The MBADiversity Blog in 2010

Hi All. My name is Hume An (the guy picture to the left). I am a member of the 6th Generation of MBADiversity: Perserverance. K.D. recruited me to manage MBADiversity’s Blog, a task that I accepted with enthusiasm but also a bit of trepidation. What exactly am I supposed to do? What kind of content would be worthwhile? What do I have to offer that would benefit anyone? Thankfully, K.D. gave me some guidance: “It’s not that hard. You’re a prospective business school student who elected to undergo the admissions process with MBADiversity. What would you want to know?”

A few questions came to mind:

Information about the 2009-10 MBADiversity Fellows Program

The MBADiversity Organization is currently selecting its 6th Generation. The application process includes three (3) essay questions, a resume, interview and character references.

We recommend typing your answers in Microsoft Word and saving before transferring into the system and submitting.

To apply: http://www.mbadiversity.org/application/

To learn more about us, attend an upcoming City Forum:

http://mbadiversity2009forums.eventbrite.com/

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2009-2010 MBADiversity Fellows Program Essay Questions
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Please answer the following question(s):
Question 1a
Many schools will also ask you why you have selected their school in particular to pursue your studies. We would also like to know a) what schools you are currently interested in and why and also b) why you have chosen our program and professional family to help support your goal(s). Please type in an answer of 500 words or less.

Question 1b
We select people of all backgrounds who are positive change agents within society and possess stellar interpersonal skills. Describe how you have been a positive change agent to date and how you plan to utilize your graduate degree to continue your good work(s) to improve the well-being of mankind. Please type in an answer of 500 words or less.

Question 2
We have a high success rate and we want to continue this trend. We select people who have a clear understanding of why they are pursuing higher education and how they plan to utilize the breadth and depth of our services to achieve this goal. Therefore, help us understand your level of tenacity. Please describe the most poignant time in your life that you persevered and reached a goal you had set for yourself. Please type in an answer of 500 words or less.

Question 3
Please describe a time in your life where you have overcome adversity.
Please type in an answer of 500 words or less.

The organization requires all Fellows to volunteer within the program during the year of acceptance. Please select the following areas where you’d like to volunteer (can choose up to 3).

Event Production
Marketing/Public Relations
Data Collection and Surveys for Fellows Program
General Operations
Fundraising/Grant Management
Writer for website or magazine
Mentor Match Program
Interview Applicants for the Fellows Program

Please provide a short answer detailing your selections above on how you plan to give back.
(Up to 750 characters)
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About The MBADiversity Organization
The MBADiversity Organization (www.mbadiversity.org) was founded in 2003 as the first inclusive, national MBA prep program and professional organization. The organization develops, inspires and empowers the next generation of positive change agents in education, business and the global community.

Through the integration of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods, this forward-thinking program evolves at optimal levels of innovation and quality to exceed new global business landscape demands.

MBADiversity Fellows Program offers full application prep, mentorship, gmat discounts and scholarship opportunities, spiritual fellowship and various professional development seminars and symposia.

Some interesting stats about the success of MBADiversity members:
1. 95% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive at least one business school acceptance

2. 55% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive multiple acceptances

3. 40% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive scholarship awards from at least one school

For more information about our Fellows Program, visit:

http://www.mbadiversity.org/fellows_program.shtml

Malcolm Gladwell on Meaningful Work

Interview Attire Tips

Interview Attire

We all know that image is everything. Well, at least initially. That being said, here are the basics for interview attire. Be aware that this is not the opportunity for you to don the Armani suit and polish the platinum cufflinks. The interview suit for business school is conservative, well-fitted, and dry-cleaned.

For both men and women: Nails should be clean and well groomed. Briefcase should be of good leather. Remember good hygiene.

For women: A skirt or pantsuit with modest amount of jewelry, makeup, and perfume. Steer away from tight-fitting, low or high cut hems. Wear pantyhose. Do not bring both a briefcase and a purse… it is awkward looking. To be graceful, choose one. Since you are a professional… choose the briefcase.

For men: Conservative dark blue or gray suit with a blue, white, or moderately, thin striped shirt. Highly shined black shoes with black or navy socks worn over the calf. Comb the hair and shave. Shirt should be 100% cotton, long-sleeved, heavily starched. The tie should be conservative, pure silk, and extend to the middle of your belt buckle.

