Tag: mba (page 1 of 22)

Mastering the Employer Sponsorship Conversation,
As Told by Current MBAs

Pursuing an MBA while working full-time allows you to immediately apply new skills and knowledge to drive your career forward. For those considering an MBA program, seeking employer sponsorship can supplement your financial planning and make a top-ranked program more accessible. The Texas McCombs School of Business offers Evening and Executive MBA options in Austin, and Weekend MBA programs in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, all catered to working professionals, giving you the the ability to complete your advanced studies without career disruption. As you consider Texas McCombs and determine how to fund this investment, here’s how to have an effective conversation about receiving tuition support from your company.  

First, employer tuition sponsorship refers to companies funding all or part of an employee’s graduate school costs. This usually includes tuition reimbursement up to a set amount per year. It may also cover textbook purchases, travel for residencies, and time off to study and attend classes.  

Securing MBA employer sponsorship can be advantageous for both employees pursuing further education, as well as for companies supporting their staff. Some key advantages include:  

Benefits for Employees Benefits for Employers
Reduce out-of-pocket education expenses Improve talent retention
Position yourself for a promotion Encourage professional development
Gain skills to help you advance Gain employees with upgraded skills

Initiating the Sponsorship Conversation 

When looking to secure employer support for an MBA program, it is strategic to lay the groundwork with your manager early on. A current Dallas MBA student said, “My biggest piece of advice is to start the conversation with your manager about your MBA early on. Once I started doing research, I sought out my manager’s advice. We discussed my decision criteria, whether it was the right time to go, etc. This way, when it came time to talk about employer support it was 1 – not a surprise and 2 – came from a place of furthering my career, which is beneficial for both parties.” 

When the time comes to formally request financial backing, prepare specifics on your program of interest and anticipated costs. Antonio Hung (MBA at Houston) took this approach by first getting organized and gathering all the information possible.

“First, I made sure to understand our company’s sponsorship policies, then I set up a face-to-face meeting on a Friday afternoon with my manager to talk about my career goals and how pursuing an MBA could benefit both me and the organization. I was honest and transparent about my ambitions and how the program could contribute to our mutual success.”

The most compelling case ties your development to benefits for your employer. As Michael De Lucia (Evening MBA) did, “I explained that I thought getting my MBA would help me to be a more effective leader and build more core competencies that would directly benefit our team.” He connected his request to previous career path discussions showing how the MBA aligned with his roadmap, and highlighted how bringing back knowledge could aid his team. 

Tips for an Effective Discussion 

Having an organized, compelling case for tuition assistance is key to securing employer sponsorship. Useful strategies include: 

  • Looking at our curriculum to find specific classes/opportunities that McCombs provides that would benefit your company’s objectives and help you improve or advance in your role
  • Highlight the access to expert faculty and a wide range of other business professionals to learn from and to help you spark new ideas
  • Emphasize the strength of the Longhorn Network of students and alumni. This can come in handy should your company have openings they need to fill
  • Quantify the anticipated return on investment and performance benefits 
  • Align your goals to your manager’s career plans for you
  • Start the conversation early while applying, when your reasons for pursuing an MBA are fresh 

In my case, the areas I wanted to develop through the MBA were roughly the same developmental areas that I knew were going to get me on a better trajectory inside my current company, so I leveraged some of the same talking points from my application and my essays to talk to my manager about it,” said Giuliano Seguro (Evening MBA). “I also anchored on the example of peers and other people at the company that also had done an MBA and how it affected their trajectory within the company. One thing that really helped was introducing my manager to the managers of these other peers that had gone through the MBA so that my manager could understand from someone in their position what was like for them to have someone on their team that had gone through a similar program.” 

Addressing Challenges &
Managing Expectations

Your manager may be hesitant for reasons like budget restrictions or concerns about work disruptions. Be ready to make a case by highlighting your past performance. Offer reasonable accommodations like using vacation time to attend residencies or making up hours spent in classes. 

One of the more significant challenges I encountered during my MBA was a change of reporting lines,” said Kelly Benda (MBA at Houston). With the managerial change, I needed to be sure that my new manager was not only aware of the sponsorship agreement, but also supportive of the associated time commitment. To make sure each transition went smoothly, I initiated the discussion early.Every manager is different, but transparency was always the priority. I outlined the time commitments and potential impacts to my schedule and work. In some of my roles, my job included some weekend operational support, so I was constantly communicating with my manager when I was concerned about any conflicts with the weekend class schedule.”

