Tag: mba (page 2 of 23)

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!

Maximizing Your Potential: Exploring the ROI of a Texas McCombs MBA

This MBA Insider content comes from Christie Jenkins, Senior MBA Recruiting and Admissions Officer, Working Professional MBA.


There’s a saying in undergraduate admissions that a student’s decision on where to go to college ultimately boils down to the 3 P’s: price, proximity, and prestige. I’m not aware of a 3 P’s equivalent for MBA programs, so allow me to invent one. The 3 R’s: Rankings, Recruiting, and ROI.

It’s no secret that future MBA’s are a little more objective and outcomes-focused with this decision than they may have been when choosing a college for undergrad. Undergrad is all about the experience, personal growth, and the journey as well as the destination. Those things certainly matter for your MBA selection too, but with an added emphasis on results and tangible benefits. Objectively, why should someone spend 2 years and $100,000+ on an MBA? What is the value?

RANKINGS

Or maybe this R should be reputation? Either way, Texas McCombs excels at both. U.S. News and World Report ranks our MBA programs as the following:

#6 Working Professional MBA

#14 Executive MBA

#20 Full-Time MBA

It goes without saying that our MBA programs are the best in Texas. Our programs also benefit from The University of Texas at Austin brand. Visit anywhere in the world and someone will be able to tell you about the burnt orange Texas Longhorns, and possibly that “What starts here changes the world.” Simply put, you will never have to explain what UT is all about. People know.

RECRUITING

Employers want to hire Texas McCombs MBAs. We partner with more than 400 employers annually, and the list is always growing. A few of our top recruiting partners who hired 10 or more MBAs last year include Amazon, Dell Technologies, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boston Consulting Group, and Deloitte Consulting.

Texas has the fastest-growing job market in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and has been ranked No. 1 Best State for Business for 18 consecutive years. Texas is also home to the most Fortune 500 companies, with more than 135 companies that have relocated their headquarters to Texas since 2020. This list includes AT&T, CBRE, Charles Schwab, Exxon Mobil, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Tesla, and more. Add in that Texas has no state income tax and a comparatively low cost of living, and you can see why this is a great place to live and work.

Texas stats graphic for the report.

Source: Texas Economic Development & Tourism, Office of the Governor.

To help you land those jobs, you’ll also have unlimited access to career coaching, even after you graduate. Our career coaches can help you refine your brand, prepare for interviews, negotiate your starting salary, and much more. They’ll be there for you as a student and after graduation, as MBA alumni have lifetime access to career resources and coaches.

ROI

For those uninitiated in the MBA lingo, ROI, or Return on Investment, is a way to measure the profitability of an investment. Another way of thinking about this concept is the payback period, or how long it will take for an investment to pay for itself.

According to the GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey, bachelor’s degree holders from the United States are expected to earn a median of $50,000 annually. The median starting salary for an MBA graduate is $95,000 – and that’s just a graduate of any MBA program!

Source: GMAC Corporate Recruiters Survey – 2022

For a Texas McCombs Full-Time MBA grad, the average starting salary for the Class of 2022 was $145,000. Therefore, the average incoming student can expect a $95,000 pay increase at the time of graduation ($145,000 McCombs MBA salary minus $50,000 bachelor’s degree holder salary). Compare that to the cost of our MBA programs (between $105,100-$149,500) – you’ll see the typical payback period for a McCombs MBA is less than 2 years!

After your McCombs MBA investment has paid for itself, you’ll have a lifetime to reap the rewards. If you are in your 20s or 30s, with an expected retirement age of 65, then you could have 30 or 40 more years ahead of you in your career. Wouldn’t it be nice to make the most of your incoming-earning years? The earlier you start, the more time you have to benefit from your increased post-MBA salary.

 

According to Poets and Quants, the expected lifetime earnings of a McCombs MBA graduate is $6.35 million.

For those who want to see the numbers, here’s your ROI calculation: profit (or gross income minus cost) divided by cost. For a McCombs Full-time MBA, that is $6,350,000 – $105,100 / $105,100, which works out to an ROI of 59.42. Over the course of your lifetime, your MBA will pay for itself more than 59x.

Of course, this barely scratches the surface.

The true value of an MBA can’t be measured in dollars. It includes your personal growth and development, the networking and relationships you will build, the intrinsic value of gaining knowledge and confidence, job security, upward mobility, and much more.

Only you can calculate what an MBA will mean for your future, but hopefully, you are reassured to know that a McCombs MBA makes objective, financial sense in addition to being a great experience.


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.

Spend Summer Like a Local –
10 Things to Do in Austin, Texas

Written by Elain Yao.

Looking for things to do this summer in Austin, Texas? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 activities to keep you entertained during the sunny season. From swimming holes, to favorite drinking spots, to great film spots,  there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Get ready to experience the best of Austin this summer – here are 10 must-do activities to add to your Austin summer bucket list.

