Education Q & A: Pursuing an MBA abroad

I would like to study for a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in America or the UK. Does a professional qualification help in getting accepted even if it is not related to work experience but an interest in the subject? How important is the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and work experience?
Sunny Bhatia, via email

An MBA is a graduate degree with theoretical and practical training in its course of study. In most US schools, students can finish the course in two years. Few are aware of fast-track MBA programmes in the US, which take just ten months to complete. The biggest advantage of this is that you are away from work for a shorter period and the cost is much lower.

Many students who already have an MBA from their home country still decide to apply for a second MBA in the US. The notion is that an MBA from an American college will give them a different perspective and more international experience. You will have to clarify to the college admissions team why you want to do a second degree.

Applying for a graduate degree takes time, money and effort. Check out the various exams required and test scores each school is looking for. The GMAT is computer-based and tests your general verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. You will need to see if your score is in the required range for the business school of your preference.

Is the GMAT essential for all schools? No. Sometimes schools overlook it in lieu of work experience. Again a college counsellor would be the right person to guide you here.

Another important requirement is essays, which are your personal statements that give schools an idea of who you are. They are an opportunity to persuade the admissions officer why you deserve a place in the school. I would advise you to present a sincere picture of who you are and what you can offer that is distinctive and interesting. Try not to guess what the admissions officer is looking for as this will only result in ignoring your personal strengths.

Your personal statement must be comprehensive, lucid and should leave no doubt in the admissions officer's mind as to your goals in life. You will need to have studied the comparative strengths of the faculty and your statement must clearly reflect why you have chosen the particular programme in the particular university and how you feel it can help your career.

Most colleges will require work experience, usually a full-time occupation. But no matter what the job or internship was, it's more about what you have accomplished, how you have led and how you have grown in the job that matters. Leadership skills, emotional intelligence and teamwork are some attributes most business schools are looking for in a candidate.

Recommendations play a very important role in the admissions process. Ideally they should come from individuals who have supervised the candidate and can talk about the candidate's managerial potential and contribution to the organisation. It is always better to get a recommendation from your manager/supervisor who knows you intimately than a generic letter from a "senior/high ranking" person who has no idea who you are.

Sanjeev Verma began his career with Ernst & Young before moving on to set up the Gulf operations of IDP Education Pty. He now leads Intelligent Partners in Dubai developing a wide range of solutions in areas of international education