There are no wrong choices, only experiences to be gained. The richness of my life experiences makes it difficult for me to single out an accomplishment that I value above all others. I have realized however, that the achievements I am most proud of are those that somehow contributed to the betterment of society. This realization helped to ultimately shape my decision to make a quantifiable difference in my community by integrating this sense of humanity into the career I plan to pursue.
Self-awareness can only be gained if we keep our eyes and mind open to diverse ideas and worldviews. One of the ways to gain self-awareness is through traveling, and exposure to different cultures. During my trips around the world, I have come across people and places with various traditions and cultural idiosyncrasies that I probably wouldn’t have understood or readily accepted were it not for my parents and the years I spent living in a multi-cultural neighborhood.
This sense of cultural diversity is now more important than ever. Developments in technology and economic trends show that we are now moving towards a highly globalized marketplace. If one is to be highly successful in the realm of business and entrepreneurship, he must take into consideration the different negotiating styles and business approaches and systems that vary across nations. It is no longer enough to reach the globally expansive market; a good businessman must be able to bridge global distances in terms of market development.
Someone once told me that perseverance is the hard work people do after they tire of the hard work they’ve already done. Looking back on my accomplishments, I realize that the ones I value most are those that I achieved by going that extra mile – by not stopping even after I’ve reached the finish line. I believe that people can only grow emotionally and intellectually if they push themselves out of their comfort zones. In my case, pursuing a Master’s degree in Business Administration is a scary and exhilarating venture. I am aware that an MBA will take a lot of work, and there are no certainties. Yet I feel that my pursuit of an MBA is essential if I am to grow as an individual, and to take me to the next stage in my life.
People say that rewards are directly proportional to the magnitude of the risk taken to reap them. The more we throw ourselves into unfamiliar terrains and unstable situations, the more likely we are to learn about ourselves and from there, make extraordinary changes in the world we live in. An MBA will provide the education and training I need to apply the theoretical concepts of finance, business, and economics as I go out into the world of business and strive to effect changes in the global market.
I thank you for your consideration.
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A chief is a man who assumes responsibility. He says “I was beaten,” he does not say “My men were beaten.” ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The nature of politics is that of a constant struggle between self-preservation and unrequited public service. Individuals who venture into this field should be ready and willing to place the needs of others ahead of their own. But like in any other field, the means to get to where you want in the field of politics is often in conflict with the end goals.
The key to causing the least amount of hardship to the people one serves lies in making well-informed decisions in matters of much importance to the nation. And I believe a higher degree in Public Policy will provide me with the knowledge I need to make such decisions should I someday be given the chance to hold public office.
By assessing the works and legacies of powerful world politicians, I have come to realize that leaders are often burdened with the struggle of accepting that no single decision will ever benefit all of their followers. It is the duty of a public official to devise ways to make decisions that will benefit the many, but to the detriment of very few. This fearlessness of taking risks for the benefit of the many, while working towards progressive political goals, is what makes public service all worthwhile.
Following the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business Administration, I experienced holding leadership positions for various corporations and international organizations. The work that I did was constantly subject to critiquing from peers as well as from the general public, but this did not stop me from striving to work for the betterment of others. By focusing on my work’s vision and purpose, I withstood the political pressure I was constantly faced with and turned it into a productive, motivating force behind my actions.
I feel that my business experience is meant to be translated into productive work that would contribute to society. While a lot of business students would opt to venture into corporate entrepreneurship to pursue financial success, I want to focus instead on applying my acquired knowledge in the context of public service. A higher degree in Public Policy will help me gain a clearer understanding of the various socio-economic systems at work that are essential to the realization of my envisioned goals for society.
Most importantly, I believe that a Masters degree in Public Policy will expose me to the hardships and realities of public service. Experiential learning, coupled with systems theories, will play a vital role as I strive to carve a future as a successful leader. Assuming responsibility and learning to take accountability for my actions are ongoing struggles that I intend to overcome as I go through various trials in my life. With a good educational background and rich experiences in my arsenal, I look forward to serving my country’s people and realizing my nation’s potential to the fullest.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Foreigners are actually welcome to the world of American MBA schools. Still, it is crucial for these parties to match the goals they have with the kind of expertise the school possesses. It goes without saying, right there in the personal statement MBA, the administration of the school must know that you are quite fluent in (both) written and verbal English. Otherwise, effective contribution would be hard to give from your end. The foreign student also has to be aware of the country’s immigration laws applying to his/her particular situation.
