Bentley University-McCallum Graduate School Of Business

What to Expect from Your Graduate School Interview

A graduate school interview is about more than simply discussing your academic or professional qualifications. It is also a chance for the interviewers to get to know you as a person and learn what sets you apart from other applicants. Here is an idea of what to expect from this important part of the admissions process.

Interviewers

• In most interviews, you will be speaking with multiple interviewers, who are usually members of the faculty. Remember to hold a conversation with your interviewers instead of simply talking at them; being engaged and personable will go a long way toward making yourself memorable.

Types of Questions

• You should be prepared for interview questions about your resume. Interviewers may want to discuss a certain item or activity, or they may ask you general questions, like which item had the greatest effect on you. Additionally, you will probably encounter questions that require you to think to on your feet, like asking you to name an important trend in your field. This shows your interest in the field and your ability to think critically under pressure. You may have to discuss your personal characteristics, your interest in the program you’re applying to, or your goals in life. While you can do your best to be prepared for these questions, you will probably still encounter one or two that surprise you. In that case, it is acceptable to take a moment to think before answering instead of simply rambling.

After the Interview

• When you leave the room, your interview isn’t completely over. Take the time to write your interviewers thank-you notes to let them know you appreciated the opportunity. This will cement their impression of you as personable and professional.

At the McCallum Graduate School at Bentley University, we use our graduate school interviews as a way to get to know prospective students and help them learn more about our programs. If you’d like to know more about how to apply for our MBA and MS programs, call (781) 916-8115 or visit our campus near Boston.

Which Graduate Business Degree Best Suits Your Career Aspirations?

Returning to school to obtain a graduate business degree is a great way to expand your career options in a variety of business fields. However, you may be unsure about which graduate business degree is right for you. At the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University, we offer several degree options

Master of Science

• There are several specialized Master of Science, or MS, programs available at Bentley University. While a particular financial topic may be briefly covered in an MBA program, an MS degree can focus entirely on that topic. At the McCallum Graduate School, we offer MS degrees in Accountancy, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Factors in Informative Design, Information Technology, Marketing Analysis, and Taxation. Pursuing an MS program may be ideal if you have chosen a specific field or position within the business world where you would like to work.

Master of Business Administration

• If you are looking for a career that is focused more on business management, then a Master of Business Administration, or MBA, may be the right degree for you. Bentley University offers three distinct MBA programs. The Bentley MBA offers a unique curriculum that is targeted towards mid-career executives and is taught full-time over the course of 11 months. Our Emerging Leaders MBA is an intensive, full-time program that is geared towards those who are about to begin their careers. The final MBA that we offer, our Professional MBA, is a part-time program that is designed to offer flexibility to students.

Certificate

• Individuals who are interested in pursuing graduate studies but are currently unable to commit to a full degree program may choose to complete a certificate program. We offer programs geared towards those with no graduate school experience, those who already hold a master’s degree, and professionals who simply wish to increase their knowledge and abilities.

No matter what aspect of the business world you hope to enter, having an MBA or graduate business degree can help you succeed. To learn more about the degree programs that we offer, call the McCallum Graduate School at Bentley University today at (781) 916-8115.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Graduate Degree

Making the decision to return to school and obtain a graduate degree is a significant event, so it is important to carefully consider the graduate degree program that you would like to enroll in. If you have decided to apply to graduate school, then take a look at the following aspects to consider when selecting a degree program.

Type of Degree

• There are a number of graduate degrees available, each of which qualifies graduates for different positions. In a graduate business school, degrees are available with a variety of concentrations. Be sure to carefully consider which type of degree will best suit your needs and goals before applying to a graduate program.

Flexibility and Time Commitment

• It is important to consider how much time a specific graduate degree will take to complete. Most master’s degree programs can be completed within two years, while certificate programs may only take two semesters. You may also want to consider the flexibility offered in a program. Some graduate programs only admit students who can commit to a full-time schedule, while others offer part-time schedules which allow students to complete coursework over longer, less intensive periods of time.

Compatibility with Program

• It is important that you find a graduate degree program with a faculty and a curriculum that is compatible with your goals. Look for a department with at least one faculty member whose research or career record matches you interests, and connect with that professor early on. In addition, be sure that the classes and curriculum taught within a degree program consists of information that will be helpful as you develop your career.

The McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University is located near Boston, MA and offers a number of graduate business degrees. Whether you are interested in obtaining and MBA, MS, or certificate, you can find the right program at our school. To learn more, call Bentley University today at (781) 916-8115.

Do You Know These Commonly Made Resume Mistakes?

Composing a professional resume is an essential skill that you will need when applying to a graduate degree program or for a job. There are a number of common resume mistakes that can hurt your chances of being accepted for a position.

With this clip, you can learn about the types of information that should not be included on a resume. The speaker in the video emphasizes the importance of omitting certain personal information, such as physical characteristics.

If you are considering applying to the McCallum Graduate School at Bentley University, then you must submit a current resume along with other application materials. Watch the video above and then check out the "Building Effective Resumes" video, provided by the Department of Career Services. To learn more about our MBA programs, call us today at (781) 916-8115 or visit our campus near Boston, MA.

Top 4 Mistakes to Avoid During Your First Year of Graduate School

Starting graduate school is an exciting event, and succeeding as a graduate student can provide you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field and broaden your career options. However, there are a number of common mistakes that graduate students make during their first year. 

Taking On Too Much

It is essential for students to allow enough time to complete coursework and fulfill employment obligations while in graduate school. Many students receive assistantships through the department in which they are studying, and it is important that students accurately estimate the amount of time these commitments will require before signing up for extracurricular activities or additional classes.

Treating Graduate School Like Undergraduate Coursework

Graduate studies require students to engage much more critically with the material being presented than they did as an undergraduate. As a graduate student, it is essential that you do not to skim over or rush through assigned reading and essays.

Getting Behind With Assignments

When a student gets behind with the reading or writing that has been assigned in a graduate program, it can be impossible to get back on track. Create a schedule that will allow you to complete assignments as they are given, rather than putting them off and risking falling behind.

Not Connecting with Colleagues

Your first year of graduate school is a great time to connect with your fellow students and your professors. Whether you are planning on continuing in academics or hope to enter the business field, you will continue to rely on the relationships that you build as a graduate student. By communicating with others in your department and actively participating in projects, you can gain experience with academic work and build connections that will help you throughout your career.

Students interested in applying to Bentley University’s McCallum Graduate School are encouraged to connect with faculty and administrators early. Connecting with the school helps to gain an accurate understanding of what is expected from students in a their masters degree program. To learn more, call us today at (781) 916-8115 or visit our campus near Boston, MA.