Social Media Tips for MBA Applicants

We’re going to tell you something that we hope you already know. Namely, if you’re applying to an MBA program this year, be careful what you post online. Like it or not, Adcom members may scan your public profiles before admitting you to their program. You don’t want something written in haste to derail your chances of getting in. That’s why you should review these social media tips for MBA applicants asap.

But it’s not just the admissions committee you need to worry about. Let’s say you are invited to interview with a local alum; that person might try to find out as much information about you as possible before your chat. Once you’re at school, potential internship and full-time employers could perform an even more extensive online background check. Your fellow classmates might do some digging, too!

Rest assured, we’re not saying that being active on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms is negative. In fact, savvy candidates actually use these avenues to boost their credibility. For example, you can use social media to solidify the good impressions made through your application materials.

Try these social media tips for size

Let’s say that you’re hoping to switch careers after business school. One of your essays talks about your intention to work for a company that develops clean-energy options in third-world countries. You could tweet links to articles or books you’re reading on the subject. Maybe you post about a local conference you attended. Perhaps you give your take on the most promising advancements in the field.

Or, maybe your career to date has led you to become somewhat of an expert on microfinance. Reinforce that reputation through your online presence. Let people know when you were quoted in an article or asked to be on a panel.

Are you a marketing guru? It would be easy to weigh in on — or share — what some of the biggest brands are doing on social media. The key is to keep things professional and on point. It’s absolutely fine to let your personality shine through, too — just as it should in your essays.

And you’re already following the programs you’re applying to, right? Doing so could be a great way to get insight into a school that you could work into your essays.

Remember, if you don’t consider social media to be another way to strengthen your candidacy, you may be missing out on a great opportunity that other MBA applicants will most certainly take advantage of.

Think of it this way:

Do your social media profiles need a makeover? For a b-school applicant, proper management of social media channels can help you expand the scope of your application without infringing on limited essay word counts. Check out the SBC Social Media Strategy Review, and let us help set you up for a lifetime of online social success.