Berkeley / Haas - 07-24-2024 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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July 24, 2024 9:27am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Duke / Fuqua, Stanford GSB, U. Chicago Booth, UCLA Anderson, USC / Marshall

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Industrial Engineer - Product Manager

Post-MBA Target Industry: Entrepreneurship, Undecided

GPA: 3

Years of Work Experience: 4

Location: Cordoba, Argentina

Post MBA Location: US

Notes:

Hi!

I’m 27 years old and was among the top 5 in my class during college. I am about to take the GMAT and start my admission process, aiming to apply in Round 2.

I worked as a Product Manager for a very successful LATAM startup, where I led a team to build one of the company's most important technology tools. I am passionate about solving user problems and enjoy networking.

My main concern is uncertainty about my post-MBA goals. I understand that an MBA is about the experience, meeting new people, developing skills and finding your optimal path. I believe that an MBA will help me address my concern, develop the essential skills to become a successful leader and probably pivoting in my current career.

Is this a common issue for potential MBA candidates? What's your thought on how can I assess this "issue"?

Thank you so much!

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Show Comments (2) Last: July 24, 2024

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1640 Good luck with the GMAT!

I see Stanford is on your target list, look at their essay, “What means most to you and why” (or something like that). Use that as a basis to help you explore your goals. Perhaps problem solving is your thing, and that can scale to societal problems, etc?

What would you like to see yourself doing in 10+ years? What then would be a good short term goal to get you there. This stuff is really important, AND will elevate your overall profile.

Do you know anyone who’s been to a top MBA program? Network with them, ask them, etc. Really push hard on this.

Showing impact and growth at work will be very important, and it sounds like that will be evident. Are you also involved in activities outside of work?

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grichmond Verified User. Likes Earned: 1184 You have the makings of a terrific profile, so I wish you all the best on the GMAT! As to your goals, it's actually highly unusual to come into an MBA program without a clear sense of one's goals. This isn't to say that students don't pivot or discover new paths once they arrive, but most everyone will have a hypothetical path planned prior. One glance at the essay questions posed by the top schools should make this apparent, as nearly all of them will ask you about your post-MBA plans.

I would advise you to come up with at least one path you could see yourself taking. If you enjoy problem solving and meeting new people, I would imagine a short-term role in strategy consulting might make sense, after which you could move into industry by joining a client in a strategy type role. Just a thought....

One final note: don't hesitate to incorporate your personal background as a Spanish speaker/Argentinian into your goals, since these are attributes for sure! Best of luck!
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