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Major Question: What are your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals? How will Columbia Business School help you achieve these goals?
Working at a Salvadorian apparel manufacturing company for the past six years has given me invaluable insight into the dynamics of a growing organization. When I joined the company in 1998, there were fewer than two dozen employees and our focus was on the importation of fabrics from Central America. Today, Intradeco Apparel supplies $200 million of merchandise to the three largest mass retailers in the United States: Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Target. The company has 3,400 employees in two countries and controls most aspects of the supply chain, including sourcing, design, manufacturing, logistics, and sales. Through this growth, I have built my career by integrating technologies that promote synergy across geographic boundaries and reduce operating costs to maintain our competitive advantage in an increasingly aggressive industry. I have enjoyed the benefits of sustained periods of growth, experienced the excitement of two acquisitions, felt the effects of globalization, and thrived under the pressures of supplying the leading retailers in our country with just-in-time inventory. This exposure has led me to my present role reporting directly to the president as manager of a diverse team of technologists. Consequently, it has also helped me develop a clear vision of my goals and what I must do to achieve them. My short term goal is to make the leap from manufacturing to retail in the apparel business. Making this transition will be essential to my career for three key reasons. First, the elimination of Chinese apparel import quotas in 2005 as a result of Chinas entry into the World Trade Organization will make it increasingly difficult for Latin American manufacturers to sustain profitability given Asias far cheaper labor costs. It has been estimated that Chinese manufacturing labor cost is $0.64 per hour, less than half El Salvadors $1.30. Second, retailers direct access to customers allows them to focus on leveraging their knowledge of consumer trends to maximize profits while passing many of the risks, and associated costs, to manufacturers. One example of this is inventory management. Retailers are increasingly requiring manufacturers to self-manage their inventory, delivering only enough merchandise to meet customer demand. If a particular color or style does not sell, the manufacturer is then forced to keep this inventory or sell it at a loss. Third, retailers are able to establish powerful brands like Bloomingdales, Calvin Klein, or Louis Vuitton that differentiate their products and build a loyal customer base a luxury that is simply inexistent in the increasingly commoditized apparel manufacturing industry. In the long-term, my goal is to become a senior executive at a major apparel retailer such as Federated Department Stores or LVMH. Achieving this goal gives me the opportunity to leverage my leadership skills while making a positive impact on the industry by driving emerging economies forward through the creation of jobs. Thus far, my experiences at Intradeco Apparel have helped me gain a solid grasp of the technology and manufacturing aspects of the business while exercising my leadership skills. Yet, to truly gain a holistic understanding of the industry and differentiate myself as the best person to lead such a corporation, I need to strengthen my knowledge of core business skills and the retail industry, cultivate a strong network of contacts in the business, and gain a deeper understanding of Chinese commerce. In light of these goals, the Columbia MBA provides an ideal environment where I know I will flourish. It is ideal not only because of the schools outstanding reputation and center-of-the-retail-universe location, but more specifically, because of its Retailing Program led by Professor Alan Kane. Learning from Professors Kane and Feiner, along with the many leaders of retail who are guests in their courses, perfectly fits my ambition of gaining the skills I need to succeed in the retail business. It is also a unique opportunity to forge relationships with others who are, or will soon be, leading retail organizations in an atmosphere where my professional background will enhance class discussions and group exercises. Beyond the classroom, New York provides the perfect setting where I can gain hands-on experience during summer internships at a major apparel retailer. This combination of academic and applied knowledge, coupled with my past experience, will be a powerful force for jumpstarting my career in the apparel retail industry. Also key to my time at Columbia is pursuing a better understanding of emerging Asian markets, and particularly China, since it represents the largest growth opportunity for the retail industry. Chinas more than one billion citizens provide not only a huge supply of cost-effective labor, but also the chance to capitalize on a market with virtually unlimited potential. Consequently, a deeper understanding of Chinese commerce is crucial to my short-term and long-term success. During my last term at Columbia I plan to take full advantage of what I consider