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ZenYogi
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Goals conflict - need help 28 Jun 2017, 10:54
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I am currently equally conflicted between two very different career goals. One relates well with my background and experience and the other does not.
I want to use the summer internship after the spring semester to explore the second area and see if it's the right fit for me. An MBA would be final chance if I want to switch to this new career path.
My question is how should I present this in my application essays? Do I mention my conflict and want for experimentation, or do I just talk about one of two and avoid complicating the matter?
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Goals conflict - need help 28 Jun 2017, 13:59
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ZenYogi
I am currently equally conflicted between two very different career goals. One relates well with my background and experience and the other does not.
I want to use the summer internship after the spring semester to explore the second area and see if it's the right fit for me. An MBA would be final chance if I want to switch to this new career path.
My question is how should I present this in my application essays? Do I mention my conflict and want for experimentation, or do I just talk about one of two and avoid complicating the matter?
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Hello ZenYogi

I am not an expert but will add my 2 cents.

You should still continue for the second options which you would like to explore. However, only thing is all your essays and career goals will have to be oriented to that one while applying for MBA if that is your true interest.

If you are just experimenting it, and are able give a strong and compelling explanation for the same then there is no reason why should not mention it in your essay.

I understand it can be very tricky, however, note that the better you clarify your point of you the better ad coms will understand.

Hope this helps.
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Goals conflict - need help 29 Jun 2017, 20:01
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Hi there,

For the business school application, it's important to be able to speak to one career path/goal. You will need to be able to "connect the dots" between what you have done in the past and what you would like to do in the future - if there is a complete discrepancy, schools will want to understand why you made the choices that you did. It's tough to say which post-MBA goal is the best one for you without understanding the full context of your profile, but whatever path you choose, be sure to find the links connecting your past and your future. Hope this helps!

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Shaifali
Founder/CEO, Ivy Groupe (https://www.ivygroupe.com)
(HBS Grad/MBA Admissions Expert)
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Goals conflict - need help 01 Jul 2017, 20:47
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Hi ZenYogi,

Agree. I would avoid conflict and experimentation, as it can be tricky. Show a clear, prudent path that makes use of your experiences and skills so far.
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Goals conflict - need help 03 Jul 2017, 05:58
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Hi, Think about it this way-

Past + MBA = Short Term + Long term goals

Your reasons for doing an MBA should logically come from "How you have identified various personal and professional handicaps in the last 15 to 18 months. The school should be able to assess the incremental value and MBA program will bring to your professional career. If you tell them that you are keen on doing something different, you should have a strong reason for "WHY IS MBA THE FIRST STEP ?" I mean- Why is MBA a major roadblock between what you are doing right now and what you want to accomplish in the short term?

They would want to see - What actions have you taken in the past to get closer to your FUTURE? It is not a very convincing argument if you tell them that - YOU have NOT DONE A THING- and only an MBA will help you ROCK in the alternative career.

Stay within the risk appetite of the admissions committee members.
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Goals conflict - need help 04 Jul 2017, 06:39
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ydmuley
ZenYogi
I am currently equally conflicted between two very different career goals. One relates well with my background and experience and the other does not.
I want to use the summer internship after the spring semester to explore the second area and see if it's the right fit for me. An MBA would be final chance if I want to switch to this new career path.
My question is how should I present this in my application essays? Do I mention my conflict and want for experimentation, or do I just talk about one of two and avoid complicating the matter?

Hello ZenYogi

I am not an expert but will add my 2 cents.

You should still continue for the second options which you would like to explore. However, only thing is all your essays and career goals will have to be oriented to that one while applying for MBA if that is your true interest.

If you are just experimenting it, and are able give a strong and compelling explanation for the same then there is no reason why should not mention it in your essay.
I can tell you this topic was discussed in the AIGAC conference last week. We were in a session with Frank Delvecchis, Admissions director at Wharton, said that if you are deciding between two options, share your thought process and how you will use the MBA to figure our your plans. The two goals should both be reasonable based on your past interests.

I understand it can be very tricky, however, note that the better you clarify your point of you the better ad coms will understand.

Hope this helps.
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