Shows
The mbaMission PodcastEp 87 | The US MBA Visa MazeThe U.S. MBA visa process can feel overwhelming for international applicants—but it’s far more navigable than many assume. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harshad Mali, Harold Simansky, and Jeremy Shinewald break down the full U.S. MBA visa journey, from F-1 student visas and STEM-designated OPT to the H-1B lottery and longer-term pathways. They discuss how top employers continue to sponsor MBA talent, why business schools are actively working to attract international candidates, and how shifting application trends may actually create new opportunities for global applicants. Rather than viewing visas as a barrier, this...
2026-01-2721 min
The mbaMission PodcastEp 86 | When is the right time to apply to business school?Timing your MBA application can be just as important as your credentials. Applying too early—or too late—can affect everything from your testing strategy to your chances in a competitive applicant pool. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, hosts Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Nisha Trivedi to unpack when the right time to apply really is. Together, they discuss how to assess your personal and professional readiness, how Round 1, Round 2, and Round 3 admissions differ, and why application quality should always outweigh speed. They also explore how work experience, career progression, layoffs, test...
2026-01-2028 min
The mbaMission PodcastEp 85 | Why Mid-career Pros Choose These Business SchoolsMid-career MBA programs offer a very different experience from traditional two-year MBAs—and for the right candidates, they can be transformational. In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, hosts Jeremy Shinewald and Harold Simansky explore accelerated, one-year programs designed for experienced professionals, including Stanford MSx, MIT Sloan Fellows, London Business School Sloan Fellows, and USC IBEAR. Joined by mbaMission Managing Director Debbie Choy, the conversation breaks down who these programs are built for, how they differ from EMBAs, and why they often serve as a st...
2026-01-1332 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 84 | Insights From a Former Stanford GSB Admissions Committee MemberThe Stanford GSB is the most selective business school in the country, admitting only 6-8% of applicants each year. So how can you stand out in an incredibly competitive pool? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Jeremy Shinewald is joined by Katy Lewis, mbaMission Executive Director and former MBA admissions reader at the Stanford GSB. Katy shares valuable insights into the GSB admissions process, discusses the ways in which applicants can truly stand out, and explains what applicants tend to get wrong about Stanford admissions. If the Stanford GSB is your dream MBA program, you do NOT...
2026-01-0632 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 83 | Nontraditional vs. Overrepresented MBA ApplicantsWhat does it mean to be a nontraditional MBA applicant? What about an overrepresented applicant? Understanding these distinctions can make a big difference in how you approach your business school applications. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy is joined by Senior Consultant Nisha Trivedi and Managing Director Harshad Mali. Harold, Nisha, and Harshad discuss the benefits and challenges of being either a nontraditional MBA applicant or an overrepresented MBA applicant, and the strategies that applicants in either category can use to stand out in their applications. If you're applying to business school and wondering how...
2025-12-3027 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 82 | The Best MBA Programs for HealthcareHealthcare is a dynamic and fast-changing industry. More and more MBA students hope to improve lives by driving innovation and strategy in the healthcare space, whether in biotech, pharma, hospital administration, or digital health. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Christine Patel. Harold, Jeremy, and Christine discuss which MBA programs are leading the way in healthcare, how health-focused MBA applicants can stand out in the admissions process, and how you can use your business degree to make a real impact in the field of healthcare. If...
2025-12-2325 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 81 | Stanford GSB Application Essays: What the AdCom is Looking ForThe Stanford GSB application is notoriously challenging, and includes a variety of essay and short answer prompts including the famous: "What matters most to you, and why?" In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by Christine Patel, an mbaMission Senior Consultant and graduate of the Stanford GSB. Harold, Jeremy, and Christine break down the various components of the GSB application and share advice for applicants about how to write truly impactful essays and short answer responses. They discuss what the GSB admissions committee is looking for, how to figure out what...
