It has been a long time coming, but you are now thinking about applying for an MBA program. While you could apply for any MBA program, you are looking schools with highly regarded programs like Harvard and Stanford. Getting into these programs is not as easy as you think, and aside from the standard application requirements, you'll also need to supply the opinions of others about you in the form of MBA recommendations letters.
That's right. It isn't something you would normally think you would need for enrolling in college courses but MBA recommendations are required in just about every MBA program you run across these days. Other requirements will include filling out an online application form, providing your previous college credit transcripts as well as your past curriculum and academic accomplishments. Along with all of this you will be required to write essays based on what qualifies you for the school's MBA program. Even harder will be your ability to find people willing to write solid recommendations for you.
The truth is that there is only so much room in the prestigious MBA programs and you really need to show that you stand above all the other applicants. And while no prior work experience is needed, it is always good to have. The MBA admissions boards want to know about you and how dedicated you really are to mastering business management. They will want to know from your work associates how effective you are as a leader and how willing you are to learn the art of business management.
Who do you select to write MBA recommendations for you? The best way to select the work associates is to follow the following guidelines; 1) Avoid having peers or those on your corporate level write your recommendations 2) Try to target associates high on the corporate chain as they will tend to know more about your contributions to the company as a whole and 3) Attain feedback from those who are sincerely interested in helping you.
While you should never write an MBA recommendation for yourself, you should be encouraged to work with those who are writing them about you so that you can highlight your strengths and leverage those in your recommendations and essays. This way all evidence will point to how well you would fit into a Harvard or Stanford MBA program.
If you are writing one for someone else, then be sure to focus on giving concrete examples of how they helped the company save money, and what strengths the individual has as well as how an MBA program might help them.
Putting the time into your recommendation letters will take you far when it comes to winning over those who are asking themselves if you are good enough for their MBA program. You don't want to leave them with any doubt that you are the perfect candidate for the job, and that you are interested in using the knowledge you gain to represent the business community successfully.
Focusing on leadership potential, business interest and concrete results will convince an MBA admissions board of your worth and convince them that you should be chosen above all others. Even going through the process of attaining recommendation letters is an educational experience in itself, and will help you become more successful as you climb the corporate ladder.