MBA Crystal Ball

My first interaction with Sonal was a few years back. She came across as an articulate, driven and creative MBA applicant. That last quality was refreshing as it is generally not associated with MBA graduates.

She also had a special interest in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources. She selected her target programs accordingly and got multiple MBA admits. She chose to attend the BYU Marriott MBA program at Brigham Young University.

In an age where MBA costs are spiralling out of control, the BYU MBA offers one of the most affordable programs. With an average GMAT score of around 680, an average GPA of about 3.5 and an average work experience of 4-5 years, the selection process is quite competitive.

BYU MBA program grad, Sonal, has loads of interesting experiences and memories to share.

- - -

BYU MBA – Marriott School of Management
by Sonal Yadav

I vividly remember the summer of 2011, when I was rigorously studying for GMAT, eyeing the 90th percentile and researching B-schools to determine the right fit for me.

I had a lot to consider after all; the program, placement and affordability. If this doesn’t seem like a lot, then consider this: I was also working full-time.

My search led me to Brigham Young University (BYU) that offered globally ranked number one program in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources.

My interactions with the admissions team, current MBA students and alumni gave me great confidence that BYU was the right destination for me. I recently completed my first academic year of the MBA program this May.

Looking on a year that has whizzed by like greased lightning, my time at BYU has been nothing but challenging, fulfilling, engaging and enlightening.

BYU is immersed in values, rigorous in theory and experiential in practice. Professors are very approachable. They invite periodic feedbacks on their classes, which I think is exceptional as it indicates that the professors are genuinely invested in the on-going learning process.

BYU receives generous funds from the Church, the program is very affordable, I will be graduating with an insignificant loan (which is such a blessing!).

However, contrary to the perception; it is all-embracing of people from other faiths. The school provides various opportunities for BYU students to know more and embrace the religious diversity of the student body.

I started my MBA program in July and to my absolute delight, the recruiters started queuing up as early as October.

The Career center at BYU offers one-on-one assistance on resume, interviewing and networking. In all this, the strong and lifelong tradition of alums engaging with and assisting current students is a treasured gift.

I got all the help I needed to succeed and landed an exceptional internship at Adobe, California, a company I had always admired and aspired to work for.

As for the location of the school, Provo is called the happy valley and reasonably so, you will see happy faces everywhere. The place is very affordable and proudly exudes all the charm and hospitality.

The BYU MBA community is very collaborative and inclusive which extends beyond students. There are lots of activities round the year that spouses are invited to and participate in activities on campus like attend classes with us to get a sneak peek into a day in an MBA student’s life.

As you start to compete for a place in your desired school, remember, An MBA admissions office doesn’t work or think in thousands; it looks only at individuals.

There is no one definition of business talent. A business school aims to select a well-rounded class that reflects the talent, leadership, internationalism and diversity to which the school aspires. Each school assembles its class one person at a time.

I wish you the best for your future endeavors and hope your MBA journey is as memorable, rewarding and impactful as mine. I know I will be carrying these enriching experiences and lasting friendships with me, where ever I go. The BYU MBA experience has been truly unique.

- - -

Apart from management consultants and investment bankers, we need folks who understand the other key aspects of running a successful business. Sonal’s decision to pursue a career in Organizational Behavior and Human Resources is commendable. We wish her all the best.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published on our blog and recently moved here.