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SkimaTalk Official Course

Preparing for the MBA Application Process Lesson 3: Know Your School’s Values

Each MBA Program Has Unique Core Values

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Question the status quo Students always Confidence without attitude Beyond yourself

Example: UC Berkeley’s “Defining Principles”

MBA Programs Select Candidates that Align with their Core Values

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“Will this person fit in?” “Can this person become a good leader” “Is this person committed to our core values?”

A Successful Application Will Demonstrate Your “Fit” with the School’s Values

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Value: Committed to Innovation

“In my previous job, I designed and developed a new order management system to help the customer better track inventory. This innovative process saves the customer millions of dollars every year.”

Value: Selfless

“In my spare time I help tutor students in a low-income neighborhood. After school, I want to start an education company that focuses on helping students in low-income areas.”

Lesson Structure

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Before the lesson you will prepare a list of the core values for one of your target MBA programs. During the lesson you will discuss the values with your teacher: (10 minutes) – Review each of the core values. (15 minutes) – For each value, spend 3 – 5 minutes discussing how your background, education, and interests are a fit with the value. Use specific examples where possible.

Teacher Notes

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Teacher Version Only

Teacher Instructions: 1.  (10 minutes) Spend the first 10 minutes of the session discussing the core values for

the school that the student selects: •  What are the core values? •  What does each value mean? •  Make sure the student can confidently explain each value.

2.  (15 minutes) For each core value, discuss how the student demonstrates a fit with the value.

•  Fit could mean professional accomplishments, academic achievements, or activities in the student’s personal life.

•  At the end of the conversation the student should be able to answer the following question: “What are the core values of ‘School X’, and how are you a fit with those values? Please provide specific examples.”

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End of Lesson We Hope You Enjoyed It!