to be one of the greatest strengths of the Columbia MBA: The ability to spend a semester at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) through the Chazen Institute MBA Exchange Program. HKUST has one of the leading Asian MBA programs where apparel retailers like LVMH and Christian Dior frequently recruit. While there, my primary goal is to combine my experiences in the Columbia Retailing Program with those provided by HKUST to further differentiate myself as an ideal candidate for a major apparel retailer. Studying in one of Hong Kongs premier universities will also diversify my network of contacts to include executives in the Asian continent. Having such contacts will be key to my success as apparel retailers increasingly source their manufacturing from the Asian continent and look to Asia for expansion and growth. Ultimately, my goal is to get more out of an MBA than just an understanding of business. I want to lead the world of retail in an increasingly global marketplace by capturing the opportunities that only Columbia can provide. As such, the combination of my upbringing in the Dominican Republic by a Cuban family, my technological expertise, and my professional experience in Central America make me uniquely suited to succeed at Columbia and beyond. Further, I know I will work hard to make the next two years as memorable for my classmates as they will be for me by being an active member of the Columbia community. It is precisely because of these reasons that there simply no better place in the world than New York, and no better school than Columbia for me to pursue an MBA.
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How would a colleague describe you? (100-word limit)
My colleagues at XXX would describe me as focused, confident, hard working and analytical. They would cite an excellent capacity for working independently but also for working well with many types of professionals senior partners, colleagues from European offices and portfolio company executives. They would further comment on my intellectual curiosity, my consideration for others and my loyalty. They would say that my sense of humor and my engaging and encouraging attitude helps me maintain the respect of subordinate colleagues and ultimately get things done. However, they would say that I know how to be firm when necessary.
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What is the most important thing you have recently learned? (100-word limit)
Growing up in rural upstate NY gave me a lasting appreciation for the supporting influence of communities. However, communities exist to engage and welcome as much as to support. Ironically, I learned this simple yet valuable lesson while studying abroad in Denmark. I was nervous upon first meeting my Danish host family. This feeling quickly dissipated as they immediately welcomed me into their family and community. Upon departing six months later, I knew I was leaving behind something special - my second home. This experience broadened my 'definition' of communities and forever heightened my commitment to my own personal and professional environments.
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Tell us about a personal goal you have recently pursued.
Helping XXX become the first in his family to attend college was a personal goal I recently pursued. XXX faced many personal challenges, but remained committed to his goal. I marveled at his determination and resolved to help him. I kept him focused and provided encouragement and guidance whenever necessary. I helped XXX prepare for the SAT, review applications and research financial aid. XXX goal became my own. XXX attended XXX in 1998. He did the hard work and got what he deserved. Playing a small role in helping him attain this goal was especially gratifying for me.
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Why have you decided to pursue an MBA? (100-word limit)
My colleagues at Doughty Hanson would describe me as focused, confident, hard working and analytical. They would cite an excellent capacity for working independently but also for working well with many types of professionals - senior partners, colleagues from European offices and portfolio company executives. They would further comment on my intellectual curiosity, my consideration for others and my loyalty. They would say that my sense of humor and my engaging and encouraging attitude helps me maintain the respect of subordinate colleagues and ultimately get things done. However, they would say that I know how to be firm when necessary. 2. What is the most important thing you have recently learned? (100-word limit) Growing up in rural upstate NY gave me a lasting appreciation for the supporting influence of communities. However, communities exist to engage and welcome as much as to support. Ironically, I learned this simple yet valuable lesson while studying abroad in Denmark. I was nervous upon first meeting my Danish host family. This feeling quickly dissipated as they immediately welcomed me into their family and community. Upon departing six months later, I knew I was leaving behind something special - my second home. This experience broadened my definition of communities and forever heightened my commitment to my own personal and professional environments.
