About Emily: Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Emily developed a global perspective while studying Finance and Marketing at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. There, she embraced cultural diversity, co-founded the university’s first Taiwanese Students Association, and began learning Cantonese. After graduation, Emily launched her career as a financial analyst before transitioning to strategy consulting at EY-Parthenon, where she specialized in corporate and transaction strategy for financial services clients. Now an MBA candidate at UCLA Anderson, she is passionate about leveraging her consulting expertise to drive innovation in the technology sector and aims to transition into a strategic role in tech post-MBA.

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Congratulations on receiving an interview invitation from UCLA Anderson! You’ve already accomplished so much—from acing the standardized tests to crafting compelling application essays. Now it’s time to showcase your unique story and potential in the interview. Preparing for this step can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting opportunity for both you and Anderson to determine if you’re the right fit for one another. Here are some tips to help you succeed in your Anderson MBA interview:

1. Understand the Interview Process

At UCLA Anderson, second-year MBA students typically conduct the interviews, which reflects the school’s strong student-led culture. These interviewers are not only evaluating your fit for Anderson but also serving as ambassadors of the program. This means they’ll be looking for candidates who embody Anderson’s values of collaboration, leadership, and a drive to make an impact.

2. Highlight Employability

One of the key aspects of your interview is demonstrating how your past experiences position you for success in your post-MBA career goals. Many MBA students seek to pivot their careers, but it’s important to show that your background provides a solid foundation for this transition. For example:

• If you’re moving from consulting to product management, explain how your problem-solving skills and cross-functional collaboration experience will translate.
• Be specific about how Anderson’s resources—such as its career services team, alumni network, or industry-specific clubs—will support your career pivot.

3. Be Clear About Why You Want an MBA

Articulate why now is the right time for you to pursue an MBA and how it fits into your long-term career aspirations. Think about:

• What gaps in skills or knowledge you hope to address through an MBA.
• How Anderson’s curriculum (e.g., Applied Management Research projects or Entrepreneurship electives) aligns with your goals.
• Specific examples of how an MBA will accelerate your path toward leadership or industry expertise.

4. Showcase Your Fit with Anderson

Anderson is known for its collaborative culture and emphasis on transformative leadership. Use the interview to demonstrate how you’ll contribute to and benefit from this environment:

• Highlight specific clubs or initiatives you’d like to join or lead (e.g., Andertech, Women@Anderson, or Impact@Anderson).
• Share examples of how you’ve fostered collaboration or led impactful projects in the past.
• Show that you’ve done your research by referencing conversations with current students or alumni.

5. Be Yourself and Stay Relaxed

The Anderson interview is designed to feel conversational rather than intimidating. Remember:

• It’s a two-way street: You’re evaluating whether Anderson is the right fit for you as much as they’re evaluating you.
• Use this opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the program and learn more about its culture from your interviewer.
• Authenticity matters—don’t try to present a version of yourself that doesn’t feel genuine.

The UCLA Anderson interview is not just about proving yourself—it’s also a chance to connect with the school on a deeper level and determine if its culture aligns with who you are and what you want from an MBA program. Take this opportunity seriously but also enjoy the process of sharing your story and learning more about what makes Anderson unique.

Good luck on your journey! With preparation and authenticity, you’ll shine in your UCLA Anderson interview.

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• Student Blogger: Emily Tu ‘26
• Undergrad: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ‘17
• Pre-MBA:  Senior Consultant @ EY-Parthenon
• Leadership@Anderson:  Director, Anderson Admission Ambassador – Interviewing