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Texas McCombs Working Professional MBA Class of 2022 Career Outcomes

January 24, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Texas McCombs Working Professional MBA offers a leading pathway to career advancement or transition without career interruption, according to Class of 2022 employment data. Embarking on a transformative journey, students in the Evening MBA, Weekend MBA at Dallas/Fort Worth, and Weekend MBA at Houston, have not only weathered the challenges of the business landscape during the pandemic but emerged with career outcomes that underscore the program’s commitment to excellence. 

Impressive Salary Outcomes 

The financial rewards of a McCombs MBA are evident in the Class of 2022’s salary average, which falls between $140,000 – $149,000. This figure not only reflects the competitive edge our graduates hold in the job market but also reinforces the program’s return on investment.  

Graduates experienced an average base salary increase of +45%, not including bonuses, a testament to the program’s commitment to advancing the professional and financial goals of its students.  

Elevating Job Roles 

Beyond financial gains, the shift in job roles is equally remarkable. The percentage of graduates in senior or executive-level positions increased from 51% before school to 66% post-graduation. McCombs MBA alumni are not just climbing the corporate ladder; they are reshaping its summit, assuming leadership roles that drive innovation and impact.  

Top Industries of Employment  

The variation of interests within the Class of 2022 is reflected in their industry choices. Among the 140 students who reported their career outcomes, technology emerges as a dominant industry with 29%, followed closely by consulting at 24%. Manufacturing, energy, and financial services also play significant roles, comprising 10%, 10%, and 8% of outcomes, respectively. These results underscore the adaptability and applicability of a Texas McCombs MBA across various industries.  

pie chart that shows the stats above. Technology - 29% Consulting - 24% Manufacturing - 10% Energy - 10% Financial Services - 8%

Behind these outcomes stands the unwavering support of our dedicated career management team, a force recognized by our #1 ranking in Poets&Quants’ Best Career Centers (Poets&Quants, 2019). Committed to guiding each student through their unique career journey, our team employs a tailored approach that encompasses:  

  • Career Advising: Each student receives one-on-one guidance, ensuring their career strategy aligns with their aspirations.  
  • Employer Connections: Building meaningful connections is integral to success. The team facilitates networking events, career fairs, and industry-specific meetups to enhance students’ professional networks. 
  • Specialty Coaching: As part of the Texas McCombs+  program, students have access to communication and specialty coaches – seasoned experts who are ready to work with them one-on-one to refine skills in communication, leadership, strategy, organizational culture, and much more. 
  • Education & Training: Students learn how to successfully transition into a new career or accelerate their current one through our career education courses. Taught by knowledgeable professionals, and with a curriculum custom-built for working professionals, these classes cover a variety of career-related topics—from networking to interviewing to negotiating.  
  • Alumni Network: Following graduation, students join a powerful network of Longhorn alumni that expands throughout Texas and around the world.  

“Our Working Professional MBA Career Education and Coaching team provides our students with an elite and comprehensive journey to explore, prepare and connect with career opportunities that align with their goals. This experience, combined with an interactive and engaging teaching style, includes practical application and allows our students to create their own customized success upon graduation and beyond,” said Stefani Sereboff, Senior Assistant Dean, Career Management & Corporate Relations. “We are committed to creating a McCombs exceptional student experience and supporting careers for life.”

As we celebrate the achievements of the Working Professional MBA Class of 2022, we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of the McCombs MBA on future cohorts. Their success is a testament to the collaborative effort of our outstanding faculty, accessible alumni, dedicated staff, and of course, the incredible students who make the Texas McCombs MBA experience truly exceptional.  

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! 

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How to Submit a Successful MBA Recommendation Letter

September 22, 2023 / / Comments Off on 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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Cover Letter for Working Professional & Executive MBA

September 5, 2023 / / Comments Off on Cover Letter for Working Professional & Executive MBA

MBA Cover Letter 

The application cover letter is a critical means of learning who you are as an applicant and assessing your writing skills. Here is your prompt.

Please write an application cover letter summarizing your aspirations, qualifications, personal and professional experiences that make you a strong candidate for the Texas MBA program you are applying to. (max 500 words)

MBA Optional Statement 

Please provide any additional information you believe is important or address any areas of concern that you believe will be beneficial to the MBA Admissions Committee in considering your application. (e.g. gaps in work experience, choice of recommender, academic performance, or extenuating personal circumstances) (250 words)  

 Honestly, the most important piece of advice we can provide you on the optional statement is to remember that it is just that– optional. Only applicants who feel some of their profile deserves more explanation should submit an optional statement.

This application section is not designed for you to tell us more about your extracurricular activities or expand upon the essay prompt. While we love to see how excited you are to share additional information with us, there are other ways to let the Admissions Committee know about additional projects or passions. Your resume and the video assessment are better forums for these additional details.

Optional statements should focus on filling gaps or answering questions we are likely to have about you.  

Tips for Writing Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter is an opportunity to sell yourself to the Admissions Committee and make your case for why you belong in our programs. The best cover letters will catch our interest immediately (please do not start with “My name is…”), will flow seamlessly from topic to topic, hit all of the points we’ve asked you to cover and wrap up with the closing thoughts you want to leave with us. We understand this is not a creative writing program, but being able to communicate your ideas clearly, succulently, and persuasively is a vital skill in business and in our classes.  

  • Be patient with yourself. Take time to reflect, brainstorm, rewrite, and EDIT. It will likely take more than one draft to craft your final submission. 
  • Don’t copy and paste. Do not use the same content for multiple business school applications or repeat things verbatim from your resume. We can always spot recycled content, and we want to know you’ve put time and care into your application. 
  • STAY ON PROMPT. Approach this as you would drafting a cover letter for a job – who are you, why do you want to come to McCombs, and how will you contribute to the program?  
  • Show your personality. The cover letter is a way to learn more about you. Our community values authenticity and we appreciate submissions that give us an understanding of who you are and what kind of student you will be.
  • Have someone you trust read over your cover letter. Those closest to you can provide valuable insights, feedback, and perspectives as you highlight your personal gifts and qualities.

We hope these insights into the written portions of our application give you some ideas to think about and some points to revisit as you write (and rewrite) your cover letter. Good luck, and happy applying! 

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.  

Test Options for Working Professional & Executive MBA

August 25, 2023 / / Comments Off on Test Options for Working Professional & Executive MBA

Preparing for and taking an MBA admissions exam is one of the best ways to get your mind back into academic mode as you prepare for business school. 

 Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates have several options 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 

or

In addition, studying for and taking the exam – for some, even taking it multiple times – can show the Admissions Committee your commitment to the competitive business school application process and how you may approach academic challenges as a student.  Our preference will always be a recent test score, however, we recognize that many students have other accomplishments and credentials that prove their ability to handle the rigors of our programs. 

This post contains a lot of information, broken down into three sections:  

  • Should I Petition for a Test Waiver? 
  • Which Exam is Right for You?  
  • Submitting Your Test Requirement 
  • Impact of Your Test Score  

Should I Petition for a Test Waiver? 

Standardized exams like the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and EA evaluate a candidate’s academic preparedness for the rigor of business school and is one metric used to compare candidates within a large pool of applicants.  Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for admission.  

Scholarship awards are another aspect to think about when deciding which test to submit. All of our Working Professional MBA programs– The Weekend MBA in Dallas and Houston, and the Evening MBA in Austin– award small recruiting scholarships to outstanding incoming students based on the merits of the application. While the committee reviews each candidate holistically when awarding scholarships, a strong, valid test score is one of the clearest ways to distinguish yourself.

Executive MBA candidates must have at least 8 years of work experience to apply, but Executive MBA students have an average of over 14 years of experience. If your work experience is below average and only have a bachelor’s degree, plan to submit the EA.

Submitting a Test Waiver

 A merit-based test waiver is available by request prior to submitting your application. Waivers/Exceptions are not available for applicants who have already sent scores to UT. 

To be considered for a test waiver, an applicant must have: 

  • A minimum of three years of substantive and progressing post–undergraduate work experience, preferably of an analytical or quantitative nature. 

AND at least one of the following:

  • Completion of an undergraduate degree, with a strong academic record, preferably with analytical or quantitative courses.
  • Completion of a graduate degree, with strong academic record, preferably in an analytical or quantitative discipline.

To complete the merit-based test waiver petition, candidates must submit a short statement highlighting the merits of their request, an up-to-date resume, and undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts. If you do not already have a UT EID, create one here.   

