Top 'Why MBA?' Interview Answers in 2023

The "Why MBA?" question is a very common inquiry during MBA admissions interviews. This question helps the interviewer understand why you want to pursue an MBA and how your background and aspirations align with the program. Answering this question well is crucial because it is at the center of your candidacy and greatly affects your chances of getting selected.

Before you can answer the "Why MBA?" question, you need to have a clear vision for after the MBA. Your reason for pursuing an MBA should stem from your goals rather than just the desire for education. If you don't have a clear idea of what career you want to pursue or what industry interests you, an MBA may not be the best path for you.

While an MBA can be helpful for obtaining high-paying jobs such as management consulting, it should not be the only reason for pursuing the degree. There are other ways to reach your career goals, such as starting at a big company as an analyst and working your way up. Pursuing an MBA should be primarily driven by a specific career goal that the degree can help you achieve.

During your MBA admissions interview, it's essential to explain why you need an MBA to achieve your career goals. You need to articulate how an MBA will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for your desired career path. For example, if you are in marketing, you may need an MBA to gain a better understanding of financial data to make better decisions about marketing campaigns.

Finally, it's important to choose the new skills you want to learn in your MBA program. The interviewer wants to understand your motivations and goals, so you should be able to explain your reasons for going back to school. Some common reasons for pursuing an MBA include advancing in your current career, launching a new career or changing industries, or improving your skills for a promotion at work. Be specific about the skills you want to develop, such as managing people, processes, and projects or learning about international business practices. By showing your clear goals and motivations for pursuing an MBA, you can make a strong case for why you are the right candidate for the program.

When asked about why you want to attend a particular school or program, it's important to be specific and explain why that school or program appeals to you. If your goal is to work in a specific field, such as marketing, it's best to mention that rather than saying you want to be a general manager or CEO. 

You should also describe how the school's program will help you reach your goals. If you're applying to a top program, the admissions team will assume you have other options, so it's important to explain what makes their school unique and why you chose it over other schools.

It's important to be honest about your motivations and ensure that the school offers a good fit for your goals. If you want to change careers, make sure the program offers resources and support for that. If networking is important to you, ensure that it's part of the program's culture.

When answering this question, it's important to be concise and enthusiastic. Keep your answers short and to the point, but also show passion for the topics that interest and motivate you in business school. If you sound excited, it's more likely that others will be excited about it too.