NYU Stern MBA Essay 1: Change: _________ it (350 word maximum, double-spaced, 12-point font)
In today’s global business environment, the only constant is change. Using NYU Stern’s brand call to action, we want to know how you view change. Change: _____ it. Fill in the blank with a word of your choice. Why does this word resonate with you? How will you embrace your own personal tagline while at Stern? Examples:
Change: Dare it.
Change: Dream it.
Change: Drive it.
Change: Empower it.
Change: Manifest it.
Change: [Any word of your choice.]
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Background Information: The accounting applicant shares his experience driving growth and change for a retail giant. Another experience with marketing for his family business is mentioned to demonstrate his preparedness to change careers from accounting to consulting.
Theme: Entrepreneurial Thinking, Behavioral Science
Theme (Explained): Drive it narrative ideally should involve entrepreneurial thinking, initiative, and creativity.
For the essay, creativity is captured through the applicant’s involvement as a marketer in his family business. The applicant also drove sales growth by applying behavioral science principles to reverse the low coupon redemption.
Profile: Accountant, Consulting
Industry: Retail
MBA Essay Strategy: Capturing a consultant’s mindset is essential for career switchers in functional roles – technology, accounting, and IB to improve the feasibility of their post-MBA goals.
I highlighted the applicant’s thinking beyond the accounting function by including a behavioral science intervention that improved coupon redemption.
For the family business, a unique marketing campaign to combat low pricing strategies from competitors is another example in the essay.
Through these two interventions, the applicant is demonstrating creativity with a ‘drive it’ mindset.
Opener: Starting with a line about the changes happening in a business is one way to connect with the essay theme.
NYU Stern Change Essay Example: Drive It (Applying Behavioral Science - Accounting)(342 Words)
As the core accounting person managing 138 subsidiaries at <X>, I witnessed the transition of businesses from startup to mature companies, technology expenses shadowing operational expenses, and regulatory changes stalling reliable cash flow businesses.
Instead of letting external forces determine the future, our Founder/CEO would often share, “Only dead fish go with the flow.”
Embracing a mantra of entrepreneurial thinking ..
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