Applying to the MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp this year? Here's What You Need to Succeed.

"We see that the most successful Bootcampers, during the Bootcamp and afterwards, are individuals who participate with the intention to learn from others and elevate the team's success over their individual priorities. This allows them to expand the learning and perspective they take from the Bootcamp to that of the whole team and broader cohort."  -- Vimala Palaniswamy, Director, MIT Bootcamps

If you’re searching for opportunities to improve your career trajectory and spark innovation within your organization, consider investing in yourself and applying to the online MIT Innovation Leadership Bootcamp!

Here are a few tips and tricks for applying to this rigorous, immersive, collaborative, action-learning online program:

1. Think critically.

   MIT Bootcamps looks for individuals with an ability to combine critical thinking with an open mind. Whether it’s understanding who should be part of your founding team, how to take differing advice from mentors, or see your next opportunity – entrepreneurs and innovators must be able to think critically while remain open minded.
   

2. Have follow through.

   Anyone can start a new venture, but MIT Bootcamps is most impressed with applicants who show initiative to start projects (or with their ideas) and continue to persevere when the going gets tough.

3. Be collaborative and community Oriented.

   Ideal candidates demonstrate a collaborative mindset and have track record of contributing to their community. If you put your team above yourself and are more self-aware than self-centered, you'll thrive in an online bootcamp setting. After all, great teams can turn average ideas into life-changing innovations.
   
   Noting the importance of collaborative thinking, Director of MIT Bootcamps, Vimala Palaniswamy says, "We see that the most successful Bootcampers, during the Bootcamp and afterwards, are individuals who participate with the intention to learn from others and elevate the team's success over their individual priorities. This allows them to expand the learning and perspective they take from the Bootcamp to that of the whole team and broader cohort."

4. Take calculated Risks.

   MIT Bootcamps looks for applicants who are confident and calculated risk takers, and can weigh when it makes sense to embark on a new venture, pivot, or start anew. Think about a time in your life when you took a calculated risk. Be ready to tell us how that experience shaped you.

5. Take a deep breath and be yourself!

   When you're ready to apply, create your account, upload your resume or LinkedIn profile, and complete a short video interview. Get started on your MIT Bootcamps application here.

Remember, admissions to MIT Bootcamps is a highly selective one-round application process. After you complete your video interview, an admissions team will review your application and contact you about their decision.

The MIT Bootcamps team values persistence and follow-through, so if you aren't accepted, you’re encouraged to apply to future Bootcamps once you've gained more experience, particularly in the above areas!

Explore all upcoming online MIT Bootcamps programs at bootcamps.mit.edu or get more MIT Bootcamps admission tips here.