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About The MBADiversity Organization
The MBADiversity Organization (www.mbadiversity.org) was founded in 2003 as the first inclusive, national MBA prep program and professional organization. The organization develops, inspires and empowers the next generation of positive change agents in education, business and the global community.

Through the integration of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) methods, this forward-thinking program evolves at optimal levels of innovation and quality to exceed new global business landscape demands.

MBADiversity Fellows Program offers full application prep, mentorship, gmat discounts and scholarship opportunities, spiritual fellowship and various professional development seminars and symposia.

Some interesting stats about the success of MBADiversity members:
1. 95% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive at least one business school acceptance

2. 55% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive multiple acceptances

3. 40% of those who achieve Fellows status and apply to school receive scholarship awards from at least one school

For more information about our Fellows Program, visit:

http://www.mbadiversity.org/fellows_program.shtml

The 20 Healthiest Foods for Under $1

During these economic times, if you are in school, in-between jobs or on a budget, finding ways to cut costs is priority. Here are some useful money-saving tips for eating healthy MBADiversity found on DivineCaroline.com

Food prices are climbing, and some might be looking to fast foods and packaged foods for their cheap bites. But low cost doesn’t have to…

View >>

The C.O.C. Method- How to Identify Diversity-Friendly, Innovative Companies

The C.O.C Method- How to Identify Innovative Companies

Whether you are an entry level employee or at the executive level exploring opportunities through a search firm, the simplest way to identify innovative companies that embrace dynamic diversity is through The C.O.C. Method.

Change can come from the bottom up, or by trickling down.

The C.O.C. Method Pyramid

• Culture: Determining your personal fit is first achieved by identifying the company’s culture. Is it conservative or progressive? Traditional corporate hierarchy or flat-model? Do they have work/life programs and community service initiatives? What about a triple bottom line approach to business?

• Opportunities: Are there training programs in place to aid in your professional development? What about affinity and culture programs to find internal mentors and network outside of office hours? Are there rotational programs and/or advancement roadmaps?

• C-suites: Take a look up top, at the C-suites. If they are diverse, there is a strong chance that your efforts up the ladder will not be in vain. Also, take note of the top level’s approach towards product/service development.

This model was designed in 2007 by MBADiversity’s Founder, Ms. Keisha Dawn Entzminger. The published paper can be downloaded here: microsoft-word-the-coc-method.

Rest for the Weary (Prophetic)

There are many that are weary.
I have seen them toil and it is not to my delight that they continue
on without me.
They run ahead of me instead of resting in my lap.
When I sit on the throne I look for you.
You are not there.
You are away. Busy.
I have so much to show you. So much to share.
There is wisdom to release. There is joy to loose in the spirits of
my people.
Let me refresh you at the Wellspring of Life.
Come rest in the mansion.
Let me show you around.
You have heard there are many rooms.
Let me show you what’s inside.
Prepare for dinner.
Wash and cleanse your hands.
I have a feast here at the table.
Come, all ye who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.

There is a mountain before you that you have been climbing.
I see you struggle.
Understand that I am greater than that mountain.
You do not always have to climb.
Sometimes it is there to see if you will begin up its side
without first asking me if you should climb!
For, you must understand that at times it is there so you
can come to me.
At times I can simply move it for you if you ask.
Stay with me.
I am your Compass, I am your Guide.
I look at the climbers and wonder why they have not simply
asked me to move it. Not every mountain is there to climb.
A mustard seed of faith is all that is needed to tell it to move
and I will move it.

Now, there are times when you are not equipped properly
for certain mountains. I am still doing a work in you.
These are the times when I keep you in the valley.
These are the times when you wonder where I am.
I have not forsaken you.
Be assured my faithful servant that I am there with you.
This is testing to see if you will stay with
me so I can properly equip you. Verily, I say unto you
that whosoever stays with me I will stay with you!
I will strengthen you!
You will leap over mountains!
You will soar like my eagle.
The mountain I made, the eagle I made…
I am greater than all these things!
Do not be discouraged!
Let the weak say I am strong!
You can do all things through me according to my Will!
Focus, focus I say.
Lift up your head!
How can you see ahead with your head down!
The only time you look down is when kneeling at my
altar so I can come and lift your head. So you can see
into my eyes and know that I am He!
You will recognize me if you seek my face.
You will recognize my voice if you seek my voice, if you
long to hear me.

