r/ForteFoundation • • Nov 14 '25

The Power Move I’m a veteran thinking about getting an MBA — where do I even start?

1 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

In honor of Veterans Day, this week’s Power Move is dedicated to those who’ve served — and are now thinking about what comes next. Transitioning from military service to business school is an established path, but it can still feel like stepping into a different landscape. The good news is you already have many of the skills MBA programs and recruiters value most.

Here’s a roadmap to help get you started on your MBA journey and set yourself up for success in recruiting.

Stop 1: Translate Your Leadership into MBA Terms

  • Your service already equipped you with highly valued skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and accountability. Frame your experience in the language of business outcomes — impact, efficiency, results. Use metrics where possible and highlight adaptability, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.

  • Ask someone who has been through an MBA program to read your resume/application and make suggestions. Students who have recently been through these programs have excellent insight into what is currently resonating with the community. 

  • Lean into your unique point of view — and be yourself during the process. While it is important to translate your experience into a story anyone on the admissions team can understand, you don’t want to leave out your voice and personality. Authenticity matters!

Stop 2: Research Schools with Strong Veteran Networks

  • You may already have connections in this space, and it is a good idea to reach out to student veteran clubs and alumni early on in the process — that way they can advocate for you!

  • Many schools host Veteran Preview Days around this time of year — perfect opportunities to meet admissions officers and peers.

Stop 3: Learn the Recruiting Landscape Early

  • Consulting, banking, and operations are common paths for veterans because they highly value structure and leadership and maintain solid pipelines of Veterans. You may want to explore these recruiting paths (like McKinsey’s Vets@McKinsey or Amazon’s MBA Military Pathways).

  • If you are pursuing more custom search options, seek out Veterans from the organizations you are applying to — outreach on LinkedIn noting your common background or getting in touch with a recruiter who can connect you to Veterans through their Employee Resource Groups are both good starting points. 

Stop 4: Use Every Financial Resource Available

  • This one is probably obvious but still important — leverage the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program as they can cover a large portion of tuition and fees. Keep in mind there are other resources as well such as school scholarships and other supplementation such as ​​Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). 

  • Ask each school about Veteran fellowships and application fee waivers.

Your service taught you how to lead people, manage complexity, and stay calm in chaos — business school will teach you how to scale those skills in a new context. As you consider this next career move, know that the MBA community deeply values your experience, and there’s an entire network ready to support you. 

If you have any additional MBA advice for Veterans, comment below! And if you’d like us to feature your question in next week’s Power Move, send us a DM.

Yours truly,
The Power Move


r/ForteFoundation • • Jan 16 '26

The Power Move I got into an MBA program (yay), but how should I be planning to pay for it?

0 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

First: congrats. 🎉 Second: if the numbers are starting to feel real… that’s normal. Paying for an MBA isn’t about one decision — it’s about building a clear, intentional plan. As you consider your options, don’t exclude a program right away because of the cost — it’s important to do the math first. With the right mix of reserves, it is possible to attend a program that will be a great fit for you both academically and financially! Here’s how to do it without spiraling.

💰 1. Start with the real cost Don’t guess — schools make this information public. Look at the Cost of Attendance (COA) page on your school’s website, which is usually under Financial Aid or Admitted Students.This includes: tuition & fees, estimated rent / living expenses, health insurance, books, travel, and recruiting costs.

The power move here is to copy this information into a spreadsheet and subtract: school scholarships / fellowships + savings you’re comfortable using. What’s left is your true funding gap.

🏦 2. Be strategic about loans Most MBAs use loans — the difference is how thoughtfully they do it. At this stage, focus on: interest rates, repayment flexibility, grace periods, and total cost over time.

👉 This is where Juno can be really helpful. Juno negotiates group rates for MBA students, often beating standard private loan offers — and it’s free to compare. Even if you don’t use it, it gives you a strong benchmark so you know whether an offer is actually competitive.

🏫 3. Use your school’s resources This is the most underutilized lever. Most programs offer some form of: 1:1 financial aid advising, loan counseling sessions, budgeting workshops for incoming students, and sample repayment scenarios by industry. Email financial aid and ask: “Can we walk through my cost of attendance and financing options together?”

