Rebecca Said:

What is a social cause or global issue that needs greater attention and what are some steps to address it?

We Answered:

Voter apathy. Seriously, more people vote on American Idol than in any local, county, state and national elections. Then they complain that politicians lie, cheat and steal money!

Leslie Said:

Would like to try writing- which medium should I use?

We Answered:

If you are primarily interesting in sharing your ideas, consider creating a blog. You don't need someone to buy your work in order for it to be read. Start off by posting on your blog and then get the word out through online groups.

Refer to the Writer's Market, which most bookshops carry and which is available at the reference desk of the public library. The WM will give you a list of possible markets, submission guidelines, fees, topics, audience, etc. Check out your favorite magazines; see if they accept essays and opinions pieces. Never submit to a magazine that you're not familiar with.

Until you are widely published and well recognized, it is unlikely that you will make any money from your essays. It's all about marketing and with your background, you no doubt understand that. If you come with a ready-made platform, your chances of publication are much better.

A degree, regardless of the field or area of study, does not guarantee a grasp of language as a tool of communication. Make sure you have the craft well in hand before you set out to publish, even on a personal blog.

Good luck to you.

Kathleen Said:

Should my goal be an MBA from a top grad school or an undergrad finance (or economics) degree?

We Answered:

If you look at the roster at any top business school you'll see that the majority came from top colleges.

Keep in mind you'll need to work for several years after college before getting the MBA. If you want a career on The Street, you'll want to spend those years working on The Street. Thus the need for a "target" college. The was a survey recently that showed fewer and fewer Wall Streeters are going back for the MBA. In the frenzied world of ibanking the employers don't want to lose their best for 2 years and the employees don't want to lose the big bucks in a hot market. So more employers are saying the MBA doesn't matter, it was always more about networking then learning.

So bottom line: top college. It doesn't have to be an ivy, they recruit from top LACs as well. Also add Duke which is the most recruited of any non ivy school other than maybe Williams and NYU's Stern. I'd can Indiana and Illinois and of the ivies skip Cornell and Brown.

Even with great connections, school matters.

Kyle Said:

When do people pursue a MBA? ?

We Answered:

Bachelors
Masters
Doctorate

Tammy Said:

MBA application essays..what are they looking for??

We Answered:

They are often trying to put a face behind the essays. Just think admission gets thousands of essays but which ones really stand out? It is all about personality.

Just like what you will learn in your marketing class, you have to put a personality behind the product. This is what helped Snapple drinks and Apple computers to succeed.

So the same goes here, you have to try to connect to the reader so you can stand out from the rest. Personal experiences and stories are great. This way you can get the reader interested in you and your stories. The reader will remember you as a person, not just another piece of paper.

I started my essay with a quote ("Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." - John F. Kennedy ) and explain why it speaks to me.

It is also a good idea to get someone you trust read the essays before you send them out. Make sure your essays are captivating and well written.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR MBA!