Tag: whymccombs (page 1 of 8)

Navigating MBA Funding Opportunities at Texas McCombs as a Student Veteran

Student veterans bring a unique perspective to the MBA classroom, shaped by their exceptional leadership abilities and experiences gained during military service. Their backgrounds and strategic mindset contribute to dynamic learning environments and deeper discussions. For veterans considering their post-service career paths, pursuing an MBA can be a transformative opportunity to leverage their skills and experiences for professional growth and advancement. Here, we are dedicated to guiding Texas McCombs Military MBAs through this journey and providing the support they need to thrive. 

Why Consider an MBA as a Veteran? 

There are several compelling reasons for veterans to pursue MBAs: 

  • Complement Leadership Skills: An MBA will expand your business and management competencies to complement the exceptional leadership skills cultivated during military service. 
  • Develop Strategic & Analytical Thinking: MBA programs teach innovative approaches to dissecting problems and developing winning solutions that translate to strategic advantages in any field. 
  • Job Mobility & Acceleration: An MBA credential enhances professional advancement opportunities, whether transitioning into civilian roles or seeking to further a military career. The knowledge gained through an MBA program can lead to new opportunities and accelerate career growth.  
  • Improve Assignment & Promotion Prospects: The MBA credential demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and personal development, positioning veterans for success in leadership roles.  

Is an MBA Worth it for Veterans? 

Pursuing an MBA provides veterans with opportunities to transition into business and civilian workplaces. An MBA clarifies career pathways and opens access to management-track positions that an operational background alone may not offer. The MBA also enables veterans to speak the language of business, boosting their value and versatility across industries and sectors. 

Can I use VA Education Benefits? 

Students admitted to VA SAA-approved programs may choose to use their VA Education Benefits. UT Austin certifies benefit requests for Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31), Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), and Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) in accordance with VA policies. 

The following benefit types do not pay a tuition benefit but will pay a monthly stipend to eligible students: Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30), Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35), and Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). 

These benefits cover eligible tuition (based on student eligibility percentage) and may pay a book stipend and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) stipend:  Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E Chapter 31). 

For details on how to request benefit certification visit UT’s Veteran Certification Veteran Education Benefits website.  

In addition to requesting benefit certification Evening & Executive MBA students: If you are a nonresident or have not yet been classified as a resident, contact the Residency Office (residency@austin.utexas.edu) for questions regarding VA Education Benefits Non-Resident tuition waiver or re-classification to Texas Resident for tuition purposes.

Many top-ranked MBA programs, including Texas McCombs, offer additional financial assistance through scholarships, military tuition waivers, and other funding options. Understanding and maximizing the available benefits can alleviate the financial commitment of pursuing a Texas McCombs MBA.

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) stipend considerations: MHA amounts are determined by the VA and vary based on enrollment status. Some months you may have full-time enrollment and full-time MHA. Other months you would have less than full-time enrollment and thus you would receive partial or no payments. It’s essential to understand how enrollment levels may impact MHA payments throughout the academic year.  

For example, if you were enrolled in 10 hours over an entire term and you completed 6 of those hours mid-term, the VA may consider you full-time for the first half of the term and pay you MHA accordingly. The VA would consider you less than full-time for the second half of the term (even though UT considers you full-time for the entire semester) and pay or not pay you accordingly.  

For more information regarding MHA, please contact UT’s Veteran Certification Team (gibill@austin.utexas.edu; (512) 475-7540). 

Out-of-Pocket/Program Waiver Details: The total program cost is itemized by three categories: tuition (generally about 80-85% of the total charges), course materials, and non-tuition fees. For students using Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the Department of Veterans Affairs will cover your tuition at your percentage of eligibility.  

To supplement the VA’s Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) tuition contribution, our program will apply a waiver to your course materials and non-tuition fees at a matching rate. For instance, if you have 100% Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) eligibility, your tuition and expenses will be fully covered, with the exception of your plane ticket to your Global Academic destination, and any optional items you choose to purchase, such as MBA paraphernalia. 

Hazlewood Act Exemption and Texas Military Waiver: While the Hazlewood Act Exemption is not applicable to all programs, such as the Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth and Weekend MBA at Houston, Texas McCombs offers the Texas Military Waiver to eligible veterans, providing financial assistance toward program costs. 

