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.

Should You Get An MBA

Should You Get An MBA? Eight Questions To Ask Yourself Before Applying

For many candidates, the idea of pursuing an MBA percolates slowly, over months or years, until suddenly it feels urgent. Deadlines loom. Peers start applying. MBA rankings circulate. And finally, momentum takes over. However, before you move into execution mode and dive into applications, it’s worth taking a step back to pressure-test the decision itself.

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INSEAD MBA Video Interview Questions

INSEAD MBA Video Interview Questions: Tips and Strategy

The INSEAD’s full-time MBA application requires candidates to submit a video interview as part of the application process. Applicants must answer four random questions in a very short, timed session, as well as one real-time written component. This exercise, submitted via the Kira Talent interview platform, gives the Admissions Committee a fresh, unfiltered sample of

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Rotman MBA Application

Rotman MBA Application: Strategies & Tips for 2025–2026

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Rotman School of Management has simplified its MBA written requirements. Instead of a traditional essay, applicants now complete two timed written assessments and an optional short essay. These components test your critical thinking, clarity of communication, and creativity under real conditions – a reflection of Rotman’s belief that how

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IE MBA Essays

IE MBA Essays: Prompts, Tips & Strategies for 2025-2026

The IE MBA essays ask you to share what’s not on your resume through one main essay (written, video, or PowerPoint) plus complete a short online Kira assessment. All are designed to highlight your personality, values, and fit with IE’s innovative, entrepreneurial culture.  For the 2025-2026 admissions cycle, IE Business School requires: Both components are

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HEC Paris Essays

HEC Paris MBA Essays & Interview Presentation: Advice for 2025-2026

The HEC Paris MBA essays offer one of the most comprehensive storytelling opportunities of any European business school. With five required essays and one optional, HEC prompts you to explore your professional purpose, personal values, and intellectual curiosity. These short, introspective questions give the admissions team insight into who you are, how you think, and

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Alumni-Led MBA Admissions Interviews

Alumni-Led MBA Admissions Interviews: What They Are & How to Prepare

An alumni-led MBA interview is conducted by a graduate of the program rather than admissions staff. While often more conversational, it still plays a key role in admissions decisions. Alumni interviewers evaluate your communication, career goals, and cultural fit with the program, while also giving you insight into the school’s community. To succeed, prepare thoroughly,

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IESE MBA Essays

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 MBA Saïd Personal Statement

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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