The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth offers a comprehensive two-year MBA program designed to cultivate leadership, strategic thinking, and a global perspective.
In this in-depth Tuck MBA Application Essay Tips, we cover:
• Overview and History of the Program
• Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals
• Ideal Candidate for the Program
• What to Include in the Essay
• Essay Tips
Overview and History of the Program
The Tuck School of Business, founded in 1900 as the world's first graduate school of management, offers a comprehensive MBA program that begins with Tuck Launch, an immersive orientation, followed by a first-year core curriculum covering essential business disciplines such as analytics, marketing, and operations management. In the second year, students can choose from over 100 electives across 11 themes to tailor their education. Experiential learning is a key focus, highlighted by the First-Year Project (FYP), where student teams address real-world business challenges for actual clients. Additionally, Tuck promotes global learning, encouraging engagement with diverse cultures and business practices to enhance students' perspectives.
Vision, Mission, Values, and Goals
Mission: Tuck develops wise, decisive leaders who better the world through business.
• WISE reflects the functional expertise at the heart of strategic thinking and management, the analytic skills to develop and defend points of view, and the inclusivity and empathy to understand and work effectively with others.
• DECISIVE means making the right decisions by thoughtfully defining, analyzing, and solving problems, seizing opportunities, and confidently understanding when and how to take risks for the better.
• LEADERS have the ability to craft a compelling vision for the future and to guide execution with and through other people.
Vision
Tuck aspires to offer the best experience globally for students preparing for impactful careers. This vision is supported by a faculty research culture that fosters scholarship, creativity, and productivity, aiming to impart groundbreaking ideas that, through management and leadership, improve the business world. The school emphasizes a uniquely personal, immersive environment that promotes individual learning and reflection, which is essential for leadership development.
Core Values
• Personal: Tuck prioritizes individual relevance, focusing on understanding each student's unique abilities, aspirations, and identity. The school's scale allows for deep personal connections, ensuring that education is tailored to individual strengths and goals.
• Connected: The institution fosters strong bonds among students, faculty, alumni, and staff, extending to global ideas, people, and places. This connectivity ensures that the Tuck community remains engaged with the latest thinking and influential leaders, enriching the educational experience.
• Transformative: Tuck is committed to enhancing the capabilities and achievements of individuals, organizations, and society. The transformative nature of its programs ensures that students not only grow personally but also become leaders who positively impact the broader world.
Strategic Pillars
• Breadth & Depth of Curriculum: Tuck's curriculum combines a foundational first-year core with a wide array of second-year electives, ensuring both comprehensive understanding and specialized knowledge.
• Immersive Learning Experience: The school emphasizes personalized support alongside individual and team-based experiential learning, promoting meaningful leadership growth.
• Global, Social & Technological Integration: Tuck provides a modern learning environment that connects students to global diversity, energy, and innovation, preparing them for an interconnected global economy.
• Engaged Alumni: A distinguished and supportive global alumni network offers teaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities, deeply investing in the success of both the school and its students.
• Rewarding Careers: Through dedicated career services, extensive corporate partnerships, and alumni support, Tuck provides students with extraordinary opportunities to pursue their career aspirations.
• Quality of Life: Located in Hanover, a quintessential New England college town, Tuck offers a vibrant, welcoming community that promotes trust and forges lifelong connections, enriching both personal and academic experiences.
Ideal Candidate for the Program
Tuck seeks students who embody the following traits:
• Smart, Curious, and Engaged: Candidates should demonstrate strong intellectual aptitude through academic performance and test scores. A genuine curiosity and motivation to learn from diverse experiences are essential, as Tuck's rigorous environment thrives on continuous growth and engagement.
• Accomplished, Impactful, and Principled: Prospective students are expected to have a track record of excellence in their professional roles, community involvement, or personal achievements. Acting with conviction and integrity, especially in challenging situations, is crucial, as these qualities enable bold decision-making and problem-solving.
• Aware, Ambitious, and Purposeful: Self-awareness regarding one's values and experiences is vital. Candidates should articulate ambitious yet realistic goals, demonstrating how the Tuck MBA aligns with their aspirations to affect positive change in the business world.
• Encouraging, Collaborative, and Empathetic: Tuck values individuals who actively support and celebrate others, exhibit emotional intelligence, and work effectively in teams.