10. Discover Austin’s Vibrant Film Scene

picture of the outside of the paramount theatre in Austin texas.

Image Courtesy of Paramount Theatre on Facebook

Discover Austin’s vibrant film scene at The Paramount Theatre or Austin Film Society. Movie-buffs and letterbox fanatics can enjoy new movie screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and classic film series in the summer and throughout the year. 

Paramount Theatre’s annual Summer Classic Film Series screened over 85 films last summer, like Goodfellas, Bonnie and Clyde, My Cousin Vinny, and more! Film rosters are released at the top of every month, beginning in May. Don’t miss out on the ultimate summer film experience in Austin.

9. Talk All things Television 

Image courtesy of Fangirlish

 

Get sneak peeks of new TV shows, attend Q&A sessions with your favorite actors and writers, and participate in interactive events that showcase the latest trends in TV at the Austin Television Festival.  The agenda includes the premiere of season three of the HBO comedy show, The Righteous Gemstones, an appearance by Seth Meyers, and a conversation with the showrunner and cast of Grown-ish.

With more series and panelists to be revealed within the coming months, be sure to mark June 1st – 4th on your summer schedule. Visit the ATX TV Festival website for more information on badges and tickets.

8. Hang out at Tweedy’s Bar

image of Tweedy's bar posters

Image courtesy of Austin American-Statesman

Newly opened on North University, Tweedy’s Bar has replaced the old campus staple, Spider House Café. The new spot has taken its name from a former employee of Spider House and has chosen to honor the original design and ambiance of the previous bar. In addition to drinks, customers can purchase baked goods from Zucchini Kill and sandwiches and burgers from Golden Tiger. Open daily from 12 PM – 2 AM, visit Tweedy’s Bar for cozy summer evenings.

7. Grab Goodies at the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market

Image courtesy of Texas Farmers’ Market

Featuring over 120 vendors with agricultural producers within a 150-mile radius, the Mueller Texas Farmers’ Market has been hailed as Austin Chronicle‘s Best of Austin Farmers’ Market for 9 years in a row. Open every Sunday between 10 AM – 2 PM, whether it is sunny or rainy, you can incorporate the farmers market into your summer routine.

Visit the Texas Farmers’ Market website or Instagram for more information regarding upcoming events, in-season produce, and additional locations.

6. Take a stroll at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

With over 900 native Texas plant species, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is the perfect peaceful outdoor activity. Located in South Austin, the center is open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM, with free admission for all UT students, faculty, and staff (with ID). During your visit, be sure to stop by the Wildflower Café, Observation Tower, and Wetland Pond.

Visit the center’s website for more information regarding hours, events, and itineraries.

5. Shop at The Domain

Image courtesy of Visit Austin

In the mood for shopping? Spend the day at The Domain in North Austin, an outdoor shopping mall with over 100 restaurants, bars, retail, and luxury stores to choose from. In the mood for food and an immersive mini-golf course? Check out The Dirdie Birdie.

Open 10 AM – 8 PM Monday through Thursday, 10 AM – 9 PM. Friday and Saturday, and 12 PM – 6 PM. on Sunday, make The Domain a repeated destination this summer.

4. Explore South Congress

Image courtesy of A Taste of Koko

Featuring both local vendors and mainstream stores, South Congress is the perfect blend of Austin’s local culture and city life. With stores scattered along either side of SoCo, the walkable destination features Reformation, Lululemon, and Madewell, alongside local favorites SoCo Makers Market with Vintage, Maya Star, and Allens Boots. The street also includes popular coffee shops and restaurants, including Home Slice Pizza, Amy’s Ice Creams, and Bennu Coffee. Skim over A Taste of Koko’s comprehensive guide on SoCo for more information.

3. Wander into one of Downtown Austin’s Speakeasies

Image courtesy of Thrillist

Austin’s best not-so-kept secret is the hidden bars and speakeasies! Located in unconventional spaces like a parking garage, firehouse, and behind what looks like a run-down floppy disk repair company, Austin speakeasies are perfect for those who want to explore the low-key city bar scene.

Pictured above is Garage, a speakeasy available by reservation only via Resy. Additionally, hidden behind a bookshelf, Firehouse Lounge is open on a first-come, first-served seating. Read more about how you can gain access to Austin’s many speakeasies on Thrillist.

2. Sit back and Relax at the Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-in Rooftop

Image courtesy of CultureMap Austin

Boasting a 360-degree rooftop view of Downtown Austin, the Blue Starlite Mini Urban-Drive-in has been “keeping Austin funky and making memories under the stars” since 2009. Blue Starlite provides viewers with a multi-screen experience in both its Mueller and Downtown locations, making the drive-in a great evening venture with friends or a special someone. Catch a public screening Friday through Sunday, or schedule a private event on any day of the week.

