How Focused Do You Need to Be?

[Woodencrawdad]

I have a non-traditional background (non-profit and a start-up). I have lacked mentorship opportunities in the small shops I've worked and much of my on-the-job training has been "learn as you go/trial and error". An MBA would be invaluable for giving me the skills and networking opportunities to expand my career horizons.

My questions is: How specific do your career goals need to be in the application process? Do I need to know what kind of job I want post-MBA? Part of my interest in an MBA is learning what is out there. Do they expect me to know all that on the front end?

[Jim@StratusPrep]

Come up with a plan, you should be targeted. You can explore after you are in, but for now have some goals.

[myEssayReview]

You are right in saying that part of your '' interest in an MBA is learning what is out there.''. Now try to specify what that learning is and how it connects to your goals.

You know it already that "An MBA would be invaluable for giving me the skills and networking opportunities to expand my career horizons." Now do some self -reflection to figure out ( as stated above )what exactly those skills are and in what ways you are envisioning your "career horizons to expand''.

Your question:"Do they expect me to know all that on the front end?"

No, they do not expect you to be a 'know all', but they expect you to have a clear idea of your own goals and career plans.