Well, you’ll be applying to top notch business school this fall, possibly aiming for the Round 1 deadlines. Like most applicants, you have to manage a full-time job and perhaps try to improve the GMAT score.
You really don’t have much time to spare.
The first thing you need to do is to start defining your MBA goal. A strong, clear MBA goal should guide your school research. The more introspection you do before you write your career goals essay, the faster the actual writing of the essay will be later on. Narrating your goals clearly in the essay will demonstrate your fit to the school.
What do you love to do? If you had infinite amount of money and all other resources, then what do you wish to accomplish in your professional career? Do you aspire to become a globe trotter and understand the cultural nuances of every country? Or, do you wish to launch a wind energy firm to fight against global warming? Or, do you wish to establish a non-profit to eradicate poverty from Africa? Or, will you launch a political party in your country to trigger a socio-economic revolution in order to root out corruption?
Think about what you are really passionate about. Be prepared to discuss why you’re attracted to your target positions/industry. What inspires you toward these goals? Why not pursue some other goals post MBA? Most schools won’t specifically ask about your motivations for pursuing your particular goals. But keep your reasons for pursuing these goals in front and center. That will help you to narrate a more engaging story with a stronger message.
Reflect on your entire career trajectory. Think about the moments when you really excelled. Look at the contributions you’ve made to various organizations. What strengths have you demonstrated? Have you streamlined quality process? Or, have you spearheaded an excellent marketing initiative to penetrate new markets? Are you a people person or would you prefer to work alone in your laptop? Do you wish to lead from the front or do you delegate the tasks among your team mates and expect them to deliver with minimal supervision?
If you can appropriately identify the strengths that you have exhibited, then that will give you some hint about your post MBA goals.
You will excel in job roles that fulfill you professionally as well as personally. You don’t need to work just for a paycheck post MBA. So, crystalize your career goals and look forward toward a satisfying future.
Comprehend the challenges of securing a job in those industries/companies. Are there any current events that have affected your industry? Try to understand the overall macro economic scenario in your target sectors. It will give you a fair idea about the feasibility of your goals and make it more realistic.
At each of the stages of your career, what would your ideal job role/designation/position be? And in what industry? Try to be specific in terms of job titles and companies you would like to work for. Don’t just talk about what you want to get out of an experience, but about the impact you want to have on the organization and people during that time. These goals are not etched in stone, and can change as you transition from one stage to the next.
You will be shelling out a ton of money and also spend 2 years of your life for getting the MBA degree. Hence, you need to select a program that will support your career goals. If you’re a “city” person, a more rural environment isn’t the place for you. Do you do better in a group setting, or are you an independent learner? Do you prefer a structured curriculum or a flexible one? Do you prefer a more relaxed academic environment or a more professional one? Do you want peers who will be more competitive or more collaborative? Do you prefer a school that will give lots of access to the faculty members out side the classroom?
These are the few crucial questions that you should answer when looking at MBA programs. The academic environment is paramount, but you will learn much more in an environment where you feel comfortable. Moreover, you should focus on the student body, alumni network and industry access that the school will provide you.
All these above mentioned factors will assist you to formulate rock solid MBA goals. Brainstorming on these points before putting the pen to paper will help you formulate a compelling career goal. It will help you to narrate all aspects of your goals. In case you need further assistance, please contact us.
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