The Program
How do I work with a coach?
When you start the MBA Professional Development (PD) Program, you will be assigned an executive coach. Your coach assignment will be based on your application to the program and your expressed career interests. You will have a one-on-one introductory call in which you will identify the right timing and methods to communicate based on your respective schedules. From there, you’ll also have additional opportunities to participate in one-on-one calls, group calls, and class calls throughout the program. You should feel free to reach out to your coach throughout your MBA experience.
Do I have to quit my job in order to participate in MBA PD?
No, fellows participate in MBA Professional Development while they are still employed. Many fellows will quit their jobs during the MBA Professional Development experience, as they are starting business school in the fall.
Do I have to accept a job at an MLT partner organization to qualify for MBA PD?
MLT partners provide financial support to the organization in order to have access to you! MLT partners join us at seminars, webinars, and events to provide fellows with relevant content on the various career paths fellows may want to pursue.
MLT partners also interview fellows at various MLT events and on-campus. Although fellows are not required to accept offers from any specific organization, the organizations we partner with have made a commitment to hire diverse individuals from MLT.
We want all applicants to MBA PD to be interested in networking and recruiting with at least three partner firms. If you receive multiple offers for employment, we want you to work with your executive coach to select the best fit for you and your career goals.
Who are the MLT MBA-level partner organizations?
A
Activision | Adobe Systems | Amazon | American Express Company Inc. | Autodesk
B
Bain & Company | Bank of America | The Bridgespan Group | Boston Consulting Group
C
Cambridge Associates | Capital One | The Chartis Group | Colgate-Palmolive Company | CoStar Group
D
DaVita | Deloitte
G
Genentech | General Mills | Gilead Sciences | Goldman Sachs & Co. | Google | Greylock Partners | Guggenheim Securities LLC
K
Kearney
M
Mars | Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC) | Mondelez International
N
Nike Inc. | NIQ
O
Oliver Wyman
P
PepsiCo | Pfizer Inc.
S
Starbucks Coffee Company
T
Target | TikTok
U
UBS
V
Visa Inc.
W
Wellington Management Company LLP | Wells Fargo
*List subject to change
I’m interested in working for a start-up and/or working at a venture capital fund. Is MBA PD the right program for me?
The short answer is yes! As of Fall 2020, MLT has been expanding into the startup ecosystem. In MBA PD, we’ll give you the straight scoop on start-ups and venture capital, lay out pathways to get in, and provide access to industry experts. At this time there are no venture capital (VC) partners and no active VC job recruiting at MLT PD events. In addition to learning and exploring your interest in venture capital, fellows are expected to interview for roles at their preferred non-VC MLT partners.
I’m interested in an MLT partner organization that isn’t listed as an MBA-level partner. Can I still recruit with them through MLT?
Financial contributions from MLT’s partners underwrite the programming that MLT provides. In exchange for their financial support, MLT supports partner recruiting efforts. The scope of relationships MLT has with its partners varies considerably. MLT may be the perfect fit to source graduate talent but not undergraduate talent- and vice versa. If you are interested in a role with a non-MBA partner, the onus will be on you to navigate through the process.
What are the costs associated with MBA PD?
There is a $60 non-refundable application fee. If admitted, fellows pay a $550 non-refundable program fee. You will be responsible for transportation costs associated with attending the required events, but your hotel and some meals on those trips will be covered.
MBA Prep 2025 Fellows will automatically have the application fee waived.
Are events mandatory?
Yes, all events are mandatory. If there are specific circumstances that may prevent you from attending a virtual or in-person event, please share that information in your MBA PD application and email mbapd@mlt.org to alert the PD team.
Where are the seminars held?
Seminar locations vary from year to year. Fellows are notified of cities and dates once confirmed. The kick-off event is typically held Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon in mid-April. The second event is typically held Tuesday through Friday afternoon in May.
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Eligibility
Can I be a part of MLT although I plan to pursue an executive or part-time MBA?
Unfortunately, no. Our calendar and curriculum are based on several factors including partner hiring patterns and the flow of full-time programs. Part-time and executive programs may not fit into the established model.
Can I participate although I am not a US Citizen?
All participants must be US Citizens, DACA/TCA recipients or Permanent Legal Residents.
Can I participate even though I am not of Black, Hispanic/Latine, or Native American descent?
In order to participate, you must identify as Black, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American. People who identify with more than one of these ethnic groups are also encouraged to apply.
Application
What makes a strong application for the MBA Professional Development Program?
The selection committee is looking for individuals who demonstrate excellence in the following three areas:
- Leadership: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a solid leadership profile. Many times, this includes a promotion or significant professional accomplishment already on their resume.
- Career Exploration and Progression: Applicants should be interested in networking and MBA-level recruiting with at least three of our corporate partners (see list above). Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their personal and professional path through participation in organizations, internships, and other activities. In addition, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of their post-MBA career goals.
- Academic Achievement: Those with a 3.0 GPA or greater and a strong test score (500+ GMAT, 150 Quant/150 Verbal+ GRE, or 150+ EA) are highly encouraged to apply. For MBA PD 2023 Fellows, the middle 50% achieved scores within the following ranges: 620 to 710 (GMAT), 153 to 161 (GRE Quantitative), and 154 to 162 (GRE Verbal).
How much work experience should I have when applying?
Applicants should have at least three years of solid work experience.
When will I be notified if I am admitted into the program?
Round 1 decisions are communicated in mid-to-late February and Round 2 decisions are communicated in early April*.
*Notification timing is subject to change. We will inform applicants of any delay in decisions.
What happens if I don’t get in? Can I re-apply the next year?
Our program is only for candidates entering MBA Programs in Fall 2025. You cannot re-apply to the program if you have already started your MBA.
Technical Questions
How do I start an application?
You can access the application here.
How do I upload my video response?
For the Video Response task, you can either upload the file directly to your application or attach a YouTube/Vimeo link. If you use Youtube, set your privacy to “Unlisted”. If you use Vimeo and have a password, please provide the password when you attach the link. If you upload your file directly to the site, it cannot exceed 50 MB (ideally, <25 MB) in size. If you have any trouble uploading or questions about the video, please email mba-apply@mlt.org for assistance.
I am having difficulties with my application. What do I do?
For technical questions, please contact technical support via the links found within the application. For content questions, please contact MLT at mba-apply@mlt.org.
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