A typical day - Harvard - Business school admissions essay help
Business school admissions essay help
“So, what would I do on a typical day?” the candidate asked. During my own job search I had posed this question to at least half a dozen interviewers—only to be frustrated when each struggled to respond coherently. But I could reply with ease. Right? Wrong. With every word I uttered the interviewee’s expression grew increasingly confused. Then it dawned on me: this is not a difficult question, it simply does not have an answer. There is no “typical” day in management consulting, which is why I love working for A. T. Kearney and intend to return upon completing my MBA.
I value that my career exposes me to a variety of industries, corporate cultures, and business issues. Companies I have helped include a family-owned paper products manufacturer, a midsized media conglomerate, and a leading insurance corporation. Immersing myself in an assortment of organizations keeps me engaged and allows me to more rapidly acquire a well-rounded skill set than I might in industry. As a consultant, I have polished my negotiating, modeling, interviewing, and presenting skills—and expect to add many more to this list over time.
Leveraging my strengths is equally important to me as evolving into a more versatile businessperson. Although consultants’ day-to-day activities vary, the attributes essential for success in consulting are static: sharp analytical and interpersonal skills. It is no coincidence that these are two of my strongest traits; after all, confidence that I am best equipped for consulting is what initially prompted me to enter this profession. Proud as I am of having been promoted twice, on each occasion after minimum time in grade, what truly motivates me is the prospect of guiding others through fast-paced, perpetual change as a partner.
I am certain that the HBS core curriculum, along with electives such as Leading Professional Service Firms, will unlock my full potential as a consultant and enable me to reach this level. No business could better cater to my desire to be challenged. Problems I solve, with whom I work, how much information I have—all will be in a constant state of flux as long as I am a consultant. The unpredictability of my daily routine is not only what makes any attempt to answer that candidate’s question an exercise in futility, but also the most demanding part of the fulfilling career I plan to resume after graduating from HBS.
Analysis
This essay commentary is addressed to applicants with traditional business school backgrounds, such as investment banking and consulting. These candidates often face the difficult challenge of differentiating themselves from similarly distinguished applicants.
What is striking about this response is the author’s enthusiasm for his chosen profession. By opening with an interesting anecdote, the applicant draws the reader into his consulting world. While describing his favorite attributes about his career, the author reveals elements of his personality: an insatiable curiosity, a strong willingness to learn, and an ability to succeed in a challenging and dynamic environment. Though his long-term aspiration to be a partner at A. T. Kearney is not comparatively differential, the author explains clearly why it is the right vision for him. He is straightforward, yet compelling, and succeeds in convincing the reader that, for him, consulting is not merely a job; it is a passion.
Despite its strengths, this essay suffers from an overuse of business lingo. The author mentions “leveraging” his strengths and “unlocking his full potential as a consultant” and in doing so misses opportunities to highlight specific skills that he hopes to gain from an MBA. Additionally, the author does not effectively illustrate how an MBA from HBS fits into his career vision. As it is currently written, the essay could generically be used as part of an application for any school. This is a critical point: know your audience and offer a persuasive argument as to why you are applying to the program you have selected.
From 65 Successful Harvard Business School Application Essays edited by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson. Copyright (c) 2009 by the authors and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Publishing Group