Leon A. Jackson, Ph.D., MBA’s Post

In this episode of #BusinessCasual, John A. Byrne, Maria Wich-Vila and Caroline Diarte Edwards dive into the latest insights from the Graduate Management Admission Council™ (GMAC™) report. The report reveals a notable 12% increase in worldwide applications to graduate #businessschool programs from 2023 to 2024, bouncing back from the prior downturns. Standouts include a dramatic 48% application spike at NYU Stern School of Business and a 36% increase at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, with Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School applications double. The hosts discuss the sustained interest in U.S. business schools amidst political flux and the wider impacts on the academic landscape of these institutions. They also touch on the surge in online and hybrid program applications and reflect on the economic factors driving fluctuations in MBA appeal. #BusinessEducation #MBAExperience #BusinessEducation #BusinessCasualPodcast #BusinessSchool #ApplicantLab #ApplicantLabPodcast #PoetsAndQuants #MBA #CareerTrends https://lnkd.in/gJXAdc79

🎓 Key Lessons from Harvard & Stanford Admits: What Can We Learn from Them? Every year, a few lucky individuals achieve the extraordinary: they get admitted to both Harvard Business School (HBS) and the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB)! 🌟 These “dual admits” are rare, and many of them also receive substantial scholarships—some securing up to $100,000 USD to fund their studies. So, what can we learn from their success stories? Here are 3 key lessons from a recent study of 21 of these exceptional candidates: 1️⃣ Compelling Work Experience: These admits stood out not only for working at recognized companies but also for the impact and strategy behind their roles. Their work experience was clearly transferable to the MBA student community. 2️⃣ Authentic Passion and Purpose: These schools are looking for people who want to change the world, and who have already started doing so in their current careers. Their goals were ambitious but backed by real, meaningful experience. 3️⃣ Authentic Storytelling: It’s all about how they tell their story. It’s not about being perfect, but about being honest with their challenges and growth. Authentic and vulnerable storytelling captures the admissions committee's attention. Curious about improving your chances of getting into an elite B-school like HBS or Stanford? Let’s connect and craft a winning strategy! https://lnkd.in/gNbiS2de #MBA #HarvardMBA #StanfordMBA #GlobalCareer #AdmissionsSuccess #Leadership #ThomasGuyScott #CareerRocketCharge

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."  William Shakespeare, Hamlet   In reflecting on the pervasive issue of corruption, it is evident that its tentacles stretch far beyond the halls of the US Senate, where an $80 billion bill was approved for arms manufacturing under the guise of sustaining wars, into the very core of our societal foundations, including our environment and, notably, our education system. The realm of education, more aptly termed the 'education business,' presents a striking paradox. It is a domain where individuals lacking university teaching experience or scholarly publications ascend to positions of influence, effectively sidelining the qualified educators with the highest certifications in their respective fields.   This brings me to the operations of Fortuna Admissions, a premier consultancy firm that cleverly employs retired admissions managers to offer "support " to prospective students at exorbitant fees that rival the cost of a Master in Management (MIM) degree. The pricing structure is staggering:   One school package: $6,900 Two school package: $9,200 Three school package: $11,350 Four school package: $13,350 Five school package: $15,200   As a liberal-minded individual, I support entrepreneurial freedom, albeit with necessary oversight. Scrutinizing the qualifications of these consultants raises questions about whether clients are paying for genuine expertise or merely for connections within academic programs. The distinction remains blurred, yet one hopes that esteemed institutions like INSEAD or LBS maintain ethical standards to prevent overt collusion.   However, the collaboration between Virginie Fougea--INSEAD, David Simpson--LBS, and Judith Silverman Hodara--Fortuna Admissions marks a concerning development, implying that if one is willing to pay fees ranging from $7,000 to $15,000, one gains access not just to a consultancy with ties to alumni but also to admissions committees themselves.   Articles by Matt Symonds and statements from schools often highlight commitments to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Yet, it appears these ideals serve more as marketing tools than actionable principles, given the prohibitive costs of master's programs and the services of companies like Fortunaadmission, which are inaccessible to all.   I foresee a future where industry veterans like Virginie Fougea and David Simpson will leverage their networks, selling access to INSEAD, LBS, or Wharton for up to $15,000 per student, further entrenching educational access and opportunity disparities. This contemplation leads me to question the ethical landscape of our education system and the true cost of admission into its esteemed ranks.   Dr Huber #inseadalumni #insead #lbs #hecparis #mbastudents