Visit Blue Starlite’s website for more information on movie rosters, private rentals, and more.

1. Cool Off in One of Austin’s Swimming Holes

Image courtesy of AFAR

From the famous Barton Springs Pool to Blue Hole, Austin has its fair share of swimming holes and paddleboarding spots within the city and on its outskirts. Open 5 – 8 AM (Swim at Your Own Risk) and 8 AM – 10 PM (Guarded Swim) Monday through Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, Barton Springs Pool in Downtown Austin is convenient for those looking for a small commute. 

If you don’t mind the additional travel time, visit Blue Hole Regional Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Jacob’s Well Natural Area, Krause Springs, and Hamilton Pool Reserve for the complete, all-natural experience. Be sure to check each swimming hole’s website for updated information on hours, events, fees, and more before scheduling your visit.


Want to explore more of Austin? Check out Visit Austin’s June and July 2023 Calendar or Do512’s “How to Do Summer in Austin” for more events and places to visit this summer. 

Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

The 5th Annual Elevate Conference Introduces Inaugural Excellence in DEI Award

Written by Meena Anderson.

This year Texas McCombs celebrated the 5th year of the Elevate: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Conference, at Rowling Hall on February 10. The annual Elevate Conference is one of the most significant channels for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) across the Texas McCombs MBA program. Founded by 2019 alumnae Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes, the conference has grown to be a full community-wide event. This year’s Elevate co-chairs, Azzy Francis, Fernando Galindo, Lauren Vague, and Oshane Mcrae hoped to evoke a different perspective to DEI with the new theme, “Let’s Dance.”

“I recalled the quote from one of my classes: ‘Diversity is being asked to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance,’” Fernando Galindo says. “It stood out to me and felt like a great way to encourage people to come and join us in this dance.” 

The team wanted to communicate a joyful, fun, expressive environment where people are unafraid to participate and share.

“‘Let’s Dance’ to me means celebrating diversity, breaking down barriers, and embracing discomfort,” says Azzy Francis. DEI work can be awkward, much like middle school dances. You might feel unsure of yourself, out of your comfort zone, or like you don’t know the steps. But just like at those dances, the key is to embrace the awkwardness, find your own rhythm, and engage with one another in kindness & respect. The more you participate and engage, the more confident and comfortable you will become. And before you know it, you’ll be moving to the beat of inclusivity and creating meaningful change.”

“We hope that this brings us to a place where we are engaging respectfully, rather than not engaging due to fear or discomfort,” Lauren says. “Asking attendees to dance means that we are encouraging all of us to end up in a place where we can all be a little more ourselves, and be seen for who we are.”

 

 

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A post shared by Tina Mabley (@rowlingwithdeantina)

The conference featured keynote speakers Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, and Tynesia Boyea-Robinson, President and CEO of CapEQ. Alongside their speeches, there were also student-led panels and various discussion-led sessions throughout the day. Oshane Mcrae, Elevate co-chair and Full-Time MBA student, says the Elevate chairs chose the keynote speakers for their humanness, their charisma, their talents of storytelling, and the bravery of their approach to their careers and changing the world.

“No one person can improve DE&I outcomes on their own, it takes a community, it takes institutional buy-in, it takes outspoken leaders, it takes quiet ones as well,” Oshane says. “It takes sustained effort over time to change processes, to change norms, and to shift core practices.”

“We wanted to make the sessions very interactive,” says Lauren. “We chose Aurora Archer, Meme Styles, and our very own Zerina Hamulic as facilitators. Most of the sessions were discussion based, with our hope being that we could leverage the expertise of our attendees and also make sure that they got to ask the questions and have the discussions they wanted.” They also hosted student-led sessions with current Texas McCombs MBA students to provide their classmates a platform to share their stories and educate their community and peers.

The Elevate team also introduced the Inaugural Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes Excellence in DEI award to celebrate students that are making a difference in their leadership at McCombs.  

“It was an award intended to honor student leadership & innovation in DE&I, in the spirit of Ashley Fox and DeAndrea Staes who were the original founders of Elevate,” says Oshane. “We opened it up to the students to nominate their peers and make the case for each nominee.”

Yessica Bravo headshot

Yessica Bravo
Full-Time MBA ’23

Yessica Bravo, Consortium member, and Full-Time MBA student was presented the first Excellence in DEI award by the conference’s founders, Ashley Fox, and DeAndrea Staes. Yessica says it was an honor to win this award, and that while it can be easy to be hard on herself, she ultimately trusts herself and her ability to bring brilliant people together.