Applications for the Texas Military Waiver will require a Certificate of Eligibility, a DD Form 214, and a notarized affidavit (a sample will be provided to you upon admission). Please submit all items to StudentBilling@mccombs.utexas.edu 

Pursuing an MBA as a veteran offers a transformative opportunity to leverage military skills and experiences for professional growth and advancement. Understanding available benefits, financial assistance programs, and application procedures is crucial for veterans embarking on their MBA journey with Texas McCombs. We remain committed to supporting veterans and active-duty military personnel in achieving their academic and career goals.  

For additional assistance or inquiries,
please reach out to:
 
 

UT Austin Veteran Certification 
gibill@austin.utexas.edu
(512) 475-7540 

 

Lanita Hidalgo 
StudentBilling@mccombs.utexas.edu  


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!

Executive MBA NYC Immersion: Leadership and Cultural Exchange

This post is written by Sean Ashby, Executive MBA ’25. 

Every semester the Executive MBA cohort takes a trip off campus for a long weekend where students get exposure to different industries and participate in rigorous experiential learning opportunities. Last semester we went to New York City where we got to network with alumni, visit Morgan Stanley, and got an executive seminar on thinking on your feet and conveying emotion with a business-focused improv class on Broadway.

Our class arrived Wednesday afternoon, excited for the experiential learning opportunity that awaited us. We all had a family-style Italian dinner at Carmine’s. It was a sight it was to see an entire Executive MBA cohort seated upstairs enjoying some New York City Italian cuisine.

one photo of the Carmine's neon sign outside. photo two features the inside of the restaurant with students eating.

Executive MBA Students out to dinner at Carmine’s in New York City.

Bright and early the very next morning we met with the Head of Strategic Client Solutions and Co-CEO of Macquarie Capital, Miki Edelman. This intimate setting proved to be a blessing as we got to ask questions about Miki’s career and learn the details of what helped take her career to the stratosphere in her industry. Miki not only shared her challenges and successes but gave us all advice on how to make our way into the C-suite.

Laura Correnti, Partner at Giant Spoon, an ad and marketing agency, spoke to us about the importance of branding in the marketplace.

Following the intimate career discussions with two industry insiders we went to Morgan Stanley where we spent the afternoon learning about the operations of the financial giant. From AI and Crypto initiatives to investing strategies for high-net-worth individuals and families, we all got exposure to the teams making the financial world turn.

man lecturing in front of a screen in a classroom

Lecture with Morgan Stanley.

The cohort spent the evening on a rooftop bar off of Broadway meeting alumni and networking over hors d’oeuvres. Meeting alumni in the city was refreshing. We all learned of their post-Executive MBA outcomes and gained new connections.

Despite the late night, we all attended the executive seminar and improv sessions on Broadway led by Professor McDermott.  Many of us were anxious at the thought of being on a stage in front of our cohort, but the nerves quickly dissipated as we maneuvered through various exercises. The seminar that we all were once apprehensive for became a crowd favorite by the end. We all learned more about ourselves and our classmates and came away with new skills that were directly transferable to the business world.

Students performing improv at a Dunder Mifflin set.

Students preform improv on a Dunder Mifflin set.

Professor Luis Martins led us to a close on Friday and Saturday as we discussed the dynamics of power and politics in the corporate setting. As we discussed case studies and strategies to make better decisions Professor Martins instilled upon us the duty we will have as leaders to get it right for our peers and subordinates. “Design trumps management” as we have routinely discovered throughout the course.

An optional guided tour of The Met was the perfect aperitif for an immersion week steeped in leadership development, branding, decision-making, and thinking on your feet. Like the UT motto “What Happens Here Changes the World”, what happened in New York City helped mold us into future leaders and decision-making athletes for the corporate world

statue

Hook ‘em!
Sean Ashby, EMBA ’25


If you have any questions about Texas McCombs, 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!  

Celebrating Our Military MBAs This Veterans Day

This post is written by Lauren Logan.

This Veterans Day we are celebrating and honoring all of our active and former military MBA students.

Here at Texas McCombs, we understand that navigating the transition between military life and graduate education can be difficult – and we are here to help! All veterans and active military applicants qualify for an application fee waiver to any of our five MBA programs. Applicants also have the option of petitioning for a test waiver to waive the test score requirement.