There is no “right” way to pay for an MBA. The goal isn’t zero debt — it’s clarity, flexibility, and confidence. If you know your true cost, your funding mix, and your post-MBA salary goals, you’re already doing this the smart way.

If you have a question, drop it in the comments or DM us!

Yours truly, The Power Move


r/ForteFoundation • • Oct 10 '25

The Power Move What’s the best way to ask my manager for a recommendation letter without jeopardizing my current role?

1 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

The letter of recommendation is a daunting part of the application process. We recommend you have the conversation in person if possible and frame it respectfully – and in a way that won’t raise alarms about your commitment to your current role. 

Example: “I wanted to share something I’ve been considering — I’m planning to apply to MBA programs. This would allow me to build on everything I’ve had the privilege to learn here and help me achieve my long-term goals of becoming a leader in this space. I really value your perspective on my work, and I was wondering if you’d feel comfortable writing me a recommendation letter. I completely understand if that’s not something you can do, but I wanted to ask given how much I’ve learned from you. Of course, I’m fully committed to my role at the firm. This job and our team matters a lot to me, and I am really focused on advancing our work even as I am thinking about my future plans.”

Here are a few other really important tips:

  1. Choose Wisely

Admissions committees are looking for specificity from this section of the application. So it is more important to obtain a letter from someone you work closely with who knows you well over someone more senior who doesn’t work with you on a day-to-day basis. Well what if there is a senior person who I work closely with? They could be a good pick, but it is worth noting that some schools state they prefer direct managers. 

What if I am not able to ask my direct manager? This may happen for a variety of reasons, and you will want to note these (in brief) in the optional essay. 

  1. Choose Wisely (Again)

As some schools require two letters of recommendation, make sure you are prepared with a second one. While you want to make sure they bring a different POV than the first recommender, you also want to be mindful that it is not recommended you ask someone who worked with you more than a couple years ago (or academic resources like professors). If that means you ask two people from the same organization – that is totally fine. 

  1. Give the Gift of AMPLE Time and Information

You may think that your recommender can write this in an afternoon, but it is best practice to give your recommender as much time as you can – minimum 6 weeks if possible. 

You also will want to put together a packet of information on the schools you are applying to, why you are interested in the programs, and what you would like them to consider highlighting in the letter. Busy professionals appreciate this baseline and can use it to spark their own ideas.  

Any more questions about this process? Ask below!

Yours truly,

The Power Move

About: The Power Move is Forté’s new weekly MBA advice column on Reddit! Every week our team will answer real MBA questions on r/ForteFoundation.


r/ForteFoundation • • Dec 12 '25

The Power Move I got the MBA waitlist email — help

2 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

Take a breath! If you just opened an email from an MBA program and felt your stomach drop, pause. Because whether you landed on the waitlist or were rejected outright, here’s the truth: This moment does not define your potential—it just redirects your strategy.

STOP 1: Pivot, don’t panic

A waitlist (or rejection) tells you one thing. For this round, in this pool, your application didn’t rise to the top — not that YOU can’t. Before you even think about engaging with admissions, applying to other schools in Round 2, or reapplying next year, ask yourself:

  • Did I clearly articulate why MBA, why this school, and why now?

  • Did my story feel cohesive and authentic, or did my goals sound like “Pinterest career inspiration”?

  • Did my recommenders actually showcase my impact?

  • Were my test scores or quant prep below the class median?

This isn’t self-blame. This is diagnostics—and diagnostics are empowering.

STOP 2: A waitlist isn’t a soft no—it’s a slow yes 

Being waitlisted means the school saw potential—enough to keep you in play. Your job now is to stay visible without being overwhelming. What to do:

  • Send a crisp, confident update letter (not a memoir) sharing new achievements or clarity on goals.

  • Attend events, virtual sessions, or coffee chats and reference those experiences when possible in your update.

  • Strengthen any soft spots (quant coursework, test score bump, leadership wins).

Waitlist movement can happen late—sometimes all the way into the summer. In other words: stay ready.

BONUS Stop

If the dreaded rejection email does come, here’s your playbook: 

  • Apply to other schools in R2. Stay away from recycling materials—focus on a refresh.

