The mbaMission Podcast
Welcome to the mbaMission podcast, where every week we discuss different MBA application components and give our expert guidance on everything business school admissions related.
Episodes
88 episodes
Ep 88 | Exploring the EMBA
In this week’s episode of the @mbaMission podcast, the team takes a deep dive into Executive MBA (EMBA) programs and how they compare to part-time, full-time, and mid-career MBA options. Jeremy Shinewald and Harold Simansky are joined by Senior...
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Season 3
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Episode 88
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36:09
Ep 87 | The US MBA Visa Maze
The U.S. MBA visa process can feel overwhelming for international applicants—but it’s far more navigable than many assume. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harshad Mali, Harold Simansky, and Jeremy Shinewald break down the full U.S. M...
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Season 3
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Episode 87
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21:00
Ep 86 | When is the right time to apply to business school?
Timing your MBA application can be just as important as your credentials. Applying too early—or too late—can affect everything from your testing strategy to your chances in a competitive applicant pool. In this episode of the mbaMission podcast...
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Season 3
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Episode 86
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28:44
Ep 85 | Why Mid-career Pros Choose These Business Schools
Mid-career MBA programs offer a very different experience from traditional two-year MBAs—and for the right candidates, they can be transformational. In this episode of the mbaMission Podcast, hosts Jeremy Shinewald and Harold Simansky...
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Season 3
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Episode 85
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32:46
Ep 84 | Insights From a Former Stanford GSB Admissions Committee Member
The Stanford GSB is the most selective business school in the country, admitting only 6-8% of applicants each year. So how can you stand out in an incredibly competitive pool? In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Jeremy Shinewald i...
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Season 3
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Episode 84
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32:49
Ep 83 | Nontraditional vs. Overrepresented MBA Applicants
What does it mean to be a nontraditional MBA applicant? What about an overrepresented applicant? Understanding these distinctions can make a big difference in how you approach your business school applications. In this week's episode of the mba...
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Season 2
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Episode 83
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27:04
Ep 82 | The Best MBA Programs for Healthcare
Healthcare is a dynamic and fast-changing industry. More and more MBA students hope to improve lives by driving innovation and strategy in the healthcare space, whether in biotech, pharma, hospital administration, or digital health. In this wee...
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Season 2
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Episode 82
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25:12
Ep 81 | Stanford GSB Application Essays: What the AdCom is Looking For
The Stanford GSB application is notoriously challenging, and includes a variety of essay and short answer prompts including the famous: "What matters most to you, and why?" In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy and J...
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Season 2
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Episode 81
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37:36
Ep 80 | The Impact of AI on Business School and MBA Careers
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, work, and lead. If you're thinking about earning your MBA, AI is likely on your mind. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simanksy is joined by mbaMission Managing Director...
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Season 2
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Episode 80
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40:43
Ep 79 | How to Land Your Dream MBA Internship
For many business school students, securing a summer internship between the first and second years of their MBA program is a top priority. These MBA internships are competitive, and the recruitment process starts earlier than you might think. I...
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Season 2
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Episode 79
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19:21
Ep 78 | The State of MBA Admissions in 2025
2025 has been a unique (and at times unpredictable) year when it comes to business school admissions. Questions around the economy, tariffs, AI, international student visas, and more have left many aspiring MBAs wondering: is this the right yea...
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Season 2
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Episode 78
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30:44
Ep 77 | MBA Application Essays: The Dos and Don'ts of Final Revisions
As MBA application deadlines approach, many applicants feel the pressure to make their application essays "perfect." But how should you actually go about revising and polishing your essays? How much rewriting is TOO much, and how does a final r...
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Season 2
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Episode 77
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32:18
Ep 76 | Career Pivots and the Foundations of Effective Leadership
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we welcome back Liz Ramos, former head of human capital at Bain & Company. Today Liz is sharing her professional journey from management consulting to the field of HR/human capital. She talk...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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29:14
Ep 75 | How to Secure Standout MBA Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation are a critical -- and often overlooked -- part of the MBA application process. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky is joined by mbaMission Managing Director Rachel Beck and Executive Direc...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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38:34
EP 74 | Financing Your MBA: Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid
Getting into business school is challenging, but PAYING for business school can be just as stressful for many MBA hopefuls. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with mbaMission Managing...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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28:05
Ep 73 | What Makes the UVA Darden MBA Program Stand Out?
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia is known for it's top-ranked faculty,dedication to the case method, and stunning facilities. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welc...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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40:27
EP 72 | Attending B-School in the U.S. as an International Student
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome back Aman Singh, a former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Today Aman is sharing his an experience as an in...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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22:19
EP 71 | How (and When) to Prepare for MBA Recruitment
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald welcome Liz Ramos. Liz has spent decades recruiting and hiring MBA students at firms such Bain & Company, Fidelity Private Equity, and Cambridge Associat...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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31:53
Ep 70 | Assistant Dean Breaks Down UVA Darden Admissions
The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia offers one of the most rigorous and transformational MBA programs in the country. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald sit down with D...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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35:56
Ep 69 | Journey to Business School: How Aman Got Into MIT Sloan
This week on the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jessica Shklar welcome Aman Singh, former mbaMission client and current student at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Aman shares his journey to business school and the ways in which Jes...
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Season 2
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Episode 69
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28:40
Ep 68 | Avoid These Last-Minute MBA Application Traps
When working on business school applications, MBA applicants tend to focus on their essays, resumes, and recommendations. But inside the applications are a myriad of additional questions that require equal attention. This week on the mbaMission...
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Season 2
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Episode 68
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29:32
Ep 67 | Tips for Nailing Your MBA Interviews
Round 1 business school application deadlines are here, which means interview season is just around the corner. In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing all things interviews, and sharing our top tips for succeeding on ...
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Season 2
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Episode 67
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25:44
Ep 66 | Pitfalls of Bad MBA Interviews (and Hallmarks of Great Ones)
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast we're discussing common MBA interview pitfalls. Where do MBA interviews tend to go wrong, and why? And -- just as importantly -- what are the hallmarks of great business school interviews? This w...
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Season 1
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Episode 66
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45:29
EP 65 | Insider Tips From an HBS Interviewer
In this week's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald welcome back mbaMission Executive Director Devi Vallabhaneni. Devi is an alum of Harvard Business School and spent years interviewing HBS applicants as a me...
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Season 2
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Episode 65
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36:01
Ep 64 | Our Clients' Toughest MBA Interview Stories ***UPDATED***
In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, Harold Simansky and Jeremey Shinewald are joined by Devi Vallabhaneni, HBS alum and mbaMission's Interviewer in Residence. Harold, Jeremy, and Devi discuss some of the most challenging interview exp...
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Season 2
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Episode 64
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14:45