2025-12-1637 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 80 | The Impact of AI on Business School and MBA CareersArtificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, work, and lead. If you're thinking about earning your MBA, AI is likely on your mind. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Harshad Mali and Executive Director Katy Lewis. Harold, Harshad, and Katy discuss the impacts of AI on the economy and MBA careers, the ways in which business schools are adapting to the prevalence of artifical intelligence, and whether or not MBA applicants need to adjust their application strategies due to AI. If you're thinking about business school and wondering how...
2025-12-0940 min
Inside the GMATThe "Why Our School?" Essay with Jeremy Shinewald, mbaMissionWriting the "Why Our School?" essay is one of the toughest—and most overlooked—parts of the MBA application. In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with Jeremy Shinewald, founder of MBA Mission and one of the most trusted voices in MBA admissions, to break down how to turn this high-stakes prompt into a powerful statement of fit. Jeremy explains why this essay is far more than a formality, where most applicants go wrong, and the three core components every strong response must include: your context, your goals, and a bridge that connects those goals to the scho...
2025-12-0326 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 79 | How to Land Your Dream MBA InternshipFor many business school students, securing a summer internship between the first and second years of their MBA program is a top priority. These MBA internships are competitive, and the recruitment process starts earlier than you might think. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh. Aman is a former mbaMission client, currently in his second year at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Aman had long dreamed of working at Google, and over the summer completed a coveted product management internship at Google. Today Aman shares his insights into...
2025-12-0219 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 78 | The State of MBA Admissions in 20252025 has been a unique (and at times unpredictable) year when it comes to business school admissions. Questions around the economy, tariffs, AI, international student visas, and more have left many aspiring MBAs wondering: is this the right year to apply to business school? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Jeremy, and Jessica break down what we've seen throughout the 2025-2026 application cycle, and discuss whether this is a good (or bad) time to apply to business school. If you are working towards Round 2...
2025-11-2530 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 77 | MBA Application Essays: The Dos and Don'ts of Final RevisionsAs MBA application deadlines approach, many applicants feel the pressure to make their application essays "perfect." But how should you actually go about revising and polishing your essays? How much rewriting is TOO much, and how does a final read-through differ from a standard round of revisions? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica discuss the best strategies for fine-tuning your essays, common last-minute mistakes MBA applicants make as deadlines approach, and when it's time to stop tweaking and...
2025-11-1832 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 76 | Career Pivots and the Foundations of Effective LeadershipIn this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we welcome back Liz Ramos, former head of human capital at Bain & Company. Today Liz is sharing her professional journey from management consulting to the field of HR/human capital. She talks about career pivot points, the critical role of people management in successful firms, and universal leadership traits that are needed in every sector. If you are considering a career change post-MBA, or are interested in the field of workforce management, or simply want to know what makes a great leader -- you won't want to miss this conversation!
2025-11-1129 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 75 | How to Secure Standout MBA Recommendation LettersLetters of recommendation are a critical -- and often overlooked -- part of the MBA application process. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica discuss the role recommendations play in business school admissions, how you should select your recommenders, and how to collaborate with your recommenders to ensure that their letters add real power to your applications. If you are applying to business school in the next 1-2 years, you won't want to miss this conversation!00:00 Welcome...
2025-11-0438 min
Inside the GMATMBA Career Pivots with MBA PathfindersMany MBA applicants see business school as a chance to pivot—to shift industries, roles, or even entire careers. But how realistic is your pivot story, and how can you make it resonate with admissions committees and recruiters? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Pamela Jaffe and Laura Nelson, founders of MBA Pathfinders, who have over 30 years of combined experience guiding applicants through successful career transitions. Together, they break down the realities of the modern job market, why the MBA remains a powerful bridge for change, and how to craft an ap...
2025-10-2934 minThe mbaMission PodcastEP 74 | Financing Your MBA: Merit Scholarships and Financial AidGetting into business school is challenging, but PAYING for business school can be just as stressful for many MBA hopefuls. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck to discuss all things related to financing your MBA. They talk about MBA merit scholarships, financial aid, employer support programs, and more. They also discuss some of the common questions we hear from applicants about negotiating scholarship offers and the long-term value of an MBA. If you are thinking about applying to business school -- or eagerly awaiting...