What to Include in the Essay
When writing the Tuck MBA essay, applicants should focus on showcasing their fit with Tuck’s core values and mission. Here’s what to include:
• Personal and Professional Growth: Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to learn, adapt, and grow as a leader. Show how these experiences have shaped your decision to pursue an MBA at Tuck.
• Decision-Making and Leadership: Provide examples of how you have made thoughtful and decisive choices in your career or personal life. Emphasize your ability to take calculated risks and guide teams through challenges.
• Commitment to Collaboration and Community: Share experiences that illustrate your ability to work effectively with others, support peers, and contribute to a collaborative environment.
• Alignment with Tuck’s Mission: Clearly articulate how your goals align with Tuck’s emphasis on wise, decisive leadership. Explain how Tuck’s curriculum, faculty, and resources will help you achieve your professional aspirations.
• Self-Awareness and Authenticity: Tuck values applicants who are self-aware and genuine. Avoid generic statements and focus on specific, meaningful experiences that reflect your true motivations and aspirations.
Essay Tips
Essay 1: Why are you pursuing an MBA and why now? How will the distinct Tuck MBA contribute to achieving your goals and aspirations? (300 words)
How to Approach
This question requires a structured response addressing three critical elements:
• Why an MBA? – What skills, knowledge, or experiences do you need to achieve your career goals?
• Why Now? – Why is this the right moment in your career to pursue an MBA?
• Why Tuck? – How does Tuck’s program specifically align with your goals and values?
Each section should be addressed with clarity, connecting personal and professional motivations to the MBA journey.
1. Why an MBA?
Begin by reflecting on your career so far.
What skills or experiences have you gained?
What gaps remain?
Focus on how an MBA will help you develop the functional expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking necessary for your future roles.
Avoid general statements like “I want to build leadership skills.” Instead, be specific: What aspects of leadership are you looking to improve? What challenges have you faced that indicate the need for an MBA?
Additionally, link your goals to Tuck’s mission. Tuck emphasizes developing “wise, decisive leaders,” so framing your MBA motivation in terms of making impactful, strategic decisions will align well with the school’s values.
Example: Arianna has gained significant experience in growth marketing, product strategy, and e-commerce, but she now wants to transition into product management in the tech sector. To do this, she needs to build stronger strategic leadership skills, enhance her understanding of data-driven decision-making, and gain exposure to global business environments.
Applicants with similar aspirations should highlight:
• Specific skills they need to develop for their career transition (e.g., strategic leadership, data analytics, product development frameworks)
• Past experiences that demonstrate expertise in a certain domain but highlight the missing elements an MBA will provide
• Their interest in applying structured frameworks to decision-making and leadership
2. Why Now?
Think about timing. What recent developments in your career have made this the ideal moment for an MBA? Have you reached a plateau? Are you transitioning into a new industry or role? Addressing the “Why now?” aspect shows self-awareness and strategic thinking—two qualities that Tuck values.
If applicable, tie in broader industry trends. For instance, if your industry is shifting toward digital transformation, explain how an MBA will help you stay ahead.
Example: Arianna has gained experience across multiple industries and has recently moved into a product strategy role. She now wants to move beyond execution and into a leadership position.
Applicants in a similar situation could discuss:
• A recent career transition that exposed them to new challenges requiring more strategic decision-making
• A growing need to lead cross-functional teams and make high-impact business decisions
• Industry trends that make this the right time for an MBA (e.g., digital business evolution, changing regulatory environments, increased competition in their sector)
3. Why Tuck?
Be specific about what aspects of Tuck’s MBA align with your goals. Avoid generic praise—mention unique programs, values, or aspects of the culture that stand out to you. Tuck’s small, close-knit community, experiential learning (such as the First-Year Project), and strong leadership development focus should be central to your answer.
Tie these elements back to how they will help you achieve your goals. For example, if you value hands-on learning, explain how the First-Year Project will prepare you for your target role. If you thrive in collaborative environments, discuss how Tuck’s community-driven culture will support your growth.
Example: Arianna is drawn to Tuck’s collaborative culture, strong leadership focus, and emphasis on global learning.
