sjmcteer wrote:
Hi there,
I have a couple of questions regarding how to best communicate my post-MBA goals given that, at least immediately, my goals are relatively mainstream.
I work at a large, multinational financial institution. I am considered a high performer and am viewed as a future leader in the company, and as a result may be eligible for MBA sponsorship. My immediate post-MBA career path may involve me returning to my current employer - I would make a functional shift (from strategy) to a different area of the company where more specific financial technical skill would be required (closer to traditional corporate/investment banking). I could however pursue the same kind of work post-MBA elsewhere. I do have longer term, entrepreneurial goals that would be built on from returning to work at my current employer/working in a similar role elsewhere.
My questions regarding this conundrum:
Do I need to convey my much loftier long term goals, or should I focus on my performance to date resulting in the opportunity to be fast-tracked with my current employer (I worry this is too mainstream)?
If I should convey my more ambitious long term goals, then should I stay away from committing to returning to my current employer and communicate my immediate post-career goal more generically (I'm not sure how communicating an intent to return, but also an intent to leave would be received)?
And would the answer to these questions differ by school, since I know some schools (H/S) are more demanding in terms of game-changing ambitions than others (I'm targeting top 10-15 schools)?
Thanks for your help,
Steve
Steve,
Your response has to on some level be determined by the question. If long-term goals aren't asked for, don't give them. If you have latitude in terms of the question and room in the essay and your long-term goals are important to you, then share them.
Most schools take school sponsorship as the ultimate vote of confidence by an employer in an employee. It's to your advantage to let schools know that you employer wants you back and is willing to sponsor your education. That also means you have a job upon graduation, with no effort on the school's part and that they don't have to worry about funding you.
Don't hide it.
Have I answered your question?
Linda