SHANGHAI Daily spoke with Julie R. Barefoot, associate dean and director of MBA admissions at Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Q: Your school experienced an increase in the number of Chinese GMAT test takers in 2005. Do you expect an increase in the number of Chinese MBA applicants in the next few years?
A: Goizueta has been pleased to receive a sizable number of MBA applicants from China each year.
As the awareness of our MBA program continues to grow and as Chinese alumni communicate their fantastic experience at Goizueta to prospective applicants, we have seen interest fromChinaincrease each year.
To effectively recruit students fromChina, we travel to China three times each recruiting cycle.
During these trips a member of the MBA Admissions Committee personally interviews as many applicants as possible.
It is important to note that our current Chinese students and alumni are very supportive of our efforts; they have been instrumental in the growth of Chinese applicants as well as our success in recruiting outstanding students from the country.
Our Chinese students have done quite well in obtaining visas, in securing prestigious summer internships and then in gaining full-time employment after graduation.
Q: How will your school react to this possible increase in Chinese students?
A: We are anticipating another strong group of Chinese applicants this year and in fact, we have already planned three trips to interview candidates - in September, November and again, in January in concert with our program's International Lead Week activities.
Chinese MBA students add a unique and valuable perspective to class discussions at Goizueta.
These candidates share what it is like to work inChina's fast-growing and rapidly changing business environment.
They also share their life experiences and perspective with classmates - everything from their historic culture to their delicious food.
Q: In which aspects, do you think, a top overseas MBA degree is valuable to Chinese applicants?
A: Chinese MBA candidates who attend a top overseas MBA program benefit greatly in a number of ways.
First and foremost, they will learn the best business practices which will significantly enhance their long-term career opportunities.
The analytical skills learned can be utilized throughout an individual's career.
Goizueta's MBA program will expose Chinese students to new ways of thinking and learning from distinguished and brilliant faculty members.
Chinese students tell us how much they enjoy the opportunity to develop relationships with Goizueta faculty - an experience unlike their undergraduate days.
Goizueta enrolls a diverse student body, enabling Chinese students to form friendships with individuals from literally around the globe.
Having alumni contacts in every continent and throughout the United States is an invaluable resource for Chinese alumni after they receive their MBA degree.
