Start Smart—Self Assess

Let’s be honest—making the decision to pursue a graduate b-school degree isn’t always easy.

Whether you’re looking to change careers, start your own business, or get ahead, take the time to look at the bigger picture of your life first. It’s the smartest move you can make before applying to a graduate program.

By clearly knowing your skills and goals in advance, you’re more likely to impress admissions professionals as someone who is motivated and prepared. You’ll be able to speak convincingly about your strengths and experience and how they relate to your career and educational goals at a particular school—this can make all the difference.

Begin with these simple questions:

• Why do you think a graduate business degree is right for you?
• What do you have or do you want to have in common with business professionals?
• What future careers fit your personal strengths, interests, abilities, and values?
• What kinds of business schools, companies, and corporate cultures seem to be the best fit for you?

Take your time and write your answers down. Let them sit overnight before reviewing them again and making additional notes. (For a more detailed self-assessment, try our Self-Assessment Checklist.)

Need help getting your self-assessment going? Try the CareerLeader® assessment. This powerful online tool was developed specifically to assess your skills, interests, and abilities as they relate to the requirements of actual business careers.

Through its advanced program, it helps you explore your interests, abilities, work-related values and motivations, giving you a customized report of your unique profile. In addition to telling you about you, the tool also compares you to more than 14,000 other business professionals.

TRY THE CAREERLEADER ASSESSMENT

USE THE SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST