Confused - Help Please

[tryinghard]

I read your articel and have a question on the same lines.

I have been thinking about my career goals and the reason to do an MBA and I am really confused on how to approach it. The real reason is that I am stuck in my job and have not been promoted for 4 years for a multitude of reasons. Although, my work quality has improved but not designations becuase of the economy, my visa status coupled with the company that I work for etc etc. The real reason is to get out of this vicious circle and I believe an MBA will help me in getting out of it because I will be able to build contacts, I am good at what I do and I just know that it will work out. Also, I really want to do an MBA from a top school because I couldn't do a full time college and for once I want to study from the best. This is heartfelt, but very weak.

The made up story is that I want to do an mba because I want to gain knowledge in different business concepts and because my job requires such concepts. Now this is also true, but not eniterly, I don't get goose bumps when I say this and people say that you should get goose bumps when you read your own essays.

I am really confused, any thoughts on this.

[jkhousto]

Dear tryinghard -

You are correct - your professional and personal life VISION matters. Your goals for yourself and reasons for wanting an MBA must be inspiring and exciting - at least to you! Also, the schools know that an MBA is a major investment in time, money, and energy. Students who they perceive are faking it raise a concern that the candidate will not be a leader and active, happy member of their community.

Every MBA will teach you "business concepts" but generally schools like to see a passion for a certain industry, functional role, geographic region, etc. You do not seem to share any real enthusiasm for your goals.

In Round 2, I would suggest you spend some time to sharpen your professional goals essays and reasons for wanting to obtain an MBA.

Best,
Jennifer

[tryinghard]

Thanks Jennifer,

I think I am not trying hard enough.