ROADMAP TO GRAD B-SCHOOL There s no right way to a graduate business degree just the way that s right for you. Whatever path you choose, be sure to make the most of it! Whether you re in your first or last year of college, start building your personal route to a graduate business degree today! YOU ARE HERE En route to an exciting future in business! Accepted by more global business schools than any other exam. 2015 Graduate Management Admission Council. (GMAC) All rights reserved. The GMAT logo, GMAT, and Graduate Management Admission Test are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council in the United States and other countries.
FIRST-YEARS You ve just started college isn t it too early to think about what comes next? Trust us, it is never too early to start planing. The things you need to do to become a successful business leader are often the same things that make you a successful college student. At this stage of the game, focus on: starting strong academically Maintain a strong GPA, take the time to get to know your professors, and push yourself to participate in class starting on day one. campus involvement Check out student groups on campus or see if there are volunteer opportunities that interest you. By getting involved on campus, you ll build community, gain clarity about your interests and passions, and have exciting items to put on your résumé. Why not get started early? exploring campus resources Look into the many resources your school offers. A great place to start is your campus career center. See what grad school and career-related resources and services they offer; they re sure to come in handy! EXPLORE LEARN ACHIEVE
SOPHOMORES Now that you ve had a chance to get your feet wet, it s time to take your first-year explorations a step further. Use your sophomore year to: set clear academic goals This might be a target GPA, a deadline by which to talk to your advisor about choosing the best major for you, or improving on a weakness you identified last year. become a leader Does your student group need a Treasurer? What about becoming a Resident Advisor in a dorm? Leadership is a valued skill in the business world; the earlier you get practice, the better! gain professional experience Apply for an internship, a part-time job, or a volunteer position. This will help you narrow down potential career paths and help build your résumé early on. study abroad Visit your study abroad office to see if there are opportunities to travel, learn a new language, and get experience in areas like international business. draft your résumé Need help? Drop by the career center for personalized advice on creating a polished résumé. start thinking about the GMAT exam When do you want to test? Maybe your junior year is a good time to tackle the exam. start exploring different types of grad business degrees What does an MBA entail? What about a specialized Master s? No need to know which one is best for you; just start familiarizing yourself with what s out there. FOLLOW YOUR PASSION
JUNIORS Junior year. It s time to enjoy life as an upperclassman and start bringing your post-college plans more into focus. Use this time to: decide when to take the GMAT exam Give yourself time to test more than once just in case. When ready to tackle the exam, check out the Undergrad GMAT Plan. if grad b-school is in the near future Talk to your advisor, meet with faculty in grad business programs on your campus, and go to grad school fairs to learn the ins and outs of the application process. Also take a peek at GMAC s Business School Self Assessment Checklist. dial up your leadership role If you were Treasurer of a student group last year, go for that Vice President position! gain solid professional experience Increase your chances of scoring a full-time job after graduation or strengthen your grad school applications before the start of your senior year. network Supervisors from an internship, professors, and the advisor of your student group are all contacts you can call upon for referrals or recommendations when applying to grad b-school or job hunting. find a mentor Ask people who have taken the GMAT exam or are working in your dream jobs to provide tips for success. update your résumé With your campus leadership role and professional experience, you should have plenty to boast about! YOUR BRIGHT create a LinkedInTM account Showcase all of your great skills. FUTURE 2 MILES
SENIORS Congrats on entering your final year of college! With grad b-school or your first full-time job right around the corner, use this time to: register for the GMAT exam Don t forget to sign up if you haven t already done so. Review the Undergrad GMAT Plan. Remember that the time to test is now while you re in study and test mode. finish strong Keep up your GPA. Make your mark as a leader on campus, whether through organizing a big event for your student organization or joining a committee for a campus-wide event like Family Weekend or Senior Week. update your résumé and LinkedIn account Employers are increasingly looking at your social media presence. Make sure yours is updated and appropriate. if in the grad school application process Consult professors and advisors and visit your career center to speak to a counselor who specializes in grad school advising for application tips and tricks. if job searching Reach out to your network and ask your career center about on-campus opportunities to interview. join a professional organization Many organizations offer student memberships. Find one that s related to your field and network, network, network! become a mentor Help younger students navigate college and career decisions. enjoy yourself You ve worked hard to get where you are. Celebrate your upcoming graduation! GREAT CAREER AHEAD!
FIRST FEW YEARS ON THE JOB Hats off to you for securing that first full-time job! In preparation for grad b-school: take advantage of every chance to be a leader Show admissions committees that you have initiative and never shy away from challenges. attend employer trainings Sharpen up skills that are most sought-after in your field. network You ll need people who can talk about what a star you are in recommendation letters. find a mentor This person should be at least a few years older than you and have a job you d love to have. do community service Activities outside of work will help you stay healthy and impress grad schools. if certain subjects, like quant courses, didn t go so well for you in undergrad Take courses at a local college. Having a B or above in your classes and a strong GMAT score could make up for a low undergrad GPA. keep track of your achievements Be sure to highlight them in application essays and interviews. be smart with your money Start saving now. Research financial aid, scholarships, and employer sponsorships. narrow down your post b-school plans You ll need a plan that you can share with admissions committees. narrow down your top schools Use the free tool on mba.com to find and compare schools that meet your needs. finish strong Excel in your job until your last day of work. Accepted by more global business schools BUSINESS SCHOOL than any other exam. NEXT EXIT 2015 Graduate Management Admission Council. (GMAC) All rights reserved. The GMAT logo, GMAT, and Graduate Management Admission Test are registered trademarks of the Graduate Management Admission Council in the United States and other countries.