At mbaMission, our consultants are more than just graduates of the world’s top MBA programs—we are also expert communicators who possess an unparalleled knowledge of the admissions process. Each week, we highlight one member of our team who has committed his/her professional life to helping you get into business school.
A graduate of Lehigh University, Rachel Beck holds a master’s degree in journalism and earned her MBA from Columbia Business School, where she was awarded the prestigious Knight-Bagehot Fellowship in Economics and Business Journalism. While at Columbia, Rachel was both a teaching assistant and an officer in the retail club. She also served as a resume reviewer for the MBA program’s Career Management Center and volunteered for iPrep, a program that helps the underprivileged learn and improve their interview skills. Since graduating from Columbia, Rachel has been an alumni admissions interviewer for the school. Before joining mbaMission, Rachel was the national business columnist and features writer for The Associated Press, where she covered such topics as the financial crisis and Great Recession, consumer trends, accounting issues in corporate America, and executive pay. Rachel has interviewed dozens of Fortune 500 CEOs and has been featured in numerous radio and TV spots on major news events. Her award-winning columns and stories have appeared in newspapers and on online news sites worldwide.
Quick Facts:
Received MBA from: Columbia Business School
Undergraduate field of study: Government
Fields worked in before mbaMission: Journalism
Working style: Energetic, supportive, and positive, but firm when necessary
Five things Rachel wants her clients to know about her:
1. Coming from a journalism background, storytelling is in my blood. I see my clients’ lives as the ultimate stories to tell, and I love to look for interesting details to bring them to life.
2. Working as an alumni interviewer for Columbia Business School, I loved being on the “other side” of the table. It made me acutely aware of what works during MBA interviews (clearly defined career goals) and what doesn’t (vague, drawn-out answers).
3.I often joke that I know more about my clients than some of their friends and family. But that is a good thing—I love the bonds we form and the long-term relationships we build.
4. Nothing makes me happier than hearing from a former client who is doing exactly what he/she had hoped post-MBA. It reminds me of why I love this job.
5. I used “love” a lot in this list. I know that means I am passionate about the work I do and the service that I offer my clients each and every day.
What clients are saying about Rachel:
“I found Rachel Beck to be highly creative, responsive, eloquent, supportive, and most importantly honest during my few months working with her on my applications. I recommend her to anyone applying to business school, especially those applying to top programs.” —Wharton Admit (via GMAT Club)
“I decided to work with mbaMission at the recommendation of a friend and couldn’t have been more pleased with the result. Rachel was an incredible asset throughout. She was able to help me compartmentalize the overwhelmingly large process into small manageable chunks and tackle each one effectively. From crafting my ‘story’ all the way through interviewing, she was there to provide great advice and guidance. I can say with near certainty that I would not have been accepted [at] a top 5 school without her help!” —UT Austin Admit (via GMAT Club)
“I highly recommend working with Rachel Beck at mbaMission; this was the BEST decision I made during the admission process.” —Kellogg, Columbia Business School, Yale SOM, and NYU Stern Admit (via GMAT Club)
Read more of Rachel’s testimonials.
Watch Rachel’s video:
Do you want to speak with Rachel about your business school prospects? Sign up for a free 30-minute consultation here.