The mbaMission Podcast

Ep 61 | MBA 101: All You Need to Know About Business School

• mbaMission • Season 2 • Episode 61

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In today's episode of the mbaMission podcast, we're breaking down MBA basics: What exactly do you learn in business school? How is the curriculum structured? And how can an MBA accelerate your career? Harold Simansky and Jeremy Shinewald discuss what business school is all about, and then then walk through each piece of the application process, from program research to essays, recommendations, and interviews. Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of business school or are actively working on your applications, this episode is for you!

00:00 Welcome to the mbaMission podcast
01:16 What is an MBA? Structure and curriculum 
04:20 Pedagogy 
06:50 2-year programs vs. 1-year programs
08:26 Business school application process
12:15 MBA admissions timeline 
14:17 MBA application components 
16:43 Business school interviews
17:50 Making a decision

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Harold Simansky:
Jeremy, let’s do MBA 101. Taking a huge step back — what’s an MBA? How do you get one? Where do you get one? What are some of the steps? The idea that management isn’t just whimsical but, in some ways, a science — you’re given a huge amount of information and need to sort through what’s important and what’s not.

Jeremy Shinewald:
Exactly. Under this very conventional model, you have some kind of core curriculum and structured teaching methods. But approaches vary — some schools use raw cases with imperfect data, others rely on more traditional narrative cases, and some blend lectures with simulations or fieldwork.

Harold Simansky:
Right. So if I like this idea and I’m interested in pursuing an MBA, what do I do first? Essays? Applications?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Essays typically come first. Then the full applications — which include questions applicants often don’t anticipate, like salary details, major accomplishments, community involvement, and academic awards. Each school formats these differently, and applications often take longer than expected.

Harold Simansky:
So what is business school really, and how do you apply?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Whether you’re just starting to explore the MBA or are knee‑deep in essays, here’s the basic sequence: research schools, take the GMAT or GRE (or sometimes the Executive Assessment), craft your story, secure recommendations, and prepare for interviews. The MBA offers a transformation in skills and perspective — you’ll study disciplines like operations, marketing, finance, strategy, and organizational behavior, often through a two‑year program, though one‑year and part‑time options exist.

Harold Simansky:
And there are differences in how schools structure this, right?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Definitely. Some programs prescribe your entire first year — like Harvard or Darden. Others, like Chicago Booth, give you flexibility within “core buckets.” MIT is known for having the fewest mandatory core classes. And pedagogy differs too: HBS and Darden rely almost exclusively on case method; Columbia and Ross emphasize hands‑on projects; most schools mix methods.

Harold Simansky:
Tell me about the internship piece.

Jeremy Shinewald:
Two‑year U.S. programs usually include a summer internship between first and second year. It’s a chance to apply what you’ve learned, test industries or roles, and sometimes secure a full‑time offer. For me, it was JP Morgan; for you, IBM. Those internships can confirm a career direction — or show you what you don’t want.

Harold Simansky:
Once someone decides to apply, how far in advance should they start?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Ideally 12–18 months out. Testing comes first — knowing your score helps target schools. Research is ongoing, but essays typically release around May or June; round‑one deadlines are in early September. Round two is January. Round three exists, but it’s harder to get in. We generally encourage applicants to aim for rounds one or two.

Harold Simansky:
And recommendations?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Critical — and often under‑weighted. Most schools require one or two. Choose recommenders who know you well, not just people with big titles. Give them ample lead time — the worst thing you can do is drop 10 recommendation forms on someone with two days’ notice.

Harold Simansky:
What about interviews?

Jeremy Shinewald:
Two types: automated video questions (short, recorded answers) and live interviews. Most schools use interviews as a first cut after applications. Decisions follow in December for round one, March or April for round two. After that, admitted students attend welcome weekends, compare offers (including scholarships), and handle logistics like visas if they’re international.

Harold Simansky:
Sounds like an 18‑month journey from start to finish.

Jeremy Shinewald:
It can be. Some applicants begin test prep a year before essays launch. Others compress the timeline, but starting early reduces stress and gives you the best shot at putting forward your strongest application.

Harold Simansky:
Great crash course. I think we covered MBA 101.

Jeremy Shinewald:
Agreed. Thanks for letting me join the podcast.

Harold Simansky:
And thanks for joining me! If you want to be one of our success stories, sign up for a free consultation with a member of our full‑time MBA admissions team at MBAmission.com/consult. It’s not a sales call — it’s a genuine first session with one of us to review your profile, answer questions, and map out your path to business school.