Making ‘The Routine’ Interesting: MBA Essay Tips

When was the last time you saw a movie and felt emotionally connected to the story? I bet the movie that you were impressed breaks away from the routine that we are all used to – waking up in the morning, getting ready for work, long commute to the office, the usual team meetings, the work, the gossip, impressing the boss, and finally leaving the office hoping that sun rises a little late. If we capture the same routine in our narrative, would it look interesting? 90% of writers cannot do it. How can you then include the routine or the obvious in MBA Application essays and expect to connect emotionally with the Admission Committee?

The truth – you CAN!

How did you feel when you traveled on the first day for your job?

It was exciting. Waking up meant -advancing closer to your goals. Getting ready for work meant – finding the right attire, getting ready with the to-do list, and anticipating a positive outcome for the day. The commute was interesting. You observed how others behaved in a group environment. The courtesy of the commuter, the competitiveness to get the vacant seat, and an eagerness to get down at the destination – it demonstrated a lot about the commuters.

When did you stop observing human interaction?

Probably when you saw WORK as WORK, and not as an interesting opportunity. Somewhere down the line, you lost the motivation to put your 100%. Why? Earlier, the team meetings were an opportunity for you to express your unique ideas. Work meant implementing the latest productivity tips. Gossip involved discussing what others have achieved, and keeping the competitive spirit intact. You took extra measures to impress the boss. Leaving the office on the first day was in anticipation on what can be achieved tomorrow. But somewhere down the line, the boss gave a negative review and didn’t appreciate your productivity or contribution. Gossip became discussion about other’s personal lives, and Group meetings became time wasters. Nothing has changed. As human beings, you got used to the routine.

When MBA Aspirants translate their thoughts to words, they put words from their 400th day on the job. They might sound like learned souls, but the words don’t capture the enthusiasm or newness of the experience. When you fail to convey the emotions, the admission committee will categorize you among the typecasts – the Indian IT graduate, the American Banker, or the Chinese Luxury professional. Titles do not define you. Your unique personality is lost in the title. The experience you encountered is unique, and words should capture it. Without it, you are applicant #274 in an obscure work schedule of an MBA application essay reviewer.

When you write your first draft, recollect what it was like working on the first day. Capture the emotions and observations. It defines your authentic voice. Upload your essays here. We will help you create unique essays for MBA Applications.