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How did you realize you wanted a career in business?
People may be surprised to learn that my childhood dream was to become an artist. In elementary school, both my teachers and fellow students admired my artwork. Then, in high school, I took as many art classes as possible including an independent study, all of which advanced my cause. Thus armed with talent and training, I was poised, in a sense, to realize this goal. However, once enrolled in university, new interests peaked my curiosity. During my first year of college, I modified my dream of becoming the next Kandinsky and set my mind on becoming an art dealer upon graduation. Accordingly, I decided to double major in business and art history. After two years of pursuing these very different degrees, I was admitted into Business School. Suddenly, I was immersed in a world completely different from that of the humanities, and, to be frank, I enjoyed it. Global Marketing became more intriguing than 15th century painting. I came to realize the financial aspects of becoming an Art Dealer were more interesting to me than the art itself. I dropped my art history classes (but, importantly, not my interest in art and its history) and pursued a Marketing degree. Although my passion for the business world is stronger, my love of art has not decreased. When traveling, the local art galleries always yield many pleasurable hours. I still get my hair blown back when I see original works by Miro or Brancusi. I also astonish friends when I explain the philosophies underpinning movements like Dadaism or Rococo. In my heart, a business career comes first. However, I believe that the knowledge and creativity I gained from studying art will enable me to contribute unique ideas to the XXX School of Business and corporate world as a whole.
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Major essay: In what role do you see yourself working immediately after graduation? Why? How will your past and present experiences help you achieve this? How will the London Business School MBA Programme contribute to this goal? Finally, how do you see your career progressing five years after graduation? (Max 600 words)
I want to work in a business-to-consumer industry because I think the psychological dynamics of spending are more diverse, less rational, and to me more interesting than in the business-to-business industry I work in today. An MBA will help me make that change as it will give me knowledge of business approaches beyond my own industry - both through the curriculum, but also through learning from my fellow students. Further, an MBA would enable me to make career progress much faster than I could without one. In fact, it is likely a necessity: In doing my research on future employment opportunities, I found that companies often explicitly state that having an MBA is a requirement for getting the job! Particularly at LBS, I can continue performing in the truly international and multi-cultural environment I so thrive in: The share of international participants at LBS is higher than at many other top MBA schools. I presently lead a team of people from more than 8 different nationalities spanning Asia, Europe and North America. Bringing such diversity together is highly rewarding, and helps me understand aspects I implicitly take for granted: Recently, I introduced new pricing guidelines, and during the first meeting the Americans were quick to ask questions, whereas their Malaysian counterpart kept quiet. Only afterwards did the Malaysian approach me to get clarification on some questions. I learned that even though I encouraged debate at the meeting, it was deeply ingrained in him that publicly questioning me would be a sign of disrespect. My first interpretation of his silence was that it was a sign of agreement and understanding but that turned out not to be the case. Finally, I am especially enthusiastic about LBS' summer internship, which will give me a chance to get a taste of new industries. Given my wish to change industry, I have no definite employment path planned immediately upon graduation. However, among the options I consider are - joining the Dutch electronics company Philips, who recruit MBA graduates on a fast-track programme. 5 years later - or even before - this will position me for a senior management job for example in the International Marketing group which deals with development, production, distribution and communication about all the latest products launching around the world; - joining MARS, the American consumer goods company. Since I have no previous experience with FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), I expect an introduction period. However, I expect to quickly be able to move into a position for example as Brand Manager responsible for developing and executing brand innovation and communication plans. In both the two options, my 9 years of experience from an international conglomerate will come in handy. I will be able to use my understanding of how internal politics in big corporations work, how the ability to communicate with other departments can be critical to ones success, and how to manoeuvre in a strong and sometimes rigid corporate culture. In the case of Philips, the MBA fast track programme will emerge me in a fast paced, competitive environment. This is similar to the situation when I joined the management trainee programme at Maersk. I work well under pressure and thrive in a competitive environment. I graduated Maersk's programme as 2nd out of 130 graduates in my year.
