MBA gyan part 2

Continuing the second section of the blog post, we spoke to Siddhartha Sen.

So you've decided to pursue your MBA abroad and taken the GMAT. Congratulations! You have a head-start. But please remember, you've won the battle not the war. GMAT is just a screening/ eligibility  criteria, and would be only 20% of your application to a B-school. Surprised? Well, that's reality.

Now, the most important part of your application will be your essays. Out of the essays too, your statement of purpose or the "Why MBA" essay as it is popularly known as, is the single most important document. That is your story and it should be interesting enough to spark interest among the admissions committee to want to speak to you. That is how you will bag an interview. 

Now, for those who have just taken the GMAT, now is a time to start working on your story. And this story needs to be well told in a manner that is clear, concise and to an extent dominating i.e shows you are in control of your career at all times. From my experiences, a Why MBA essay goes through 10 - 12 edits and generally requires 1.5 - 2 months to come up with a stellar story. Also remember that this essay should always compliment your 1 - page resume. So, in order to do that, my approach is generally to sit down before I begin any of this and list down achievements; personal and professional. Think hard and list down all your achievements down to your school level. I literally mean, if you won a dance competition in std 1, put it in there.

The three most important things in a Why MBA essay are -

1. WHY do you want to do an MBA?
2. Why do you want it now and how does your past work experience relate to your future goals?
3. Why do you want to do it from that particular school?

One last thing to remember, when you are writing your essay, make it look like you planned everything and steered your career in such a way that MBA is the next logical step at this point for you.

If you need any further help with your essay writings, feel free to reach out.

I'll be talking about school selections next! Stay tuned...!

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Siddhartha Sen is a guest blogger with "The Potter's Earth".

An Engineer by qualification, Siddhartha is currently pursuing his MBA from University of Georgia, USA. He and his friends have launched an initiative called "MBA Catalysts" that provides one-on-one counselling to MBA aspirants in India looking to pursue higher studies abroad.

He can be reached at  siddharthsen85@gmail.com