| Samuel |
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| Below is one of Samuel's essays for his Chicago application. We present the essay in its original form, with just cosmetic changes made to protect the author's identity. We then provide comments and suggestions, based on the advice available in Your MBA Game Plan. |
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| The question that he answers in this essay is: |
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| Why are you seeking an M.B.A.? What are your plans and goals after you receive your degree? (500 words) |
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What struck me the most during my recent travels through my homeland, Latvia was how technologically underdeveloped the country still is. It seemed that years of ingrained bureaucracy during the Communist regime have left mostly chaos and ill-equipped professionals. The local businesses were obviously in great demand for both, new products and properly educated and experienced business leaders.
Given Latvia's gradual economic growth and its prospects to join the European Union, there is clearly a beneficial opportunity for any US-trained business leader interested in the European marketplace. I would like to capitalize on this opportunity by providing new ideas and products that would strengthen the regional economic integration. For this, I would need the proper training and understanding of such components as the dynamics of the international marketplace and the possible risks in new product development practices. Earning an MBA degree from GSB would be a significant component of this training.
Because of my international experience and technical skills, I foresee my future career as assuming an advisory, and ultimately a leadership position in a software development company interested in the Eastern European markets. I plan to work as a product manager responsible for the development and implementation of new applications. I believe that such an undertaking would not only benefit my own venture, but also improve the competitive level of the local marketplace.
Thus far, I have had the fortune of studying and working in Latvia, Austria, and the US. In each country, I have participated in a wide range of activities – from being politically active in Latvia during the fall of Communism to volunteering as an instantaneous translator in Austria to becoming a technical lead in my current company. Comparing the lifestyles in each of these countries has helped me appreciate the difference in societies and the importance of adapting and integrating into each culture. My ability to integrate easily in foreign communities has provided me with the confidence to anticipate and even enjoy challenges abroad – a capability that could only benefit my future endeavors.
Equally important for my long-term plans has been my work experience as an IT consultant. My affinity for technical innovation was greatly satisfied by working at Quantum Systems over the past four years. Unlike most of my colleagues, I have worked on a diverse range of projects covering various industries such as the B2B market, aerospace, strategy consulting, and the higher education sector. I was able to acquire a solid technical background and thus become a competent developer and assume greater responsibilities in overseeing other people's work. My tasks have included developing major web-based business applications as well as training and assisting my colleagues on multiple projects.
Over the course of my career, I have learned that technical expertise complements well with manager's responsibilities and promises a substantially higher rate of success. Consequently, I believe that I could greatly benefit from receiving a quality education as an MBA student. Earning a business degree from GSB would provide me with the optimal position of becoming a competent manager with a sound understanding of software development and international perspective to effectively "go global". |
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| Comments |
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Samuel has produced a near-perfect essay. He adequately answers both questions. It is clear what he hopes to achieve from an MBA and what his career goals are. Samuel also ties it well to his motivations and background. |
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The essay reads very smoothly. Samuel does a nice job in the last paragraph of supporting the message that he sent in the first paragraph. He also presents a nice balance of discussing his background and aspirations. This balance allows the reader to see that Samuel has strengths that will allow him to move into his desired career, but also some areas in which he would benefit from an MBA program. |
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Samuel should focus on using the second GSB essay to discuss why the program would be the perfect fit for his career aspirations. |
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