Applicants should consider:
• How specific Tuck programs (e.g., the First-Year Project, Center for Digital Strategies) align with their goals
• The impact of Tuck’s tight-knit community on personal and professional growth
• Their preference for a leadership-driven MBA experience and how Tuck’s resources fit their aspirations
• Insights from Tuck alumni conversations that reinforced their decision to apply
Essay 2: Tell us who you are. How have your values and experiences shaped your identity and character? How will your background contribute to the diverse Tuck culture and community? (300 words)
How To Approach
This essay is designed to help Tuck understand your personal story—what drives you, how you have evolved, and how you will enrich the Tuck community. To craft a compelling response, structure your essay around three key themes:
1. Your Core Identity and Values – What defines you? What values have guided your decisions and shaped your perspective?
2. Influential Experiences – What life experiences have had the biggest impact on who you are today? How have they shaped your leadership style, decision-making, and personal growth?
3. Contribution to Tuck’s Community – How will your background, skills, and perspectives enhance the Tuck culture?
1. Your Core Identity and Values
Start by identifying the core values that define you. These could stem from your upbringing, career experiences, cultural background, or personal struggles. Instead of listing values, illustrate them through personal stories—moments that shaped your perspective, decisions, or leadership style.
Tuck values authenticity, humility, and collaboration. Highlight experiences that demonstrate these traits, but ensure your story is unique to you.
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
Arianna’s upbringing in a multicultural household and her early exposure to entrepreneurship through her family's business instilled in her the values of adaptability, resilience, and curiosity. Growing up in a home where financial stability was not always guaranteed, she learned to embrace uncertainty and find creative solutions to challenges. These values shaped her career in growth marketing, where she thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Her ability to adapt quickly, whether expanding a product into a new market or leading cross-functional teams, is a direct reflection of her upbringing.
2. Influential Experiences
Tuck is looking for applicants who can demonstrate personal growth through meaningful experiences. Instead of listing accomplishments, focus on key moments that had a lasting impact on your perspective, leadership style, or professional aspirations. Consider:
• A turning point that shaped your career ambitions or leadership philosophy
• A moment when you overcame adversity, demonstrating resilience and adaptability
• A project, initiative, or life event that taught you valuable lessons about teamwork and collaboration
Tuck values experiential learning, and your essay should reflect a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow from experiences.
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
A defining experience for Arianna was launching an e-commerce platform for a local artisan collective in Peru. Despite a strong product offering, initial sales were low due to a lack of digital presence. By leveraging data analytics, influencer partnerships, and targeted marketing strategies, Arianna helped scale the platform’s reach, increasing sales by 200% within six months. This experience reinforced her passion for leveraging technology to create economic opportunities for underrepresented communities. It also deepened her appreciation for inclusive leadership - collaborating with artisans, learning from their perspectives, and aligning business growth with their long-term needs. This approach to leadership, shaped by hands-on experiences, defines how she navigates both professional and personal challenges.
3. Contribution to Tuck’s Community
Tuck prides itself on its small, collaborative, and highly engaged community. Applicants should highlight how their background and experiences will add value to this environment. Instead of generic statements about teamwork, be specific about:
• What unique perspectives will you bring to classroom discussions
• How your past experiences in leadership, mentorship, or collaboration will translate to Tuck’s culture
• Which Tuck initiatives, clubs, or programs align with your background and interests
Tuck is known for its strong alumni network and culture of giving back. Your essay should reflect a willingness to contribute and engage meaningfully with the community.
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
At Tuck, Arianna will bring her experience in digital transformation, emerging markets, and inclusive leadership to the classroom and beyond. Having worked across financial services, travel, and e-commerce, she is excited to share insights on scaling businesses in different cultural contexts. As someone who has benefited from mentorship, she is eager to contribute to Tuck’s small, close-knit community by mentoring students from non-traditional backgrounds who are navigating career transitions. Additionally, her passion for impact-driven innovation aligns well with initiatives like the Center for Business, Government & Society, where she hopes to collaborate with peers on projects that leverage technology for social good.
Essay 3: Describe a time you meaningfully contributed to someone else’s sense of inclusion in your professional or personal community. (300 words)
How To Approach
This question evaluates your ability to foster inclusivity and create a sense of belonging—a core value of Tuck’s tight-knit community. Your response should highlight an intentional effort to support someone who felt excluded and demonstrate how your actions led to meaningful change.
Tuck seeks individuals who actively promote inclusivity, not just in words but through actions. Your story should reflect self-awareness, leadership, and an understanding of diverse perspectives. Whether your experience is from the workplace, school, or a community initiative, the key is impact - how did your actions change someone’s experience for the better?
