Need Advice - MBA Career goals

Question

Hello Everyone,

I am in the process of applying for my MBA. I need some advice on articulating my career goals as I am still uncertain on what specific industry I plan to function in post MBA.

My profile:
Chemical Engineering graduate from a top-tier college in Pakistan
GMAT 650 (Q47 V32)
5 Years of Work experience in Drilling operations for the largest oil company in Pakistan (Managing 30+ team, 15Million USD assets, working cross-functionally)

Preferred roles:
1) Operations Management (Tech companies such as Amazon or Walmart. Which schools are ideal to move into such roles. I understand Smeal, Carey, Kelley and Broad are one of them)
2) Operations Consulting for Oil gas/energy clients (Preferably big four. But I am concerned about my GMAT for that as companies generally look for a 700+ for consulting roles and schools are aware of this fact as well)

I need advice on which career goals make more sense. I personally want to move into Operations Managment roles within the Tech background. Is it a bit far-fetched coming from an entirely different work experience?

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

TA89,
You may not like this advice, but cookie-cutter goals are extremely harmful, not in as much as your lower admission chances, but in the heights that you potentially could reach, but did not.

Goals designed with little information, like your preferred roles only show up as confused goals because they are not personalized for your profile. Better to engage with a consultant who will look up your resume, your achievements, Education, Schools in reach, and suggest you the best-fit goals.

ARINGO · Answer

In general, a strong career plan is one that brings the candidate to a very successful future, and one that is very likely to happen. The more specific and personal the essay is, the better. You need to discuss specific industry, specific positions, connection to past and assured first step.
For more career goals essay tips and essay examples, please visit: https://aringo.com/Career-Goals-Essay/

TA89 · Answer

Hi @Theiveyleague &  Aringo ,
Thank you for writing back.

@TheIveyleague
I can't seem to figure out how these goals seem to be cookie-cutter. 
For the Operations Consulting working with O&G clients I believe is relevant to my work experience and having worked cross-functionally heading a diverse team will be of value working with energy clients. In my essays I will add more detail that can connect my essays to the desired career goals. Could you please elaborate on this furhter/

Aringo 
Thank you for the link. I am a bit uncertain where do applicants from oil gas generally move into. I understand that many move into Consulting or Finance. Whereas few move into supply chain. 
Considering these prospects, I believe there are various attributes in my profile that can be linked to the desired goal.

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

TA89,
Not saying these goals are a cookie-cutter job. Yet, without giving details of your profile in-depth, your asking people for goals will likely generate cookie-cutter goals. Hope that makes it more clear. Within your description of Education & Responsibilities, there can be various aspects of achievements. You may, for example, be better suited at Strategy or Marketing, which you may totally miss, if you carry on in your "preferred roles" goals.

Hope that helps.

Need Advice - MBA Career goals

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