UC Davis- an additional essay

[jduvy]

Hi,
The good news is I've made it through the UC Davis interview process. The frustrating news is they just emailed me and told me they wanted a 2-page essay which better delineates my career and internship goals- by next week. I am an older candidate, who is changing careers and my emphasis will be in environmental sustainability. I do have some green experience in construction and architecture. My goal is to work in a corporation establishing green initiatives to reduce carbon

This is what the letter said: "It should include information on your anticipated summer internship, first position after business school and longer-term professional goals as well as your anticipated steps for achieving them."

How specific do you think they want me to be? Should I mention types of companies by name I want to work for? I included general descriptions in the initial set of essays but obviously they were not specific enough. There are so many opportunities at different kinds of companies it is really hard to settle on one.

I would appreciate any help. Thanks.

Jeanne

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Jeanne,

I agree that the request for an additional essay is a positive sign and you want to be sure you thoroughly present both your career goals and your plan to actualize them. You need to be as specific as you can. Providing names of potential companies, those you plan to pursue for an internship/full-time opportunity, is appropriate and will demonstrate how much thought you have already put into your plan. You also want to highlight aspects of the UC Davis program that you feel will prepare you for your next career and other program resources you intend to leverage in your job search. It is fine and expected to not be set on one role in one company--you don't want to be that rigid--but you do want to offer examples of a few roles at a few companies that peak your interest. Further, you can note what networking and research you have already done in developing your plan to convey that you are committed, motivated, and self-directed.

Best of luck,
Lisa