Note: This post first appeared on Ivy Groupe's blogHow To Overcome 3 Common Professional Weaknesses In MBA ApplicationsBeing able to demonstrate a strong professional trajectory is important when applying to MBA programs. Business schools want to see that you are taking on additional responsibility and having impact in the workplace. However, through my conversations with applicants, there are three common professional weaknesses that tend to arise over and over again. I have elaborated on these professional weaknesses below as well as how to overcome them.
Not being promoted in the workplaceBeing promoted professionally is a signal to Admissions Committees that you are able to handle additional responsibility, are a valued member of your team, and are demonstrating positive impact at your company. Not surprisingly, therefore, showing that you have been promoted can help to strengthen your candidacy. But what if you have not been promoted? Are you at a huge disadvantage versus your peers who have been?
The short answer is no, but you’ll want to be able to show through the application that despite not having the more senior title, you are still demonstrating the same strengths and qualities as someone who has been promoted. You can emphasize how you are taking on more responsibility, leading from below, and impacting the company through your resume, essays, recommendation letters, and short answers within the application. Let how you are a Rockstar at your company shine through!
Being conscious of how you are portraying yourself through the application can go a long way towards making the lack of a promotion a non-issue.
Read about other common professional weaknesses and how to overcome them here.
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