Steps for the Foreign Student
Firstly, submit the application forms. Then, prepare to do all of the following. Take note please, this is not the procedural flow for all MBA schools in the country, but most of them would require these.
Prepare your: GMAT score, resume, letters of recommendation from faculty or supervisors, the application letter, admission essay or the personal statement MBA. That is not all, for the foreigners, ready the processing fees (naturally, there is no constant in this), original and official TOEFL score, financial support (affidavit), bank statements from sponsors, official academic records with the translations, and other immigration documents.
Sounds discouraging? Don’t be, after all, the rewards would be great when you finish the MBA course. Plus, these requirements are all there, you just need to check and collate them. The hard part actually rests on the personal statement MBA (we are not going to talk about the exams, if any). A little reminder, do not focus too much on your personal statement MBA so much so that you’ll neglect the other crucial requirements.
Doing Well on Your Personal Statement MBA
It is not surprising that some foreign students have great difficulties in either/both the verbal and written English. This would show on the Personal Statement MBA. Here are some blunders you have to watch out for, and if you manage to conscientiously avoid them, then your Personal Statement MBA is on the way to becoming a good and well-prepared paper.
# Usage errors on the Personal Statement MBA: be conscious of the difference between “its” and “it’s”.
# Wrong dates: admissions officers are intelligent people, the minute they think a date (not on personal issue, but on known facts- like an event that made the headlines) is wrong, they might conclude that the applicant is careless.
# Wrong spelling: you don’t need to torture yourself going over your Personal Statement MBA a dozen times. That is why we have all the Internet (software and word processors) spellcheckers, to use them and make our lives easier.
# Redundancy on your personal statement MBA: I am referring to two kinds, first would be repeating the same word in a single sentence. However, another kind of blunder that makes your Personal Statement MBA less stellar is talking in circles. When you have made your point about something, do not go back to it unless you feel it is necessary.
A Last Word that Would Make Your Personal Statement MBA a Good One
When you talk about your diversity (race-wise), tell them how your special background or roots could contribute to the betterment of the school or MBA in the US as a whole. It would be best if you link this to your personal attributes.
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Applying for financial aid at the university/college you are interested in calls for crucial steps. First, you have to fill up all the necessary forms. Read all the directives involved. Many business schools just have a single financial aid scheme, called FAFSA, that is- Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Where to Seek Financial Aid
The typical MBA program would cost somewhere in the neighborhood of 140,000 dollars. Financing this kind of program would entail a lot of planning and awareness on where you could request financial aid. Take note, the financial aid request forms could be submitted after or alongside other requirements, one of which is the personal statement MBA.
Grants and Scholarships: take note, these are difficult to receive, but they are worth running after. The best programs in the country, notably Kellogg and Harvard, give offerings of need-based grants. This kind of financial help would not meet the entire tuition costs, but it would still offset significantly. When you pass all requirements, not the least is the personal statement MBA, then the school’s administration would tell you how to pay for them.
Hard Work in Everything – Including Your Personal Statement MBA
Working very hard on your personal statement MBA would reap dividends. If you gave it your all, and you still got turned down, then chances are- it’s not your personal statement MBA at fault. You probably fell short on the other crucial standards of the school. It is the same with the merit-based scholarships, they are offered by some institutions. Kellogg and Columbia
- just to mention two- reward grants to very talented pupils. Like, if you have exhibited a prowess for leadership, you have a good chance. How much is this worth? It could go up to around ten thousand dollars yearly.
Outside Resources for Both Funds and for Your Personal Statement MBA
When you are finally done with your last draft of the personal statement, experts suggest you seek outside help. That is, you could hire a professional essay writer (which case, you are probably rich) or request inputs from your freshman high school grammar teacher (usually for free). Whichever way, it could only help the quality of your personal statement MBA.