And so I say unto you this day, more and more will be
revealed as we move forward in this journey.

Remember these words I have spoken to you this day.
Let not the evil one take these words from you.
Rest in these words so that they dwell in your spirit.
These words are like the map in your backpack in this journey.
These words are like the flask filled with water when your
brow sweats from climbing.
Keep my words safe inside you so that they keep you on course.

Let us continue on.

You can read more Prophetic Words at our Founder’s ministry website, Agape Love Works.

Alantria Harris, from MBADiversity 2nd Generation, on UpClose at Ross

Alantria Harris (right) from MBADiversity 2nd Generation- Fortitude, leading Ross UpClose weekend.

This year I had the opportunity to co-chair UpClose, the annual diversity weekend at Ross. I was excited to co-chair UpClose since I had once attended as a prospective student and had made my decision to attend Ross following the event. I felt that chairing the event would allow me to have a similar impact on prospective students.

In planning the event I worked with my co-chair, Geraldine Pérez from the Hispanic and Latino Business Students Association and the office of Admissions. The purpose of UpClose is to allow prospective students the opportunity to discover Ross “UpClose” and to experience life as a Ross MBA student. Therefore, we designed various classroom visits, workshops, and student panels around this purpose. We had several keys speakers such as Dean Robert Dolan, Soojin Kwon Koh, Director of Admissions, and alumni from companies such as Intel and American Express.

A total of 65 prospective students attended UpClose. The attendees represented diverse experiences and backgrounds such as a local radio talk show host and the first runner-up in the 2008 Miss Black Georgia scholarship pageant. I was impressed with the attendees from the start. They all displayed a lot of passion about going to business school and enthusiasm for Ross.

Alantria Harris (right) from MBADiversity 2nd Generation- Fortitude, leading Ross UpClose weekend.

The event turned out to be a success. It was evident throughout the event that the attendees had a great time. Afterwards, I received many compliments from the attendees about how impressed they were with Ross. The most memorable comment that I received was “UpClose was a great way for me to see Ross. I was amazed by the student’s passion for the school and also the collaborative nature of Ross.”

Fannie Cyriaque (left) from MBADiversity 3rd Generation- Purpose. She will graduate from Ross in 2010.

I am thankful to have chaired this important event for Ross. From this experience I look forward to continuing to work on the increasing the number of minority candidates that enter into business school.

MBADiversity Historical Events::Flashback to 2007 National Symposium

MBADiversity Historical Events:: 2007 National Symposium

Over 20 schools, 3 companies and several strategic alliances supported
the 2007 National Symposium. This event was conducted in August of 2007
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and achieved an exceptional output due to
effective partnering and collaboration among all involved.

Pre-MBA Tip: The Application Essays

The Approach

So, you have aced the GMAT, have your recs managed, transcripts stored away, and your resume done. Now, it is time to tackle the essays. The good thing is that you have narrowed done the scope of schools that you are applying to because you have determined personal fit and career goals. Now, for some of us (deemed “poets” in B-school lingo) who scroll with the depth of Shakespeare, the intensity of Stephen King, and the soul of Maya Angelou, essays are pretty much a cinch. For others, essays can seem frustrating and overwhelming. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

*Diplomacy/Generic Essays: Will not differentiate you from the huge stack of essays Adcomm has to read. Do not write what you think Adcomm wants to hear. Share your professional and personal stories in a down to earth manner. Avoid cliches, quotes, and over-used phrases.

*The Failure/Obstacle Essay: Don’t be afraid to show that you’ve failed at something, it’s a perfect opportunity to highlight what you’ve learned. Growth and introspection are signs of maturity.

*Why MBA, Why Now, Why School X essay: Have it down pat, and make sure you insert the correct school name before submitting. Also, have a good sense of what you would like to do after obtaining your MBA and be sure to address this. It’s a perfect segue to why the school is a good fit for you.

*Know the Limit to Avoid a Ticket: Essay word limits can be over/under around ten percent. For example, if the word limit is 500, keep your essay word length at a minimum of 450 and maximum of 550.

*Eh-hem! Is this thing on??: Make sure the Spell Check is on and working appropriately. Turning in essays full of grammar and spelling errors makes Adcomm wonder if you are seriously considering graduate level education.

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This information was provided by The MBADiversity Organization (MBADiversity.org). Please visit our website to learn more about our innovative Pre-MBA Prep program and professional development services.