The Importance of Vision: Setting MBA Goals

by , May 31, 2010

Last week we talked about how important it is to think in advance about your MBA goals. Today we're going to delve a little deeper into defining your MBA goals. Mainly, we'll answer the question, "What is a goal?"

As I often do, before defining what a goal is, I'm going to give a few examples of what a goal is not.

First, a goal is not a statement of general interest or a field you'd like to study. "I'm interested in consulting or investment banking or marketing," is not a goal. (Not only is it not a goal, but it is very likely a red flag to the adcom, and eventually, a ding.)

Second, a goal is not a general field you'd like to work in. "I'd like to work in marketing," does not constitute an MBA goal. As a person who has probably had some pre-MBA work experience, you should know better than to suggest that "marketing" is a proper job description.

Now, what is an MBA goal?

• An MBA goal is something specific that you want to do (not just study) in a particular field. While answering, "Marketing" to the goals question won't cut it, explaining that you want to go into channel management in the software industry, will certainly pin you as a goal-oriented, focused MBA candidate. Include as many details as possible to show that you've thoroughly thought what you what you are looking to learn and how you plan on utilizing those skills post-MBA.

• An MBA goal should be strong and focused enough to help you narrow down your school choices. An applicant with an undefined MBA goal will face a serious challenge when it comes to whittling down that list of 20 MBA programs to a reasonable 5 or 6 (or even 7 or 8). You'll know your goals are solid when you look at School X and say, "There's just not enough of an emphasis on product development and technology for this school to be included on my list." Different schools offer different strengths and cater to different goalsyou want a school that fits your strengths and goals. Therefore, as Socrates (or according to same Pythagoras or Heraclitus) would say, "Know thy goals."

• An MBA goal is flexible. Yes, you want to present yourself as a highly focused, motivated, and goal-driven individual, but schools also know that many students modify their goal as they become aware of opportunities in business school. So don't overdo your commitment to a given path. A student who isn't willing to budge or bend may miss out on new opportunities, interesting learning experiences, and a potentially rich future that he or she was simply too stubborn to consider.

Related Accepted.com Resources:

• "Putting the Puzzle Together"
• Sample MBA Goals Essay
• MBA Admissions Application Advice for Career Changers
• Getting Your MBA Goals in Shape
• MBA Admissions: What is a Goal?