Alternate goals

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westsidah408: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 60; Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 1:46 am; Thanked: 6 times

by westsidah408 » Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:25 pm

Hi all,

Is it a good idea to put in alternative career goals in the essays? Would a candidate come off as unclear about his/her goals or someone who has contingencies? For example, international candidates: what if they (we) are uncertain about whether they would like to work post-MBA in the country from which they receive their degree (US, UK etc.) or their home country. What if they are open to both options but will decide once in the program?

Any input would be appreciated.

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tariqal: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 28; Joined: Sun Oct 30, 2011 7:17 am; Thanked: 6 times

by tariqal » Sun Apr 29, 2012 6:48 pm

I don't think schools discriminate based on where you want to work post MBA.

In general, I don't think stating alternative career goals makes you look like a weaker candidate. If anything, it might even give the impression that you've thought your future through and are vigilant to keep multiple options on the table. As long as your options makes sense with your overall narrative, then you should be fine.

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sunman: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 165; Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:05 amFollowed by: 9 members; Location: San Diego, CA; Thanked: 14 times; GMAT Score:750

by sunman » Sun Apr 29, 2012 11:35 pm

tariqal wrote:I don't think schools discriminate based on where you want to work post MBA.

In general, I don't think stating alternative career goals makes you look like a weaker candidate. If anything, it might even give the impression that you've thought your future through and are vigilant to keep multiple options on the table. As long as your options makes sense with your overall narrative, then you should be fine.

I would be inclined to agree with you EXCEPT

every expert I have spoken to, and every student I have networked with at the top 15 business schools, all unequivocally state that you NEED to have a CLEAR vision of what exactly you plan to do post MBA.

Don't put options on the table in your app. Choose one course of action and stick with it.

Once you get in, doors may open, doors may close, and you may change your mind.

Keyword is - once you get in.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead

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myEssayReview: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 341; Joined: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:55 amFollowed by: 10 members; Location: Phoenix, Arizona; Thanked: 63 times

by myEssayReview » Mon Apr 30, 2012 9:41 am

I ,too, believe that clear vision about your career plan is the key here. Through your 'goals' essay, you tell a story of your past (your passion,and past experience), your present(your need of an MBA) and future(your goals and objectives), so stating alternate goals may not be a good idea.

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Jon@Admissionado: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 3135; Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2011 8:55 amFollowed by: 332 members; Location: Everywhere; Thanked: 589 times

by Jon@Admissionado » Mon Apr 30, 2012 11:07 pm

westsidah408 wrote:Hi all,

Is it a good idea to put in alternative career goals in the essays? Would a candidate come off as unclear about his/her goals or someone who has contingencies? For example, international candidates: what if they (we) are uncertain about whether they would like to work post-MBA in the country from which they receive their degree (US, UK etc.) or their home country. What if they are open to both options but will decide once in the program?

Any input would be appreciated.

Putting alternative ideas in your essay for your goals is like sowing the seeds of doubt in the hearts and minds of the AdCom. It's saying "Really I don't know what I want" or even worse "I'm not sure I can get it". Nobody goes to a business meeting and says "Well either I'm gonna create a revolutionary new product OR I'm gonna break into this new market". If you give two or more sets of goals it also becomes hard to impossible to revolve your application around your goals, and to explain why you want to reach those goals (are you going to have two sets of explanations?) So really, the best thing you can do is choose one and go with it.

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westsidah408: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 60; Joined: Tue Apr 05, 2011 1:46 am; Thanked: 6 times

by westsidah408 » Tue May 01, 2012 11:20 pm

All very wise words. I thank you.

I pretty much have a clear cut plan, but I do have contingencies in case it doesn't pan out. I guess from an adcoms perspective, we should stick to our original goals, and the key reason we want an MBA in the first place.

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