For many applicants, drafting the goals essay is the most challenging element of their mba application. Writing about your goals requires you to actually know how to define a goal and for some of you, this may still be a bit fuzzy. In order to write a clear, convincing, and compelling goals essay, you're going to need to sit down and do some serious introspection. Learn how to demonstrate your direction and goals as required by the mba program of your choice. Subscribe to our blog for more information on how to construct a winning goals essay and any free mba application advice.

This post originally appeared on stacy’s strictly business mba blog on u.s.news.com the idea of pursuing a second mba degree may sound strange, but it happens with a small number of applicants during every admissions hellip rarr applicants who received an mba abroad can use a second mba to strengthen job prospects.

this post originally appeared on stacy’s strictly business mba blog on u.s.news.com

the idea of pursuing a second mba degree may sound strange, but it happens with a small number of applicants during every admissions season and can make sense under the right, very specific, circumstances. Some applicants consider a second degree after earning an mba from a for profit university or an unaccredited program.

They may find they have hit a ceiling with their employment prospects as they vie for positions against candidates from better known schools. More often, people who seek a second degree are international candidates who have discovered that their professional dreams cannot be fulfilled with their current degree alone. In india, for example, its common for a student to jump into an mba program straight out of university, which makes for a very theoretical learning experience rather than a practical one in which to contextualize management problems. Once these mba grads get into the workforce, they discover they must further develop various skills to become strong business leaders. For professionals working in international firms who aspire to relocate abroad, a degree earned in country will not open doors the way a highly ranked mba from a name brand university will. A second mba is seen as an efficient way to move out of a stagnant career and enhance their competitiveness, allowing the degree holder to shift into a new function, industry or geography after completing their studies. Creating a rich classroom experience through diversity is a huge focus of the top business schools, offering students the opportunity to interact with peers from an array of countries and professional backgrounds.

While the educational component of the degree in south asian business schools, for example, may sometimes rival their international counterparts, the ability to create networking ties across the globe is nowhere near as strong. For career switchers looking to break into competitive industries such as finance or consulting, earning an mba from a globally recognized brand becomes paramount. As with any blip or oddity in candidates background, they need to think through their story as they prepare application essays. What did you not get from a prior mba that you can get this time around? how is the target program different, or a better fit? or maybe its a matter of timing, and the first one was a mistake you need to acknowledge. What skills are you looking to gain, and why couldnt you acquire them with your first degree? an applicant needs to show why it would make sense to repeat the same degree from a different school.

It can be a hard narrative to flesh out and tell in a compelling way, but its not impossible. When i first read through the profile for our client vijay, i saw strong academic numbers, volunteer involvement, an interesting entrepreneurial venture – and that he already had an mba from one of the indian institutes of management. My first question was the same any admissions committee member would ask him: why do you need a second mba? vijay entered an iim program when he was a university student to supplement his engineering coursework. While he had received an mba credential, he considered the degree as an addendum to his undergraduate diploma. Also, his degree did not provide the same career advantages he would get from one of his target schools in the u.s. The wharton school at university of pennsylvania and university of michigans ross school of business. For his career goals essay, we discussed exactly what this second mba degree would do for vijays career.

We also used the optional essay to clearly outline how specific coursework in entrepreneurship, international experience and networking opportunities at each program made a second mba absolutely necessary. His hard work and compelling argument paid off, and vijay pursued his second mba at sloan, where he made some great contacts for future entrepreneurial ventures. If your first mba is from a smaller international school, the elite programs are well aware of their advantages over the initial degree. Fortunately, your prior mba degree wont be a problem for on campus recruiting, though you should be able to explain why you needed the two degrees.

Com 150 Final Project Expository Essay

Assuming you have a solid story, the emphasis will be on your work experience and skills. If you are admitted to a strong program, the degree combined with your skills will enable you to land a great job come graduation. Contact the admissions department at the programs you are interested in to find out the specifics for each school, and be ready to make a rock solid case for why a second mba is the next logical step for you. This post originally appeared on stacys strictly business mba blog on u.s.news.com the career goals essay is perhaps the most common of all topics posed in the mba application, so it may surprise you to hellip rarr the career goals essay is perhaps the most common of all topics posed in the mba application, so it may surprise you to learn that many prospective students dont have clearly defined career goals. If that sounds like you, the first step to remedying this situation is taking a long look at what you think an mba degree will do for you. B school offers clear skill building in teamwork and leadership, as well as practical skills like accounting, marketing and finance. For many, the strong professional network youll build with classmates and alumni is the most alluring aspect of the experience.

If you want to advance in a career where an mba is valued, it may be an important next step. However, if youre simply feeling bored in your current position or hoping to earn a higher salary, make sure that an mba is the right professional degree for you. Without real dedication for the path upon which youre embarking, your journey will likely stall before getting out of the gate.

show me the passion: remember, a goal is something you want to achieve. But how do you go about defining your career goals? like most of the important decisions in life, it begins with a bit of soul searching. Is there a recurring theme or interest area that you would like to incorporate into a career? then take a closer look at the best and least favored moments of your work trajectory thus far. What functions seem most appealing to you? what aspects do you dislike? consider your personal goals as well. Are you driven to be a leader within an industry or company? are you interested in work/life balance? keep in mind, some flexibility with your goals is fine, as long as theres a common thread linking what youve done so far with what you plan to do post mba. One thing i tell people to tap into when theyre thinking of their career goals is envy rdquo in the best possible sense. When you think about envy, it probably means youre thinking about people doing things that you wish you were doing.