- Jun 22, 2023
- 3 min read
How To Network Before Starting Business School
You can start making useful connections even before you begin your program—and smart networking could even help you secure a place at business school
Networking can have a large impact on your career and your chances of landing a place at business school ©Wavebreakmedia/iStock
Most people who enroll at business school know that networking is an important part of the experience.
Among candidates who participated in the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Prospective Students Survey, 60% said they were interested in pursuing graduate management education to enhance their network.
But did you know that business school networking doesn’t have to start when you join a program? Here are five ways you can start making beneficial connections even before you begin your first class.
1. Reach out via LinkedIn
The world’s most widely used professional platform, with almost a billion members, using LinkedIn is the easiest way to connect with students or alumni from your target business school.
A quick video call or coffee with someone who has insider knowledge of your target school can be invaluable for your application and interview prep—it can also help you to refine your school shortlist.
Reach out highlighting your common connections—for example similar work experience, interests or undergrad experience—and you’re more likely to receive a response.
2. Sign up to GradSelect
GradSelect is part of the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global organization of top business schools. By registering for free with GradSelect, you share your interests and target business schools, and you will then receive information to help you apply and to secure a place at business school.
You can connect with more than 500 top business schools, including the likes of The Wharton School, Harvard Business School, London Business School, and many more.
3. Attend open days
Business schools want to help your admission process and will host in-person and, often, virtual open days or admissions webinars to provide you with important information.
These are an excellent way to speak with current students, faculty and even others who are applying. Keep an eye out for them on school websites as they can be popular.
4. Join an MBA or Master’s event
GMAC Tours assemble different schools in cities around the world to help candidates hear from a number business schools in one day. As well as meeting b-school admissions advisors, these events are a great way to speak with peers to hear about their application and career journeys.
5. Build an online network
Join the BusinessBecause MBA Applicant Hub, our private Facebook group, to network with other applicants and find support throughout the application process. Who knows, you may find a future classmate or business partner via the group.
Next Read:
The Value Of MBA Networking—And 5 Ways To Be A Great Networker
Sian is GMAC’s head of editorial. She joined GMAC in 2022 and has worked across magazines, newspapers, and digital media for more than 25 years as a journalist, editor, and strategic content planner.
She has contributed to titles including The Telegraph, The Guardian, and Times Higher Education, where she also served as content director of its global summits, developing flagship events for the international higher education community. Earlier in her career, she edited a suite of magazines for teachers and educational staff on behalf of the UK’s Department for Education, work that earned multiple publishing industry awards.
At GMAC, Sian oversees editorial strategy and multimedia content across GMAC.com and MBA.com, helping prospective business school applicants and corporate professionals navigate their education and career decisions. A regular speaker at GMAC conferences and industry events, she frequently shares insights on topics such as graduate management education trends, content marketing, and the impact of AI on visibility and student recruitment.