The Consortium MBA Mission Essay Tips

In this in-depth Consortium MBA Application Essay Tips, we cover:

•    Mission of The Consortium
•    Ideal Candidate
•    What to Highlight
•    What Not to Highlight
•    How to Stand Out
•    Pre-MBA Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity Essay Tips
•    Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity Essay Tips During MBA
•    Post-MBA Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity Essay Tips

Mission of The Consortium

Established in 1966, The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management has a clear mission: to promote diversity and inclusion within the business world by addressing the underrepresentation of African Americans in MBA programs and corporate leadership roles. Later the non-profit included Native Americans and Latin Americans as the target beneficiaries.

The Consortium was the brainchild of Sterling H. Schoen, a professor at Olin Business School, who was deeply influenced by the civil rights movement and the social justice struggles he witnessed during his post-doctoral fellowship in the early 1960s. 
Schoen's vision was to unite business schools across the United States to create opportunities for minority groups that had long been excluded from the corridors of power in corporate America.

Read More about the History and School Representation at the Consortium

Ideal Candidate

Values: The ideal Consortium candidate is not only academically accomplished but also deeply committed to advancing diversity in business. 

Nationality: Applicants should be U.S. nationals or permanent residents who have demonstrated a strong dedication to improving the representation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in business. This commitment should be evident in their past community involvement, professional experiences, and personal values.

Equal Opportunities: The Consortium seeks individuals who are proactive, socially conscious, and ready to contribute to the ongoing mission of promoting equal opportunities in the business world. Candidates should have a proven track record of leadership and a clear understanding of the impact that diversity and inclusion have on organizational success.

What to Highlight

When applying to the Consortium, it is crucial to highlight your active involvement in initiatives that support underrepresented minorities. 

Activities that are Considered Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity

Volunteer work, leadership roles in diversity-focused organizations, or professional experiences that facilitate inclusion are all valid examples for the essays. 

Your application essays and recommendation letters should clearly reflect your dedication to enhancing diversity and inclusion in the business world.

Experiences and Life Journeys that are relevant for The Consortium Application Essays

Unique and Impactful International experiences - coming from a bilingual or bicultural family, or the first in your family to attend college – all are good examples to elevate your profile from applicants who have similar life experiences.

When you cite experiences and life journeys, make sure that you include ‘Leadership without Power’ to demonstrate your persuasion skills. 

What Not to Highlight

Avoid focusing solely on your academic achievements or test scores. While academic readiness is important, the Consortium is looking for well-rounded candidates who are more than just their grades. 

Do not ignore or downplay your involvement in community service or extracurricular activities, as these are key indicators of your commitment to the Consortium’s mission.

It is also important not to present a sanitized version of your story. Authenticity is valued by the Consortium, and admissions committees can often sense when applicants are tailoring their narratives to fit what they think schools want to hear. Instead, focus on telling your unique story in an honest and compelling way.

How to Stand Out

To stand out as a Consortium candidate, you must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the organization’s mission through your application materials. 

Take the time to research the Consortium’s member schools and corporate partners, and be specific about how you plan to contribute to their communities. 

Show that you have a clear understanding of how you can make an impact, both during your MBA and in your future career.
Your essays should be polished and well-crafted, reflecting a deep understanding of the Consortium’s goals and how you align with them. 

Finally, be authentic in your application. Let your passion for diversity and inclusion shine through, and do not be afraid to share the experiences that have shaped who you are. This honesty and depth will help you connect with the admissions committee and make a lasting impression.

Mission Essays

Mission Essay: Our mission, through the strength of our growing alliance and extended network, is to enhance diversity and inclusion in global business education and leadership by striving to reduce the significant underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in both our Member Schools’ enrollments and the ranks of global management across the following sectors: For-profit corporations, Nonprofit corporations, Government agencies and contractors,  and Entrepreneurial ventures in both for-profit and nonprofit environments.

*Please address the three questions noted below. Please use specific examples pertaining to our target populations and clearly articulate your involvement, actions, and results.

Pre-MBA Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity Essay Tips

The Consortium Mission Essay 1.  What have you done pre-MBA in your business, personal, or academic life to demonstrate commitment to this mission? (2,000 characters)

(A)    Introduction

Context Setting: Start with a brief introduction of your background, including your country of origin and the circumstances that led you to the U.S. This sets the stage for the experiences you will discuss and shows your initial challenges and motivations.
Example: Abraham’s journey from Nigeria to the U.S. reflects significant personal and professional hurdles, highlighting the transformative impact of his immigration experience on his career goals and achievements.

(B)    Highlight Key Experiences

Personal Experiences: Share significant personal experiences that have influenced your commitment to diversity and inclusion. This could include family dynamics, cultural adjustments, or overcoming personal challenges.

