan experience will be the first step towards achieving your future goals. If you are planning a change, start to refresh your networks, start early.  Read the business press more attentively, start to discuss some of the big issues, inspire yourself with great biographies.  All the pre-programme material you need will be provided before you start – and don’t read textbooks. Play golf, cook dinner with your kids, go on a road trip, do a weekend painting class, train for a marathon – enjoy all the things that you are passionate about, as your time will not be your own once the programme starts.

6. How do LBS Sloan Fellows interact with the larger LBS community?

The programme is designed to give Sloan Fellows real breadth of connection across the school learning community. Electives are taught across programmes, and Sloans are part of numerous clubs and societies from Acting to Private Equity. Some activities are designed specifically for our mid to senior career students, such as Career Panels and Executive Search company events. 

Sloan Fellows engage across the community, some will continue to support faculty research and continue the relationship after they have left LBS, some will return to lecture or provide practitioner insights at panels and in classes; others mentor and support less experienced students – such as the Masters in Management students who are new graduates. 

7. Could you identify and extrapolate on 1 or 2 key strengths of the curriculum of LBS Sloan?

Sloan prepares senior executives for global leadership positions, to effectively lead change and to set strategic direction that drives organisational performance. 

The Sloan curriculum is unified by three broad themes essential to leadership: 

1. Strategy – provides students with the tools to set the future direction of their organisation and lead organisational change. 

2. Leadership and change – inspires students to become effective leaders and influence others to help achieve goals. 

3. Global economy – students are provided with skills to analyse and understand major changes in the business world and benefit from global business opportunities. 

Prospective students also need to know that this is one of the most flexible programmes. You can do a full year and use the time for reflection and planning, or you can fast track and start to re-integrate with the workplace, using your new knowledge and skills in 6-7 months. 

8. There are some applicants who need to make the choice between LBS Sloan and a typical 1-year MBA in Europe. What to you would be a factor they should consider in order to help them differentiate between your program and a typical MBA?

Some potential applicants can only fund a one year MBA, but would like to do it at London Business School.  They should remember that our full time MBA can be completed in 15 months, and offers a fantastic additional value in internships, summer consulting projects and an unsurpassed choice of electives and international opportunities.  

Any applicant who requires an MBA qualification, or is anticipating a typical MBA career path should do an MBA. Sloan Fellows have additional experience, and will often have earned their MBA at an earlier career point. Sloan offers a focus on leadership, strategy and understanding the global economic environment. Courses such as Biography are designed for individuals with extensive career experience and achievement. For Sloan Fellows, this is about learning as much as the degree.

After Graduation

9. Given that you have a relatively senior group of students, can you tell us what percentage of your graduates change function after completing the program?

Sloans change function, and many change location. Some change industry, though that is often dependent on the economic situation. The % of Sloans in general management rises, and we see more in C-level roles. Most Sloan Fellows see significant change 2-3 years after graduation, or in their 2^nd post graduation role.  And we are seeing our alumni at the 10 year point now taking up Board and Non-Executive Director level positions. Here's a link to the Sloan Masters Employment Report 2012. 

10. What kind of alumni activities or events occur that help students maintain connections? 

Alumni reunion events, at 3 and 5 year intervals keep connections vibrant, and many stay on for London Business School’s flagship conference – the Global Leadership Summit which is scheduled around it.  The World Alumni Celebration Day (WAC) has 90+ alumni clubs around the world holding events and parties; in Tokyo every November the Beaujolais Nouveau party, started by a 2001 Sloan, has passed into a well-loved tradition of more than 10 years vintage!  

Alumni in London can drop into their own dedicated centre and the Alumni Relations teams organise lectures and events with Faculty whenever they are traveling to different regions. LBS has a global reach, with programmes in Dubai, Hong Kong and New York. 

LBS Sloan vs the EMBA-Global Asia Program

11. Lastly, could you tell us a bit about the EMBA-Global Asia program and how it differs from Sloan?

Some people really want their study experience to be immersive, and take them out of the day to day challenges. Others relish the opportunity to “earn and learn” and use their new knowledge, skills and networks to accelerate their career path. It takes a particular sort of courage to step out of the workplace to do a programme like Sloan, and courage to take on an Executive MBA that blends teaching and attendance across three continents. It runs over 20 months with teaching one week a month in Terms 1-3 and then elective courses, projects and trips in Terms 4 and 5.   

In practical terms EMBA-Global Asia students attend in Hong Kong, with blocks in London and Columbia Business Schools, and are taught by many of our strongest LBS and CBS faculty. They can choose electives across the schools, and have alumni status as well.  It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is already building business in Asia, Europe and the US and provides a powerful network. The program runs for 20 months. 

In terms of experience, Sloan Fellows tend to be on the upper end of the scale.  Executive MBAs will have around 10-11 years of experience, and will be achieving in their business functional role, or may be in an early General Management role. They come from all different sectors, some family businesses and some  entrepreneurs. Most Sloans and EMBA students will have families to consider – so if you are thinking about an EMBA, and negotiating with your boss, remember that you need sign off and support from your family and friends. 