1. Recognizing the Need for Inclusion
Research shows that inclusive environments lead to higher engagement, innovation, and team performance. However, inclusion is often more than just policies. It is about everyday actions that make people feel heard and valued. This is where Tuck wants to see your emotional intelligence and awareness of diverse perspectives.
To make this section compelling, focus on:
• A specific instance where someone faced barriers to inclusion (cultural, linguistic, gender-related, etc.).
• Why this situation stood out to you—was it personal, based on shared experiences, or something that challenged your worldview?
• The broader impact—how did this exclusion affect team dynamics, morale, or decision-making?
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
Arianna can include an instance from her workplace where she noticed a pattern of exclusion. Given that she works in fintech, a traditionally male-dominated space, she may have observed that female engineers hesitated to speak up in meetings or that their ideas were often overlooked.
If she has personally experienced similar challenges, she can briefly mention how this made her more attuned to the struggles of others. She might also highlight how this realization influenced her decision to take action—whether she noticed subtle biases in communication, a lack of mentorship opportunities, or barriers to professional growth for certain colleagues.
By framing this section around her awareness and motivation to act, she establishes a strong foundation for the rest of her response.
2. Taking Pro-active Steps to Foster Inclusion
Tuck isn’t just looking for people who recognize problems - they want action-oriented leaders who take deliberate steps toward change. This section should highlight your initiative, leadership, and ability to influence others.
To make this part stronger:
• Clearly outline the steps you took - formal or informal initiatives, mentorship, process changes, advocacy, etc.
• Highlight challenges you faced - was there resistance from leadership, cultural barriers, or skepticism from peers?
• Show how you influenced others - did you bring allies into the initiative? Did your actions encourage broader institutional change?
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
Arianna can include specific actions she took to ensure better inclusion within her team. For instance, she might have:
• Created a Mentorship Initiative – If she saw that junior female engineers were hesitant to participate in discussions, she could have launched a peer mentorship or sponsorship program where they were paired with senior colleagues to receive guidance and support.
• Implemented Structural Changes in Meetings – She might have suggested changes in meeting formats to ensure that all voices were heard. For example, she could have advocated for a roundtable discussion format, where every participant was given time to speak before finalizing decisions.
• Advocated for Leadership Support – If she brought her concerns to leadership or HR and pushed for institutional changes (such as inclusivity training, bias awareness programs, or company-wide policies), that would further strengthen her case. The key here is to frame her actions as intentional and impactful, showing that she took steps beyond just offering verbal support
3. Measuring the Impact and Lessons Learned
Tuck values candidates who can reflect on their leadership experiences and demonstrate measurable impact. This section should focus on:
• Quantifiable outcomes—what tangible changes resulted from your efforts?
• Personal takeaways—what did you learn about leadership, inclusion, and organizational change?
• How has this shaped your long-term approach—how will you bring this mindset to Tuck and beyond?
Example Using Arianna’s Profile
Arianna should include specific results that demonstrate the effectiveness of her efforts. Some possibilities include:
• Increased Participation – If female engineers became 50% more likely to speak up in meetings or if they started presenting their ideas more frequently, that’s a clear indicator of success.
• Policy or Culture Change – If leadership adopted her mentorship initiative as a formal program, she could mention that as a lasting impact.
• Positive Feedback – If team members shared feedback about how her efforts helped them feel more included, those testimonials can add credibility.
She can also reflect on what she learned. Perhaps she realized that mentorship is a powerful tool for fostering inclusion or that advocacy requires persistence and strategic communication.
Finally, she should connect this back to Tuck, explaining how she hopes to continue championing inclusivity within the Tuck community - whether through peer mentoring, student-led initiatives, or involvement in diversity-focused clubs.
4. Broader Research and Insights on Inclusion
A well-researched essay demonstrates that you understand inclusion not just as a personal value but as a critical leadership skill. Here are some key insights to consider:
The business case for inclusion: Research by McKinsey (2020) shows that companies in the top quartile for diversity outperform those in the bottom by 36% in profitability. Your essay should subtly connect inclusion to leadership effectiveness.
Psychological safety matters: According to Google’s Project Aristotle, psychological safety—the ability to speak up without fear of embarrassment—was the strongest predictor of team success. Highlighting how you created a safer space strengthens your response.
