How we select MBA candidates: part two

Otago MBA - Advancing your Career in the Global Economy

I previously described our ideal MBA candidate (see selection) as well-grounded ≡ a person who is settled, consistent and comfortable with him or herself as a person.  This person should possess a solid base of work experience; demonstrate maturity and character; possess (somewhat) clearly articulated career ambitions; and move with self-direction and conviction to achieve those ambitions.  This candidate must possess the capacity for conceptual reasoning to perform well in our Otago MBA Programme.

Here, I'll describe how our selection process works and how you can

"ace" the interview process.  We want you to succeed.

Click on Register your Interest to complete an online form that allows us to determine whether you satisfy our entrance criteria: we ask for basic contact and demographic data, as well as information about your education and work experience.  This data goes to Susan Steer, our admissions manager and a really nice Brit, who drinks tea and somehow empties her email inbox before leaving work each night.

If you satisfy our entrance criteria, Susan will call you within a few days to discuss the programme and answer any questions you may have about us.

The Application Process:

Following your initial discussion with Susan, we will ask you to send us your Curriculum Vitae (CV), which we will review and then we will invite you to join us in an interview, most likely through Skype.  

We ask you to make a five-minute (maximum) presentation on a topic of your choice.  Here's a key insight: we want to evaluate your conceptual reasoning abilities, so don't stress out about the topic.  Choose a subject of interest to you, define key terms (e.g., see well-grounded above) and construct a logical argument with support, such as examples and references.  

Here's an example.  I might choose to discuss photograph, defined as an art form used to capture images of people, landscapes and still-life compositions.  Then I could explain that the objective is not to simply capture pretty pictures, but to allow the viewer to see something that is impossible without the technology.  I could illustrate the idea with an example from a favorite artist (photographer) and explain the technology used to control light though shutter speed and aperture choices, with reference to a professional resource: NPhoto. 

You may choose a topic related to business, current affairs or something of personal interest to you.  Then, don't try to impress us: let us get to know you.  You may want to consider how your topic transitions to our interview: does it give us something to talk about?

We use the interview to (1) get to know you as a person (our central focus); (2) identify what you can contribute to our next MBA class; (3) assess whether you're up to the challenge; and (4) understand how the Otago MBA fits with your career ambitions.  You should anticipate two interviews lasting ≈ forty-five minutes to an hour, with us represented by Ian Lafferty (Director), Olga Meglinskaya (Curriculum Delivery Manager), Susan and/or me (David Baucus, Academic Leader).  Ask yourself, how many MBA programmes will devote this level of effort to get to know you?"

Confirmation of an Offer

If we (you and our MBA management team) agree that a good fit exists, you will receive an official letter confirming your acceptance onto the programme. You will need to apply for admission to the University of Otago, and supply further information to confirm your place. This may include a deposit, GMAT test result, English Language test results, references, original documents, and an Education Credential Evaluators (ECE) assessment of your qualifications.

Don't hesitate to contact Susan.  Good Luck!

David