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GMATtoM7
Hello,

From reading many of the posts on GMATClub and other articles on different sites, it seems that many of the applicants' short-term goal after an MBA is aiming for MBB. And from looking at the statistics, it seems that business schools send a significant portion of the class to management consulting firms, but what are some examples of long-term goals that those who go to MBB aim for (I understand that long-term goals will vary greatly, but what are some common ones or common threads/trends in long-term goals)?

Is it to stay in the consulting business and become partner?
Is it to develop a strong relationship with the companies they consult for and hope to receive an offer to join the client?
Is it to gain broad exposure in businesses (through consulting) and eventually transition into an executive role in another company?
All of the above?

What other long-term goals am I missing? I ask because the long-term goals listed above do not seem to be greatly ambitious to the point that M7 schools would consider them to be compelling. Are my assumptions wrong and there are other long-term goals that are more ambitious and common? Or are the goals listed above the typical ambitious goals that are articulated for those who seek MBB post-MBA?

Any and all inputs would be helpful. Thank you.

All your options are valid. What suits you is what is the most valid path FOR YOU! and, that's what matters. Adcoms want to know that you have a larger purpose in mind and are not looking for the next career jump through your MBA. That's why they ask you what impact you wish to create through the long term goal. Now, there could be several ways for you to create the same impact- the path you chose is entirely upto you. Therefore all 3 options are valid.

Consulting is intense and people burn out / decide to cross over. It also offers intense learning and makes you ready for the industry. So your options 2 and 3 are legit.

To your statement: " long-term goals listed above do not seem to be greatly ambitious to the point that M7 schools would consider them to be compelling" - your goals should fit with your overall story. The adcoms are seeking ambition, logic and practicality from your goals statement. Don't write anything only to please the adcom.
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Hi everyone! I work as an M&A lawyer at a corporate law firm and am looking to transition into M&A consulting immediately post MBA. I am still trying to understand what are the various long-term goals that can be realised by taking the route that I am planning to.

Will appreciate your inputs on the same. Thanks in advance!
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badgalriri
Hi everyone! I work as an M&A lawyer at a corporate law firm and am looking to transition into M&A consulting immediately post MBA. I am still trying to understand what are the various long-term goals that can be realised by taking the route that I am planning to.

Will appreciate your inputs on the same. Thanks in advance!

Hi badgalriri,

I am impressed that you dug out an old but relevant thread to ask your question.

Let me explain what the long term goals mean, that may give you a framework to think about them and find your path.

While the short term goals loosely encompass a period of 0-5 years after MBA (your post MBA job), the long term goals define an 8-10 year timeline after MBA. B-schools expect MBA applicants to have aspirational goals for the long term. They are keen on admitting future business leaders who leave a mark in their organization/ industry/ country/ region. So long term goals can be lofty. Think of the large scale impact you wish to make through your career- this could be related to tackling a challenge you have seen in your industry/country, or riding on an emerging opportunity (These are only two examples. you could have your own reasons). Ideally, your long term vision should help business and/or society.

In your case, think of the impact you wish to create in the long term.
Next, figure out how can you best create that impact? Ask yourself the following questions- which kind of industry/ company / position will you work in to achieve that impact?
Then, understand how the short term goal will align with this. What skills, knowledge and experience will you gain in the short term career that will prepare you for the long term goal.

Addressing these 3 elements will help you come up with the right goals statement.

Let me point out, goals setting is not easy and requires considerable research and conversations with people who have been on a path similar to the one you wish to take. Working with a consultant can help as they can help refine/ correct your ideas. Even if you do work with a consultant, I would encourage you continue doing your own bit of research

My second advice is, that don't mistake lofty goals with unrealistic goals. A very common example is when applicants want to do some NGO related work in the long term without having done any volunteering all their lives. The adcom has no reason to believe them.

I am sharing a sample from one of my lawyer applicants, just to make it clearer to you:

2. What is your desired position after Kellogg? (150 characters)
Consulting at a firm like BCG and Bain, preferably in their PE practice where I will leverage my M&A and advisory experience to create value for clients.


3. What is your long-term career goal? (150 characters)
Establish and grow an Indian consulting firm to service the growing mid-market companies in India
(this should be backed by reasoning in subsequent essays)


Namita Garg,
https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/
[email protected]