Tuck’s own emphasis on collaboration: Tuck’s culture is deeply rooted in teamwork and inclusivity. Admissions officers will favor applicants who demonstrate a commitment to fostering community, not just excelling individually.
Additional Essay (Re Applicant)
How have you strengthened your candidacy since you last applied? Please reflect on how you have grown personally and professionally. (300 words)
How To Approach
Reapplicants need to demonstrate growth, self-awareness, and a clear trajectory of improvement. Tuck’s admissions team wants to see evidence of how you’ve strengthened your skills, refined your career goals, and deepened your impact since your last application. This essay is not just about listing achievements—it’s about showing deliberate progress and how your experiences have better prepared you for Tuck’s collaborative and immersive environment.
1. Demonstrating Professional Growth
Tuck values applicants who seek continuous growth in their professional journeys. A strong response should highlight:
• How have you expanded your scope of responsibilities at work?
• Any new leadership roles, promotions, or impactful projects you’ve undertaken.
• How have these experiences helped refine your problem-solving, teamwork, or industry knowledge?
Example: What Arianna Can Include
Arianna has taken on more strategic responsibilities as a Product Specialist Strategist. She can highlight how she led the launch of a new digital insurance platform, overseeing customer insights, optimizing digital channels, and refining the product-market fit. She could also emphasize her collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineers and designers, to align product strategy with business objectives.
By detailing how these experiences enhanced her leadership, analytical thinking, and ability to drive results, she strengthens her case for why she is now more prepared for an MBA.
2. Strengthening Academic and Technical Skills
Tuck’s curriculum is rigorous, and the admissions team looks for applicants who take the initiative to bridge any skill gaps before entering the program. If you have taken courses, earned certifications, or gained technical expertise relevant to your goals, highlight:
• Why did you pursue additional learning opportunities?
• How these new skills have contributed to your professional development.
• How do they align with your post-MBA goals?
Example: What Arianna Can Include
Recognizing the importance of product management and data analytics in her future career, Arianna completed a Product Management certification and actively engaged in tech-focused mentorship programs. She can showcase how these experiences have deepened her ability to analyze market trends, develop customer-centric products, and work with agile teams—critical skills for her transition into product marketing or product management.
By illustrating her proactive approach to upskilling and how these new competencies are directly applicable to her target roles, she strengthens her candidacy.
3. Showcasing Personal Growth and Leadership in the Community
Tuck highly values candidates who engage with their communities and demonstrate leadership beyond their professional roles. Strong responses should include:
• Any mentorship, volunteering, or leadership initiatives taken since the last application.
• How these experiences helped develop empathy, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Why do these experiences align with Tuck’s values of teamwork and inclusivity.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
Arianna initiated an internal mentorship program to support early-career professionals, fostering knowledge-sharing and networking. She can describe how she identified the need for such a program, approached senior mentors, and structured sessions that enhanced professional development.
Additionally, her involvement in Peru’s fintech sector, where she mentored startup founders, showcases her commitment to helping others succeed—something that resonates with Tuck’s strong culture of mentorship and collaboration.
By framing these experiences as ways she has strengthened her leadership, problem-solving, and ability to uplift others, she effectively ties them to Tuck’s values.
4. Clarifying a More Focused Post-MBA Goal
A reapplicant essay should also show that you have refined and clarified your career goals. The admissions team wants to see:
• If you have gained deeper industry insights that reaffirm your path.
• How your professional trajectory has evolved and aligned more closely with an MBA?
• Why Tuck is the right place to help you achieve your newly refined goals.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
Arianna’s goal of transitioning into product marketing or product management in tech remains the same, but she can demonstrate a more refined focus by discussing how her recent work has confirmed her passion for building customer-driven digital solutions.
She can also reference insights gained from engaging with Tuck alumni and product management professionals, explaining how these conversations reinforced her belief that Tuck’s experiential learning and collaborative leadership training are crucial for her success.
By showing how her career vision has evolved in a more targeted and informed direction, she presents a stronger, more compelling case for why she needs an MBA now.