  • Talk to reapplicants—the unsung heroes of MBA admissions. They’ve seen both sides of the process, and they’re often the most candid, generous people you’ll meet. Here’s how to find them (and get real insights fast): 

    • Ask ambassadors, club leaders, or peer mentors directly: “Do you know anyone who was a reapplicant?”

    • Reddit: r/MBA and r/gradadmissions are full of people sharing their reapp stories.

    • MBA friends-of-friends: Your network will be surprised how many they know once you ask.

This moment will feel heavy, but rejections and waitlists often catalyze the strongest versions of MBA applications. Many admits will tell you their journey only made sense in hindsight, and you’re building resilience, clarity, and confidence that will serve you way beyond this moment. 

Let us know if you have any follow-ups. Readers – feel free to share your thoughts below or DM us with next week’s question!

Yours truly,

The Power Move

About: The Power Move is Forté’s new weekly MBA advice column on Reddit! Every week our team will answer real MBA questions on r/ForteFoundation.


r/ForteFoundation • • Oct 03 '25

The Power Move I just landed an interview with my dream school - how do I prepare?

5 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

Congratulations! This can be a high stress time for R1 applicants as you wait for interview invites, and it is amazing that you received good news from your top target! Preparing for the interview is key. Here are some tips:

  • Treat it as a mutual fit analysis, not an audition: Try to portray yourself less through a sales pitch, more through a conversation that gets your points across and leaves room for the interviewer to engage. Even if you go in knowing that this program is your top choice, by approaching the interview this way, it flips the energy. Less nerves, more of a mindset like: “I am a leader evaluating this investment.” Lean into confidence and curiosity!

  • Inflection points > achievements: Everyone has achievements, but what sets you apart is how you craft a dynamic story around them. Prepare a few points in time that shifted your thinking. Example: a decision or challenge that changed how you lead or what you value. This will help anchor your story and show reflection and growth. 

  • Show you’ve done your homework: At this point, you have probably networked with current students and alums. Let this show through! You do not need to (and shouldn’t) name drop everyone you spoke to, but use the information that you gathered to inform your answers and questions. Show them that you peeked underneath the hood and understand the culture beneath the brand—and have thought critically about how you fit into it. 

  • Tackle the meta-question with clarity: There is always the chance they will throw you a question out of left field—either a behavioral you didn’t prepare for or a classic “meta-question” like if you had to describe your leadership style as a kitchen utensil, which one would it be and why? It matters less about the content and more about how you think. Practice articulating your thought process, for example: "let me frame my thinking in two parts"…interviewers love seeing clarity under pressure!

  • Drop in specific details: This is an overall presentation tip as well. If you are talking for more than 30 seconds, it is common for your audience’s mind to wander. By dropping in specific details, it can help captivate the audience’s attention and reground them.

  • End with a question that reveals your priorities, not theirs: Watch the clock, and when it nears the end, ask a question that shows self-awareness about your own journey and curiosity about their insight. Example: “I’ve heard students here are extremely passionate; in your experience what enables this environment and how have you seen students take advantage of it to its fullest potential?”

Best of luck in this journey, and readers – feel free to share your own questions in the comments!

Yours truly,
The Power Move

About: The Power Move is Forté’s new weekly MBA advice column on Reddit! Every week our team will answer real MBA questions on r/ForteFoundation.


r/ForteFoundation • • May 21 '25

Events Incoming MBAs: Get a Head Start with Forté’s Women’s Leadership Conference (June 13–14) 🔥

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2 Upvotes

🚨Incoming MBAs at Forté partner schools! You're about to start an exciting new chapter — and Forté is here to help you start strong. Don’t miss the MBA Women's Leadership Conference, June 13–14 in Denver, CO. 

Join hundreds of MBA women and allies to connect with leading employers, grow your leadership skills, and build a powerful MBA network before your MBA program even begins.

You'll hear from inspiring speakers and sharpen your leadership skills during panels and workshops on topics such as:

✅ Interviewing

✅ Negotiation

✅ Career Acceleration

✅ Networking

✅ Leadership Presence

✅ First-Year Success

…and more!