2025-10-2828 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 73 | What Makes the UVA Darden MBA Program Stand Out?The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is known for it's top-ranked faculty,dedication to the case method, and stunning facilities. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome back Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden. Dawna shares the qualities and features that differentiate Darden among top MBA programs, from its transformational dean, to its entrepreneurship and AI institutes, to its scholarship opportunities. Whether you are planning to apply to Darden or just beginning your business school research, you won't want to miss this conversation!
2025-10-2140 min
Career Sessions, Career LessonsHow To Nail The MBA Admissions Process, With Jessica ShklarGetting through the MBA admissions process may be a bit tricky, but you can get manage to nail it with the right planning and preparation. J.R. Lowry is joined by Jessica Shklar, Executive Director at mbaMission, who shares how they help candidates achieve admissions success and make their educational dreams a reality. Jessica explains why getting into a business school is definitely a great idea and how an MBA consultant can help you in your journey. She also breaks down the different MBA program types, how business schools screen their candidates, and why there is no one correct...
2025-10-2046 min
Career Sessions, Career LessonsHow To Nail The MBA Admissions Process, With Jessica ShklarGetting through the MBA admissions process may be a bit tricky, but you can get manage to nail it with the right planning and preparation. J.R. Lowry is joined by Jessica Shklar, Executive Director at mbaMission, who shares how they help candidates achieve admissions success and make their educational dreams a reality. Jessica explains why getting into a business school is definitely a great idea and how an MBA consultant can help you in your journey. She also breaks down the different MBA program types, how business schools screen their candidates, and why there is no one correct way...
2025-10-2046 minThe mbaMission PodcastEP 72 | Attending B-School in the U.S. as an International StudentIn this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh, a former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Today Aman is sharing his an experience as an international student attending business school in the United States. He discusses the ways in which he connected with other admits before arriving at school, the support he received from the International Students Office, and whether he feels -- now halfway through the program -- that coming to the U.S. to attend MIT Sloan was the right choice. If...
2025-10-1422 minThe mbaMission PodcastEP 71 | How (and When) to Prepare for MBA RecruitmentIn this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome Liz Ramos. Liz has spent decades recruiting and hiring MBA students at firms such Bain & Company, Fidelity Private Equity, and Cambridge Associates. Today Liz shares her unique perspective on how top firms recruit and develop talent. She discusses how the MBA recruitment process has changed, what elite consulting and investment firms are looking for, and what MBA admits need to do BEFORE they arrive on campus. If you are aiming to begin business school in the next 1-2 years, this episode is a must-watch!
2025-10-0731 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 70 | Assistant Dean Breaks Down UVA Darden AdmissionsThe Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia offers one of the most rigorous and transformational MBA programs in the country. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with Dawna Clarke, Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at UVA Darden. Dawna discusses the kind of applicant the Darden admissions committee is looking for, how applicants should think about application rounds, the factors that predict success in the MBA program, and much more. Whether you are planning to apply to Darden this year or just beginning your school research, you won't...
2025-09-3035 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 69 | Journey to Business School: How Aman Got Into MIT SloanThis week on the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome Aman Singh, former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Aman shares his journey to business school and the ways in which Jessica helped him to craft a powerful MBA application. He discusses his background in data science, engineering, and product management, what drove him to pursue pursue an MBA, and why -- before Jessica's guidance -- he thought M7 MBA programs were out of reach.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:00 Aman's journey to MIT Sloan05:11 School research...
2025-09-2328 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 68 | Avoid These Last-Minute MBA Application TrapsWhen working on business school applications, MBA applicants tend to focus on their essays, resumes, and recommendations. But inside the applications are a myriad of additional questions that require equal attention. This week on the mbaMission podcast Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Director Jessica Shklar. Harold, Rachel, and Jessica break down the MBA application short answers, share the most common last-minute questions they hear from clients, and discuss the importance of tackling the questions inside the application EARLY.00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast01:26 MBA application short answer questions06:29...