Military applicants are also encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to connect with other veterans on campus and through virtual chats with members of the Texas Veterans in Business (TViB) student organization. TViB serves as the primary student organization for veterans pursuing an MBA. The organization offers plenty of opportunities to get to know other military students and to form a community with students who share a similar background. In addition, the Student Veterans Association regularly assists students with their relocation to Austin and offers programs to support military students’ success on campus.

Working Professional MBA Spotlights

Patrick Guide II
MBA at Houston ’25

Photo of Patrick in uniform.

Patrick served 6 years as a Marine Corps Engineer Officer and is a first-year student in our Weekend MBA at Houston program. Patrick attributes the success he has had in the program to the leadership and adaptability skills he learned throughout his time in the military and believes that his time at McCombs will further reinforce these skills and will prepare him well for an executive career post-MBA.

“I take pride in being a servant leader who is passionate about solving problems and serving people. I chose the McCombs MBA program because I believe this experience will position me for roles of greater impact. My desire is to play a role in creating a better tomorrow and McCombs is a crucial part of that pursuit.”

“The MBA program is a challenging adjustment, especially being years removed from school, but learning to adapt is a key skill I believe most veterans possess. Naturally, the discipline gained through military experience is also very beneficial. I came in understanding that networking is very important but I’ve never been exposed to as many opportunities and connections as with the McCombs program. There are many opportunities to mentor and to be mentored as well. Being comfortable working with very diverse groups of people is critical to being successful in the MBA environment.”

“Because my final years of service were in the reserves, I have experienced balancing multiple obligations at once. As a working professional in the MBA at Houston program, that skill set is definitely beneficial and being developed even further. Relearning how to be a student has been a tough but rewarding process. My experience in the program has already given me a more holistic perspective of business and society as a whole. I’ve learned leadership lessons that I know will be very applicable to solving future problems and I’ve been able to leverage my experience to contribute to thoughtful conversations considering a diverse range of perspectives.”

Patrick plans to pursue an executive career post-MBA, continuing on his path as a servant leader while combining skills from both his time in the military and his engineering background.

Eric Kasper
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth ’24

Eric Kasper is a 4th generation service member who served as a 1st Lieutenant Infantry Officer in the Army. His great-grandfather served in the Army and his grandfather and both parents served in the Air Force.  Eric was stationed in Fort Benning for three years before serving on the General Staff supporting operations during the pandemic. He also served on the Commanding General of Fort Benning Staff. Eric says his shared military and MBA experience has enhanced his understanding of being an empathetic but impactful leader.

“I was medically retired from the Army after multiple surgeries for a knee injury. After three years of physical therapy, the medical staff made the decision to medically retire me from service. It was very challenging to know what career path to take after the decision to leave the military takes place. Thankfully I made strong connections with support staff in the VA benefits department, which allowed me to pursue a Master of Science in Economics. That master’s program propelled me to my first job at Texas Instruments which then led me to pursue an MBA.”

“I chose the Working Professional MBA at Dallas program because it provided me the ability to keep working while gaining further business acumen. As a military officer, you need to be able to lead from the front and display both the ability to learn and adapt as well as make decisions and move forward. In business school, especially in group case studies, the problem statement solutions are not readily known or easily identifiable. It takes the ability to learn from others and make decisive steps toward a shared goal to uncover the best solutions.”

“Being in the military is a humbling experience where leadership is rooted in practical experience and the reliance on your team or squad to provide their expertise and background. My MBA experience has enhanced my understanding of being an empathetic but impactful leader. McCombs has provided me the ability to understand macro-level business strategy through an analytical lens. The leadership experience I gained in the military allowed me to perform well under tight timelines and high-pressure situations. My military background proved to me that the right person in the right position can dramatically influence positive change for enterprise-level organizations.”

“My advice to anyone looking to apply is to talk with your VA representative as you go through out processing to verify your GI Bill and other benefits – have them physically print out documents to verify your eligibility.”

Brett Sheneman
MBA at Houston ’24

pic of Brett holding his child on his left and holding his wife's hand on the right.