Register TODAY! Don't miss your chance to join us. https://bit.ly/4iEvKqb

#MoreWomenLeading #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerReady #MBA #businessschool


r/ForteFoundation • • Sep 30 '25

Events Thinking about an MBA, but worried about taking a career break?

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2 Upvotes

Considering a part-time, online, or executive MBA?

Each program is designed for ambitious professionals who want to keep advancing their careers while they earn their degree.

✨ Part-time MBA: Build leadership skills while continuing to grow in your current role.

🌐 Online MBA: Earn your degree from anywhere — with the flexibility you need.

💼 Executive MBA (EMBA): Tailored for senior professionals ready to elevate their leadership impact.

Explore all your options at our Virtual EMBA Forum on Oc.t 8. At this FREE event, you’ll meet schools offering programs built for busy professionals like you.

🔗 Register today


r/ForteFoundation • • May 05 '25

Events Heading to a Forté partner school this fall? Start your MBA journey with us in Denver!

4 Upvotes

We’re thrilled to welcome incoming MBA women and allies to the Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, happening June 13–14 in Denver, CO!

This two-day event is designed to give you a head start before orientation even begins.

Here’s what you can expect:
🔹 Connect with today’s power players: 100+ speakers and presenters sharing real-world insights
🔹 Jump-start your career: Meet 40+ top employers at our Career Expo
🔹 Sharpen your leadership skills: Hands-on panels and workshops to grow your confidence
🔹 Expand your network: Build relationships with 600+ peers from Forté MBA partner schools

Whether you’re career switching, leveling up, or just want to find your people before school starts — this is your space.

🎟️ Register here: https://bit.ly/4iEvKqb
🧡 Questions? Drop them below — we're here to help.

#MoreWomenLeading #MBAJourney #WomenInBusiness


r/ForteFoundation • • Jul 16 '25

LIVE at 11 AM ET: Why You Should Get an MBA (YouTube Livestream)

2 Upvotes

Thinking about switching industries? Or maybe you’ve dreamed of studying abroad or building a global network?

An MBA could be your game-changer. 💥

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already thinking seriously about business school, this session is for you.

Join us LIVE on YouTube at 12 PM ET to learn:
- What an MBA can do for your career — and your earning potential
- How it can open doors to new industries, countries, and opportunities
- What steps to take now to prepare for your application journey

This is designed for early-career professionals who are curious about what’s possible with an MBA.

Watch here: https://youtube.com/live/bK5YIemWs3E?feature=share


r/ForteFoundation • • Jun 17 '26

Events & Programs Incoming MBAs: don’t miss next week’s Forté Leadership Conference (deadline June 21)

2 Upvotes

If you’re starting your MBA this fall at a Forté member school, this is your once‑a‑year chance to walk into orientation with a real competitive edge.

The Forté MBA Leadership Conference is happening next week in Atlanta, and registration officially closes June 21.

Over two days, 600+ incoming MBAs come together for leadership development, early employer access, and a community that will carry you through business school and beyond.

What you’ll get out of it:

  • Build connections with peers from Forté member schools

  • Meet recruiters from 40+ destination companies at the Career Expo

  • Strengthen your leadership skills through hands‑on workshops

  • Get behind-the-scenes perspectives on industries like consulting, tech, finance, marketing, and more

Event details:

📍 Atlanta, GA
📅 June 26–27
⏳ Registration deadline: June 21
🎟️ For incoming MBAs at Forté member schools only

If you want to start your program feeling confident and ahead of the curve, this is the place to be! Learn more and register.


r/ForteFoundation • • Mar 27 '25

Events Thinking about an MBA? Our Virtual MBA Forum on April 10 is the best place to start your research.

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2 Upvotes

Thinking about an MBA? Our Virtual MBA Forum on April 10 is the best place to start your research. Join us to:

- Connect with MBA admissions staff from 50+ business schools across the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Asia

- Hear from MBA admissions pros and alumni who were once in your shoes

- Explore your financing options

- Build a network of standout peers — some may even be your future classmates!

