INSEAD MBA Job Essay: Discuss your short and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (200 words)
Startup
Most startups have a flat job hierarchy with the upper limit on promotion reaching by 7th to 10th year for the top 1%. The only upward mobility is in CXO roles that are unlikely to be handed down when founders are occupying the seat. Given the trend of switching jobs every 2-3 years for professionals in their 20s and 5-7 years for those in their 30s, very few are targeting the management position. Most want to switch from a startup to a Fortune 500 company. MBA becomes the brand support for the transition.
Traditional Industry
Traditional industries – Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, and Automobile that are undergoing automation and transition is unlikely to change their rigid hierarchy for the up starters. This means it would take a professional in their late 20s at least 10 years to reach a managerial or leadership role with or without an MBA. A change in function is also not offered without an MBA except in some rare cases with an incredible performance that demonstrated cross-functional excellence.
MBA-favored Industry
For industries that encourage pursuing an MBA – Management Consulting and Investment Banking (including PE), the answer is a straightforward one.
Shadowing and Interviewing without an MBA
I had clients who were rejected after interviewing for Management Consulting roles (pre-MBA) with a Technical background as employers rarely take risks even if they profess about taking candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. A data that they conveniently hide is that the majority of candidates from non-traditional backgrounds completed their MBA from reputed schools. Strategically highlight the importance of an MBA – especially INSEAD MBA and its strong peer learning (diverse perspectives) and 3-campus networks.
Cross-Functional Exposure
Another interesting motivation is from applicants in Tech-Functional roles. Technologist working in the Finance, Marketing and Consulting industry gets exposed to the industry and through the experience want to pivot completely into the new industry.
Profile Example: A profile with 6 years of experience in three established companies, starting as a Technology Consultant in the office productivity space, moving to one of the 3 Big Cs as an in-house Technology specialist, and finally working with a media company to manage the Technology of the publication.
Company One: Leading Technology company in the office productivity space
Company Two: One of the 3 Big Consulting companies
Company Three: Leading Media company
Sample Essay: Short-Term and Long-Term Career Aspiration (Technology to Consulting) (200 Words)
I currently lead the Technology Product that powers readership for 50m+ customers to news, opinions, and financial analysis. After starting my career in <x>, managing the feature that enabled seamless collaboration between departments, I was fascinated with...
Pro Tip: The question is used to measure your motivation. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, dedicate 70% on the motivation and 30% on the specifics of the post-MBA goals.
The narrative that clearly articulates the motivation will be believable as the #1 reason for rejection is citing goals that are too far off from your pre-MBA experience. Some exposure in your post-MBA industry is required either through extra-curricular, volunteering, or cross-functional exposure.