Regarding financial help, some top corporations sponsor their own fellowship courses. You have to be aware of this though, grant money above that of standard/tuition monies would be taxable.
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MBAs seem to abound all over the place, with many universities offering MBA programs left and right. In a world seemingly run by them, is there really a need for another MBA?
Well, if you are one of those people who are considering to further their careers with an MBA, think about your life and career goals. Call it your personal statement MBA. You would find the answer there. And yes, if your personal statement MBA is good and you are on top of your industry, getting an MBA will an advantage.
Personal Statement MBA: Knowledge and Academic Foundation
With an MBA, you have the incomparable advantage of acquiring further knowledge in the management of your chosen field. If your personal statement MBA sets this as one of your goals, then you are all set with one of the key determinants of getting an MBA. Wanting the academic foundation that only an MBA can offer should make deciding to go ahead with graduate studies easier. This is often the foremost reason why people get MBAs, as written in their personal statement MBAs.
Personal Statement MBA: Leadership Enhancement
Many personal statement MBAs would state leadership enhancement as another goal for taking MBAs. MBAs are usually offered management positions right after graduation on corporate beliefs that the MBA Programs thoroughly trains its students the rudimentary skills and knowledge of running a business. There is a great expectation from employers that MBAs have enhanced leadership skills. Your personal statement MBA should ideally have this as one of your goals as it aligns with the objectives of many MBA programs.
Personal Statement MBA: Multi-Industry Management Capabilities
Regardless of which industry you belong to, some management skills are necessary – be it in typical industries like manufacturing or retail, and the non-traditional industries like non-profit management. A good MBA program will teach you management skills regardless of what industry you belong to. Your personal statement MBA should elaborate on how an MBA can help you function better in your industry of interest.
Personal Statement MBA: Network of Peers
Another incomparable advantage of having an MBA is the network of allies it gives you. When you enter an MBA program, you are immediately set into a community of business leaders. They can be allies in as you strive to further your career in your industry.
Personal Statement MBA:
An MBA is often the start of something good and better for you, in terms of career and furthering your life goals.
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Leadership and Action-based Learning: University of Michigan Ross School of Business
Founded in 1924, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business is located in Ann Arbor and is the business school of the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is headed by Dean Robert J. Dolan and currently offers four kinds of MBA programs: full-time, evening, executive, and global. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business has produced alumni who have made their mark in various industries by holding the top positions in companies. These include FedEx, American Express, HBO, Paramount Pictures, Ford, Swiss Bank Corp., etc.
The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is also known for the diversity in their student population. The school follows a student profile which ensures that social minorities are represented and given equal chances of admissions. There are also organizations and associations within the school to help students from different cultures and races feel comfortable as part of the student body. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is one of the few business schools that have organizations for Blacks, Hispanics, and Latinos. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business is also sensitive to gender differences, and has a Women’s Initiative program which ensures that gender equality is maintained in the campus.
True to the institution’s motto, Leading in Thought and Action, the MBA programs at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business are all aimed at honing students’ leadership skills through action-based learning. Two of the most well-known programs being implemented in the University of Michigan Ross School of Business are the Multidisciplinary Action Program (MAP) and the Ross Leadership Initiative. Both programs work together to produce a wholistic teaching method that the University of Ross School of Business is widely known for. If you’re interested in applying for an MBA at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, here are the requirements you must meet:
Resume
GMAT results
TOEFL results (only applies to international students)
Academic records/transcripts for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies
Two letters of recommendation
Application essays
There are no prerequisite courses for admission to the University of Michigan Ross MBA program, but they do recommend that applicants have at least a working knowledge of college-level mathematics and calculus. Also, the Admissions committee of the University of Michigan Ross MBA program assures applicants that no single piece of document is prioritized than all the others.
Like most other business schools, the University of Michigan Ross School of Business also favors applicants who have demonstrated leadership skills as evidenced by their professional achievements and application essays. The admissions essays for the University of Michigan Ross asks applicants to describe their short-term and long-term career goals and what they consider as their most significant professional accomplishment. The University of Michigan Ross School of Business not only arms students with first-rate business and management education, but also molds them into individuals that will effect transformational changes in society.