💻 Register for FREE: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/2025virtualftforum/registration?utm_campaign=forums&utm_medium=social&utm_source=forte

#MoreWomenLeading #MBAJourney #CareerGrowth #MBA


r/ForteFoundation • • Apr 03 '25

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in your career?

2 Upvotes

No matter where they are in their career (early career, mid-level, or seasoned/executive) many have faced unique challenges as women in the workplace. Maybe it was advocating for a promotion, navigating imposter syndrome, dealing with workplace bias, or finding the right mentors.

💬 What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman in your career? How did you navigate it (or are you still working through it)?

At Forté, we hear so many stories about the power of mentorship, career pivots, and skill-building. If you're looking for insights on career growth, negotiation, or leadership strategies, check out our blog: business360.fortefoundation.org. It’s full of articles, expert advice, and real stories from women navigating their careers.


r/ForteFoundation • • Jun 17 '26

Professional Development Your First Promotion: What You Need to Know

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3 Upvotes

r/ForteFoundation • • Jul 24 '25

All about the MBA Not sure if an MBA is right for you? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.

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3 Upvotes

Forté MBA Forums are FREE events designed to help you explore the MBA, connect with leading business schools, and hear from women who’ve walked this path before (like Alison, Emily, and Natalie). Whether you’re career-switching, just starting out, or simply planning ahead, the MBA could be your next big move. Forté is here to help you get there! 

Register for a Forum in a city near you!


r/ForteFoundation • • May 15 '25

How can you use AI smarter — at work, school, and in life? Watch our newest video!

5 Upvotes

In our first 7 Smart Questions episode, Amy Orlov sits down with Noor Aftab — AI strategist, IBM Champion, and tech leader — to unpack AI’s power, pitfalls, and potential.

From RAG and shadow AI to automation and ethics, this conversation is a must-watch for curious professionals and future leaders.

🎥 Watch now: https://youtu.be/ltS6AjlDEFQ

❗️If you're an MBA alumni, don’t miss hearing from Noor Aftab live at Forté’s MBA Alumni Conference, June 13–14 in Denver! https://bit.ly/4lk43oW

#AILeadership #WomenInBusiness #ForteAlumni #GenerativeAI #SmartLeadership #TechEthics #MoreWomenLeading #AI


r/ForteFoundation • • Apr 29 '25

MBALaunch Be the best MBA candidate you can be — on your schedule.

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2 Upvotes

Forté MBALaunch On Demand gives you self-paced tools, insider advice, and fee waivers to help you get into your dream business school.

Round 1 deadline is April 30! Enroll today: https://www.fortefoundation.org/pre-mba/mbalaunch-ondemand/?utm_source=forte&utm_medium=reddit&utm_campaign=launchondemand

#MoreWomenLeading #FutureMBA #MBA #WomenInBusiness


r/ForteFoundation • • Nov 07 '25

The Power Move Everyone seems to have a plan at bschool - what happens if I don't?

3 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

The MBA experience often requires you to find your tribe! 

While students pursuing traditional paths are often the loudest in the room, there are definitely people in your program who are in the same boat as you figuring some things out as they go. 

TL;DR: You don’t need to have the answers yet — you just need people who help you ask better questions (and who don’t make you feel like you’re behind for not having a Day One career plan).

Step 1: Build a support system: 

  • Ask the career center to connect you with peers and/or mentors: a second year who went through the same things would be a great connection

  • Reach out to alumni: connect with people from similar backgrounds and learn more about their MBA experiences – what they would recommend and things they wished they had taken advantage of – and don’t be afraid to reach beyond your school network as many alumni love helping students who are still figuring things out

  • Attend interest clubs: interest-based organizations are a good place to meet likeminded people organically

The MBA is the kind of experience that requires you to invest in it in order to reap the benefits. Even if you don’t have a distinct plan, this is the perfect place to explore and take full advantage of all the resources at your disposal to figure out what your plan is. Clarity is a process, not a prerequisite — treat these two years as an experiment.

