Author: Jonas Revensburg, Head of Talent Acquisition and Community Engagement

As we select our 'perfect candidates' for the MBA programme, people often reach out to us with a query about what we look for in our MBA candidates. With only about 45 students in our MBA programme, “fit” is tremendously important to us. The truth is though, that each of our students come with very different and unique skill sets, character traits and personality attributes – a key to diversity and unlocking the world of learning.

However, there are few questions that we ask ourselves about candidates who apply to our programme:

1. Does an MBA matter to you?

We only select candidates for whom an MBA matters; where they need to equip themselves with apt skills to accelerate their career. For such individuals, an MBA will have an immense impact. Do you need an MBA? Will it help you grow as a person? These are vital questions you must ask yourself before you consider enrolling in an MBA programme. If you have the thirst for learning, and believe that you need new skills (business and leadership skills) in order to achieve your career goals, then go for it.

2. Are you ambitious?

While ambitiousness is our basic requirement, we also want humble candidates who look forward to an MBA as a life-changing, personal journey. We assure you, this will be a transformative and testing part of your life - if you're prepared for it, you will reap the rewards in due time. Here it is important to note the difference between being ambitious and competitive – we foster a collaborative environment, where a caring and supportive mindset is in the center of learning.

3. Are you collaborative?

MBA is all about peer-to-peer learning; thus, a collaborative mindset is a prerequisite to succeed. We do not aim to foster a competitive environment, but rather, a collaborative one. We are in quest of finding people who value professional and personal experience, simultaneously. We want you to collaborate as much as possible with a group-work-based teaching model that involves presentations, business case solving and much more to cultivate the collaborative mindset and spirit of our MBA. Through collaboration is where the most powerful lessons and learning are acquired.

4. Do you embrace diversity?

Diversity is in our roots; we prioritize constructing a classroom with people who are, preferably, not alike.

We heartily welcome people who have international experience or any kind of international exposure, be it from working in international companies, or simply from living or studying abroad. This assures us that you do have an affinity for cultures and people, and therefore have an open-mind and broad perspective.

5. Do you have a technical background?

When it comes to technical background, we welcome candidates from fields such as engineering, science, technology, and even law. It can be any discipline where you have gained a certain level of strong expertise.

This provides you with a foundation for the MBA, allowing you to acquire skills that, when blended with your expertise, takes you ahead in your career.

6. Do you have a growth mindset?

We are searching for candidates who are bold enough to take ownership of their own outcomes and have a burning desire to grow. Accountability and responsibility should be your guiding principles.

This growth mindset does not relate to personal growth alone. You must be willing to grow together with others around you. Candidates who can spread joy while learning, and have an immensely positive impact on others, are who we are looking for. Even though some might claim this to be an innate character trait, you can also gain it through your experience in life.

The Bottom Line

In the event that all the above characteristics resonate with you, then your candidacy for an MBA is surely solid. As I always say, an MBA is once in a lifetime experience and a personal journey of self-growth and learning! Remember, career and work is what we spend most time on throughout our life, so make sure you are in the driver’s seat.