Optional Essay
Please provide any additional insight or information that you have not addressed elsewhere (e.g., atypical choice of references, factors affecting academic performance, unexplained job gaps or changes). Complete this question only if you feel your candidacy is not fully represented by this application. (300 words)
How To Approach
1. Addressing Unexplained Job Gaps or Career Transitions
Frequent job transitions or extended career gaps might raise concerns about career stability, direction, or adaptability. Without clarification, the admissions team might assume instability or a lack of professional growth. Addressing these transitions helps demonstrate that each move was strategic and aligned with your long-term career goals.
• Be direct: Clearly state why the job gap or transition occurred without unnecessary details.
• Provide context: Was it due to industry downturns, personal development, family obligations, or a career pivot?
• Show growth: Highlight any skills gained or productive activities undertaken during the gap (e.g., professional certifications, volunteer work, personal projects).
• Connect it to your MBA goals: Demonstrate how the experience ultimately contributed to your decision to pursue an MBA and reinforced your career trajectory.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
Arianna’s career includes several industry transitions, from e-commerce to banking to insurance. If she feels this could raise questions, she can use the optional essay to connect the dots between these moves, demonstrating that each step was a deliberate progression toward her interest in customer-centric digital solutions and product strategy.
For instance, she could explain that moving from e-commerce to fintech and insurance was part of her intentional shift toward data-driven growth strategies in regulated industries. By framing these changes as part of her learning journey, she reassures the admissions team that her career transitions are strategic, not erratic.
2. Explaining Atypical Recommender Choices
MBA programs strongly encourage applicants to choose direct supervisors as recommenders because they can provide the most relevant insights into leadership, teamwork, and impact. If you choose someone outside of this standard expectation, the admissions team may wonder why your direct manager isn’t providing the recommendation.
• Be upfront about the reason: If your direct supervisor isn’t a recommender due to company policies, confidentiality issues, or a recent job change, explain this succinctly.
• Justify your choice: Demonstrate that the chosen recommender knows you well and can provide a strong evaluation of your abilities.
• Tie it to your impact: Explain how this person witnessed your contributions, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a meaningful way.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
If Arianna did not select her current manager as a recommender, she might explain that company policies restrict recommendation letters for external applications. Instead, she could mention that she selected a former manager, who had a longer working relationship with her and directly mentored her leadership development.
This provides a clear and logical explanation, ensuring that her recommender choice is not misinterpreted.
3. Contextualizing Academic Performance
Admissions committees will review your academic transcripts and test scores to assess your ability to handle a rigorous MBA curriculum. If you have low grades in key courses, a weak GMAT/GRE score, or inconsistencies in your academic performance, they might question your preparedness for the program. The optional essay is your chance to address these concerns proactively.
• Acknowledge the issue without making excuses: Avoid defensiveness and focus on context.
• Provide a reasonable explanation: Health issues, family responsibilities, work commitments, or personal challenges might have affected your academics.
• Highlight improvements: If you've taken recent courses, earned certifications, or demonstrated analytical skills in your work, mention them as evidence of your quantitative ability.
• Reinforce your readiness for Tuck: Show that despite past setbacks, you are now prepared for the academic rigor of the MBA.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
If Arianna had one or two lower grades in quantitative courses, she could briefly mention any personal or professional challenges at the time. More importantly, she should focus on how she has since built strong analytical skills, citing examples such as:
• Data-driven experiences
• Technical certifications (e.g., Product Management, SQL, Analytics).
• Quantitative achievements in workplace problem-solving.
4. Discussing Personal Circumstances That Impacted Your Journey
Life circumstances such as family responsibilities, health issues, financial challenges, or personal hardships can shape your academic and professional decisions. If a personal factor influenced your choices, this essay can help the admissions team understand your journey and resilience.
How to Approach This Section
• Keep it concise and fact-based: Provide enough detail to give context but avoid excessive personal information.
• Frame it positively: Instead of focusing on setbacks, highlight how you adapted and overcame challenges.
• Demonstrate resilience and growth: Show how these experiences shaped your character, leadership, or professional drive.
Example: What Arianna Can Include
If Arianna faced family responsibilities that influenced certain career decisions (e.g., staying in Peru instead of taking international opportunities), she could briefly mention this. She might say that her decision to remain in Lima was influenced by family commitments, but she still actively sought global exposure through cross-border projects and collaborations in fintech and insurance.
This approach ensures that personal circumstances are framed positively, showcasing perseverance and adaptability rather than focusing on limitations.
Reference