Once sponsorship is secured, it’s vital to proactively manage expectations. Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to discuss program updates, workload changes, and potential flexibility needed for exams or course commitments. Come prepared with clear talking points and be transparent about any struggles so you can collaboratively problem-solve.

Seguro emphasized overcommunication: “I made sure that nothing came as a surprise to my manager at any time during the program. I had to get out of my comfort zone and learn to ask for help when needed. My manager knew what was going on with my MBA at all times and whenever I needed to re-balance priorities at work to fit the MBA and vice-versa, we were always able to find a solution together.” 

Share what you learn in the classroom with your manager and team. Not only does this benefit your team with the latest research on a topic, but it also demonstrates the value your employer is gaining by sponsoring you in the program. Often you will have the opportunity to use a team project assignment in class to solve an issue for your company. Look for these opportunities to showcase the benefits your employer is gaining through your experience and connections. 

I had a frank conversation with my manager on what I thought I would be able to reasonably take on while pursuing my MBA and they were candid in their expectations towards me. I detailed out the structure of the program (e.g. class Monday & Tuesday) and how I would be unavailable during those times but offered that I would be able to make up for that later in the week should it be needed,” DeLucia said. “My manager set the expectation that I prioritize and get my work done on time and that if there were things that I was struggling with bandwidth-wise that I would communicate and be upfront about it.”  

How Sponsorship Shapes Your
Career Trajectory
 

Securing employer assistance for MBA tuition not only eases financial barriers but influences career growth in meaningful ways. By backing educational investment in their people, companies open up expanded advancement routes and signal retention priorities. 

As Hung shared, it “gave me the confidence to pursue a working professional MBA without compromising my career trajectory. It reinforced my commitment to personal and professional growth while strengthening my alignment with the organization’s goals.” When companies invest in tuition assistance, it signals retention plans and advancement potential. 

For DeLucia, getting sponsorship approval “solidified that I would be able to successfully pursue the degree financially” and served as a catalyst. By easing the monetary constraints, he could accelerate his timeline and optimize his learning. 

The fresh knowledge gained also opens up new trajectories internally. As Seguro experienced, support enabled realizing “there was still runway for me to grow inside the company in areas I didn’t think possible before the MBA.” New business perspectives connected opportunities to pivot roles. 

As Matt Bowen (Evening MBA) summarized, sponsorship facilitates “this great synergy where what you learn on Monday, you can apply on Tuesday and what is learned on Tuesday gets applied on Wednesday, and so on.” When companies sponsor tuition, they reap the benefits of elevated employee skills and can quickly apply emerging lessons at work. The outcome is growth and mobility for both sponsored professionals and their supportive employers alike. 

Pursuing an MBA while maintaining your career is a challenging yet rewarding path that leads to immense personal and professional growth. By securing employer sponsorship, financial barriers can be reduced, and unique opportunities unlocked. With transparent communication, shared vision, and ongoing collaboration, employees and companies together reap the multitude of benefits from this valuable investment. The outcome is strategically aligned career progression, optimized talent development, and synergistic gains on both sides. Now equipped with tips for securing sponsorship, you can confidently initiate the conversation and put plans in motion to propel yourself toward your next-level goals. 


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023 Sets New Records in Employment Outcomes

Students in the Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023 accomplished remarkable success in their post-graduation employment outcomes. Among the 271 students who matriculated in the Full-Time MBA Class of 2023, an impressive 90% received job offers within three months after graduation and 89% accepted these positions, contributing to the attainment of the highest average base salary in school history – $157,735, making a significant 9% increase from the preceding year.

Click here for a detailed overview of the Texas McCombs Class of 2023 Salary Statistics.

This year’s key insights highlight the unique and exceptional achievements of our McCombs MBAs. They secured positions across a spectrum of 12 different industries, showcasing the comprehensive interests and adaptability of our students. The consulting function, in particular, saw a significant uptick, with 44% of our graduates entering full-time careers in this field.  

Moreover, 74% of acceptances were in consulting, financial services, and technology combined. Recognizing the exceptional talent in our McCombs 2023 graduates, 4 out of 5 Fortune 5 companies hired graduates for key positions within their organizations.   

