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jaywhy
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Would this throw up a red flag? 19 Aug 2012, 11:34
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On the spectrum of introversion and extroversion I definitely skew more toward the introversion side.

I come from a quant background in engineering and my jobs have revolved largely around numbers. That's not to say I can't speak in front of a client or anything like that, but in my day-to-day it's easy for me to get lost in the numbers and a bit of programming.

Based on what I've read regarding MBA programs, admissions are looking mostly for people who will be outgoing and active on campus... people who will bring "enrichment" to other students, etc.

My questions is whether admitting that I am more introverted than extroverted would raise a red flag. I would address this as a weakness of mine, something I know I need to work on and something an MBA curriculum could help with in the form of group projects, presentations, etc.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks
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Would this throw up a red flag? 20 Aug 2012, 00:54
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jaywhy
On the spectrum of introversion and extroversion I definitely skew more toward the introversion side.

I come from a quant background in engineering and my jobs have revolved largely around numbers. That's not to say I can't speak in front of a client or anything like that, but in my day-to-day it's easy for me to get lost in the numbers and a bit of programming.

Based on what I've read regarding MBA programs, admissions are looking mostly for people who will be outgoing and active on campus... people who will bring "enrichment" to other students, etc.

My questions is whether admitting that I am more introverted than extroverted would raise a red flag. I would address this as a weakness of mine, something I know I need to work on and something an MBA curriculum could help with in the form of group projects, presentations, etc.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks
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Hi jaywhy,

I don't see it as a weakness and I wouldn't position as one if I were you. If everyone in the MBA class was an extrovert, every discussion would turn into a cacophony of whatever. Listening is a very important skill, as you would learn in your communication courses. From my own personal b-school experience, in the war for airtime, that is sometime seen in an MBA class, the ones who speak less but make sense in those few words gain a lot of respect from peers as well as faculty.

Having said that, I would mention is as a personality trait and something that one would like to work on in the safe and collegial environment of a b-school. It shows that you have a sense of self awareness and a desire to push the envelope.

Namita
https://www.mbadecoder.com
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jaywhy
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Would this throw up a red flag? 20 Aug 2012, 07:46
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jaywhy
On the spectrum of introversion and extroversion I definitely skew more toward the introversion side.

I come from a quant background in engineering and my jobs have revolved largely around numbers. That's not to say I can't speak in front of a client or anything like that, but in my day-to-day it's easy for me to get lost in the numbers and a bit of programming.

Based on what I've read regarding MBA programs, admissions are looking mostly for people who will be outgoing and active on campus... people who will bring "enrichment" to other students, etc.

My questions is whether admitting that I am more introverted than extroverted would raise a red flag. I would address this as a weakness of mine, something I know I need to work on and something an MBA curriculum could help with in the form of group projects, presentations, etc.

Any thoughts out there?

Thanks

Hi jaywhy,

I don't see it as a weakness and I wouldn't position as one if I were you. If everyone in the MBA class was an extrovert, every discussion would turn into a cacophony of whatever. Listening is a very important skill, as you would learn in your communication courses. From my own personal b-school experience, in the war for airtime, that is sometime seen in an MBA class, the ones who speak less but make sense in those few words gain a lot of respect from peers as well as faculty.

Having said that, I would mention is as a personality trait and something that one would like to work on in the safe and collegial environment of a b-school. It shows that you have a sense of self awareness and a desire to push the envelope.

Namita
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Thanks for the advice, Namita. I guess in a way that's how I've been envisioning bschool for some reason (i need sit in on classes!). Should i necessarily call this out in an introspective essay? i just don't want to feel like i'm forcing it in there... or would it make more sense to have my recommenders call this out for me?
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Would this throw up a red flag? 21 Aug 2012, 22:19
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[quote="jaywhy
Thanks for the advice, Namita. I guess in a way that's how I've been envisioning bschool for some reason (i need sit in on classes!). Should i necessarily call this out in an introspective essay? i just don't want to feel like i'm forcing it in there... or would it make more sense to have my recommenders call this out for me?[/quote]

Don't force fit this into your essay. My suggestion is that you write about this if it fits in with the overall story that you are telling the adcom. For instance, in an introspective essay, it will not make sense if you start your essay about being an introvert and mope on and on about it, when you have other things to tell, that may be more important than this supposed weakness. So basically, go with the flow of the essay story line.

If you think your introverted nature has shaped up some other aspects of your personality in a positive way, then build your story to explain this. Something like, spending long hours by yourself made you a maverick at designing some kind of machines.

The same would go with the recommenders- don't force fit a explanation on this, but mention it by all means if there is a need for it.

All the best,

Namita,
www.mbadecoder.com