Posts tagged career education
Get the GMAT Out of the Way
Nov 24th
The GMAT is offered on what dates?
Unlike the SAT, there is no specific date for registering for the GMAT. You can schedule a date and time for your test with your closest test center at your convenience. Almost any weekday will be possible. Of course, you need to register in advance.
Sounds good. Since I can choose when to take the exam, when is the best time to do so?
Your test taking skills are likely at their peak during school or shortly afterwards–so I would recommend you take the exam during this time. The more years out of college you are, the less familiarity you probably will have with taking timed tests. There are a lot of intricacies to test taking that you have in college but that probably disappear once you get into the working world and no longer take tests on a regular basis. Since the GMAT exam is valid for 5 years, there is almost no harm in taking the exam early in your career, especially if business school is one of your career goals.
I’m several years out of college. Is it too late to take the GMAT?
Don’t worry. You didn’t miss the boat! Thousands of people are in your shoes. You might not be used to the pressures of test taking so will need to pay extra attention to doing several practice exams mimicking exam-like conditions.
Mimicking exam-like conditions?
I mean rather than just going through questions on a practice exam bit by bit, you should schedule an entire morning or afternoon to take the exam with a timer. Especially with the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format of the exam, you should take these practice exams AS IF it were the real thing, at least several days before your real exam and preferably earlier.
What else should I take into account?
If you are thinking about the GMAT, chances are you have a busy life. When applying to business school, you will need to dedicate time not only to your job, but also any extracurricular activities or initiatives you are pursuing. Part of an organization that holds ambitious yearly events? Put some time and effort and participate on the board in a leadership position. Itching for a promotion at your job so you can mention it in your Bschool application? You’ll need to put in the time and effort. You’ll also need to budget time for researching/visiting schools and writing those dreaded essays. And of course, you want a social life and time with your family. The GMAT is the LAST thing you want to worry about when juggling all these things. That’s why it is best to get it out of the way.
Which one should I do first? Study for the exam? Or schedule for the exam?
This is a personal preference. I would recommend you to schedule the exam a few months in advance when you intend to take it. Pay the $250 (yes, not cheap) it costs to take the exam so that you are invested into the exam-forcing you to study. Otherwise, if you casually study for the exam, you may never progress anywhere.
This article was authored by GMAT teacher and expert, Zeke Lee. Zeke is the creator of The GMAT Pill Study Method and has helped numerous students ace the GMAT exam in as little time as possible. Although his secret techniques were limited to wealthy students who could afford $200/hour a few years ago, Zeke has now opened the door to his unique strategies to the general public. Best Online GMAT Preparation
When Professionals Network, Things Happen
Jan 16th
Traditionally, the concept of networking has conjured up thoughts of attending meetings with name tags and milling around a room shaking hands and meeting people. These events still do take place and can be effective, but today’s entrepreneurs must branch out if they are to survive in business. There are many places to interact with others that are more efficient and more effective, and actually more personal. Talking specifically to others in your line of business can be particularly rewarding. The sharing of information on vendors and contractors, or even having discussions of the state of your industry can help develop a personal bond that can only help down the road.
Another interesting opportunity for networking can be found through local and regional groups. These groups gather business people from different backgrounds to come together. These are an excellent place to make valuable contacts because everyone is in a different type of business. For example if you joined a construction industry related group you would find many sources for possible leads. If you were, for instance, in the carpet industry, you may find people who are in the window business, or the lawn care business, or remodeling contractors. All of them could provide you with valuable leads.
Joining the local Chamber of Commerce should always be considered. Virtually every community has a local Chamber of Commerce and fellow members can be instrumental in helping you strengthen your business’s standing in the community. Being known as a community leader in your field provides contacts that can prove invaluable.
Always lend your support to the arts and culture. Outside of doing something good for your community, an upside of supporting arts and culture in your area is that it puts your name in the eye of important wealthy people. This can be cheap advertising for your business. When these influential people need a service that you offer, your name will be the first that comes to their mind. This is good business, because it establishes you as the go-to person in your field.
Other avenues for networking can include volunteering in the community, joining a gym, the PTA at your child’s school, or even a golf club. Any opportunity for group involvement is a chance to network and promote your business. Always keep a stack of business cards with you wherever you go, in you pocket and in your vehicle. If you are able to present a professional, friendly image, then people will remember you and be more likely to think of you when they need what you’re offering.
About the Author:
The leading provider of online Six Sigma certification courses can be found at www.SixSigmaOnline.org. Whether you are thinking about brushing up your resume or seeking to improve your skills, the 6 Sigma curriculum can strengthen your employability.