Brett Shenamen was a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps who served as a Judge Advocate and Lead Prosecutor while stationed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Before joining the military, he received his law degree from Michigan State University and is currently a Litigation Lawyer at ExxonMobil. His time in the military taught him how to work well with diverse groups of people and gave him the opportunity to positively impact his community.

“McCombs has both reinforced and changed my outlook on leadership. The curriculum is built around a business leader’s understanding of key fundamental components, including finance, statistics, marketing, and various management courses. In that sense, it changed my viewpoint. I always knew leaders needed to be competent; but a better, more well-rounded viewpoint and skillset is always valuable, especially when you surround yourself with truly qualified people.  An MBA, especially at McCombs, is such a well-rounded program that will instill an analytical skill set sure to distinguish you from your peers.”

“I chose McCombs because it is a leaders’ program with outstanding faculty and an excellent reputation. Primarily, I wanted to augment my legal skills with a robust business management understanding. The biggest takeaway is the pure quality of human beings at McCombs. The professors, staff, and students are just top-notch. That likemindedness inevitably leads to high-functioning collegiality.”

“I was lucky enough to begin my ‘dream job’ as an in-house lawyer at Exxon Mobil Corporation and plan to remain there after graduation, hopefully until retirement. My military background played a key role in eventually serving an organization with multiple stakeholders and a storied dedication to local communities throughout the nation.”

Brett believes that his time at McCombs has reinforced important lessons he learned while serving in the military–most especially, “strength through diversity of people and thought.”

Ross Desoto
MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth ’24

Ross posing in front of a plane Ross Desoto began his military experience serving in the Marine Corps. During his time, he has served as the Battalion Supply Officer for 2 WESTPAC deployments to Okinawa, Japan where he participated in numerous multinational exercises in various countries around INDOPACOM. He also led 275 Marines in Sailors in day-to-day supply and maintenance operations supporting all Marines on the west coast. During his time there, he had the pleasure of deploying with 100+ Marines aboard the USNS Lewis & Clark where they supported operations in the Middle East.

“As I planned to exit the Marine Corps, I knew that I wanted to move back to Dallas to be closer to family. Going to grad school was always a goal of mine and I began exploring MBA programs in Dallas. After doing my research and attending a few different school’s class visits I knew McCombs was the right fit for me. The Working Professional MBA at Dallas program fits my work schedule, and the caliber of fellow students and professors far exceeded every other program in Dallas. I knew it was the best program for me.”

“The culture in the Marine Corps and the culture at McCombs are vastly different and yet still the same. Within McCombs and the Marine Corps, there is a strong sense of personal accountability and a culture where ‘you are your brother’s keeper.’ I’ve found that I can rely on my study group and friends here at McCombs just like I relied on my Marines. We take care of one another and ensure we are all successful.”

“The most important lesson that I’ve learned while at McCombs is that just because you are a veteran and have done really hard things, you don’t have a market share on hard work. Regardless of background, everyone at McCombs has an impressive resume and has worked really hard to get where they are. It was humbling for me to look around during our first Austin Intensive and see the caliber of person that I was now classmates with and be so impressed with every student. From that point forward I was able to learn from everyone’s different experiences and value what everyone brings to the table.”

“Post-MBA I’m hoping to stay in finance and eventually pivot into private equity, with the hopes of eventually being a partner at a private equity firm. The military taught me to take information, analyze it, and make decisions effectively. Those skills translate directly to running a business and coupling those skills with what I learned at McCombs will hopefully lead to success.”

“The best advice I would give is to believe in yourself and go for it. A lot of veterans are hesitant about if they are capable of getting an MBA or are scared of the GMAT. It is hard to go back to grad school but it is not that hard and you have done harder things in the military. Study hard for the GMAT and tie your experience into your application because once you get your MBA you will continue to lead and make a difference anywhere you land.”

Jeffrey Caslen
MBA at Houston ’25

Jeffrey standing with Hook 'Em, our mascot. Jeffrey Caslen was commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in 2009 after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. After his Officer Basic Course, he met his Platoon mid-deployment in Baghdad, Iraq. After returning from Iraq, He moved to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he changed his Branch to Public Affairs (PAO). As a PAO, he served in many roles, including Brigade Public Affairs Officer, Command Team Speechwriter, and Observer Coach/Trainer at the National Training Center, in Fort Irwin, California. Jeffrey transitioned out of Active Duty in 2020 and is currently a Major in the Individual Ready Reserve.