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Like in all industries, scam “learning institutions” abound. Education is a lucrative field to enter, especially if all the entity intends to do is acquire tuition fees and then disappear. As prospective students, you should be wary of these scams.
With readily available access to the internet, you can always check a program’s validity online. But then again these days, even websites and testimonials can be faked. When you get on the website of the questionable MBA program, do they have a list of professors, with verifiable credentials? Legit MBA programs are often proud of those who conduct their programs, and would most likely list them out. Likewise, does their website ask for typical application requirements aside from the application fees, like a personal statement MBA essay, from you? MBA programs usually screen their students in order to pool candidates that are of similar academic capacity and learning potential. MBA programs will ask for personal statement MBA essays from you. They will delve on your motivations of getting further educations through your personal statement MBA essays. A legit MBA learning institution would not just be merely about marketing to you. It should also be about you qualifying into their programs through your credentials and your personal statement MBA essays.
Your Personal Statement MBA Essay Gives You The Answer
If you do a search online for MBA courses, you will most likely chance upon 30-day, 10-day or even 1-day MBA courses. While it would be nice to believe that you can learn a thing or two from their programs, these are not the real deal. If you check on your personal statement MBA essay, it will most likely describe how hard you’ve worked and how much you want you want to go further and learn more with an MBA. How can a short 30-day, 10-day or 1-day program give someone like you, who have worked so hard, the kind of MBA education that you deserve? Your personal statement MBA essay should say it all and give you the answer. Your personal statement MBA essay is testament to the kind of MBA education you should sign up with.
US Accreditation
While MBA programs do not require accreditation, business schools are accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). This organization has a website and you can check on its accredited members. From their, select your choice school and check their websites for the application requirements. These would most likely include your personal statement MBA essay.
Make sure to draft your personal statement MBA essay well. These are often crucial to your qualification into their program.
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On your personal statement MBA, it is a good thing to introduce yourself to the admissions board by narrating meaningful experiences, but one sure way to perk up their interest is to include a career alternative
as one of your goals. A career “alternative” in this sense refers to being involved in a job that is not focused on management or business.
Mention the banking sector in your personal statement MBA.
Mentioning your interest in the banking sector is an obvious entry point to some individuals, and while a bank manager is surely a managerial post, becoming an analyst is not exactly the same thing. One reason graduates of MBA would do well in this field is that they have an exceptional comprehension in the workings of business and financial underpinnings.
Mention a small business in your personal statement MBA.
It could not be argued that even small enterprises need strong managers or business experts. Indeed, you could very well explain on your personal statement MBA why this particular program encompasses the most crucial functions.
Mention non-profit entities in your personal statement MBA.
Actually, even in your college days, you may have been involved in one or two non-profit groups catering to special causes. It would be best to put that on your personal statement MBA, for it would give a lot of weight on your assertions. The concentration of this kind of group is different, but an MBA graduate would still be considered as an asset.
Mention government offices/agencies in your personal statement MBA.
Actually, the Master’s in Public Administration or MPA is the counterpart of the MBA in public service. Government offices at the local and state levels welcome MBA graduates.
Include your academic plans in your personal statement MBA.
You could say on your personal statement MBA that getting a doctorate is your ultimate goal, then the MBA you are applying for would be an ideal stepping stone.
Other professions can also be mentioned in the personal statement MBA.
Think of engineers, lawyers or doctors. These occupations do not necessarily require business training. Still, there are practicing doctors or lawyers who wish to get an MBA. You can tell the admissions officers through your personal statement MBA that you wish to venture into a “meaningful career change.” Becoming a doctor and an MBA holder at the same time is not unheard of. This kind of personal statement MBA could actually impress those strict admissions officers.
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Admission committee members are humans, not cyborgs. This is one fact that a lot of MBA-hopefuls tend to forget when they write their personal statement MBA essays. Most applicants tend to focus on their impressive grades and test scores in their personal statement MBA essays, rather than revealing aspects of their personality that would make them fit into an MBA school community. Remember, Admission Committee members read statistically impressive personal statement MBA essays on a regular basis. So if you want to get accepted into the MBA program, you have to go beyond the scores and awards, and include personal insights in your personal statement MBA essay to make you stand out among thousands of A-students and achievers.
