Interview with Paul Danos, Dean, Tuck School...

Interview with Paul Danos, Dean, Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth and Laurence F. Whittemore Professor of Business Administration.

What makes Tuck special in the world of business education?
At Tuck, we focus on each student’s learning experience and we work to prepare them for the world’s best career opportunities.  We strive not only to maintain unprecedented levels of student and alumni satisfaction but also to maintain the highest level of rigour and relevance in our offerings.  This combination of access to the best global job opportunities and the highest level of personal attention in teaching and training is unique.

How has Tuck evolved to meet the challenges of globalisation and the increasing internationalisation of business?
Tuck has an amazing student body represented by some of the most promising leaders from around the world (33%) and all over North America (67%).  Our professors, who are about 30% international, research the world’s best practices and bring that knowledge into their courses.  Tuck’s courses stress globalisation and the economic forces that are shaping the competitive international markets.
Additional examples of our level of globalization include: a required international economics course in the core curriculum; field project consulting opportunities in all parts of the world; extensive exchange opportunities with other business schools; a Center for International Business and a career development office that researches and assists with job opportunities around the world.

What, in your opinion, makes Tuck a favourite with recruiters/employers?
The world’s best business organisations know that leaders must be both technically proficient and well-rounded human beings. I don’t know of any graduate programme that is better than Tuck at combining the teaching of cutting-edge knowledge and skills with the human touch. We are rated at the top of all the MBA rankings in terms of employer satisfaction while, at the same time, our programme is at the very top of measurements on monetary return on investment – at graduation and years after. A very important fact for Indian applicants is that these career success and compensation results are the same for both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. 

Which are the more prominent areas/fields in which Tuck graduates are placed?
Tuck’s mission is to educate the future leaders of world businesses. We are a “general management” school. We don’t have designated majors. Having said that, our students can take as many electives in concentrated fields as they wish. Our emphasis on developing well-rounded leaders who have depth in their chosen area of interest appeals to a wide variety of businesses—from strategic consultancies to financial services organisations to the top world corporations.  Results show that the breakdown by industry for our graduates is 40% finance, 35% consulting, and 25% corporate management, which includes marketing and technology placements. 

What are the qualities that you seek in international candidates interested in pursuing an MBA at Tuck?
Tuck cares about the whole person, his or her intelligence, experience, proven leadership, and educational background.  We therefore look at performance in undergraduate programmes, GMAT test scores, work experience, and most importantly the applicants’ demonstration of leadership capabilities and future contributions to the class, to their ultimate employer, and to society. 

What is your advice to Indian students aspiring to study at Tuck?
Show passion for your career.  Show a keen interest in the school and how it compares to others.  Be persistent and question everyone who can help in your decision—the alumni, admissions staff, and colleagues at the schools you’re considering.  Most importantly, follow your instincts to pursue an MBA at a top school.  There is no better mechanism to do good in the world and to leverage your talents for your own success and the success of those who rely on you.