“The military prides itself on its diversity and having an organization that reflects the American population. While in the Army, I learned how to lead teams of motivated people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets to achieve a common goal. In the Business world, many leadership challenges seem to have a ‘no-win’ scenario. There are many variables involved that I did not need to worry about as a military leader. By maintaining my ethical leadership style I developed in the Army, I know I can hold my head high regardless of my decisions when I become a business leader.”

“I have noticed a few similarities between the Army and the McCombs culture. One is that we bond through hardship, and become extremely close, building a lifetime bond. Additionally, the focus on team vs individuality is similar between the Army and McCombs. Although this is my MBA, It is unachievable without relying on my peers’ strengths to help me through the program. Texas McCombs is amazingly diverse, and leaning on my classmates’ incredible skill sets for projects and collaboration is a skill I learned as an Army Officer.”

“Everyone has a unique and valuable experience. Although my experience in the Army is valuable to me, all of my classmates have impactful experiences that allow me to grow through their storytelling and mentorship. Seeing how great and accomplished my classmates are really humbles and motivates me to become the best version of myself so I can live up to their expectations.”

For those looking to apply to McCombs, Jeffrey offers some advice. “Take your time and find a program that best fits your end goals and your family. Each university has a helpful Veteran’s Department to help you with your VA applications and help quell any concerns. UT’s Veteran’s Department answered all my questions and helped me feel confident that I would be taken care of during my time as an MBA student.”


Applicants have a range of resources to utilize as they are applying to Texas McCombs. Follow Texas Veterans in Business on Instagram to connect with current students.

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! 

Exploring Scholarships
and Loan Options

We understand that pursuing your MBA at a top school is a big investment in your future.  As you explore ways to further your education and accelerate your career trajectory, we invite you to think about defining your own  return on investment (ROI).  Are you looking for a promotion or salary increase?  Or are you searching for a new challenge or a way to align your personal and professional aspirations? It may be all of the above, so define your ROI as you consider an MBA for your academic and professional future.  

Texas McCombs is ranked No. 20 and is one of the most affordable MBA programs compared to the other top 20 programs in U.S. News and World Reports Top 20 Business Schools of 2023. Tuition is $52,550 for Texas Residents and $58,720 for residents out-of-state. 

Bar graph that highlights that Texas McCombs has the most affordable tuition cost compared to the top 20 business schools ranked by U.S. News and World Report, 2023

To make your MBA future more attainable, Texas McCombs provides financial assistance to many students to help cover the  cost of education. The most common financial assistance comes in the form of student loans, but other options may help fund your MBA. We invite you to review the options below to help facilitate your personal ROI for your MBA.  

Recruiting Scholarships

Texas McCombs offers merit-based recruiting scholarships funded through the generous support of individual donors and corporate supporters. All applicants are automatically considered for recruiting scholarships during the admissions review process. Recruiting scholarships are offered to domestic and international candidates who demonstrate a superior record of academic merit and professional accomplishments.  

The MBA Program’s scholarship funding varies from year to year, thus the percentage of students who receive scholarships will also vary from year to year.  This past admissions cycle, 77% of Admitted Full-Time MBA students received scholarship offers.  Scholarships range from $2,000 to full-tuition awards.  

For International candidates, 86% of enrolled students received scholarship offers.  

Banner that represents scholarship info: 86% enrolled international students received scholarships; 77% admitted students received scholarships; $21,000 average scholarship amount awarded; $20,000 median scholarship per year.

In tandem with our recruiting scholarships, McCombs partners with Bay Area for McCombs, Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, Teach for America, Forté Foundation, and Reaching Out MBA to allocate selective scholarship and Fellowship designations to top admitted candidates.  

2nd Year Student Scholarships 

At the end of the first year, Full-Time MBA students are invited to apply for a continuing student scholarship for their second year. These awards typically range anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. The 2nd Year Full-Time MBA Scholarship awards are given based on a students academic performance, leadership, and involvement during their first year in the program, as well as financial need. 

