Pre-Graduate Business Study Self-Assessment Checklist

This is not your usual checklist.  You will be taking a very close look at your current skills—and whether you are ready to take the next step in your career. 

So it’s good idea to take your time in answering the following seven questions.  Have some extra paper handy if you want to write down some notes or even entire answers.

1. I have already decided:

• the management field/job function that interests me
• the industry that interests me
• the location where I would like to be

2. I can explain why I think a graduate business degree will help me achieve my goals in:

• reaching my targeted career objective
• building on my natural strengths

3. I can talk convincingly about my strengths (academic, personal, and professional) that have helped me to be successful, and that my peers have praised.

4. I also can talk clearly about my weaknesses that have created obstacles and hindered my performance in the past.

5. I completely understand the personal factors I must consider (family, lifestyle, financial, etc.) in making my decision.

6. I know how I would revise my career goals if I did not obtain a graduate business degree.

7. I know which of the following points are important to me in choosing a graduate business  program:

• not being required to relocate
• career/placement services
• being able to continue working full time
• a full-time, full immersion experience (not working full time)
• being able to do a work internship/placement
• cross-cultural experiences, not just academic ones
• a general management “core” foundation in accounting, finance, human resources, information technology, marketing, operations, and strategy
• being able to declare a concentration of electives in my field or pursue a specialty

If you answered ‘yes’ to all of the above questions, congratulations!  You’re ready and well-prepared to pursue your graduate business degree.  However, if you’re still uncertain, take a deep breath and review the following ten questions.  If you can answer all of them positively, you’re probably ready to go after your program.

1. Can you define who you are in terms of what is important to you? Can you define what job satisfaction means to you?

2. Do you know what level of financial security and income is important to you?  Do you know what kind of lifestyle you want?

3. Do you have a strong interest in a particular industry within the business world? Can you explain why? Do you know which fields or particular concentrations are most appealing to you?

4. Do you have natural skills that others notice? Are there any particular careers where those skills could be especially valuable?

5. Do you have evidence (from recruitment managers or professionals in your chosen field) that graduate business study is a logical next step for you? Is it the preferred path to help you get where you want to go?

6. Do you know what education background is preferred for your proposed career? Does your targeted industry seem to value certain types of degree programs over others?

7. Do you know what your other options are? Without the degree, can you still get into your chosen field through other training or experience?

8. Beyond the degree program, do you know what added resources (training, experience, finances, etc.) you may need to achieve your long-term plans? Can you identify any gaps in your background, experience, or training that could stop you from reaching your goals?

9. Are you ready to be a student again for up to two years? Do you have the discipline and drive?

10. Do you know how you’re paying for business school or supporting yourself during graduate business study? Would you prefer to study full- or part-time?

Need more insight?

Visit the CareerLeader® Self-Assessment