“Good work is never done alone. I’m incredibly fortunate to have sat alongside peers deeply passionate about ensuring more students from diverse backgrounds experience McCombs,” Yessica says. “Alexis Allen, Muna Rehma, Getaneh Mekonen, Craig Perry, Matt Wong, Amanda Garcia, Usjid Hameed, and the next gen of leaders- yall are the vessels. We did great work together. I’m so proud of what we accomplished in our short time here.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yessica Bravo (@yessbravo)

Yessica says one of the best ways to practice improving DEI circumstances is to show up. “For a long time, I didn’t participate in DEI discussions because I was afraid of what I didn’t know, I was worried I didn’t hold the correct language or I didn’t know everything about what I perceived to be sensitive topics. My fear was keeping me away from learning,” Yessica says. “The opportunity is all around us. Whether it’s at a conference like Elevate, Consortium’s monthly storytelling sessions, GWiB’s allyship roundtable, or the Food and Beverage Club’s dinners. The opportunity to connect and learn from people different than us exists. Show up.”


Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.

Hook ’em!

Start Your Executive MBA Application Today

The application for the Texas McCombs Executive MBA program is now open! Start your application today to be a part of the next century of leaders, innovators, and changemakers.  

START YOUR EXECUTIVE MBA APPLICATION

APPLICATION COMPONENTS FOR THE 2022-2023 ADMISSIONS CYCLE  

Our Admissions Committee dedicates itself to a diligent, holistic review of each application. Our objective is to determine if you are a good fit for Texas McCombs and ensure that we are the right school for you and your goals. There are no fixed criteria or weighted portions of the application. The following application components will be required this cycle: 

  • Standardized Test (GMAT, GRE, Executive Assessment) or merit-based test waiver  
  • English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS) or waiver (international students only)  
  • Undergraduate transcripts and graduate transcripts (if applicable)  
  • Resume  
  • One Professional Recommendation  
  • One Written Essay  
  • Video Assessment   
  • MBA Admissions Interview 

 APPLICATION DEADLINES  

Applications for the Executive MBA program are accepted in two rounds, and the program enrolls annually every August. Applications should be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the deadline date for each round. Applications are accepted and evaluated between rounds, with a 4 – 6-week turnaround for a decision. 

  • Round 1: February 14, 2023 
  • Round 2: May 30, 2023 

TESTING REQUIREMENTS AND WAIVERS 

Applicants have several options when considering how to complete the standardized test requirement in their application.  

All applicants are required to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score. We will waive the testing requirement if:  

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

Standardized exams like the GRE, GMAT, 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.  

SUBMITTING YOUR ESSAY  

The essay is a critical means of assessing an applicant’s motivation for attending the McCombs School of Business, their background and goals, and their communication and writing skills. Strong applications convey careful research on Texas McCombs and enthusiasm for the program.

The essay prompt for the 2022-2023 admissions cycle is as follows: 

Take time to reflect on your MBA journey and the direction you want to take in your professional career. Explain how the Texas McCombs MBA program will help you realize your professional goals, and how you will contribute to the McCombs MBA community. (500 words) 

Additionally, and if applicable, applicants can provide an optional statement in the essay section of the application. Applicants should only provide an optional statement if there is something they wish to explain about their candidacy that is not addressed elsewhere.  

VIDEO ASSESSMENT  

Texas McCombs is excited to introduce the video assessment as a new application component for the 2022-23 Executive MBA admissions cycle. 

All applicants will complete the video assessment, which will give all MBA candidates the opportunity to share their story with us in their own voice.  Through the video assessment, the Admissions Committee will have a chance to experience the “real” you, beyond what we see and read in your application. Lastly, the video assessment will enable Texas McCombs to reduce bias in the admissions process by providing all applicants with a structured and consistent assessment experience.   

MBA candidates with a submitted application, whose application fee has been paid or waived will be invited to take part in our Texas McCombs Video Assessment. The video assessment is virtual and on-demand, so applicants can complete it from anywhere in the world at a time in the day convenient to them.  

Applicants will be asked to use the video assessment tool to record responses to four questions, with each response lasting no more than three minutes each. Detailed instructions will be provided with the video assessment invitation so you know what to expect, and applicants will have the opportunity to practice as many times as they wish before completing the final video assessment.  Applicants will have seven days from the invitation to complete the final video assessment.  

This is your time to show us your personality and enthusiasm! We recommend that you prepare for the video assessment similarly to how you might prepare for an interview.  Think reflectively about your work experience, strengths, and weaknesses, and practice your delivery.  

MBA ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW  

Every Executive MBA candidate will complete an interview with a member of the Admissions Committee. The interview format is behavioral-question based and lasts 30 minutes including time for your questions. Expect to receive an email with a link to the online schedule after your application fee is reconciled. 


 The Executive MBA 2022-2023 Application is open! Please sign up for MBA news and follow us on Instagram at @UTexasMBA to stay updated. 

Join us at an upcoming event to connect and learn more about Texas McCombs. 

Hook ’em! 

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