Aberystwyth University

King Edward VI Grammar School, Louth

Market Development Manager (Europe) at Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®)

Responsible for the continuation and broadening of GMAC's key account and sales relationships with business schools and other graduate management education stakeholders in Europe (with a particular focus on Germany, France, Switzerland and the UK). Taking a consultative sales approach, I am aim to further the use and understanding of the GMAC's assessments (including the GMAT exam), student recruitment and marketing products and related research and data services. This has the goal of providing problem-orientated solutions to help admissions teams and candidates connect. I am the local lead for matters relating to the GMASS and its associated revenue targets, the GMAC Executive Assessment product as well as working with clients on GMAC Media Solutions options ranging from content generation to digital display advertising.The role involves frequent travel in order to engage with schools and candidates in market and to identify changing trends in graduate management education.  This further allows for input on new product development initiatives which will later serve our clients' needs.As a member-led organisation, I pay particular attention to cultivating and continuing the relationship between GMAC and these member institutions.  Previously I have worked to oversee the organisation and content development of GMAC's local events:  the GMAC European Conference and the GMAC Admissions Institute for New Professionals Europe in partnership with colleagues and our consultants.I am a regular presenter and panelist at conferences run by industry organisations such as AMBA, EFMD and AACSB.

Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®)

Market Development Manager (Europe)

We exist in a competitive market place, and recruit high-quality MBA candidates from across the globe. Our emphasis is on counselling applicants through our process, enabling the individual to assess their fit with our programme based on their career ambitions and educational requirements. This forms a key component of my role.I focus on understanding the individual's motivation and goals, to allow me to then later evidence to them the ways in which the Cambridge MBA would be a suitable environment for them. This is done through face to face meetings, or broader presentations and recruitment events globally (I have represented the programme in locations in Europe, Asia and the USA). Ultimately I then work with the individual to try and ensure their enrolment onto the programme.Alongside this, I am responsible for reading applications and judging the candidate's suitability for the programme based on their academic and professional background, and associated career ambitions.

Cambridge Judge Business School

MBA Admissions Co-ordinator

Administrative role for the Cambridge MBA.  My work with candidates and other stakeholders provided the foundation that allowed me to gain promotion to Admissions Co-ordinator in April 2008.

James Barker