ReachIvy Exclusive Sneak Peak: Top College Series – An Interview with Associate Director of Admissions, MBA at MIT Sloan

Name: Jeff Carbone

Designation: Associate Director, Office of Admissions

School Name: MIT Sloan School of Management

1. Being able to pick the right program is crucial given the number of options available in the market. At ReachIvy, we meet a lot of students who face this decision. Who should ideally be applying for the MBA program at MIT Sloan?

 We are looking for the best and the brightest from all backgrounds, which include people without technology or engineering backgrounds (which is a common misconception).   We seek candidates who want to live out the mission of the MIT Sloan School of Management – To develop principled innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice.

2. Can you share with us what background / profile / traits you are looking for in your incoming class?

While there is no typical background for the MBA class profile, MIT Sloan students tend to be smart, grounded, collaborative, and impact-oriented.  We have students coming to our program from a variety of industries from finance to consulting to pharma to the start-up world. We are looking for students who have demonstrated success in their career pursuits up to the time in which they apply for school.

3. What are some of the most interesting classes and professors?

There are too many to list!  It also depends on what the interest is of the current student. The faculty at MIT Sloan, much like the student body, is made up of extremely smart yet humble people.  They range from Nobel Laureates to practitioners who have had very successful careers.  Some of the most popular classes are our action learning lab classes because they provide an opportunity to work with a team in a hands-on (often global) project such as Global Entrepreneurship Lab, Analytics Lab and China Lab.  Other popular courses are New Enterprises, Product Design and Development, Corporations at the Crossroads: The CEO Perspective, Management of Services and Operations Strategy, Finance Theory II, and Strategies for Sustainable Business, to name a few.

4. What are some of the facilities and faculty resources available to students who want to switch careers or pursue entrepreneurial interests while in the program?

MIT Sloan provides students with a platform to learn and take their career in the direction they wish.  There are so many resources available at MIT Sloan and also at the larger MIT community that students can explore.  That is the beauty of being at MIT Sloan, it is a small program with the resources of a world renowned research university.  The Career Development Office begins working with students in the core semester with Career Core.  The members of the Office are available to work with students to help them reach their career goals throughout their time at MIT Sloan and even when they are alumni.

On campus there are different centers that bring students together from across the institute from the Legatum Center to the Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship to the Media Lab. The resources for students who wish to start their own company or venture into the startup world abound.  Kendall Square, home of MIT Sloan, is filled with startups and giant tech companies that lend themselves to numerous conferences and competitions throughout the year.

5. There is a lot of curiosity among our students on what a classic day would be like in the MBA Program at MIT Sloan. Could you describe it for us?

Again, that is hard to say.  Every student’s journey is so different given their interests and the activities in which they are involved.  Some students may be leaders of the clubs and busy organizing conferences in the afternoons while others may be working on their startups.  Most classes typically take place from Monday through Thursday, and we encourage anyone that can visit to do so.  Our Ambassadors Program gives a glimpse into the day in the life of a student, and visitors can attend a class, join an information session, and have lunch with current students.

6. How does MIT Sloan assist current international students with career guidance and placement?  For students looking to return to India – what type of support would they receive?

The Career Development Office partners with students to help them with tools, strategies and resources to attaining their career goals. There are over 180 companies recruiting on campus, and students also utilize the MIT and MIT Sloan alumni networks to assist with their networking and career searches.  There are also treks and tours of various regions organized by the Clubs that focus on networking and career discovery.

7. Is there any type of financial aid available to international students applying for this program? If so, can you tell us more about who the ideal candidate would be?

We offer merit-based fellowships and scholarship to students from all backgrounds.  It is a competitive process, but they are offered to both US and non-US citizens alike.  More information can be found on our website.

8. If you had one piece of advice to give to students interested in applying to this program, what would it be?

Be yourself!   We want to learn as much as we can about you throughout the application and interview process.  Be authentic and tell us about your experience and interests.

Also, learn as much as you can about each school. There are many opportunities to engage with in person and virtually with students, alumni and staff.  Visit campus, attend an information session or join an online chat.

Jeff Carbone is Associate Director of Admissions at the MIT Sloan School of Management.  Jeff leads the recruiting team for pre- and post-admission efforts for the MBA program.  He has been a member of the MIT Sloan Admissions team since 2012.  Prior to joining MIT Sloan, Jeff was an Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, Senior Recruiting Coordinator at Bain & Company, and Senior Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at Babson College.  Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Babson College and a Master of Education from Northeastern University.

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