Many applicants find it very difficult to articulate what they want to do after business school. Predicting the future is always a challenge, especially when you’re striving to be both honest and accurate.
The rationale for dodging this question could be any of the following:
• I’m not sure what I want to do. That’s why I’m going for an MBA.
• I might change my mind while attending b-school.
• I know what I want to do, but I think the adcom might think it’s too boring / too difficult.
However, it’s shortsighted and even risky to avoid stating a post-MBA goal in your application or interview. Why? Well, business schools ask this question in order to learn more about your candidacy. While academic, professional and even personal backgrounds can be similar among applicants, the post-MBA goal can and should be a valuable and revealing point of difference.
From our work with over 3,500 applicants, The MBA Exchange has found that everyone is capable of identifying a distinctive, compelling and convincing career objective. In fact, this a major component of our comprehensive consultation. We help our clients find the ideal balance between relevance to their past/present and vision for their future.
Describing what you plan to do, long term and near team, conveys to the adcom your self-awareness, core values, and key strengths. It also provides a platform for you to express why you want and need an MBA education from the targeted school.
So, dig deep. Share your dream.