Institutional Scholarships 

The UT Austin Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) administers institutional endowed scholarships for continuing students.  First-year MBAs may qualify for these scholarships and can begin applying in November of their first year.  Students should review the specific criteria and application procedures carefully and reach out to McCombs Financial Aid with any questions.  

Federal Loans 

Many students are eligible for federal student loans and, in some cases, grants. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility. This year, the FAFSA for the 2024-2025  school year will be available in December 2023 with a priority deadline of March 15, 2024. It is recommended you have your FAFSA completed by June 1, 2024. Students who are eligible to complete the FAFSA are U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and other eligible non-citizens

Private Education Loans  

Private/alternative loans are not offered by federal or state governments. As a result, the terms of the loan will vary from lender to lender. If pursuing a private loan, check with your lender about the length of time your application will remain valid to ensure your approval won’t expire before you actually start the program. 

For ethical reasons, the McCombs MBA Financial Aid team cannot recommend any private lenders but will work with all banks and lending institutions once you’ve been approved. If you have any questions about the loan, please contact the lender.  

Loans for International Students 

For international students, there may be private loan options, with or without a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer. (Note: We, as The University of Texas at Austin, cannot be your co-signer, nor can we recommend any specific lenders.) The student-run International MBA Student Association (IMBASA) is a good resource for information about pursuing an MBA as an international student. You are encouraged to reach out to IMBASA with any questions.  


Most students finance their MBA education using multiple sources— a combination of personal savings and loans and, in some cases, scholarship funding. Before you apply to business school, do research on how to finance your education, please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions. 

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! 

How to Submit a Successful MBA Recommendation Letter

The Texas McCombs Working Professional and Executive MBA applications require one professional letter of recommendation from a person who has supervised your work and/or has directly assessed your work performance during your career.  

A recommendation letter is the only component of your application where you rely on someone else to provide information, so it is important that you carefully decide who you will ask to be your recommender. The Admissions Committee uses this recommendation to assess your work capabilities, such as your motivation, contribution, strengths, areas of growth, etc.  

What is in the Recommendation Letter?  

First of all, this is NOT the traditional letter of recommendation you typically think of where someone writes a letter on your behalf to vouch for your professional performance. Texas McCombs uses the GMAC Common Letter of Recommendation. Your recommender will receive a link to assess specific competencies/traits and answer three short-response questions.  

 Keep in mind that while there are other programs using this form, some schools will ask a different series of questions.  If you’re applying to more than one MBA, you may be asking your recommender to separately fill out different forms. Make sure they do not copy and paste their responses.  

Who should write your MBA Recommendation?  

Circumstances differ for every applicant and deciding who you should ask might vary.  Below are some scenarios to help guide you in choosing the best recommender for your MBA 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 and can speak to your professional capabilities.  

However, in some instances, your current supervisor 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 long. Or, you’re an entrepreneur and don’t have a supervisor.   

All of these are valid reasons to look for other recommendation sources. If you choose to request a different recommender than your current supervisor, please explain your choice in the Optional Essay.  

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, your previous boss may be the best choice, especially if you had a strong professional relationship with that person. This is the most common alternative option. 

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

Your Client or Vendor 
This recommendation source is typically 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. 

Mentor or Other Options 
Mentors can be from inside or outside of your workplace who have a clear understanding of your professional value. Also, there are many individuals who may fall in the category of “other recommenders.” For example, a former professor, a colleague, or a coach. However, be sure that the person you select has worked with you on measurable tasks and understands your professional experiences to ensure they will provide a recommendation with depth. This is the least preferred option by the admissions committee. 

 

Other Tips:  

  • 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 the information that the Admissions Committee is looking for.  
  • Steer clear of asking a direct report (someone who reports up to you) or a family member to submit a letter of recommendation.  
  • When it comes to other 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 the Admissions Committee is looking mainly at your post-undergraduate work experience.    

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 before the 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. It may be a good idea to revisit certain projects you worked with them on. 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 information on the recommendation before you ask, especially the timeline for when you will be submitting your application. Let them know they will be receiving a link to fill out the recommendation, and that they do NOT need to write a supplemental letter.  


If you have any questions during the application process, we’re here to help. Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs.  Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated. 

Hook ’em! 

 

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