Facilitating this success, the Texas McCombs Career Management and Corporate Relations (CMCR) team plays a pivotal role in preparing students for their job search. The team provides a strategic planning course, coaching appointments with school career consultants and industry experts, and career workshops, among other events and experiential learning opportunities. 80% of graduate offers were obtained through school-facilitated resources, underscoring the strength of McCombs’ career management initiatives.

Specifically, the Strategic Career Planning course equips students with skills needed to compete in various industries, combining theoretical frameworks with practical market insights gained from employer recruiting support. Delivered in year one of the MBA experience, this course aids students in building a strong career foundation. It progresses students through their Career Management Framework, helping MBAs evaluate their priorities, assess the job market, develop a personalized plan, and ultimately launch their overarching career strategy.  

90% Offers Received 3 months after graduation 89% Offers accepted 3 months after graduation

Reflecting the exceptional accomplishments of the Class of 2023, we proudly announce a historic milestone – the highest average salary in school history, reaching $157,735. Additionally, the average signing bonus stands at $32,915, marking a 6% uptick from 2022.  

$157,735 - Average Salary Reported by 177 Students, $32,915 - Average Signing Bonus reported by 140 Students

Examining job acceptances by industry reveals the wide-ranging success of our graduates. A substantial 43% of acceptances were in consulting, 16% in financial services, and 15% in technology. Noteworthy growth was observed in consumer-packaged goods (6%), energy (5%), retail (4%), and manufacturing (4%).  

Acceptances by Industry 43% Consulting, 16% Financial Services, 15% Technology, 6% Consumer-Packaged Goods, 5% Energy, 4% Retail, 4% Manufacturing

We are so thankful to the entire Texas McCombs community of faculty, staff, employers, and alumni who have played a valuable role in helping our MBAs achieve impressive outcomes. The Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA Class of 2023’s journey has been marked by outstanding achievements, industry diversification, and a continued commitment to excellence. As we reflect on these accomplishments, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact our graduates will make in various sectors.  


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events or take a peek into student life on Instagram. For any inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MBA Admissions Team. We look forward to connecting with you on your journey to success.

Hook ‘Em!

Reapplying to Texas McCombs

With each new admissions cycle, questions come in from those who have applied in the past about applying again to join the next class of Texas McCombs MBAs.  

First, having applied in a previous year is not considered a negative factor in your application.

We are pleased to see your continued interest in the program and will evaluate your new application on its merits and in the context of the new applicant pool, just as if you are applying for the first time. Below is an overview of important info and tips for reapplying to the MBA program that we hope you find helpful.
 

burnt orange button that reads "watch our reapplication webinar"

Application

All candidates reapplying are required to complete a new application. We have also updated our application components to include a cover letter, video assessment, and optional peer interview. You will be required to submit these new items and pay the application fee. Our cover letter prompt has changed from last year, so copying and pasting old essay responses from a previous application cycle is not recommended. In addition, rewriting your cover letter shows effort!  

Review the application process and components 

Learn more about the new application updates 

Official Transcripts

We keep your official transcript on file for one year. You will need to submit your transcripts again if you have taken any additional coursework or if you applied more than one year ago. After you apply, you can always review your application status on the “MyStatus” page to make sure you have up-to-date transcripts.  

Test Scores

GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE and Executive Assessment scores are also kept on file for one year, and overall, scores are valid five years after the date the test is taken. Candidates also have the option to apply for a merit-based test waiver; however note that if you have already sent us official scores, we must consider them in the evaluation process. The McCombs Admissions Committee considers only the highest total submitted score in the evaluation of applications. 

Recommendation Letter   

Although not required, we suggest you submit a new letter of recommendation. Determine if another recommender may provide a more current, insightful, and thorough perspective on your experience. If you choose to submit a prior recommendation, you will need to email MBA Admissions with a request to resubmit.  

Video Assessment 

Reapplicants will be asked to complete the new 2023-2024 video assessment as part of their new application; due to differences in timing and questions, we will be unable to use any video assessments from the prior year. 

 How Have You Improved?  

While completing your application, you will be asked, “Since your previous application, what steps have you taken to enhance your candidacy?” The Admissions Committee reviews this answer closely so please ensure that you spend time reflecting on and explaining these improvements.  

