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Sample MBA Essays and School Specific Tips

Fuqua Community and You Essay Sample (Innovation)

Q) Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and are vital to providing you with a range of experiential learning and individual development experiences.

Duke Goals and Alternative Plan Essay (Finance to Consulting)

Q) What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

Another show but don’t tell approach, is to mention the on-job opportunities you had maximized. Applicants who voluntarily take on more responsibilities across functions – working on extra-curricular initiatives for the company (events, trekking trips, and volunteering) and shadowing for a cross-functional or leadership role are examples of those who maximize on-job opportunities.

Duke Fuqua Sample Goals Essay (Bulge Bracket to FinTech Startup)

Q) What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

Without an MBA, most applicants reach a team lead or equivalent position in 3-5 years. For those who switched jobs 2-3 times, they could maximize their title with a Project Manager role, but the transition is likely to be in a start-up where the years of experience is not a restriction in taking over the managerial position.

Sample LBS MBA Goals Essay: Wealth Management to Product Management

In this example, we look at the fictitious profile of a Wealth Manager, who started her career in a renowned private banking company in London. The traditional career path received a big pivot when a friend was starting a venture in the corporate education market and wanted a person who had the vision to find opportunities in a highly competitive market.