leadership essays

[resilient]

I am asked of a signinficant demonstration of leadership.

THis is a very very broad question and I am wondering of what the school is looking for as an answer.. Are there any quidelines that I should follow.


My second question that I am asked is my overall career objectives. THis too puzzles me temporarily because it is so broad. Are there strategies to really hit home on these essays. My worry is that in explaining one career objective might jeapordize the rest of my application (since I might be accepting an offer very soon from another company). How can I play my cards right?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Engin:

Both of these questions are commonly asked by most (if not all) MBA programs. The admissions committees are looking for a leadership experience that is significant to you, whether it is a professional example or a community service example. Don't reach too far back though--examples from more than 10 years or so ago are not the best idea. They just want to see how you handled a situation successfully as a leader.

As for the career objectives question, it is imperative that you communicate why a MBA makes sense for your career. Do you really need the MBA to achieve your career goals? At a minimum, you need to have a general plan for what you want to do post-MBA and how the MBA will help you get there.

Good luck!
Lisa

[resilient]

I can be specific and show details in the essay however, I may be accepting an offer for employment from the school itself. THis is different from the job i have today but the same skill set. If i explain my goals and future goals about my job today it conflicts with my future possible employment. ALso I have not secured that I will have permission to attend the school as an employee but atleast as a regular student.. this is where the strategy comes into play. WHat should I do because its the last hurdle in my essays.?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Engin:

Generally, the admissions committee is looking for your plans post-MBA and thus how the MBA fits into your future career goals. The majority of students in a MBA program are looking to make a career change, so rarely will your job prior to b-school (or during if you are in a part-time program) be what you want to do after b-school.

If you do accept the new job at the school, you should disclose that to the admissions office as soon as possible after you accept the offer.

Regards,
Lisa

[resilient]

I made my career objective goal pretty general and safe since the person at the admissions office knows of my interviews. My essays focused in on skills that I want to learn rather than attaining a set type of job. I guess I cant get too specific to answer the essay questions but need to play it safe. Is there a possibility that I can shoot myself in the foot?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Engin:

There is always the possibility you will shoot yourself in the foot. As long as you are being true to yourself and answering the question asked, you are providing the admissions committee what it is looking for in your answer.

Good luck!
Lisa

[cjiang16]

Thanks, Lisa