Choosing to reapply to the MBA program shows perseverance and dedication. We encourage you to consider giving yourself a fresh start when you approach your new application. Think through and reassess your application, address any weak areas, and add new information that may be helpful in the admission process. 


If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Ready to Elevate Your Career? MBA Application Now Open

Full-Time, Working Professional & Executive MBA Candidates

Calling all aspiring business changemakers! McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin is thrilled to announce the MBA application for Full-Time, Evening, and Executive programs in Austin, as well as the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, is now open for Fall 2024 entry. With a tradition of excellence in business education and a commitment to fostering innovative leaders, Texas McCombs provides a transformative learning experience that prepares students for success in the ever-evolving global landscape.  

Application Components 

As part of the Texas McCombs MBA admissions process, all applicants are required to complete all application components. The Admissions Committee aims to holistically assess candidates’ academic, professional, and personal achievements. Our objective is to determine if you are a good fit for Texas McCombs and ensure we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application.  

Unless otherwise noted in the respective MBA program sections below, the following application components are required this cycle:  

Test Scores: Standardized test scores are a part of the application. All programs accept test scores from GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and Executive Assessment, unless applicants qualify for a waiver.  More on the test waiver petition later.

English Proficiency Test: International students must submit an English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS) unless they qualify for a waiver.

Academic Transcripts: Applicants must upload official undergraduate and graduate transcripts (if applicable) from all colleges and universities attended. These transcripts provide insights into the applicant’s academic background and achievements.

Resume: Applicants are asked to provide a detailed resume or CV highlighting their work experience, educational background, and extracurricular activities.

One Professional Recommendation: A letter of recommendation is required, preferably from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s professional capabilities and potential for success in the MBA program.

Video Assessment: Applicants will participate in a video assessment, providing a unique opportunity for them to showcase their communication skills, personality, and passion for business. 

Application Cover Letter: The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your communication and writing skills.

Additional Full-Time MBA Application Components 

Optional Peer Interview: All MBA applicants may close out their application process and complete a short, optional virtual interview, allowing them to connect with Full-Time MBA students. 

Additional Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components 

MBA Admissions Interview: Every Working Professional & Executive MBA candidate will complete an interview with a member of the admissions committee. The interview format is behavioral-based.  

Application Deadlines  

Texas McCombs offers multiple application deadline rounds to accommodate applicants’ varying schedules and to ensure they have ample time to submit their best applications. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round. All MBA programs enroll annually every August. 

For the Full-Time MBA program, the deadlines for the upcoming year are as follows: 

Round 1: October 10, 2023
Round 2: January 5, 2024
Round 3: March 26, 2024*
Round 4: May 9, 2024

*Final deadline for international applicants

 

Applications for the Working Professional MBA program, including the Evening MBA in Austin and Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, are accepted in four rounds.

Round 1: October 10, 2023
Round 2: January 23, 2024
Round 3: March 26, 2024
Round 4: May 28, 2024

 

Applications for the Executive MBA are accepted in three rounds. 

Round 1: October 10, 2023
Round 2: February 13, 2024
Round 3: May 28, 2024

Test Requirements and Waivers  

To provide MBA candidates with additional flexibility, applicants have more options than ever before when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application. All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score. We will waive the testing requirement if: 

  • Expired (taken 5+ years ago) GMAT, GRE, or EA score is submitted 
  • General Test Waiver (merit-based) is approved 

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, GMAT Focus, and EA help us to evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is also one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants. However, there are some scenarios where a candidate’s application might shine without the standardized test. Learn more about the criteria required to apply for a general test waiver. 

Once the GMAT Focus is launched in late fall, Texas McCombs will accept both the current GMAT test type and the new GMAT Focus test type.  


Full-Time MBA 

The Full-Time MBA program at Texas McCombs is designed for individuals seeking an immersive and transformative business education experience. With a rigorous curriculum, a unique and talented cohort, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the Full-Time MBA program prepares graduates to excel in their careers and make a significant impact in the business world.  

Looking for more detail on the Full-Time MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.  

Working Professional MBA 

The Working Professional MBA program is tailored for ambitious professionals who wish to pursue an MBA while continuing to work. Offered in the evenings in Austin or on alternating weekends in Dallas/Fort Worth or Houston, this program allows students to balance their professional and academic commitments effectively. With a focus on flexibility and practical learning, the Working Professional MBA program empowers students to enhance their leadership skills and advance their careers without interrupting their work schedules. 