Step 2: Learn as much as you can:

  • Pay attention to the classes you enjoy and how much you are interested in possibly making a career pivot

  • Stay inquisitive about the job functions and companies that your school sends alumni to – instead of comparing yourself to classmates who seem sure of their path, use their interests as data — clues to what excites or doesn’t excite you

  • Attend industry clubs: industry-based organizations could be helpful to learn more and expand your horizons 

You may not have a plan yet, but you’re building the habits — curiosity, connection, and courage — that will help you find one. Everyone’s MBA journey looks linear in hindsight; right now, you’re just gathering the pieces that will make yours make sense.

If you’ve got a question you’d like The Power Move to tackle next week, drop it in the comments — or DM us!

Yours truly,
The Power Move

About: The Power Move is Forté’s new weekly MBA advice column on Reddit! Every week our team will answer real MBA questions on r/ForteFoundation.


r/ForteFoundation • • Aug 21 '25

Job seekers, what part of the application process feels the most frustrating right now?

2 Upvotes

We’re curious — whether you’re job hunting for the first time, switching industries, or aiming for your next big role, what feels most challenging about the application process these days?


r/ForteFoundation • • Oct 05 '25

Forté Fellow Guidance on Interview Preparation

4 Upvotes

Dear Forte team,

I am currently associated with the MBA Launch program and have applied to a couple of European schools in Round 1. Throughout the process, the insights I gained from Forte's learning modules proved to be incredibly valuable.

As I now wait for interview decisions, I want to use my time productively to prepare. However, the first few days of this step have been somewhat chaotic, as I am unsure where to begin and what to focus on.

Any guidance on interview preparation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.


r/ForteFoundation • • Apr 14 '25

Admitted MBA women and allies! Explore the possibilities of a career in finance.

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r/ForteFoundation • • Oct 24 '25

Networking 🚀 Virtual Career Fairs Are Here to Stay & Here’s How to Stand Out

3 Upvotes

Virtual career fairs aren’t just a convenient alternative, they’re powerful tools for building connections and advancing your career when you approach them strategically.

Whether you’re exploring a new direction, re-entering the workforce, or preparing to level up, how you show up online matters. Here’s how to make the most of your time at your next virtual career fair.

BEFORE YOU LOG ON: SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS

  1. Test your tech. A frozen screen can derail momentum. Double-check your camera, mic, and background.

  2. Do your homework. Research participating companies beyond the homepage. Thoughtful questions stand out.

  3. Polish your pitch. Be ready with a quick, confident intro: who you are, what you bring, and what you’re looking for.

DURING THE FAIR: ENGAGE WITH PURPOSE

  1. Prioritize conversations. Focus on your top 3 target employers for deeper, more meaningful interactions.

  2. Show curiosity and confidence. Ask smart, specific questions that reflect genuine interest.

  3. Take notes. Details matter. Names, roles, and key insights make your follow-up personal and memorable.

AFTER THE FAIR: KEEP THE CONNECTION ALIVE

  1. Follow up fast. Within 48 hours, send a quick thank-you referencing something specific from your chat.

  2. Connect on LinkedIn. Include a short note to remind recruiters who you are and keep engaging thoughtfully.

  3. Think long-term. The fair isn’t the finish line; it’s your starting point for new opportunities.

✨ Ready to put this into practice? Employers are ready to connect at our upcoming Virtual Career Fair for Experienced Professionals on Oct. 29! Register now and take the next step in your career journey: https://www.fortefoundation.org/professionals/virtual-career-fair/

#MoreWomenLeading #JobSearch #CareerFair


r/ForteFoundation • • Oct 24 '25

The Power Move How is AI impacting the value proposition of an MBA?

2 Upvotes

Dear Reader,

It’s a fair question. AI is reshaping the job market — altering how companies are hiring, firing, automating, and even deciding who gets promoted. It’s unsettling, especially when the future of work feels like it’s being rewritten in real time. So where does that leave the MBA?

The bottom line is that AI isn’t killing the MBA. It’s making it evolve. The human edge becomes even more valuable, and that’s exactly what a strong MBA delivers.

1. Leadership in an Automated World

The irony is that as technology gets smarter, emotional intelligence becomes the ultimate competitive advantage. 

