SVP
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Posts: 1770
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
(In brief) Developing a compelling goals strategy for MBA application
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08 Mar 2022, 03:11
The inference MBA schools want to draw from the Post MBA goals question is that the applicant has deliberated well on his career trajectory so far, reflecting on decisions such as jobs, courses studied, supplementary projects undertaken, and vision of future for self.
While most applicants have an idea about what they would like to do in the short term, many are apprehensive that their choice of career goals may put chances of succeeding at risk. Through discussions with alums and review of placement statistics, applicants increasingly feel convinced about going only for “safer” post-MBA goals (irrespective of their aspirations) such as consulting, product management, program management, or VC and PE.
How should then one think about approaching the goals question?
• Evaluate your interests in light of your career path and skills
Do your interests align with your current role/industry? If not, would you be able to leverage any transferrable skills to the industry/role you want to get in?
In a real-world case, Candidate A comes from a banking and fintech background and wishes to pursue product management post MBA. His long-term goal is to become a CTO of an NBFC.
The catch in the argument for goals lies in whether or not the ad-com would agree with the applicant being able to build substantial specific “engineering” knowledge over the coming years to command the tech execution and operations management as a CTO. Such an argument can become ground for rejection, and therefore, any room for skepticism must be avoided.
• Develop a long-term vision
Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years as an MBA Graduate? Your long-term goals could be aspirational and ambitious. They could also reflect on your willingness to make a large-scale impact in society and solve a problem you identified through observation and experience.
Your job straight out of your MBA should give you the skills and learnings for your long-term plan, and act as an opening wedge to the industry you want to make the large-scale impact in.
A good case example would be as follows:
An applicant Mr. B, who has a degree in Fashion Technology and a long career in the international fast-fashion retail business, sees himself working in Social Impact in the long term. He hopes to help indigenous weavers, in an emerging economy (his home region) position premium products in international markets, thus providing a sustainable means of livelihood to the manufacturers. In the short term, he would like to expand his fashion retail experience into luxury management through an MBA at a prestigious European B School that is well-positioned in luxury business and entrepreneurship.
• Show engagement and research
To make a compelling case for your immediate post-MBA goal, give examples of transferrable skills and prior experiences, citing MBA and post MBA job as the logical next step in your career path. Show that you connected with alums with similar backgrounds and career goals as you, and made the switch into the target role/industry post MBA. Use insights from your interaction with relevant folks (even recruiters!) to demonstrate a strong drive for networking and hustling to understand the risks and rewards that lie ahead.
• Have a plan – B
Being flexible in your goals gives some room for ad com to consider granting you a spot if they really like your profile but are not convinced about your Plan A. A solid plan B that is easily attainable and relevant to your career trajectory will convince the school that you are open to exploring options and evolving interests during the course of the program (which happens a lot!). Plan B may very well be another interim step in progressing towards your more ambitious plan A.
Best Wishes