There are no specific, tried and tested formulas in writing personal statement MBA essays to make them stand out. However, one of the things that committee members commonly look for in applicants’ personal statement MBA essays is the demonstrated ability to achieve a balance between academics and personal life. A lot of committee members place high value on applicants’ ability to work with a team, a community, of diverse interests and backgrounds, as reflected in their personal statement MBA essays. Committee members of most MBA schools are also interested in knowing how the applicant deals with criticism and adverse situations, and this is exactly what your personal statement MBA essay should reflect.
Natacha Keramidas, Admissions Director of University of Arizona-Eller School of Management, also agrees with this emphasis on the applicant’s sense of community, and personality. In BusinessWeek’s MBA insider, Natacha says of personal statement MBA essays, “Answer the question asked, instead of trying to adapt an essay based on another school’s question. We look to understand their drive and motivation, along with their personal qualities.” Personal statement MBA essays should provide committee members with insights on the kind of MBA student and community member you will be, should they admit you into the school.
In BusinessWeek’s interview with Isser Gallogly, Admissions Director of NYU-Stern School of Business, he says that they “want to see people who respond well to adversity, who work through it and grow from it.” This only goes to show that aside from high GMAT scores and impressive transcripts, your personal statement MBA essay should also tell of circumstances that demonstrate your resiliency and openness to criticism. In NYU Stern, one of the required personal statement MBA essays aims to know how applicants are outside of work. This allows them to gauge how the applicant will be able to fit in with the community. And in NYU Stern, Gallogly says they “…want cool, unique, diverse people.”
Among the other things that Admission Committee members look for in personal statement MBA essays are community and leadership skills, intellectual growth and vitality, and positive attitudes and goals in using their MBA degree to contribute to society.
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Hone Your Leadership Skills at Harvard Business School
With an alumni roster that includes major figures in both business and politics no less than President George W. Bush and New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, The Harvard University Business School has a reputation and legacy that spells out excellence in business and leadership training. More commonly referred to as Harvard Business School or HBS, this graduate school of Harvard University offers doctoral programs, full-time MBA, and other executive education programs. Founded in 1908, the Harvard University Business School is currently headed by Dean Jay O. Light, and has a faculty of more than 200 members with different backgrounds and expertise in the field of business.
The Harvard University Business School was ranked fifth by Financial Times in their list of Top 100 Business Schools in the World, and ranked first in Forbes’ Top 10 Business Schools in the U.S. Admission to the Harvard University Business School is highly competitive and selective, as evidenced by the meager 15% acceptance rate for the MBA program in 2008. Harvard University Business School prides itself on their field-based learning and teaching methods, which include the Immersion Experience program (IXP) and Field Study. The institution believes that it is ultimately through practical application of knowledge in a real world setting that the students in Harvard University Business School will be prepared to venture into careers in business, enterprise, finance, etc.
Harvard University Business School’s curriculum is divided into two categorical experiences: the required curriculum and elective curriculum. The required curriculum subjects in the first term include Finance, Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Technology and Operations Management, Financial Reporting and Control. For the second term, Harvard University Business School students are required to take classes on Leadership and Corporate Accountability (LCA), Negotiation, The Entrepreneurial Manager (TEM), Strategy, and Business, Government, and the International Economy (BGIE). The core classes for the first term are designed to familiarize students with the internal operations of business enterprises, while second term classes place the students’ knowledge in a larger socio-economic and governmental context.
To be considered for admission into the Harvard University Business School, candidates must submit and/or meet the following requirements:
A four-year degree program at an accredited U.S. college/university or its equivalent
Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT exam scores,
A resume, academic history (transcripts), letters of recommendation,
Scores for TOEFL or IELTS, if applicable
Nonrefundable application fee of U.S. $235
Harvard University Business School doesn’t have required minimum years of work experience, although having at least two years experience is highly recommended. If you don’t have work experience, you can make up for it by writing a good admission essay or application essay (also known as Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement for MBA) that respects the word limit that the Harvard University Business School sets. The general criteria for admission into Harvard University Business School are the following: A Habit of Leadership, Capacity for Intellectual Growth, and Engaged Community Citizenship.
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