Thanks Linden for your time!

John Couke

john.couke@gmail.com

London Business School Deadlines for 2012-13 Application Season

London Business School has published on its admissions website deadlines for those applying for the MBA program that will begin in the fall of 2013. Here are those deadlines:

Round 1:
Deadline - 10/4/2012
Interview Decision sent on 11/2/2012
Admission Decision sent on 12/13/2012


Round 2:

Deadline - 1/3/2013
Interview Decision sent on 2/8/2013
Admission Decision sent on 3/28/2013

Round 3:

Deadline - 2/28/2013
Interview Decision sent on 4/9/2013
Admission Decision sent on 5/16/2013

Round 4:

Deadline - 4/17/2013
Interview Decision sent on 5/29/2013
Admission Decision sent on 6/28/2013

Do confirm all information directly at the LBS admissions site.

John Couke

john.couke@gmail.com

London Business School 2012-13 MBA Admissions Essays

While the admissions deadlines for London Business School have (as of this posting) not been released, the essay prompts are available at the school's official admissions pages.  Here are the essay topics:

1. In what role or sector do you see yourself working immediately after graduation?  Why?  How will your past and present experiences help you achieve this?  How will the London Business School MBA Programme contribute to this goal? (500 words)

2. Where do you see your career progressing five years after graduation and what is your longer term career vision? (300 words)

3. Give a specific example of when you have had to test your leadership and / or team working skills either professionally, or outside of work. What role will you play in your first year study group? (300 words)

4. Student involvement is an extremely important part of the London MBA experience and this is reflected in the character of students on campus. What type of student club or campus community events will you be involved with and why? How will you contribute? (300 words)

5. London Business School offers a truly global and diverse experience. Describe any significant experiences outside of your home country or culture. What did you gain and how will your experience contribute to the School? (150 words)

6. Give an example of a person who, in your opinion, has made a profound impact on the way the world does business. How will this person influence your contribution to your MBA Programme at London Business School? (300 words)

7. (for reapplicants only) How has your candidacy for the London Business School MBA changed since your last application? (300 words) 

8. (additional information - this question is optional) This is not a compulsory essay but please complete if you would like the opportunity to clarify or expand upon any information submitted in your application. (no word limit given)

In their essay instructions, LBS notes that:

a) applicants need to write the word count at the end of each of their essays

b) applicants cannot write more than the specified word limit for each essay

c) candidates should not contact LBS for advice on how to approach or interpret the essays

As always, please confirm the latest information directly at the school's admissions website.

John Couke

john.couke@gmail.com

Evaluating the new GMAT Integrated Reasoning Section

GMAT's new Integrated Reasoning section is now a regular pat of the GMAT test. How will MBA programs evaluate your result?  The consensus seems to be that school admissions officers will continue relying on what they know well - the verbal, quantitative and AWA sections, to determine your academic potential, although by no means is every school disregarding the new section.  Read on through a short series of links to see what exactly schools are saying about the integrated reasoning section.

First, courtesy of ClearAdmit.com, a short refresher on what the test is and how it is scored:

GMAT Tips - Getting Ready for Integrated Reasoning: The Scoring

Now - how will schools be evaluating this new IR section?

The Stanford GSB admissions team wrote pretty directly that they will see the IR score, but will focus on the verbal, quant and AWA sections as they evaluate your candidacy.  After reviewing IR scores throughout this admissions year, they'll consider how to evaluate it for the next year:

Why You Shouldn't Worry about GMAT Integrated Reasoning

Poets&Quants, a portal to MBA applicants that provides high-level interviews, trends, analyses and information, recently offered this article on the Integrated Reasoning Section noting that several other school seems to be echoing Stanford's stance:

School to Ignore New GMAT Section

In the article, INSEAD and Kellogg are mentioned.  Here's what each has to say about the GMAT IR.

In INSEAD's admissions pages, they summarized the changes to the GMAT, and then in a series of FAQs noted that they will not be using IR scores until they are able to benchmark a candidate's score against a meaningful pool of applicants:

INSEAD: Changes to the GMAT Exam

Kellogg notes that while the IR section will provide an additional number, the numbers which provide them with a more consistent evaluation are the other sections of the GMAT:

Kellogg FAQ: How will your school use the Integrated Reasoning Section..

On a counterpoint, at The GMAT Project, they have summarized a GMAC (GMAT maker) twitter chat with admissions staff from both Wharton and the London School of Business.  According to the article, both schools will consider the IR section, though they won't consider it more important that any other part of the application:

Integrated Reasoning Section: Live Twitter Chat with Wharton and London Business School

Summary and Conclusions:

As you may anticipate, do your best on this new section.  Some schools state they will consider the numbers, and others don't, but the one thing we do know is that every school to which you apply will have your IR section score. So, as with anything else in your application, make sure it is as good as possible to help your chances of getting admitted to your top choice program.

John Couke

john.couke@gmail.com