An unusual dilemma

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An unusual dilemma

by msrrautela » Sun Sep 20, 2009 8:09 am
This thread's been tremendously enlightening!
I would really appreciate if you can please help me.
Boy,I'm in a huge and unusual dilemma.Here we go with a interesting lowdown on it:
I'm a freestyle rapper,composer,guitarist and a singer.I have a rockband (my bro is a drummer in the band).In the long term, I want to pursue music because this is what pumps my adrenaline and this is want I want to dedicate my life to.To me, it is not just a hobby,but a passion,or even more than that,a religion .But since I'm not one of those who ve been playing music right from their childhood ,and got introduced to this during my college days,so I still have way to go to make it big on the professional scale(my rap and some other compositions have received rave reviews,btw).But I know for sure this is what I want to dedicate my life to coz I am enjoy doing it,am good at it and can be great at it.I just can't visualise myself sitting in an office and doing a job.Since I need to network with the right people in this field,so post MBA I would like to work in companies such as Sony BMG, Universal music etc.However,my past work experience is in IT(worked at CSC for 2 years).However,this june I quit my job as I could no longer bear the monotony and boredom in office.Currently,I am working for an NGO(as an unpaid volunteer) and teaching MBA aspirants(to keep the money pouring in).I am very strong on the extracurricular fronts also(gold medallist in semi-cross country race,basketball tournament winning team member,headboy of school etc).Very strong Undergraduate G.P.A too and lots of other things which may impress the Adcoms).GMAT score-720.Now,here I go with the questions :
1. Should I be really honest in telling the Adcom about my future goals ? They may mistake me for a guy who's not serious about MBA .They may think that if he wants to eventually pursue music,so why the hell is he coming to a B-school ?On the contrary,they might love me for being a guy who can add a lot of diversity to their school and who have the guts to venture into an altogether different field and face the uncertainty instead of "settling down".Your opinions required .
2.As you'd ve come to know,my future career goals are absolutely different from my pre-MBA job profile.How do I present my case ?I can't even say that I learned so and so at CSC coz it ain't gonna be of any help in the future..
3. Or should I be NOT honest to the Adcoms by NOT telling them the real story for the fear of being interpreted as "no logical connection between the past and future.Not sure why he wants to do MBA,if he wants to pursue music" and take the simple path of telling them that I want to get into consultancy ,say in one of the Big fours ?
4.Do the Adcoms appreciate people who can think differently or will they raise doubt over the unconventional career path one may choose post MBA ?I assume most of them would be in the older age group and might not appreciate a rebel.

I'd be highly obliged if you can pitch in your valuable suggestions
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:30 pm
Dear msrrautela,

I do think you should be honest and there is an appropriate way to articulate your goals that will be palatable to the admissions committees. Not all schools will see how the MBA makes sense for you, but many will and do appreciate different perspectives and interests in the class.

It will be important for you to connect the dots between your past and future. All applicants must have a rationale for going to business school in relation to their past experience and future career goals. While you do not feel your experience at CSC was worthwhile, it probably did influence you to follow your passion for music and hone some skills that are needed for any industry. Likewise, you have been pursuing music on the side which you will demonstrate in your application.

Your essays, recommendations and interviews will be key in making your case for admission. Since you want to pursue the music industry, you need to apply to schools that have a connection and/or are geographically near the industry. There are many options in both LA and NY, but don't overlook smaller hubs like Atlanta and Nashville either.

Best of luck,
Lisa
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