  • Submit the  General Test Waiver  petition form prior to submitting your application.   
  • A decision on your test waiver request will be shared within 5-10 business days after submission. Test waiver petitions must be submitted no later than 7 days prior to the application deadline for the round to which you are applying. 

Approval for the test waiver petition is merit-based and considers your work experience and academic history. The Admissions Committee will be assessing your academic and professional background, looking for evidence of demonstrated readiness –specifically in quantitative subjects –for the rigorous MBA curriculum. To improve the chances of petition approval, we highly advise applicants to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or more.   

The truth is that by removing one component from your application, your other components will carry more weight in the committee’s final decision.  

 As you evaluate your testing options or consider a test waiver petition, we challenge you to assess the quantitative data points on your application and think about what will strengthen your overall MBA candidacy.  While some applicants may not need a test score to build their case, other applicants may significantly enhance their chances of being admitted (and getting a scholarship) by having a strong test score.   

Which Exam is Right for You?   

The Admissions Committee does not prefer one test over the other in terms of demonstrating your preparedness for business school, but it is important to think about which exam is best for you as an individual. There are different reasons to consider taking the GMAT vs GMAT Focus vs the GRE vs the EA.  

While the GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE tests both have quantitative and verbal sections, they have noticeable differences. We encourage you to do your research and take practice tests to learn each test’s points of emphasis, and how they are scored.   

 When you’re considering an MBA program for a specific career path, it’s good to know what the recruiting landscape looks like. Be sure to educate yourself on choosing a test for your career search before starting your test prep.  

 Both The GMAT, GMAT Focus, and GRE are adaptive, which means that your success in answering questions correctly has an impact on the future questions you are given. But the tests deliver adaptive questions in different ways.  

  • The GMAT and GMAT Focus are adaptive by question. When you get an answer correct, the next question is more difficult, and when you get an answer wrong, the next question is less difficult. This also means that once you answer a question, you can’t go back to that question.  
  • The GRE is adaptive by section. If you do well on the first verbal section, you get a more difficult version of the next verbal section and vice versa.  

 We have included some more details about the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and EA below, but if you are unsure which exam is best for you, here are our tips:  

  • We recommend taking some practice tests! There’s a chance you may be more comfortable with one test format over the other.  At the end of the day, the choice of which exam to take is yours. 
  • Build in study time and leave yourself enough room on the calendar to retake an exam if necessary. If you’re not happy with your score, you can retake either test. While many candidates take the test only once thinking it will fulfill the requirement, others recognize that a second effort is likely to yield improvement. It comes at the cost of additional time and another test fee, but the payoff can be significant if it makes you a stronger candidate.
  • Make sure you submit your application as confidently as possible and with a score you feel good about. 

Submitting Current or Expired GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA Scores  

For current scores, you must self-report your test scores in your application as well as have official score reports sent directly to UT– Austin by the testing agency. The date your official scores are sent to UT– Austin by the testing agency should be no later than the application round deadline, as it can take up to 3-4 weeks for new scores to be processed. If you are taking the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA online, allow up to two weeks to receive your score from the testing agency. You must have your test score in hand by the application deadline in order to submit your application.  

 For expired scores (5 years or older), you must self-report your score and upload proof of the test score in the application. Examples of proof for expired test scores include a score report you received previously from the testing agency OR documentation from another educational institution that previously received the score (e.g. for another graduate/terminal degree application).  

Impact of a Test Score  

Future Employment  

Before you make a final decision on your testing options or a waiver petition, it’s best to research some of your target companies or industries and determine two things:  

  • The extent to which they evaluate a test score in reviewing job candidates.  
  • Whether they have a preference for one of the tests. At McCombs, we have found that most top-tier consulting and investment banking firms do ask for a candidate’s test scores, and both industries historically have favored the GMAT.  

You should consider taking the GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or EA as another opportunity to not only impress the Admissions Committee but also potential employers.  


Academic History  

Does your undergraduate or graduate transcript accurately reflect your academic ability? If your GPA is low, and you do not submit a strong test score, the Admissions Committee may have concerns about your ability to succeed in the rigorous MBA curriculum.  

