Questions to Ask before you go to Graduate School (MBA or Masters in Finance)

By Sarang Ahuja

Introduction• For many young professionals, especially those in the private

sector, attaining a Master of Business Administration or Masters in Finance degree may seem as the only viable option to help bolster and proliferate their career opportunities up within professional hierarchy.

• While some millennials will make the jump because it seems like the only option, I would advise you to spend an ample amount of time and research to reflect and internalize your decision before making any type of commitment moving forward.

Introduction• At the end of the day, applying to a graduate program takes a

lot of effort.

• In fact, many of these one to two year programs require a large investment of your time, your work experience, and of course your money.

• Because of this, it is important that you ask yourself a variety of questions to help narrow and clarify your professional trajectory when you graduate your program.

To Help…

• Make sure you ask yourself these overarching questions.

• These questions could help you find your right program and set you on your way for professional success.

Questions to ask yourself:

•Why do you want to go to graduate school?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What you would like to do post-program?

Questions to ask yourself:

•Where do you see yourself five years, ten years, or twenty years down the line?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What were your greatest professional successes?

• What are your biggest weaknesses?

Questions to ask yourself:

•How did you come to work for XYZ company?

•Why did you transition for XYZ company to ABC company?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What programs would you get involved with at X graduate school?

Questions to ask yourself:

•Describe a conflict you had at work (or challenging situation or time you failed) and how you overcame it.

Questions to ask yourself:

•What programs would you get involved with at X graduate school?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What companies do you want to work at post X graduate program?

Questions to ask yourself:

•Where would you like to intern between your first and second year?

Questions to ask yourself:

•How would your (friends, manager or colleague) describe you?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What is the weakest aspect of your resume?

Questions to ask yourself:

•How would your (friends, manager or colleague) describe you?

Questions to ask yourself:

•How do you plan to market yourself to your target industry?

Questions to ask yourself:

•How would your (friends, manager or colleague) describe you?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What is your role within a team?

Questions to ask yourself:

•What will you contribute to the class?

Questions to ask yourself:

•Tell me about what you’ve learned working at your current company?

To Learn More

•Please visit the following sites:

•http://sarangahujafinance.com

•https://www.crunchbase.com/person/sarang-ahuja