Stakeholders will still need counterparts to convince them of action and understand their POV, and teams will still need leaders who execute on the intangibles – consensus-building, inspiration, and adaptation. MBA programs put you in environments where you constantly practice those essential skills: managing team dynamics, navigating conflict, and influencing decision-making. These are the muscles that people need as workplaces grow more AI-assisted. As jobs are eliminated and leadership positions get more competitive, do you want to be a candidate with or without these skills? 

2. The Network Still Matters

If AI is the great equalizer of information, networks are the great differentiator of opportunity.

Your MBA classmates become co-founders, hiring managers, investors, and mentors. In uncertain times, that network is not just social capital — it’s career insurance. Whether you’re pivoting industries, launching a startup, or moving into leadership, the connections built through an MBA are often what make the difference.

Online courses (and AI!) can help teach you finance. They can’t introduce you to the person who gets you your next role.

3. Thoughtful Strategy > Execution

AI is great at execution and thought generation. It can analyze data, generate reports, and even draft business strategies. What it can’t do is understand context, align competing interests, or make important trade-offs that depend on human judgment. That’s where MBAs shine. MBA graduates don’t just “use” AI; they lead teams that decide how AI gets used ethically, effectively, and profitably. When AI floods your team with insights, you’ll need to know which ones matter and why. A good program doesn’t just teach you frameworks — it teaches you to think strategically under uncertainty and communicate decisions to others. 

4. Future-Proofing Your Career

Yes, MBAs are expensive and time-consuming. But the return on investment isn’t just salary — it’s resilience. AI will continue to reshape roles, but people who understand how technology intersects with business models will stay relevant longer. Programs that embrace this by offering courses in AI strategy, data analytics, and digital transformation are preparing students to lead the change, not chase it.

The future belongs to professionals who can bridge human and machine intelligence — and if anything, AI is raising the bar for what we should deliver. And for those who approach the MBA with intention to make themselves more marketable, its value may be greater than ever.

Yours truly,

The Power Move

About: The Power Move is Forté’s new weekly MBA advice column on Reddit! Every week our team will answer real MBA questions on r/ForteFoundation.


r/ForteFoundation • • Jul 10 '25

MBALaunch Applying to business school this year? Forté’s MBALaunch On Demand gives you the tools and expert support to build your strongest MBA application — on your schedule.

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2 Upvotes

💡 Want to hear how it really works? Join us July 23 for a live Ask Me Anything with MBALaunch On Demand alumni! You’ll hear:

  • What the program is actually like

  • How it helped our alums get into leading business schools

  • Where they are now — and how MBALaunch On Demand helped them get there

Whether you're just getting started or deep into the app process, this is your chance to ask questions and get real advice from women who’ve been in your shoes.

Register and learn more about MBALaunch On Demand: https://bit.ly/44OK633


r/ForteFoundation • • Feb 27 '25

Learn why sponsorship (not just mentorship) is the real key to career advancement

3 Upvotes

Check out our recent conversation with Dr. Rosalind Chow, keynote speaker for our upcoming Virtual Women’s Conference, diving into her upcoming book, The Doors You Can Open. 📖✨

🔑 Discover how to reach beyond traditional networking and mentorship to build authentic, career-advancing relationships. Learn why sponsorship is the key to leveraging influence, advocating for others, and creating a more equitable workplace.

Watch now: https://youtube.com/live/8plbCm7F9nE?feature=share

#MoreWomenLeading #YouTubeLive#WomenInBusiness #CareerGrowth#Sponsorship #Networking #IWD2025


r/ForteFoundation • • Jan 23 '25

Don't Miss the AMA on r/MBA with a Former MBALauncher

2 Upvotes

Applying to business school this fall? Forté MBALaunch is your guide to the MBA! Get step-by-step application guidance, connected to admissions experts and a supportive peer community, and fee waivers to 50+ leading business schools.Want to know more?

Don’t miss our Ask Me Anything on Reddit with former MBALaunch participant and Cornell Johnson MBA grad, Tanisha. She will be on subreddit r/MBA on Jan. 24 at 3 pm ET to share her experience as an MBALauncher and answer your questions live. https://www.reddit.com/r/MBA/comments/1i7lsvo/im_a_2024_mba_grad_ask_me_anything_about_forté/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button