There are a lot of opportunities to network in person or online with schools. However, there are a few companies that offer a comprehensive and immersive experience to MBA admissions events and networking opportunities.

1. Attend Business school events and fairs

MBA Fair

Business schools around the world want to know potential candidates and allow them to know the school in turn. It is an opportunity to connect and build rapport with the admission committee. Many universities participate in events and fairs around the globe conducted by QS World MBA Tour, The MBATOUR, ACCESS MASTERS Tour, Access MBA Tour, Poets, and Quants Backstage Event YouTube Playlist, etc. Events and Fairs have gone virtual for this year application cycle. Online events present challenges to connect to a human level, unlike in-person. But this has affected all students equally and business schools are aware of the challenges themselves. However, it has made attending an event online more convenient for some candidates, who would have otherwise problems attending a fair in a different city or probably a different country by taking few days off from work. Thus attending online events takes away most of the logistical challenges and allows you to engage in 1–1 conversation with the school representatives.

You can find out about any upcoming events of a particular school by visiting the school website. Another benefit of attending events/fairs is that you can be eligible for an application fee waiver. Schools such as — Duke University’s Fuqua Business School, Vanderbilt University’s Owen Business School, Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, etc. offer an application fee waiver for students who visit their table in an MBA fair. QS MBA event attendees are eligible for scholarships of up to $7 million. Most importantly, students can find their fit and know a lot about the school that they can never find on the internet. Business schools love students who do their due diligence before applying. It is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions to know more about the school and its program. Later on, you can talk about your experience in your interviews. You can find the links to the upcoming events for 2020–2021 application cycle at the end of the article

2. Connect with alumni and current students

Duke University Campus, today.duke.com

Since any on-campus visit is canceled for the foreseeable future, students can benefit by connecting with as many current students and alumni as possible. The best way to know a school culture is to visit the campus, sit in a classroom, and talk with the students. Your heart will know your right fit. You can learn about the school culture by connecting with current students and alumni over a ZOOM call or check out Orbit. When you approach students from various schools they would be, more often than not, very responsive and helpful, if not, you can assess the collaborativeness of the student community.

MBA and MASTERS Program event/fair links

QS World MBA TOUR- Registration and participating schools— https://www.topmba.com/events/

*Access Masters EVENT schedule India

AccessMasters — Registration and Participating schools — https://www.accessmasterstour.com/events

*Access MBA EVENT Schedule India

AccessMBA — Registration and Participating Schools — https://www.accessmba.com/events

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about MBA Networking

Q1: How should I prepare before attending an MBA fair or event?

Research the participating schools beforehand and identify those that align with your goals. Prepare a few thoughtful questions for each school that can't be easily answered by their website. Have a concise "elevator pitch" about yourself, your background, and your MBA aspirations. If it's an online event, ensure your technology is working and you have a professional setting.

Q2: What kind of questions are appropriate to ask admissions officers or alumni?

Ask questions that show genuine interest and prior research. Good topics include specific aspects of the curriculum, unique program features, campus culture from a student/alumni perspective, career services effectiveness in your target industry, or advice on strengthening your application for their specific school. Avoid questions easily found online (e.g., "What's your average GMAT?").

Q3: How can I make a good impression during online networking events?

Dress professionally, ensure your background is neat and tidy, and minimize distractions. Use a clear profile picture if video is off. Be an active listener, engage thoughtfully in chats or Q&A sessions, and be concise with your questions. Follow up with a brief thank-you note or LinkedIn connection request if appropriate, referencing a specific point from the conversation.

Q4: Is it necessary to attend these events if I have a strong application otherwise?

While not strictly mandatory, attending events demonstrates interest ("demonstrated interest" is a factor some schools consider). More importantly, it's an invaluable opportunity for you to learn firsthand about the schools, assess fit, and gather insights that can strengthen your application essays, particularly the "Why this school?" components. It can also provide networking opportunities and sometimes application fee waivers.

Simplify Your College Admissions Journey

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