This is a critical part of your application and each and every school has its own version of the question:
· “What are your short-term and long-term career goals?” (Stern)
· “What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job?” (Columbia)
· “What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.” (Duke)
These questions may be more challenging than they seem: For most students, the MBA is a transformative experience, and many “find themselves” in B-School and end up switching industries or career goals. Truth is, no one will hold you up to your career goals essay after graduation …But to get in, you will have to convince AdComs that you have solid plans post MBA. Remember that placement and ROI are part of the rankings’ formula and the last thing they want is for an applicant to hurt that bottom line.
There are no right or wrong answers when it comes to career choices, as long as you provide a convincing narrative of your past experiences and how they tie to your future goals.
We have identified 5 elements that contribute to a strong career goals essay.
1. Start with a brief but specific introduction of your goals
Set the stage with a compelling summary of your career goals. An AdCom is more likely to remember someone who wants to “move to Brazil after graduation to do strategy consulting for a large NGO such as the Women Global Empowerment Fund or CARE International” as opposed to someone “seeking a rewarding career in a non-profit organization.” Be concise but very specific.
2. Link your past experiences to your future goals
This one is the key to a powerful career goals essay. Everything in your application should tie together. What experiences or elements in your past have prepared you for your professional goals? What are the gaps you are trying to fill with an MBA? Your goals will come across as genuine if there is a common theme in everything you undertook: From electives you selected; positions/internships you held; or volunteering you were involved in. Your career path should make sense to the AdCom and show how you are planning to leverage the skills you will acquire during your MBA post graduation.
3. Convey passion and ability to step out of your comfort zone
One of the most important aspect of your narrative is your ability to convey your passion for a certain field and that you are dedicated to make a significant impact in said field. AdComs will also appreciate risk-takers and applicants that aren’t afraid to take the path least traveled. Regardless of your industry of choice, you can always, and must identify a way to push the boundaries within this industry and make your mark.
4. Be Ambitious
Your career plans should be ambitious, yet realistic. Depending on your pre-MBA experience, you may not be able to lead an entire department straight out of B-School, you should however be targeting positions that fit your post MBA profile. One way to assess how ambitious your goals are: Search LinkedIn for grads from your school of choice and keep tab of the roles and positions they’ve landed post MBA. You should be able to see recurring titles/positions.
5. Make sure your essay is school specific
By now you have researched your programs of choice extensively, gauged each of these programs culture and strengths and shortlisted a few, use these points in your essay! Rather than talking in general terms such as “outstanding faculty” “highly ranked program” or “strong alumni network” look into specific features of the business school that will be instrumental in your future career. Immersion programs, business incubators, students’ clubs, learning environment that are unique to this school and relate to you.