Who are we looking for? The top 4 qualities that define a strong Olin MBA candidate

The vision of MBA success, contrary to what some may tell you, has no template.

The ideal MBA candidate doesn't conform to a specific appearance or manner of speaking. MBA success stories are as diverse as the people walking down your street.

However, there are certain qualities that can enhance candidates' pursuit of their MBA degree at Olin. It's important to consider these qualities, how you might relate to or develop them in your life, and how they manifest in the application process.

The four qualities that define a strong Olin candidate

The qualities MBA programs look for are diverse, but if you're thinking about how to get accepted into Olin's MBA program, you should keep these four elements front and center:

Collaboration. To be successful in life and business, individuals must rely on teamwork. For a team to be effective, each member should leverage their unique strengths while acknowledging and integrating their weaknesses with the strengths of others.

Collaboration is a vital part of how the MBA program operates at Olin. Participants will experience collaboration through experiential learning projects across the globe, applying what they learn in the classroom to succeed outside of it. The ideal MBA candidate can immerse themselves in teams and communities and share their skills with others.  

Open-mindedness. In their recent cohort of 83 individuals, Olin proudly welcomed representation from 22 different countries. The rich diversity within Olin's program attracts exceptional talent and offers MBA candidates the opportunity to engage with a wide array of ideas and perspectives, provided they approach the experience with an open mind.

Olin's ideal MBA candidate understands the importance of diversity in an MBA program. When individuals are driven by openness, they gain insights into business through diverse cultural lenses. This cultivated open-mindedness, in turn, equips them to approach business with the agility and adaptiveness essential for success in the future world.

Ambition. Pursuing an MBA is a reflective, intense, and demanding journey. Students will have a lot of fun along the way, but a successful Olin student sets ambitious goals, works diligently in their classes and on their career search, and finds ways to contribute to the Olin community.  

Drivenness isn't just about studying all night; the most driven students are those who look beyond their books, too. They seize opportunities to get to know their cohort, take advantage of resources through the Center for Career Engagement, and utilize the diverse alumni network.

Innovation. Innovation is woven into the curriculum because it is a fundamental element of business success. Regardless of the industry or role into which their students venture post-Olin, problem-solving will likely be a significant aspect of their responsibilities.

While students are not expected to have all the answers upon entering Olin, fostering an innovative mindset ensures that they will be ready to tackle challenges head-on. Innovation is another reason why diversity is important in MBA life; it enables cohorts to learn from each other and push the boundaries of what is already known.

The ideal MBA candidate is likely to showcase their own version of these qualities during the application and interview process.

How MBA candidates can showcase their unique qualities

During the application and interview process at Olin, every unique candidate is trying to figure out how to increase their chances of getting accepted into the MBA program. The question arises: how can candidates elevate their application materials and stand out? How can they describe their experiences, skills, and qualities in ways that help the admissions team understand them?

Perhaps surprisingly, the most effective way to elevate an MBA application might be for candidates to consider what the program can do for them. What are the goals they have that Olin's particular set of resources can help them achieve? How can Olin assist them in making the impact they wish to make on the world? This involves conducting research, reflecting deeply on their goals, and engaging with the Olin community to determine if the program is a good fit.

Candidates need to refine their purpose to genuinely present who they are, what's important to them, their journey to this point, and how Olin Business School fits into their future goals. Reflecting on specific instances in their careers that highlight their strengths and the value they bring to an MBA program and future employers is essential. Their narrative should clearly demonstrate why they are ready to take the next step in their professional journey.

Olin is interested in understanding the impact candidates have made in their workplaces or other organizations. Candidates should demonstrate this by including quantifiable achievements on their resumes, focusing on their most significant projects, and mentioning personal initiatives and activities. Consistency across resumes, essays, and interviews is crucial, as they should all tell a cohesive story.

The journey to MBA success at Olin does not follow a predetermined path or cater to a specific type of candidate. The core of the Olin MBA program is defined by collaboration, open-mindedness, ambition, and innovation. As applicants prepare their applications, it is crucial for them to demonstrate these four fundamental qualities, highlighting how their unique experiences and viewpoints align with Olin's ethos. Olin is in search of individuals who are not only prepared to excel within its dynamic environment but also poised to make a meaningful impact in the broader world, taking significant strides in their professional development.