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Major essay: Please describe your experience of working in and leading teams, either in your professional or personal life. Given this experience, what role do you think you will play in your study group, and how do you intend to contribute to it? (Max 500 words)
I am presently member of a committee responsible for planning and executing the annual company indoor football tournament. Around 1,000 people will participate in the tournament and will afterwards enjoy a 3-course dinner followed by live music and dancing. The budget is around USD 80,000. I volunteered to join the committee because I encourage the social aspect of work. Long working hours become more tolerable if you have fun with the people you work with. Social events like the football tournament help people get together and have fun. At the first committee meeting, we had to assign the initial tasks among us. No one seemed interested in the task of drawing up a preliminary budget, so rather than rushing out and reserving my preferred task, I agreed to do the budget. This is to me the essence of teamwork: To realise what the capabilities in the group are weak and strong - and then try to enforce the weak points. This is in line with my leadership philosophy: Each situation has its own unique solution. I do not believe in one cure-all approach; for instance that either delegating or centralising decisions is the sure way to success. The newest member of my team requires a firm framework for him/her to work in, whereas the experienced member would be highly de-motivated by that approach. Six months ago I led an initiative at Maersk to change the product offering, i.e. the schedules vessels sail according to. I had met with Dutch flower bulb growers, who sell their produce to the US market. To fit their production runs, the growers were looking for a Saturday vessel departure from Rotterdam, and an arrival in New York the following weekend, to have the goods in the stores Monday morning. The main challenge was to get the operational matters solved: Changing the port rotation of one service has a ripple effect on other vessel schedules, and ocean terminal capacity is extremely scarce, which limits the flexibility. I brought together the local operations staff of all North European ports and the overall operations responsible for Europe. During the first meeting, most were positive that the change was feasible, but in the ensuing weeks communication between the parties was lacking - so I instigated daily telephone conferences to keep momentum. However, operations in Rotterdam finally found the impact on other vessel schedules too severe. Despite this I was determined to make it work, and in co-operation with the regional operations manager, I gathered the necessary data and developed a good contingency plan, which finally made Rotterdam go along with the plan. Top management approved the schedule change and two weeks later, the flower bulb growers got the service product they wanted. This change generated USD 2 mill. profit to the company over a five-month period. My role in the study group will reflect my experience of working in and leading a team. I will use my organisational skills to structure the task at hand, and try to strengthen weak sides in the team. I will use my social and communication skills to bridge cultural gaps, motivate and thereby contribute to the group's performance.
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Minor essay: Student involvement is an extremely important part of the London MBA experience and this is reflected in the character of students on campus. What type of student club or campus community event do you envisage yourself initiating? How would you set about organising this, and how would you communicate it to the wider School community?
I have played guitar since I was 12. These days, I perform in clubs and universities in Copenhagen and around Denmark playing guitar in the soul/funk band 'Slapdaddy Groove'. I would like to continue performing at LBS and envisage creating a forum where other students who play music can perform and the campus community can get together and enjoy a concert and a drink. The concept would be a monthly concert and jam session at the school, where a 'house band', consisting of fellow student musicians and me, would play for one hour first, and thereafter it would be a 'free' stage. Anyone can join in and perform with or without an instrument and with or without the support of the 'house band'. This way, I create a social event that facilitates artistic expression, networking and relaxing to music at the same time. Getting to know new people is to me an essential part of my MBA experience. I would firstly need to gather the 'house band', and I would use the school's messaging boards to advertise for candidates. We would need to find a place to rehearse a few times, and if not on campus, then rent a place outside the school. Obviously we would need instruments and amplifiers also, and since private companies have a record of sponsoring social events at LBS - we might find a company that would sponsor renting equipment for the concerts. I would contact the Public Relations department at LBS to get a list of companies that have a history of supporting LBS events. With an external company involved, the events will as a bonus also serve to strengthen the ties between LBS and the surrounding business community as well as help students get in contact with possible future employers. Finally, with the band in place we would need proper marketing to make sure everyone is aware of the concerts. Again, I would use posters on the school's messaging boards, but direct e-mailing could be another good way to reach the potential audience. I would invite people who like music and social events to sign up for an e-mailing list on the posters. This way, we could establish a direct link to make sure those interested are aware of the time and place of the next concert.
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Minor Essay Student involvement is an extremely important part of the London MBA experience and this is reflected in the character of students on campus. What type of student club or campus community event do you envisage yourself initiating? How would you set about organizing this, and how would you communicate it to the wider School community? (400 words) extravaganza.