One other factor to consider is whether or not your quantitative ability shines elsewhere in your application. While many of our MBA students come to McCombs from non-quantitative majors, these applicants are typically able to prove their quantitative prowess through their test scores. If you come from a non-quantitative background and do not submit a strong test score, you will need to find other areas within your background or experience that can demonstrate your quantitative skills.   

At the end of the day, we want to make sure that you are set up to succeed academically in the program. If the Admissions Committee has concerns about your quantitative ability, it may impact your chance of admission, or you may be required to complete pre-MBA coursework prior to admission and/or prior to enrollment. 

 

Scholarships  

 Scholarship awards are limited to Weekend MBA in Dallas and Houston, and Evening MBA candidates, and are competitive and limited in number. Scholarship decisions are based on a longstanding holistic review process that considers your entire application and serves to assess the overall strength of your candidacy, including readiness for academic rigor, career goals, leadership potential, and fit with our program culture.  Submitting a strong, valid test score will give the Admissions Committee an additional, relevant data point that may strengthen a candidate’s position for scholarship awards.   

Please note the Executive MBA program does not provide scholarships. 

Summary  

As you evaluate your testing options or a test waiver petition, we challenge you to assess the quantitative data points on your application and think about what will strengthen your overall MBA candidacy.  While some applicants may not need a test score to build their case, other applicants may significantly enhance their chances of being admitted (and getting a scholarship) by having a strong test score. At the end of the day, being objective about the quantitative data points you present on your application will help ensure you put your best foot forward in the admissions 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.  

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Why It’s OK (and sometimes
better) to Submit Your MBA Application in the Final Round

May 1, 2023 / / Comments Off on Why It’s OK (and sometimes
better) to Submit Your MBA Application in the Final Round

This MBA Insider content comes from Christie Jenkins, Senior Recruiting and Admissions Officer for the Evening MBA Program.

Let’s start with a game of two truths and a lie! Can you spot the lie among the statements below?

  • Texas McCombs is always seeking the most qualified candidates for its MBA programs.
  • The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically, considering a candidate’s academic performance, work experience, program fit, and a variety of other hard and soft skills.
  • Candidates must apply early to have the best chance at admission.

The first two statements are true. We are looking for the best people we can find, and we review a candidate’s academic profile, work history, and how a Texas McCombs MBA can help them achieve their goals.

The last statement is a myth – and it’s one of the most common misconceptions about applying to our MBA programs.

We are not simply trying to fill the next incoming class as soon as possible; we want to ensure that we have the strongest and most dynamic class we can get. Therefore, we have the same rigorous admissions standards regardless of when you apply. Often, some of our best students apply in the final round!

Depending on the format of the MBA program you are pursuing, either as a Full-Time student or in our Working Professional or Executive MBA programs, your preparation process will likely differ.

Full-Time MBA applicants are choosing to leave the workforce for two years and often relocate to a new city. These steps require advanced planning, and usually, applicants have been working towards them for months. However, there are a variety of valid reasons an applicant may wait until the final round to apply to a Full-Time MBA program. Perhaps there have been unexpected changes to your work or living situation, and suddenly, now would be the ideal time to make a move. Or, you just wrapped up a big project, and you can finally focus on submitting a top-notch application. Or maybe, you’ve only recently come to the realization that pursuing an MBA is the best next step forward to reach your goals.

Working Professional and Executive MBA candidates, who are planning to earn their MBA while continuing to work full-time, typically have a different set of considerations. Of course, you will still notify your employer of your intent to start an MBA, but you can tell them a bit later in the application process. Those conversations will center on your growth plan with your company and if they can offer schedule flexibility or financial sponsorship. You’ll also want to gain support from friends and family, and set expectations with them on how you will manage your time with your new priorities. Because Working Professional and Executive MBA students can continue working and living in the same area, they tend to apply later.

Often, it’s not clear that the time is right to pursue your MBA until later in the application cycle, and candidates don’t want to wait a year before getting started. Sometimes an application can be even stronger when you wait to submit until after you’ve landed a promotion, closed that latest deal, or had more time to prepare. The Admissions Committee recognizes this dynamic. When you’re ready to apply, we’re ready for you.

Bottom line: The best time to submit your application is when you feel ready to do so and you’re confident it will be the best representation of you and your potential in the program.

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Ready to get started on your MBA journey? Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs, application components, deadlines, and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

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