Brian Precious - Get In, Get Connected, Get Hired: Lessons from an MBA Insider

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Published by River Grove Books

Austin, TX

www.rivergrovebooks.com

Copyright 2016 Brian Precious

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the copyright holder.

Distributed by River Grove Books

Design and composition by Greenleaf Book Group
Cover design by Greenleaf Book Group

Cataloging-in-Publication data is available.

Print ISBN: 978-1-63299-083-9

eBook ISBN: 978-1-63299-084-6

Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper

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First Edition

This book delivers an insightful examination of all things MBA. Capitalizing on relatable, real-life vignettes, it masterfully highlights key points for personal reflection to walk the reader through a holistic consideration process. Brians voice permeates, creating an accessible text that flows like a [well-organized] chat with a friend who wants nothing but to support your success. A must read for everyone contemplating an MBA now or in the futureas well as those like me who strive to be helpful resources for these individuals!

Scott N. Paja, PhD, Director of Leadership and Professional Development, Oregon State University College of Engineering

I have known Brian as an MBA student, fellow alumnus, and colleague for over a decade. Brian is a champion of the graduate student. His tireless work ethic, sincere and thoughtful strategies, and willingness to follow through have bettered the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of students. When I had the opportunity to read his book, I was thrilled to find that he is now sharing those thoughts and strategies with prospective MBAs around the world.

Mark Lockwood, Director, University of Illinois MBA

Finding their career path is something I witness my students struggling with every day. Brians book is invaluable to those considering an MBA; it is easily the most practical and useful guide to navigating business school and beyond that you will find anywhere. I only wish I could have read it before I began my MBA program!

Michael Fricke JD/MBA, Lecturer, College of Business, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

This is a very useful book for prospective MBA students, with solid advice given from someone who has spent years shepherding MBA students through their journey. While many books focus on getting in to an elite program, Brian Precious has written an excellent resource for maximizing your investment in any MBA program. It is well structured and an interesting read. A few hours reading this will really pay off in the long run for anyone considering (or in!) an MBA program.

Christopher M. Barnes, Associate Professor, Michael G. Foster School of Business, University of Washington

Getting an MBA is a major investment in terms of time and resources. An MBA degree from a good school not only prepares students for great jobs but also provides access to alumni networks that open doors for bright futures. While prospective students are aware that deciding on a specific MBA program is a significant (and highly personal) decision, they are often confused on the criteria to employ to make an informed choice.

By utilizing his personal experiences both as an MBA student and MBA program director, Brian Precious takes a prospective MBA student on an easy-to-read journey from the time getting an MBA is just an idea through desired post-MBA outcomes. The book is peppered with anecdotes and real-life stories that make it highly relevant to the reader. The result is a very thoughtful guide and a compelling read on how a prospect should select an MBA program that specifically works for them. This book is a must read for anyone considering an MBA.

Rajagopal Echambadi, Senior Associate Dean-MBA Programs and Strategic Innovation, Professor of Business Administration, and James F. Towey Faculty Fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

To Sam

May you find your true passion
and use it to make the world a better place.
Love, Dad

CONTENTS

The questions I most often hear from people who are considering whether to go to business school or not get to the heart of the matter quickly. They ask: Is it worth it? Is it a good idea for me? Can I get into the business schools I really want to attend? Ive heard those questions for more than a quarter of a century, ever since I began writing about business schools as a journalist in the late 1980s at Forbes and Businessweek magazines.

Get In, Get Connected, Get Hired answers those questions better than any single book about business school or MBAs that I have ever readand believe me, I have read a ton of them. This is largely because Brian Precious writes with great authority and clarity about the journey to and through an MBA experience and the likely outcomes that result from it. He has been in a great position to know. As an MBA admissions and program director, he has read thousands of applications, engaged in hundreds of admission interviews with jittery applicants, and crafted numerous marketing plans for schools to find and recruit the best students possible.

His astute observations come from an insiders knowledge of how an admissions committee evaluates the candidates who hope to get accepted into an MBA program. In the pages of this book, he strips away the mystery of the MBA admissions process, inviting us into a committee meeting to overhear the conversations that take place around the table.

If youre interested in getting an MBA but arent quite sure the degree is right for you, read this book. If youve decided to apply, you will find Brians candid and honest advice comforting throughout your personal journey to business school.

The truth is, getting into a highly selective MBA program is something of a marathon, from prepping for the GMAT or GRE to deciding which schools to target. Crafting an MBA application that effectively presents who you are and what you have achieved can be challenging for many. Landing a scholarship or grant to help ease the burden of the degrees cost can also be an art. Making sure your ultimate outcomea more fulfilling and productive career that is right for youis largely your responsibility.

Through each step of your journey, you would be hard-pressed to find a more empathetic and knowledgeable guide than Brian. He will help you determine whether the MBA is worth it. He will help you to understand if this degree is the right one to get you where you want to go. And hell offer valuable insight on how to select the schools that will make it more likely to achieve your goals.

John Byrne

As soon as I answered the phone, I could hear the tension on the other end of the line.

I dont get it. My grades and test scores are way above your averages. Its not fair.

I settled into my seat; this would be a long conversation. A recent MBA (master of business administration) applicantIll call him Andywas calling to complain that we had denied him admission. As he ran through a litany of reasons that we were idiots who were making a huge mistake, I silently recalled the last time I had spoken to him. He had bragged shamelessly about all the exclusive programs that had accepted him. He had said we were his safety school. And he had been completely unprofessional with our office manager.