Melissa Jones

Fortuna Senior Expert Coach Melissa Jones is former Assistant Director of the INSEAD MBA program and #1 MBA Admissions Coach Worldwide by Poets&Quants.

IESE MBA Essays: Tips & Strategies for 2025–2026 Applications

The IESE MBA essays ask you to demonstrate clarity of purpose, an international outlook, and a commitment to values-driven leadership. For 2025–2026, applicants must write two required essays – one on why IESE is the right program for you (300 words) and one on your short- and mid-term career goals (450 words). There’s also an

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Oxford Saïd MBA Essay: Strategy & Tips for 2025-26

The Oxford MBA essays for 2025–26 include a supporting statement (250 words), a detailed current role description (up to 5,000 characters), and a series of career-planning questions. Together, these essays give the admissions committee a full picture of your professional scope, ambitions, and values.  To succeed, focus on clarity, authenticity, and purpose. The supporting statement

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Six MBA Specializations That Can Set You Apart

Six MBA Specializations That Can Set You Apart

Choosing the right MBA specialization can make a vital difference in your career path. With rapid technological advancements including the emergence of artificial intelligence, a heightened focus on sustainability, and evolving global business dynamics, your academic path can significantly impact your career growth, marketability, and future opportunities. While “MBA specialization” is a common umbrella term,

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MBA Programs That Don’t Require Work Experience

If you’re considering pursuing an MBA but haven’t yet begun your career, you still have some great options to consider. Firstly, there are some excellent MBA programs that don’t require work experience, so you can start the program immediately after college. Secondly, there are an increasing number of top business schools that accept applications from

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NYU Stern MBA Interview: Ace the Questions with Expert Tips

NYU Stern School of Business, nestled in the vibrant heart of New York City, is renowned for its rigorous academic environment, innovative curriculum and global perspective. Stern defines itself as a driver of change and transformation, so the program is looking for candidates who envision, embrace, orchestrate and drive change in business and in the

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The Columbia MBA Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The Columbia Business School MBA interview is a pivotal step in the admissions process, and if you get to this point, first congratulate yourself – the school’s admissions committee clearly see you as a viable candidate! By thoroughly preparing and presenting a well-rounded, authentic self, you can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive

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LBS Application Video Interview Questions: Tips and Strategy

London Business School (LBS) interviews are conducted by alumni, so the Admissions Committee doesn’t always get the opportunity to meet candidates in person. As part of the London Business School MBA application process, candidates invited to interview are therefore asked to submit two short video entries to support their candidacy. Submitted via the Kira platform,

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Mastering the Kellogg Video Essay Questions

Increasingly, MBA programs are encouraging or requiring candidates to submit videos online shortly after submitting their application, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is among them. Among other benefits, these video essays help schools see the real you and gauge how you present yourself without much preparation.  The Northwestern MBA video essay is really

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How to Prepare for Yale SOM’s Video Questions

As part of Yale School of Management’s application process, candidates are required to submit video entries on top of completing the application and essay questions.  As Senior Expert Coach at Fortuna Admissions, working with countless Yale SOM applicants over the past 12 years, I see the videos as an excellent opportunity to bring your application

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How to Tackle the Rotman MBA Essay “Spike Factor” Question

When you are applying to an MBA program, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd. Business schools seek diverse and dynamic cohorts, so they ask candidates to showcase their distinctive qualities and potential contributions to the community. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto takes this a step further with its “spike

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