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mba Takeoff

Start your MBA journey with confidence and community.

MBA Takeoff is your runway into business school — a virtual, six‑session experience designed to build confidence and connections before you arrive on campus. Take advantage of this moment between chapters of your life to get crystal clear about the kind of person and leader you want to be. During this program, you’ll strengthen your leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and gain practical strategies to navigate the opportunities and unknowns ahead — all within a supportive, inclusive community.

This isn’t orientation; it’s your personal and professional jumpstart. MBA Takeoff provides direction for your journey, helping you understand what success in an MBA program really looks like. You’ll join a global cohort of incoming students who are eager for community and purpose. Together, you will explore career pathways with intention, and begin shaping your unique leadership style. It’s the momentum you need to step into your MBA feeling grounded, connected, and ready to lead.

Incoming MBA students who are starting their MBA program in Fall 2026

Our next cohort runs April 21 - May 12, 2026

Live virtual sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 pm ET and every session will be recorded.

  • MBA Candidates: $299/person
  • MBA Candidates from Forté Member and Affiliate Schools: $199/person
    Please contact your school’s admissions representatives for information on discount codes.

Registration deadline: April 16, 2026
Resume book deadline: May 12, 2026

Program Features

  • 1

    LEAD FROM WITHIN

    Session 1: Be Your Best Self
    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 — Developing Relationships
    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.

FAQs

What is the MBA Takeoff Program?

The MBA Takeoff Program is a 6-session program designed to prepare incoming MBA students 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 students starting their MBA program in Fall 2026.

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

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

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

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

What is the pricing for the program?

The program is $299 for non-member school registrants. Students at a Forté MBA member and affiliate schools will receive a $100 discount. Please contact your school’s admissions representatives for information on discount codes.

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?

For the Spring 2026 Cohort, registrants may cancel their registration with full refund through April 20, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. No refunds are available after this date. Please contact MBA@fortefoundation.org with questions.

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

  • The Forté MBA Takeoff Program was a transformative experience that profoundly impacted both my personal and professional lives. Interacting with a diverse group of established professionals and aspiring MBA students taught me a lot about leadership, cooperation, and the importance of a growth mentality.
    Ruth Ayebea Asiedu
    Washington University in St. Louis (Olin Business School)
    MBA class of 2027
  • The Forté MBA Takeoff program was a truly valuable experience. It helped me strengthen the soft skills that will be essential during the MBA. A real highlight was meeting so many others on the same journey, and even connecting with members of my future cohort.
    Jiverny Hoog
    EDHEC Business School
    MBA class of 2026
  • The best part of [the Forté MBA Takeoff] program was meeting this great group of women from different parts of the world, spheres of life 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.
    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)

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