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How does the revamped GMAT test seek to boost accessibility to quality GME and international mobility? “The GMAT exam has been the gold standard in graduate business school assessment since its launch seven decades ago. Revamped last year to assess the most in-demand skills, such as data analytics and problem solving, the new exam was rolled out as the GMAT Focus Edition to great reception by test takers and business schools around the world. “The latest edition follows years of foundational research and in-depth concept testing, with a shorter exam to reduce preparation time and testing anxiety. It also offers increased test security, faster delivery of a diagnostic score report to reveal test takers’ strengths and areas of improvement, all without sacrificing test reliability and accuracy. We believe that the more efficient test-taking experience and flexible new features have better supported and encouraged more candidates on their business school journey and that schools have benefited from it by attracting a more diverse global applicant pool.” What are the aims behind GMAC’s ‘Study in Europe’ campaign and related initiatives? “We constantly look for ways to better serve the industry and lead initiatives that are relevant to current contexts. We heard from schools in Europe that while the level of talent and rising demand for business education across Africa have been of strong interest, finding the right approach has been challenging. Therefore, we launched the GMAC Africa’s Study in Europe initiative last year, connecting European business schools with candidates in Africa through a multi-channel digital campaign and on-campus events. The goal is to provide African candidates with opportunities to connect with, and access, quality education in Europe. In total, 11 schools were involved from France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK.” How does GMAC work to help preserve international mobility in a climate of political flux and uncertainty? “We strive to grow our industry in the face of political and geopolitical uncertainty, while also
working to further equitable access to quality education in line with the UN sustainable development goals. To that end, we have invested in pipeline organisations for decades, such as the PhD Project and the Forté Foundation, and provided testing fee waivers through schools to encourage candidate applications.” “Our GMAC™ Tours service – through which we organise in-person and online events worldwide – connects schools with niche audiences in underserved markets, while GMAC™ GradSelect boasts the world’s largest global database of qualified GME candidates, allowing for precise recruiting and connections with candidates of unique qualifications and backgrounds. “This is what we do to actively preserve and promote mobility across different socio- economic backgrounds and across borders, in accordance with GMAC’s vision of a world where every talented person can benefit from the best business education for them.” Why are diverse, multicultural cohorts so important in GME and at the MBA level in particular? “GMAC’s latest survey of corporate recruiters informed us that while employers put a premium on the skillsets of the future, such as communication, data analysis and strategy, they also want cross-cultural competence and multilingualism. In fact, some employers are particularly critical of GME graduates’ intercultural skills and this creates tremendous opportunities for business schools to start preparing candidates by building diverse, multicultural cohorts on campus. “A diverse, multicultural campus adds immense value to all, while inclusivity improves educational outcomes and advances our society. Education is an important pathway towards career advancement, especially for marginalised people around the world and it must remain fully accessible. “At GMAC, we strive to help institutions consider and connect with candidates of a wide spectrum of academic, professional and lived experiences. We remain committed to promoting and supporting educational equity for all.”
“Candidates from around the world have more options and economic opportunities at home than ever before”
Nalisha Patel is regional director for Europe at GMAC, where she is responsible for the organisation’s overall strategy in promoting Europe as a business education destination and building diverse pipelines of talent in the region. Patel has more than a decade of experience in graduate management education, including serving as executive director of degree programmes and student experience, as well as a governing body member, at London Business School.
www.gmac.com
Ambition | JUNE 2024 | 19
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