Post-MBA career essays - should you mention a "plan b" ?

Question

So when you're writing your post-mba goal essay, do you think it's wise to mention a plan b? Just to show the adcoms that you've considered the possibility that you won't achieve your first option, and have thought of other possibilities? Or does that make you look wishy-washy and unsure of yourself? For example, my ideal post-mba job is working for a social venture capital fund, however if that doesn't work out, I thought working in management consulting (getting exposure to a wide breadth of companies and how they work) would provide a good foundation for me to transition into this field should I not be able to break in after b-school.

staind · Answer

More than the "what" I think the "why" and "how" are important. Does the Plan B make sense in relation to Plan A? Or is it too far separated from Plan A to have any sense of connection? If so, I would avoid mentioning it. Right now your two options seem too far away from each other and it makes it sound like you're just picking options out of a hat. But if you can provide background info to substantiate your reasoning then it could work.

brainhurt · Answer

I think it's a good idea to do this for schools that are particularly sensitive to the post-graduation job market. I know all schools care about this, but for example CBS has been really hammering this home in info sessions this year and the adcom has followed up directly with applicants asking this exact question. OTOH, at Stern's info sessions they don't seem worried that the job market will be as brutal 3 years from now as it has been of late.

But staind makes an excellent point, it absolutely has to all hold together as part of your "story".

But staind makes an excellent point, it absolutely has to all hold together as part of your "story".

shaselai · Answer

i didnt mention it since i will have to devote more space on why B etc. Naturally have a plan B at the interview though

brainhurt · Answer

If you do choose to present a plan b, one way I saw this done well was to first discuss your long-term goals clearly and in some detail. Then you could say something like, "I see two possible paths to achieving this goal. First... social capital fund. Alternatively, pursuing a X role with a management consulting company such as Y would give me a good foundation in Z in order to...

I think it's important to be specific and draw the line from your MBA to your long-term goals.

I think it's important to be specific and draw the line from your MBA to your long-term goals.

Marcus7 · Answer

I would tend to agree with Brainhurt. I had to have a follow up interview w/ Columbia in order to explain my plan B. However, a lot of it has to do w/ your plan A. I want to pursue an entrepreneurial venture, so my career path is obviously a lot more risky given the minimal amount of students who are actually able to start something prior to graduation. If you have something similar or want to get into a high demand field like PE with no prior experience, you should really have a plan B and explain it the way Brainhurt mentioned.

I was also waitlisted then denied at Haas and when I had my feedback session they mentioned that the fact that I never addressed a clear plan B was a concern. I think you could also get this across in the interview instead of the essay, if need be.

I was also waitlisted then denied at Haas and when I had my feedback session they mentioned that the fact that I never addressed a clear plan B was a concern. I think you could also get this across in the interview instead of the essay, if need be.

skahuh · Answer

Very interesting and thanks for sharing. I wonder if it might not be best for entrepreneurs to explicitly address a Plan B in their essays. What if they don't bring it up in the interview?

jordanhendrix · Answer

^^^ I think its good to have a plan B, as said before it has to make sense and also be viable. I take any schools dins comments with a grain of salt, I bet plenty of people got into Haas without a plan B. That said, I dont like the fact that schools will emphasize specificity then penalize you for not being broad enough.

Skahuh: I'm going the entrepreneurial route too, but like most only after industry experience, I think that adds many possibilities to ones application without being to wishy washy (or so i hope)

Post-MBA career essays - should you mention a "plan b" ?

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