MBA Application Consultant
Help applicants craft essays for INSEAD, LBS, Oxford Saïd MBA
Help applicants craft essays for INSEAD, LBS, Oxford Saïd MBA.
As an MBA Application Consultant, your day-to-day work will involve collaborating with applicants to refine their personal statements and essays for prestigious MBA programmes. You'll conduct initial consultations to understand their background, goals, and unique selling points, followed by drafting and editing essays to ensure they align with each school's specific requirements. Regular feedback loops will be essential, as will staying informed about the latest admissions trends and essay prompts.
Now is an excellent time to enter the MBA consulting market in the UK, as demand for top-tier business schools like INSEAD, LBS, and Oxford Saïd continues to rise. With a growing number of professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications amid a competitive job market, applicants are willing to invest significantly in expert guidance to improve their chances of acceptance.
The ideal founder for this venture would be someone with a strong academic background and experience in MBA admissions, perhaps having gone through the process themselves. You’ll need to dedicate several hours a week to creating marketing materials, networking with potential clients, and refining your consulting process. Be prepared for an initial steep learning curve regarding essay crafting and client management.
Within 12-24 months, you could establish a strong reputation, leading to a consistent flow of clients. As your business gains traction, referrals from satisfied applicants could significantly boost revenue, allowing you to potentially earn between £30,000 to £60,000 annually, depending on your workload and pricing structure.
- Coaching
- Writing
£2k–£10k per applicant
Gross margins are likely to be around 70-80%, depending on your pricing strategy and operational efficiency.
The MBA application landscape has become increasingly competitive, and many applicants seek tailored assistance to stand out. With more professionals considering further education to enhance career prospects, a consultancy that offers specialised support is timely and relevant.
Your primary customers will be mid-career professionals aged 25-40 looking to further their education. They are often highly motivated individuals from diverse backgrounds who are ready to invest in their future.
The UK market for MBA applications is robust, with over 30,000 applicants annually to top business schools. A 2022 report from the Graduate Management Admission Council indicated that 64% of prospective students cite career advancement as their primary motivation for pursuing an MBA, highlighting a lucrative opportunity for consulting services.
Revenue & pricing
You can charge a flat fee per school application or offer package deals for multiple submissions. Retainers for ongoing support can also provide steady income as clients seek comprehensive assistance throughout their application journey.
- £2,000 for an INSEAD application package (includes essay review and mock interview)
- £2,500 for a London Business School application package (includes tailored coaching)
- £3,000 for an Oxford Saïd application package (includes multiple essay revisions and strategy sessions)
- £4,000 for a comprehensive package covering applications to all three schools (includes unlimited revisions)
Costs
- Website setup (domain + hosting)100
- Marketing materials (business cards, flyers)150
- Professional membership (networking/associations)100
- Initial advertising (social media ads)100
- Software subscriptions (Notion for organisation)50
- Website maintenance20
- Marketing expenses50
- Software subscriptions (Xero for accounting)15
- Professional development (courses, webinars)30
First steps
- 1Build sample essays
- 2Charge per school
- 3Take retainer
Your first 90 days
- Research and compile a list of common essay prompts from target schools.
- Develop a professional website showcasing your services and testimonials.
- Create sample essays and case studies to demonstrate your expertise.
- Set up social media accounts and begin engaging with potential clients.
- Network within MBA alumni groups to promote your services.
- Launch your website and begin initial marketing campaigns.
- Secure at least 5 clients for application consultations.
- Collect feedback from clients to refine your service offerings.
- Establish partnerships with educational consultants or advisors for referrals.
- Create a detailed business plan based on early feedback and results.
How to get customers
Social Media
Utilise LinkedIn to connect with potential clients and share success stories.
Networking Events
Attend MBA fairs and educational expos to meet prospective applicants.
Content Marketing
Write informative blog posts on application tips and trends to drive traffic.
Email Marketing
Build a mailing list to share valuable insights and promote services.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tide | Free | For business banking and expense tracking. |
| Xero | £10/month | For managing accounting and invoicing. |
| Calendly | Free | For scheduling client consultations easily. |
| Stripe | Free setup, 1.4% + 20p per transaction | For processing payments. |
| Notion | Free | For organising client information and project management. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the time needed to craft high-quality essays.
- Failing to tailor essays to the specific requirements of each school.
- Neglecting to follow up with clients post-application.
- Overlooking the importance of branding and a professional online presence.
- Inadequate market research leading to misaligned services.
How to scale this
- 1Start solo by offering personalised consulting and essay reviews.
- 2Create additional resources like online courses or webinars for applicants.
- 3Hire freelance consultants or editors to expand service capacity.
- 4Develop a full-scale agency model with a team of experts for different areas.
Risks & mitigations
High competition in the consulting space.
Focus on niche marketing and building a personal brand.
Clients may not achieve their desired results.
Offer satisfaction guarantees and clear communication about realistic outcomes.
Changes in application processes or school requirements.
Stay updated with industry news and adapt services accordingly.
Burnout from managing multiple clients.
Set clear boundaries and consider hiring help as the business grows.
UK legal & compliance
- Register with HMRC for tax purposes and ensure compliance with self-employment regulations.
- Consider professional indemnity insurance to protect against potential disputes with clients.
- No specific licenses are required, but ensure all marketing materials are truthful and non-deceptive.
- Adhere to GDPR regulations when handling client data, including proper consent and data protection measures.
FAQ
What qualifications do I need to be an MBA consultant?
While there are no formal qualifications, experience with MBA applications and strong writing skills are essential.
How do I attract my first clients?
Networking, leveraging social media, and offering free initial consultations can help you build your client base.
Can I consult part-time?
Yes, many consultants start part-time while maintaining a full-time job.
What if I don't have experience with every school?
Focus on schools you are familiar with; you can learn about others as you grow.
How do I handle payment?
Use secure payment platforms like Stripe or GoCardless to manage client transactions.
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