Everyone has to eat. Why not do it with the Cuisine Club? Given my passion for cooking, combined with London Business School's international diversity, this is one club that will make a definite impact. It will be a chance to get away from the hectic campus life and spend time relaxing with friends, while reflecting on the day's events. It will be an opportunity to learn about different cultures, while beefing up our culinary survival skills. We will visit local specialty restaurants and study the art of budget cooking. It won't be all pleasure though. The club has a chance to give back to the community by participating in an annual food-for-charity extravaganza. Every great idea needs a plan; here is my recipe for success: - Start early. One student confessed that in his desire to make the most of his MBA experience, he initially committed to too many clubs, and subsequently struggled to keep pace. This made future endeavors impossible. Make sure the club is ready in time to give new students a viable choice when they make their initial club commitments. - Research the London Students Association (LSA) website to confirm a similar club doesn't already exist. Meet with LSA's Clubs Representative to discuss guidelines. Consult club presidents for advice. What motivates their members? Determine realistic expectations regarding time commitment and budget. - Discuss the idea with classmates. Ask if it has potential and encourage suggestions. Invite people to help in the start-up phase. Search for people with a similar passion, and experience in areas like advertising and web design. - Start advertising the idea to the wider school community. Advertise through the school newspaper, flyers, and club website. Spread the idea at social events like 'Sundowners'. Design custom-designed t-shirts - a cheap and effective method of advertising the club. - Kick off the club in a grand inauguration ceremony (it goes without saying - provide free food). Clearly define the clubs vision and objectives. Sign up members for key committee positions such as meeting coordinator, treasurer and public relations. If necessary, hold elections. Mention specific individual responsibilities in detail, to eliminate ambiguity. - Sustain the initial success. Organize regular activities, provide periodic status, plan the future agenda, brainstorm ideas, demand continuous feedback, and celebrate achievements. Finally, stimulate other students' interest and taste buds by vigorously promoting the club at community events like 'Tattoo', and through the club newsletter.
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MAJOR ESSAY - London Business School Please describe your experience of working in and leading teams, either in your professional or personal life. Given this experience, what role do you think you will play in your study group, and how do you intend to contribute to it? (500 words). Similar type of question asked at USC.
Just mention the word 'line-down' and my coworkers' faces will contort with fear. And for good reason. This dreaded term refers to an issue so serious, it virtually shuts the assembly line down. It's not a pleasant situation to be caught in and not something one should face alone. Which is why, when a teammate does encounter a line-down, we drop everything and rush to the aid of the beleaguered individual. No hesitation. No questions asked. The team comes first. Always. I've led numerous team efforts but it's the crisis situations that have had the biggest impact on my development as a leader. I was once assigned to resolve a line-down on our most popular product. The company was losing millions of dollars each day on cancelled orders. We toiled for two weeks without success. Pretty soon the executives were yelling on the phone, demanding answers. People started panicking, pointing fingers at each other and second-guessing my decisions. The situation was spiraling out of control. Meanwhile, the clock was ticking. It was time to take decisive action. I gathered everyone together and reminded them of the tough obstacles we had overcome in the past. We would overcome this one too; we just had to persist and believe in ourselves and in each other. I initiated a brainstorming session. We identified all remaining possibilities, and finalized a consistent plan of attack. It was hard asking them to spend yet another weekend at work, but I urged them to make one final assault. I remained with the team throughout the ordeal, listening to their concerns but allowing no room for accusations. Instead of making excuses to management or covering up our errors, I accepted full responsibility for any mistakes that the team made. After all, with power comes accountability. I was leading the effort; if anyone was to blame, it was I. It was important for me to lead with integrity. For with integrity comes trust - and one cannot lead without trust. We ultimately solved the problem but we would not have done it without the priceless contribution of every single member. We will not face any line-downs during the course of our MBA. But my experience in pressure situations will help me play a dynamic role in the group. When we face those inevitable last-minute obstacles on that term project, I will be a leader emphasizing a calm logical approach. I will advise the group on how to effectively organize and multitask, secrets learnt from a company where discipline, speed and efficiency mean everything. When tempers run high due to difference of opinions, I will act as negotiator and help resolve conflicts. When all seems lost, I will motivate, rejuvenate, and help drive the recovery. Finally, when someone needs guidance, whether on their assignments or on a personal problem, I will be there to help and provide honest advice. This will be my number one priority and most honored role. No one gets left behind on my watch. The team comes first. Always.
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MAJOR ESSAY - UCLA Please provide us with a summary of your personal and family background. Include information about your parents and siblings, where you grew up, and perhaps a highlight or special memory of your youth. (2 pages, ~1000 words) Similar question but with lower word count (~500 words) asked at London BS and USC.