Olin's first-ever "Own, Operate, and Invest" Fellowship is now live! https://lnkd.in/ghjqMWEm If you are a current Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School MBA (FT, FLEX, or EMBA) with an interest in accelerating your work in and around strategic ownership, I encourage you to apply to our fellowship. This is due just after the holidays, so reach out if you have any questions. Over the last few years we have really pushed forward as a Center -- including our upcoming case competition on patient capital investment -- and this work is a perfect complement to this effort. Whether you intend to run a family operation, buy a small business, or invest in the middle market, we look forward to supporting you in these goals! For those who are in the midst of deciding what MBA program to pursue, know that Olin and Washington University in St. Louis, more broadly, is a place where this focus is a core of how we can support you in your goals! Please share with anyone who is deciding where they might best land, as I look forward to sharing more of our approach.

People ask if Business School is still worth it? Truth is, they have been asking that question for as long as I can remember. And the answer remains the same today as it did when I earned my MBA in 1980 from The University of Chicago (wasn't called Booth back then). It all boils down to one basic concept: the MBA is a very special union card. An MBA is important IF the area of business you wish to work requires it. Not all do. But if your area of business requires an MBA, there are two important questions you must ask: does it care about prestige (the where) and/or does it care about how well you did? Some businesses ONLY care that you graduated from a top 5 or a top 10 or an 'Ivy League' Business School, regardless of how well you did. They just need to be able to say so in their web bio of you. Others are more geographically oriented, focusing on graduates from the local Business School. while others differ depending on the specifics of the business itself and the parti ular professors teaching there (Northwestern known for its particularly outstanding marketing programs over the years). So, I would encourage you to choose your school wisely with you future plans in mind. (Not that I am doing anything remotely related to what I had in mind on Day 1 of B Schhol). Or you can do as I did an shoot for the best you can achieve, because all of these years later, I still have my handy union card. U of Chicago '80. #businessschool #universityofchicago #schoenlegalsearch

This year, Texas McCombs revised its MBA essay questions to focus more on innovation and how you plan to take initiative and plot your unique path. Our MBA essay tips can help you create a stellar application that wows the McCombs admissions committee. #McCombsMBA #TexasMcCombs #MBAapplication #businessschool #MBA #UTMcCombs

Today's most viewed: Our new 2024-2025 ranking of the best MBA programs in the U.S. A surprise winner at the top for the first time https://lnkd.in/eQicDjia #mbaranking #mba #businessschool

Since we are on the topic of MBAs, New York is first in the top four states in the US with the best business schools! NY has nine of the best-ranked business schools, according to Bloomberg. #MBA #Best ##business #schools #universities #NewYork

Are days numbered for universities? Having journeyed through the formal academic route, starting with a Physiology degree at Leeds (1996-1999), Medicine at Liverpool (1999-2004), and more recently an MSc at Kings College London, I've experienced firsthand the invaluable aspects of traditional education. For professions like medicine and law, these rigorous paths remain essential. However, the landscape of education is undeniably shifting. Today, we're witnessing an explosion of accessible and affordable alternatives to traditional university programs. For instance, in the UK, a typical MBA from a traditional university could cost anywhere from £30,000 to £60,000. Opt for Harvard Business School, and you’re looking at costs upwards of £100,000. And these figures don't account for the opportunity cost of taking time off work by becoming a full time student. This is where innovative programs like The Power MBA shine. Offering a curriculum delivered in small, digestible 15-minute daily lessons, it allows professionals like me to continue earning while gaining valuable business insights at a fraction of the cost. While it doesn't culminate in a formal degree, the practical knowledge gained is incredibly valuable both financially and time-wise. I completed The Power MBA program in just 8 months through consistent learning and have already started applying some of the principles to kickstart my own business. I'm thrilled to have recently become a Power MBA ambassador for London, helping our business community grow and flourish. Is this the direction in which the education industry is moving? Are universities, as we know them, becoming obsolete in certain contexts? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this evolving landscape! #EducationRevolution #AlternativeEducation #LifeLongLearning #BusinessInnovation #PowerMBA #Entrepreneurship

🌟 Want to join the ranks of Stanford MBA alumni? Our Step-by-Step Guide breaks down everything you need to know to increase your chances of acceptance. Start your journey to Stanford success today! #StanfordMBA #DreamSchool