Looking for more detail on the Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.

Executive MBA 

The Executive MBA program is designed for seasoned professionals with extensive leadership experience. Through a blend of dynamic classroom sessions and experiential learning opportunities, the program equips executives with the knowledge and insights necessary to address complex business challenges confidently. The Executive MBA program also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among participants, creating a valuable network of high-impact business leaders. 

Looking for more detail on the Working Professional & Executive MBA Application Components? Click here to access a curated list of blogs on this topic.  

Our Commitment to You 

Our goal is for these application components to exemplify our commitment to a human-centered, future-focused approach. We deeply value each candidate’s individual journey and recognize the potential they bring to our program.  

Ready to join the ranks of successful Texas McCombs MBA alumni and take the next step in your career? Join us as we shape a class of talented individuals with different perspectives, pioneering a path toward a brighter and more impactful future in business education. The application is now open, and we look forward to reviewing your submission. 


If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

Who Should Write Your MBA Recommendation?

The Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA application requires one professional letter of recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or has assessed your performance during your career.

A recommendation letter is one of the only things you rely on someone else to provide in your application. Circumstances differ for every applicant and deciding who you should ask will vary.  Below are some scenarios to help guide you in choosing the best recommender for your application.

Your Supervisor

Your current direct supervisor is traditionally the best choice. This is likely the person in your network that knows your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. However, this may not be a viable option for you.  Perhaps you aren’t able to communicate to your employer that you’re applying to business school or you do not work with your direct boss that closely. It could also be that you attained a new role recently and your current supervisor has not had a chance to work with you very much. Or,  you’re an entrepreneur & don’t have a supervisor.

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources, but remember that if you do not ask your current supervisor to write your recommendation letter, we do ask that you explain your choice in the Optional Statement.

Your Former Supervisor

If you cannot ask your current direct supervisor to write your recommendation, maybe you can ask a previous supervisor? Depending on how recently you worked with them, the “old boss” may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is also a very common option.

Your Indirect Supervisor

Asking an indirect supervisor can be another option, especially if you’ve worked with this person closely on past assignments or long-term projects.  This is a nice alternative to a supervisor that you may not work with closely.

Your Client or Vendor

This type of recommendation source is especially useful for entrepreneurs or for applicants who work for a family business.

If you work for a family business, it is preferred that you ask an individual outside of your family to write your letter of recommendation.

Your Mentor

Mentors inside or outside of your workplace are great to have in your corner when it comes time to apply to business school. However, be sure that your mentor has a clear understanding of your current professional value, not just your potential or future goals. Select a mentor with whom you have worked with on measurable tasks to ensure that they will provide a recommendation with depth.  Keep in mind that the admissions committee is looking for someone who has worked with you professionally.

Other Options

There are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach.

When it comes to these options: use your best judgment. An undergraduate professor may not be the best person to address some of the questions posed on the recommendation form and we’re looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience.  Direct reports should never submit a letter of recommendation on behalf of their boss, so steer clear of that scenario. And don’t focus only on title– the CEO of a large company may sound like an impressive recommendation, but unless they work with you closely, the recommendation letter will likely fall short of delivering on the information that the admissions committee is looking for.

You’ve chosen a recommender. What’s next?

First, before asking your recommender to take this on, keep in mind that they are likely a busy individual – be sure to give them plenty of notice prior to an approaching application deadline.

Secondly, give them a heads-up about your request. You don’t want to blindly email someone and ask them to write something for you without having a conversation. Sometimes it’s good to revisit certain projects you worked on with them. Most importantly, explain to your recommender why you’re pursuing an MBA. Giving them some context behind your ask will go a long way and will likely result in a stronger letter.

Finally, make sure you give them all the info on the recommendation before you ask.  Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation.  Your recommender will be asked to assess specific competencies and traits, as well as answer three explicit questions.  While there will be other programs using this form,  some schools will ask a series of different questions.  If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to fill out and separately submit different forms.


If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Please visit our website for details on applying to each program and follow us on Instagram for an inside look into the Texas McCombs MBA. 

Good luck and Hook ’em!

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