2025-09-1629 min
Tiger SistersThe Money Tips You NEED in Your 20s & 30s (We WISH We Knew These Tips)Women are silently losing over half a million dollars across their careers — not from big mistakes, but from three subtle traps: Delay, Doubt, and Default.In this episode of Tiger Sisters, we expose how these invisible money leaks happen, why women are disproportionately affected, and the practical tools you can use to reclaim your wealth. Backed by research, real stories, and the frameworks we’ve tested ourselves, this episode will change how you think about money.We share: ✅ How delaying investments or salary moves can cost ~$500K+ — and the automation trick to stop it ✅ W...
2025-09-1527 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 67 | Tips for Nailing Your MBA InterviewsRound 1 business school application deadlines are here, which means interview season is just around the corner. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing all things interviews, and sharing our top tips for succeeding on interview day. This week Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Senior Consultant Susan McInerny. Harold, Jeremy, and Susan discuss interview anxiety (and how to manage it), how to prepare for your interviews, what to ask your interviewer, and what NOT to do on interview day. Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for MBA interviews, whether those interviews...
2025-09-0925 minTiger SistersThe Secret to Power & Influence I Learned at Stanford's Business SchoolAfter spending $250,000 on a Stanford MBA, I realized the most valuable lessons were the invisible soft skills — the mental operating systems that help you build trust, influence, and actually lead everyone around you.In this episode of Tiger Sisters, we share the 3 most powerful frameworks from Stanford GSB that transformed how we show up as leaders — and how you can apply them immediately.We share:✅ The SBI feedback model from “Touchy Feely” — used by Netflix, Microsoft, Adobe✅ Power mapping from Jeffrey Pfeffer’s Paths to Power — why influence beats titles✅ Executive c...
2025-09-0829 minThe mbaMission PodcastEp 66 | Pitfalls of Bad MBA Interviews (and Hallmarks of Great Ones)In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing common MBA interview pitfalls. Where do MBA interviews tend to go wrong, and why? And -- just as importantly -- what are the hallmarks of great business school interviews? This week Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald are joined by mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhaneni. Devi is an alum of Harvard Business School and spent years interviewing HBS applicants as a member of the admissions board. As mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence, she conducts hundreds of interview simulations for HBS applicants every year. Devi discusses the importance of nailing your goals...
2025-09-0245 minTiger SistersWhat the World’s Most Powerful Women Do DifferentlyWe’ve uncovered the real daily habits that set the top 1% apart. In this episode of Tiger Sisters, we break down five habits that actually move the needle — not lemon water or 5 a.m. wakeups, but science-backed methods used by the most powerful women in the world (and tested by us). Each comes with case studies and mini exercises you can apply today. ✅ Separate fact from feeling to stay clearheaded✅ Audit your calendar so it reflects your real priorities✅ Language shifts that make you own any room✅ Why top women as...
2025-09-0121 minThe mbaMission PodcastEP 65 | Insider Tips From an HBS InterviewerIn this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald welcome back mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhaneni. Devi is an alum of Harvard Business School and spent years interviewing HBS applicants as a member of the admissions board. As mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence, she conducts hundreds of interview simulations for HBS applicants every year. Today Devi shares her insights on the HBS interview process, from who gets invited to interview to the ways in which you should (and shouldn't) prepare for your interview. If you are applying to Harvard Business School, this episode is a must...
2025-08-2636 minTiger SistersThe 3 Stanford Tools That Rewired How We Think In 19 MinutesMost of us were never taught how to make life’s biggest decisions — not in school, not in our first jobs. At Stanford GSB, we learned frameworks that rewired how we think about careers, relationships, and life itself.This episode is Part 2 of our most downloaded series (“Everything We Learned at Harvard & Stanford”), where we break down three powerful tools from Stanford Business School and show you how to apply them — with real company case studies and mini exercises you can try right now.We share:✅ Jobs to Be Done —...
2025-08-2520 min