Profile Evaluation Please-- Thank you!!

[switcher]

Female/25/White
GMAT: On September 25
B.S. from Big Ten school, GPA: 3.37
Major: Food Industry Management
Member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Food Marketing Association, MSU Triathlon Club
Photojournalism study abroad in London/Scotland/Prague
Current activities: LA Triathlon Club, Alpha Kappa Psi Alumni Chapter-Los Angeles

Work Experience: 2.5 years in 3rd party logistics-wanted to get out, so I just began working in territory sales for an HR services company. Compose music for extra income for short/student films.

My freelance music composing has given me insight into the film/media/tv world, which is what I ultimately want to be a part of. I want my MBA to be entertainment/media focused so that I can find a position in the industry.

As you can see, my activities and career have been kind of all over the place. My Food Industry Management major doesn't go along with my career path, so I'm concerned about how to relay that in a positive manner on my essays. I am expecting a GMAT score of 620-660. Can you please advise how I can go about showing that I am committed to my new career path?

The schools (full time) that I am applying to are: UC Irvine, University of San Francisco, Pepperdine, Boston University's MBA/MS in Media Ventures (#1 choice) and USC-- if I get a high range GMAT score. USC may be a long shot.

Thank you SO much!!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear switcher,

Your self-assessment is thorough and on target. The key for you is to "connect the dots" between your past experience to the MBA to your future career goals. Your essays are integral to showing your rationale and the link between your jobs, as well as to conveying your commitment and passion for your new path. There are transferable skills in any job, so the common thread is most likely around these skills. Likewise, your freelance music composing is an important piece to your application, so you will need to incorporate that also. The majority of folks applying to business school are looking to make a significant career change; those who are successful in the application process are the ones who communicate their understanding of the links and ability to effectively present an action plan to make their goals happen.

Best of luck,
Lisa