Overview
The MBA Professional Development (MBA PD) program prepares high-achieving individuals who have experienced inequitable access to career-accelerating resources to become senior leaders in business and social sector organizations. MBA PD is offered to incoming MBA students who are attending MLT partner schools.
Participants (Fellows) identify and pursue summer opportunities and full-time roles that match their skills and aspirations. The program provides industry-specific coaching, early access to post-MBA employers, and a powerful network of peers, coaches, and recruiters. MLT programs are open to all who meet the criteria, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other demographic identity.
Dates to Know
Applications Dates
Applications opens late Fall 2025!
Fellows starting at an MLT partner business school in Fall 2025 should plan to apply for MBA PD now.
Upcoming Events
TBD
Main Details
Through MBA PD, you’ll partner with an experienced MLT Professional Development Coach who has excelled in a specific industry. Coaches provide individualized interview preparation, career guidance, and feedback in monthly coach calls beginning in February and continuing through the internship and full-time job search during business school. The program will help you gain personal clarity by learning to best tell your personal story in interviews and align your passions and strengths with your ultimate career goals. Coaches and Fellows create and refine a personalized roadmap that connects long-term career goals with a near-term action plan.
How it Works
Curriculum
At MLT, we are invested in you. We commit a significant amount of time and resources to each MBA PD Fellow. If accepted into MBA PD, we expect a similar commitment to MLT and to your future. All applicants must be willing to commit significant time and energy to the program, which includes five months of formal curriculum, followed by support during your MBA program.
Selection Process
The selection committee is looking for individuals who demonstrate excellence in the following three areas:
Academic Achievement
Those with a 3.0 GPA or greater and a strong test score (GMAT focus range: 495-715) are highly encouraged to apply. On average, Fellow scores range from 620 to 710 (GMAT – older version), 153 to 161 (GRE Quantitative), and 154 to 162 (GRE Verbal).
Leadership
applicants should demonstrate leadership experience and potential
Career Exploration & Progression
Applicants should be interested in networking and MBA-level recruiting with at least three of MLT’s corporate partners. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their personal and professional path through participation in organizations, internships, and other activities. In addition, applicants should demonstrate an understanding of their post-MBA career goals.
Eligibility Requirements
When applying to MBA PD, you must have either applied to an MLT partner business school or be in the process of applying with the intention to enroll.
Citizenship
US citizen or US permanent resident (including DACA participant)
Seminars
You must be able to attend the following two seminars (dates below) to matriculate into the MLT MBA PD Program.
70+
MLT employer partners recruit MBA PD Fellows year after year
“MLT has been pivotal in helping me evolve from a high-performing individual contributor into a purpose-driven senior leader. The frameworks and coaching I gained through MLT shaped how I approach leadership at scale.”
Alex Santana, MBA PD 2014
Application FAQs
How do I work with a coach?
When you start the MBA Professional Development (PD) Program, you will be assigned an executive coach. Your coach assignment will be based on your application to the program and your expressed career interests. You will have a one-on-one introductory call in which you will identify the right timing and methods to communicate based on your respective schedules. From there, you’ll also have additional opportunities to participate in one-on-one calls, group calls, and class calls throughout the program. You should feel free to reach out to your coach throughout your MBA experience.
Do I have to quit my job in order to participate in MBA PD?
No, Fellows participate in MBA Professional Development while they are still employed. Many fellows do choose to quit their jobs during the MBA Professional Development experience, as they are starting business school in the fall.
Do I have to accept a job at an MLT partner organization to qualify for MBA PD?
Although Fellows are not required to accept offers from any specific organization, it is important to know that MLT partners provide financial support to the organization in order to have access to you! MLT partners join us at seminars, webinars, and events to provide fellows with relevant content on the various career paths fellows may want to pursue. MLT partners also interview fellows at various MLT events and on-campus. These organizations have made a commitment to hire talented individuals from MLT programs. We want all applicants to MBA PD to be interested in networking and recruiting with at least three partner firms. If you receive multiple offers for employment, we want you to work with your executive coach to select the best fit for you and your career goals.
I’m interested in working for a start-up and/or working at a venture capital fund. Is MBA PD the right program for me?
The short answer is yes! As of Fall 2020, MLT has been expanding into the startup ecosystem. In MBA PD, we’ll give you the straight scoop on start-ups and venture capital, lay out pathways to get in, and provide access to industry experts. While there are no venture capital (VC) partners or active VC job recruiting currently at MLT PD events, you will be able to learn and explore your interest in venture capital, and Fellows are encouraged to interview for roles at their preferred non-VC MLT partners. MLT’s Startup Arena Initiative has more opportunities in the VC and startup field, which you can learn more about here.
I’m interested in an MLT partner organization that isn’t listed as an MBA-level partner. Can I still recruit with them through MLT?
Financial contributions from MLT’s partners underwrite the programming that MLT provides. In exchange for their financial support, MLT supports partner recruiting efforts. The scope of relationships MLT has with its partners varies considerably. MLT may be the perfect fit to source graduate talent but not undergraduate talent- and vice versa. If you are interested in a role with a non-MBA partner, the onus will be on you to navigate through the process.
What are the costs associated with MBA PD?
There is a $60 non-refundable application fee. If admitted, fellows pay a $550 non-refundable program fee. You will be responsible for transportation costs associated with attending the required events, but your hotel and some meals on those trips will be covered. MBA Prep 2025 Fellows will automatically have the application fee waived.
Are events mandatory?
Yes, all events are mandatory. If there are specific circumstances that may prevent you from attending a virtual or in-person event, please share that information in your MBA PD application and email mbapd@mlt.org to alert the PD team.
Where are the seminars held?
Seminar locations vary from year to year. Fellows are notified of cities and dates once confirmed. The kick-off event is typically held Thursday morning through Saturday afternoon in mid-April. The second event is typically held Tuesday through Friday afternoon in May.
Can I be part of an MLT program if I plan to pursue an executive or part-time MBA?
Unfortunately, no. Our calendar and curriculum are based on several factors including partner hiring patterns and the flow of full-time programs. Part-time and executive programs do not fit into the established model.
How much work experience should I have when applying?
Applicants should have at least three years of solid work experience.
When will I be notified if I am admitted into the program?
Round 1 decisions are communicated in mid-to-late February and Round 2 decisions are communicated in early April*. *Notification timing is subject to change. We will inform applicants of any delay in decisions.
What happens if I don’t get in? Can I re-apply next year?
Our program is only for candidates entering MBA Programs in Fall of the current year. You cannot re-apply to the program if you have already started your MBA.