Example: Raye’s journey from a modest background to becoming a prominent lawyer and actress reflects the profound impact of personal perseverance and overcoming systemic barriers. Discuss how your own experiences have shaped your values and commitment to diversity.

Influencers: Discuss the role of individuals who have been crucial in guiding or inspiring you. This could include family members, mentors, or teachers who have impacted your journey.

Example: Raye was influenced by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s advocacy for visibility and diversity. Similarly, you might discuss how a mentor or educator supported your growth and encouraged your commitment to diversity, like the mentorship Abraham received in his educational and professional journey.

Institutional Support: Describe the role of institutions, such as schools or community programs, in supporting your development and your commitment to enhancing diversity.

Example: Highlight any programs or institutions that have supported your development and how they align with your commitment to diversity and inclusion, such as community organizations that offered mentorship or educational resources.

Cultural and Social Integration: Reflect on how your cultural background and social interactions have influenced your contributions and worldview. This could include community involvement or societal contributions.

Example: Amit’s work with the Global Impact Investing Network demonstrates how integrating diverse perspectives can address global challenges. Share your own experiences in community initiatives or leadership roles that reflect your commitment to including diverse viewpoints and ideas and how they’ve shaped your approach to societal issues.

(C)  Discussing Accomplishments

Academic Achievements: Highlight your academic journey and achievements, focusing on how your background influenced your educational path.

Example: Raye’s academic success, including her degrees from prestigious institutions, underscores her commitment to excellence despite challenges. Discuss how overcoming challenges has strengthened your commitment to encouraging peers and mentees from similar backgrounds.

Professional Milestones: Share your professional accomplishments and how your background influenced your career trajectory, perspective, and success.

Example: Abraham’s transition from Nigeria to the U.S. and his success in finance and authorship illustrate how overcoming initial barriers led to significant professional achievements. Share a mantra or strategy that helped you overcome the initial hurdle and how you will impart this knowledge to peers and mentees facing similar challenges.  

Community and Civic Engagement: Emphasize your involvement in community service, leadership roles, and activities that promote diversity and inclusion.

American Values: Discuss how American values, such as freedom and equal protection, have influenced your journey and contributed to your success.

Example: Reflect on how values like equal opportunity and freedom of speech have empowered you to pursue your goals and advocate for diversity, similar to how these principles have influenced both Raye and Abraham’s achievements.

(D) Conclusion

Summary: Conclude by summarizing how your experiences and commitment to diversity have prepared you for future contributions. Emphasize how The Consortium’s support will help you achieve your goals and reinforce your dedication to making a positive impact.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity During MBA - Essay Tips

The Consortium Mission Essay 2:  What will you do while enrolled in your MBA program to demonstrate your commitment to the mission? (2,000 characters)

(A)  Introduction

Context Setting: Start by briefly explaining how you plan to leverage your MBA experience to advance the mission of The Consortium

(B)    Highlight Key Actions

•    Initiating and Leading Diversity-Focused Projects: Discuss your plans to initiate or lead projects that promote diversity and inclusion within the MBA community. This could include organizing events, workshops, or seminars focused on these issues.

Example: Raye's advocacy and leadership in the legal field reflect her commitment to diversity. Similarly, you might plan to spearhead initiatives that address underrepresentation and foster inclusion, such as developing a mentorship program for underrepresented students or organizing events that highlight diverse perspectives in business.

•    Engaging in Consortium-Sponsored Activities: Outline how you will actively participate in and contribute to Consortium-sponsored activities, including networking events, conferences, and professional development programs.

Example: Abraham’s involvement with The Consortium’s network was instrumental in his professional growth. Explain how you will engage with Consortium events and leverage these opportunities to build relationships and advocate for diversity within the business community. These networking opportunities should further the specific goal that you plan to achieve in the short-term.

•    Participating in Student Organizations and Committees: Describe your intention to join or contribute to student organizations, clubs, or committees that align with the Consortium’s mission. Focus on how these roles will allow you to promote diversity and inclusion.

Example: Just as Amit’s leadership in impact investing organizations demonstrated his commitment to societal issues, detail how you will actively participate in or lead student groups focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Highlight your plan to advocate for diverse representation and work on initiatives.

•  Building and Supporting Inclusive Networks: Discuss your strategy for creating and supporting networks that promote diversity and inclusion among your peers. This could include mentoring, forming affinity groups, or creating platforms for underrepresented voices.

Example: Illustrate how you plan to establish a mentorship program or facilitate discussions on diversity-related topics.

•  Advocating for Policy and Cultural Change: Explain your approach to advocating for policy changes or cultural shifts within the MBA program that support diversity and inclusion.

