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mba Takeoff

Start your MBA journey with confidence and community.

MBA Takeoff is a virtual program designed to help incoming MBAs feel confident, prepared, and connected before they step into business school. In six interactive sessions, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, build relationships, and gain strategies to navigate the challenges ahead — all in a supportive, women-focused environment.

MBA Takeoff is not a replacement for orientation — it’s your personal and professional jumpstart. It complements your school’s programming by helping you develop leadership, communication, and networking skills to hit the ground running. Plus, you’ll join a global community of women and allies who are on the same journey.

Students enrolling at a Forté partner school receive a $100 discount. Contact your school’s admissions representatives for the Forté partner school discount code.

This program is for incoming MBA women and allies who are starting their MBA program in Fall 2025.

Live virtual sessions will take place from 1-2 pm ET on the following dates:
April 17, 22, 24, 29
May 1, 6, 8

Professionals: $299/person
Forté Partner Schools: $199/person
Please contact your school’s admissions representatives for information on discount codes.

Extended Deadline: April 28, 2025

Program Features

  • 1

    LEAD FROM WITHIN

    Session 1: Be Your Best Self in Business School
    Build confidence, develop rapport, and overcome self-doubt so you can start strong.

    Session 2: Be Proactive — Protect Your Time
    Understand your priorities, organize your schedule, and make choices based on your MBA goals.
  • 2

    LEAD OTHERS

    Session 3: Be Intentional — Authentic Leadership
    Recognize your leadership style and learn how to build meaningful relationships.

    Session 4: Be a Team Builder — Negotiations
    Redefine negotiations and develop a win-win mindset.
  • 3

    LEAD IN BUSINESS SCHOOL

    Session 5: Be Heard
    Communicate with strength and confidence in the classroom and beyond.

    Session 6: Be an Ally
    Understand your biases, learn how to leverage different perspectives, and foster inclusivity.
  • The best part of this program was meeting this great group of women from different parts of the world, spheres of lives about to embark on a similar journey. Learning from their experiences and hearing their stories has been really enriching. This program has definitely allowed me to be better prepared as I begin my Business School journey this fall.
    Radhika Udgirkar
    Duke University (The Fuqua School of Business)
  • [MBA Takeoff] helped me to know that I'm not alone in this journey, and we created a really strong network that I know will last for many years to come.
    Carolina Herrera
    Indiana University - Bloomington (Kelley School of Business)
  • I have so many tools to bring directly into my work today! I can also bring them into my MBA program when I start later this year, of course. I loved speaking to the women about all these experiences and it gives me confidence to have more of these conversations in the future.
    Nora O'Sullivan
    University of Chicago (Booth School of Business)

FAQs

What is the MBA Takeoff Program?

The MBA Takeoff Program is a 6-session program designed to prepare incoming MBA women and allies for their transition into MBA studies.

If I have questions about the program who can I contact?

Students may email MBA@fortefoundation.org with their questions regarding the program.

Who is the ideal candidate for the MBA Takeoff Program?

MBA Takeoff is tailored for incoming MBA women and allies starting their MBA program in Fall 2025.

What are the main benefits of participating in the MBA Takeoff Program?

Participants gain comprehensive guidance on MBA preparedness, early exposure to MBA culture, and peer networking opportunities.

Can participants from non-partner schools join the MBA Takeoff Program?

Yes, the program is open to participants from both Forté MBA partner schools and non-partner MBA schools.

What are the registration deadlines and pricing for the program?

The program is $299 for non-partner school registrants. Students at a Forté MBA partner schools will receive a $100 discount.

How can I access resources and materials if I miss a live session?

The FranklinCovey content can be accessed at any time and we usually send out the recording from each virtual session.

Is there any financial assistance or scholarship available for the program?

Participants should inquire about financial assistance or scholarships directly with their matriculating MBA program.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Registrants may cancel their registration with full refund through April 16, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET. No refunds are available after this date. Please contact MBA@fortefoundation.org with questions.

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