Services
A strong application must present an individual’s accomplishments, experiences, and aspirations in an engaging way, with all application components contributing to a balanced and consistent portrait. The goal is to highlight how and why an applicant would make a strong addition to the program, and that can only be accomplished with a dedicated investment of personal time and attention.
Unlike many MBA consulting firms, Susan is the sole proprietor of Starbound Partners, and clients will work exclusively with her one-on-one throughout the entire application process. Working with Susan includes the below services.
Program Selection
Understanding a candidate’s background, learning style, and career goals is key to identifying suitable graduate programs. Following an in-depth review of a candidate’s credentials, career trajectory, and aspirations, Susan develops and/or helps refine a list of programs that offer the academic quality, learning, and diverse camaraderie that will ensure success.
Susan will:
Assess candidate’s personality, preferences, and career goals
Research appropriate MBA or other graduate programs to match candidate preferences
Develop application strategy and timeline based on program selectivity and potential fit
Resume Editing
The resume forms the core of the application package for the aspiring graduate candidate. At this stage, most applicants will have an existing resume; this will serve as the starting point for the application process.
Susan will:
Brainstorm potential resume rework and revisions
Redraft resume to present academics, employment, and accomplishments effectively
Edit and polish final resume
Essays
The essays are a critical component of any application process, offering candidates the opportunity to share their career aspirations and to convey why a particular program is the right next step.
Susan will:
Help develop a storyline around a candidate’s experiences, strengths, and future contributions to the world
Brainstorm creative approaches to each essay that highlight the candidate’s unique profile
Work with candidate to edit, refine, and polish essays
Application and Recommendations
Many programs have added often overlooked short-answer questions and other elements to their portals, and strong recommendation letters are vital to any application package.
Susan will:
Help determine from whom candidates should request letters of recommendation to best enhance application
Suggest areas of focus for recommenders to consider including in their letters
Review application with candidate and help edit and trim short-answer components
Interview Preparation
An interview invite is a major milestone in the MBA process, and preparation is key to securing a spot in the program.
Susan will:
Provide candidate with common MBA questions and work together to develop strong answers
Conduct mock interviews with candidate in person, via Zoom, or by phone
Critique mock interview and offer tips and techniques on interviewing