Maximizing Your MBA Experience
By Dalia Wheatt
Going back to school for your MBA is a big commitment. Fortunately, the National Society of Hispanic MBAs (NSHMBA) offers an abundance of resources that help past, present, and future MBA candidates maximize the benefits of their hard-earned degrees.
NSHMBA is a nonprofit organization promoting graduate-level management education and professional development opportunities. Through educational offerings and networking opportunities, NSHMBA provides a support system for goal-oriented students and professionals at all stages of their career.
MBA Prep
'When you're going to apply to business school, sometimes you just don't know where to start and what to do,' says Ana Herrera-Malone, marketing and development director for NSHMBA. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the idea of applying to business schools, then the organization's Virtual MBA Prep Course is for you.
The four-week online program, available exclusively to NSHMBA members, helps prospective MBA students navigate the business school admission process. Participants receive e-mails from MBA specialists with advice on writing essays, preparing for the GMAT, and other aspects of matriculation.
Highlights of Membership
The crown jewels of NSHMBA are its scholarship program and annual conference, according to Herrera-Malone. In 2004, the organization awarded half a million dollars in scholarships to deserving MBA students of Hispanic heritage; this year, NSHMBA will make even more of an impact. 'We are giving a significant amount of money. Seven hundred fifty thousand dollars for an organization of our size is pretty significant,' Herrera-Malone notes.
Another feature of NSHMBA is its Annual Conference & Career Expo. Rookies and seasoned professionals alike stand to gain something from the three-day event. 'We offer a lot of networking opportunities,Â? Herrera-Malone says. 'Working with us, you will have options to develop your career.' The conference's agenda includes workshops, a corporate networking reception, and the Brillante Awards banquet. At the 2004 conference in Fort Worth, Texas, attendance topped 6,000, and 152 participants received scholarships.
Getting More Involved
Through local NSHMBA chapters, students, and MBAs of all career levels can maintain their network and explore new opportunities. 'We have 28 chapters across the United States, and they all have local opportunities going on all the time,' Herrera-Malone says.
Those looking to get more involved with NSHMBA should consider running for office. From national directors to chapter marketing officers, the annual elections can take your involvement to the next level. You may nominate yourself or have a third party recommend you.
Giving Back
After reaping the benefits of a NSHMBA membership, many individuals are inspired to contribute to the organization. Individual donors have contributed anywhere from a few dollars to more than $500. You can also make a donation in the name of your business. And due to NSHMBA's commitment to business education, many well-known corporations make generous donations toward the scholarship fund.
Joining NSHMBA
NSHMBA offers several membership categories to support you in different stages of your education and career. People from all backgrounds and walks of life will find that NSHMBA has something to offer them; you don't have to be Hispanic or pursuing an MBA. For details on joining NSHMBA, or for links to any of the information discussed above, visit www.nshmba.org.
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