MBA For the Network?

Are you planning on pursuing an MBA to acquire a new network? Many look to the MBA as a way to acquire a network that will facilitate their career and personal goals. This is one of the selling points MBA programs stress consistently. While this is often discussed, there are other questions that are rarely considered in the conversation of MBA and network. 

But what does it mean to use the MBA or an MBA program to grow and extend your network? I find the term networking and to network an overused term whose meaning has been washed. 

Yes, the MBA experience is ripe with opportunities to establish and grow relationships. But it is more than having beers with people in your cohort or block over a 2 year time period. These are real relationships - deepened by competing in business plan or case competitions, recruiting trips, and learning excursions. You will meet people during your MBA program who will be your advocates and sounding board for the remainder of your career. 

So even at the application stage, it is not too early to think about how you want your career to look 20 years in the future. In 20 years will you be a public company executive, an entrepreneur running a lifestyle business, a practice matter leader at an international consulting firm?  Do you have a regional focus or are you interested in nurturing relationships across the globe? 

Each MBA program has a unique identity and there are a host of aspects that affect the social dynamics of each admitted class. Your job during the application process is to find the program that is fit socially but also will help you pursue your vision of how your career will develop.