Post-MBA Goal (Short-term): Accounting with diverse M&A and Due Diligence experience to IMPACT investing
Post-MBA Goal (Long-term): Start a fund with two focus areas - clean energy, and education
Knowledge Gap: IMPACT investing, Climate, and Venture capital
Career Pathways: Venture Capital, Climate
Electives, Clubs and Initiatives: I have shortlisted electives and collaborations according to the knowledge gap:
• Impact Investing
• Business and Climate Change
• Investing in Social Ventures
• Tamer Fund for Social Ventures
• Microlumbia IMPACT fund
• Climate School
Opener: For the opener, I want to quickly establish the person’s credibility by showing the scale of the accounting responsibility. The metric – 150 plus subsidiaries was also highlighted in the resume.
Strategy: The opening paragraph sets the credibility of the applicant as an analyst.
The second paragraph narrates the applicant’s interest in IMPACT investing that began by working on the due diligence for a non-profit’s proposal.
The motivation to pivot into the niche as a full-time career emerged when the applicant failed to communicate the need for two different IMPACT evaluation parameters for two solar projects.
Atul’s Note: Failure and Need for an MBA
The vulnerability narrative strategy that is expected in Wharton’s Goals Essay where the applicant is expected to share their failure somewhere in the middle of the essay, also works for Columbia. You must be careful not to reveal the failure before establishing your credentials and achievements.
The second half of the narrative is all about connecting Columbia MBA curriculum and experiences with MBA goals – both short-term and long-term (dream job).
Columbia MBA Goal Essay Question: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words) .” (Common for both January and August entering class)
Sample Columbia MBA Goals Essay: IMPACT Investing (Accounting to IMPACT Investing) (490 Words)
At my day job in <X>, I am responsible for managing the accounts of 150+ subsidiaries. Starting with a traditional Oil Refinery Business, we pivoted into digital media, telecom, and FinTech. The diversity has helped me gain ..