Example: Just as Raya advocates for systemic change in her legal career, outline your plan to influence policy or cultural changes within your MBA program. This could involve working with the administration to improve diversity policies or leading initiatives to create a more inclusive environment in the university.

• Coordinating Experiential Learning Projects: Discuss how you will coordinate consulting projects or experiential learning opportunities that benefit communities in your home country.

Example: If you are from Africa or South America – two popular destination for probono consulting in top Business Schools, cite how you will act as a guide and mentor for consulting projects that address local business challenges or support community development.

•    Consulting for Similar Backgrounds: Highlight how you will offer consulting or mentoring to individuals or organizations facing similar challenges to those you have experienced.

Example: Reflecting on Abraham’s overcoming barriers as an immigrant, you could offer Mentorship to students or young professionals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them navigate educational and career obstacles.

•    Assisting with Cultural Integration: Describe how you will contribute to enhancing the university’s cultural diversity by incorporating new festivals, cuisines, or cultural elements.

Example: You might work on organizing events that celebrate diverse cultures, such as international food festivals or cultural heritage months, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures among your peers.

•    Hosting Speaker Series: Outline how you will host a series of talks featuring leaders or experts from underrepresented communities.

Example: Drawing from Abraham’s network engagement, you could organize a speaker series with influential leaders from diverse backgrounds. For instance, you might coordinate with the MBA program to invite experts who have made significant contributions to their fields despite facing challenges related to race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This series could provide valuable insights and inspire students by showcasing diverse success stories.

•    Assisting with Curriculum Diversity: Explain how you will help integrate protagonists from underrepresented communities into case studies and academic materials.

Example: You might also propose including diverse business practices and success stories, ensuring that the academic experience reflects a broader range of perspectives.

(C)  Conclusion

Summary: Conclude by summarizing how your proposed actions align with The Consortium’s mission and how they will help you make a meaningful impact during your MBA program.

Post-MBA Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity - Essay Tips

The Consortium Mission Essay 3:  What will you do post-MBA with respect to community service and leadership involvement to demonstrate your continued commitment to The Consortium’s missions of diversity and inclusion? (1,000 characters)

(A)    Introduction
Begin by acknowledging your passion for diversity and inclusion, tying it to your experiences and aspirations post-MBA. Briefly mention your career goals and how they align with The Consortium's mission of enhancing diversity and inclusion. This sets a clear framework for your future commitment.

(B)    Concrete Plans and Initiatives

Leadership Roles: Discuss how you plan to take on leadership roles that drive diversity and inclusion within your organization or industry. For example, you could mention creating or joining diversity councils or affinity groups, much like Raye did by running her own nonprofit aimed at amplifying the voices of people of color in the legal profession. 

Raye’s leadership extends beyond her legal career, as she has actively prepared herself to argue cases before the Supreme Court, where she aims to challenge the status quo and advocate for underrepresented communities.

Mentorship and Advocacy

Outline your commitment to mentoring underrepresented groups, reflecting on how mentorship can be a powerful tool for fostering inclusion. You could draw parallels to Abraham, who, after facing significant challenges as an immigrant from Nigeria, now uses his platform and experiences to support others in navigating similar hurdles. His journey from Lagos to becoming a senior finance manager at AT&T while authoring books that provide insight into the immigrant experience showcases his dedication to mentoring and uplifting the less privileged.

Community Engagement: Detail your plans to engage with the broader community, perhaps by volunteering with organizations that support the professional development of minorities. You might also consider initiatives like Abraham ‘s intention to return to Nigeria to run for office and create impactful policies that address systemic issues. His ambition to leverage his American education and experiences to effect change in his home country exemplifies a commitment to community and societal advancement.

(C)  Tailoring Your Actions to The Consortium’s Mission

Align your post-MBA actions with The Consortium's core mission of enhancing diversity and inclusion in business leadership.

Advocating for Systemic Change: Reflect on how you will advocate for policies and practices that promote diversity within your workplace or industry, just as Raye draws inspiration from Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to advocate for visibility and diversity in the legal field. Raye’s work in creating a more inclusive environment in traditionally exclusive spaces mirrors the Consortium's mission to reduce underrepresentation in global management.

(D)  Conclusion

Conclude by reaffirming your commitment to The Consortium’s mission post-MBA. Express your dedication to not only achieving personal success but also ensuring that others from underrepresented backgrounds have access to the same opportunities. Reiterate how your experiences and future plans are aligned with The Consortium’s goals, positioning yourself as a future leader in diversity and inclusion.

References
•    Raye’s Journey with the Consortium
•    Abraham’s Journey with the Consortium
•    Amit's Inspiring Journey

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