Mentioning alternative careers in your MBA personal statement
August 26th, 2008

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.
Photo Credit : YuvalH