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Stanford MBA Essay Example - Operations to Consulting

Why Stanford MBA: Career Switching (Industry and Function – Oil & Gas Operations to Consulting in Operations)

For this Why Stanford MBA, we use an example of an Oil & Gas engineer who had a phenomenal growth to Delivery Manager in just three years.

Why Stanford MBA - First Section

The applicant starts the narrative by mentioning the titles she traversed to reach the position as the delivery manager and the exposure she had through these roles. By starting with the trend that the Oil & Gas industry is facing a steady decline with competition from renewable energy, and the changing trends in car ownership, she also highlights the rigid hierarchy in the industry. The number of years required to reach executive position is a timeline she could leverage in another industry where no such restrictions exist.

Why Stanford MBA - Second Section

After highlighting the motivations for changing industry, the applicant transitions into the learning framework that makes Stanford MBA program unique. The applicant then mentions the experiential learning and programs that would offer immediate value for her post-MBA career in Consulting.

Why Stanford MBA - Third Section

The applicant confesses her lack of knowledge in Finance and cites the unique teaching approach at Stanford MBA program.

Why Stanford MBA - Fourth Section

By connecting to the value of her unique upbringing, she cites the curriculum structure that would allow her to transition into Consulting.

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Sample Why Stanford MBA: Career Switching (Industry and Function – Oil & Gas to Consulting in Operations) (387 Words)

While the promotion from Operations Engineer to Team Lead to Delivery Manager has been at an unprecedented pace, I recognize the privilege I had in managing people, deploying technology, and delivering strategic goals. However, the Oil & Gas industry has been in a steady decline. In addition to the industry trend, the rigid hierarchy that values years in a position over the merit & impact of the solution would mean that it would take another 15 years to reach the Executive Vice President role. Too long to be tied down by a role, as in just three years, I learned the operation manual for oil exploration, the technologies for remote operations, and applied my understanding of team dynamics for managing on-ground staff from 85 countries.

Stanford MBA offers the .....

F1GMAT's Stanford MBA Essay Guide

Essay A: What matters most to you, and why? (650 Words)

Essay B: Why Stanford? (350 Words)

Optional Question: Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (600 Words) (200 words – each example)

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About the Author 

Atul Jose

I am Atul Jose, Founding Consultant of F1GMAT, an MBA admissions consultancy that has worked with applicants since 2009.

 

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