I distinctly recall my first visit, at the age of fourteen, to my ancestral village in Goa. Far from the developed coast where I lived, this place appeared to be stuck in the last century. There was no television, and the inhabitants still traveled by bullock cart and relied on candles for light. It was a humbling, eye-opening experience, and I realized how my grandfather's courageous decision to transcend his outer limits in 1939 eventually influenced my own life. He had left his village for the big city, to join the struggle for independence against Portuguese colonization. He later laid the foundations for social reform in the state. He relentlessly strove for change in a place where the word is almost despised, and where 'Sussegado' (Portuguese, meaning 'without a care') is a popular local motto. My grandfather's pioneering spirit embedded itself in my parents. My father left a lucrative family business in India to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. Meanwhile, my mother pursued her law degree at a time when the public still frowned upon careers for women. They migrated to England to fulfill their ambitions. I was born soon after. I grew up with visions of becoming a soccer star - I never made the school team. My father's limited experience meant it was tough for him (and for me) to hold onto a stable position. We moved often, in search of that elusive perfect lifestyle. Today, I consider myself fortunate for that varied upbringing. But I didn't see it that way as a child. Every time I made some really good friends, or excelled at a sport, my life was tragically uprooted. When I was eleven, my parents decided that the time had come to return to India. They missed their families and wanted to serve their motherland. They were also concerned that their two children would grow up confused, without any knowledge of India's heritage. Talk about culture shock! I was abruptly confronted with a cataclysmic new way of life. Weird customs, strange foods, new languages, and an inhospitable climate all contributed to my bewilderment. Renowned for its beautiful beaches and laid-back lifestyle, Goa is a traveler's delight. However, I wasn't sure I could settle down here. No one seemed to care about the big issues affecting their lives, and no one seemed to take any action. Nothing seemed to ever happen; the locals were mostly content with the status quo. All my childhood dreams evaporated as I struggled to accept a new reality. I was placed in an ultra-competitive school. Having to master two new languages was no picnic either. And if I thought I would finally be free of the discrimination that had plagued me in England, I was sadly mistaken. My new classmates held a deep-rooted suspicion of outsiders, easy to understand after the history books so eloquently described the atrocities committed under foreign rule. I was an outcast. It was a low point in my life. My grades slipped and my teachers branded me a failure, beyond salvage. My sister had it easier - four years elder to me, she was exempt from the trilingual criteria. Besides, she was always highly motivated to do well in school. Me, I had so far survived with typically average grades, preferring instead to hang out with friends and explore new stunts on my BMX bike. Maybe I was tired of being labeled the underdog. Maybe I felt guilty at hearing my parents argue every night, wondering if they had made the right decision for their children. But after two miserable years of existence, I stopped complaining and accepted reality. I attacked those text books like never before. I lived, breathed and dreamed those languages as I gave up all other social activities for the next three years. I eventually ranked fourth out of twenty thousand students in the state exams. My willingness to learn the local language, and my dedication, earned me the respect of my peers and I made new friends. Things were looking up and my old life in England faded like a distant dream. I had woken up to appreciate the new adventure that India had to offer. I started volunteering extensively for social change, not because I felt obligated to carry on the family tradition, but because I recognized I had the power to change things on my own and set an example to the rest of society. My new-found self-confidence helped me when it came time to make a crucial career decision. While I had held little control over my future until then, I was now keen to forge my own destiny. I could join my father's medical practice, but with the job security would come a loss of choice. I had yearned for my freedom for years and wouldn't give it up so easily. I wanted to explore new worlds and uncover new opportunities. I wanted to make my own decisions and my own mistakes. I didn't want to ever regret what might have been. I took the path less traveled and joined engineering. My friends did not comprehend why I would give up the easy life. But my parents understood. Thus began the next phase of my journey into the unknown. A journey which continues to this day. Someone once said 'that which does not kill you makes you stronger.' True. The many changes which I resented as a child, have provided me with the confidence to survive in any environment, and instilled in me a love for traveling and a deep curiosity for the undiscovered. Life in England and Goa has taught me the values of humility, patience, and persistence, and the importance of family and community. Although I have since encountered many more unforeseen twists and turns, I now view these as learning opportunities, and mere setbacks rather than as permanent obstacles. It's during those times of difficulty that I have discovered I really am a survivor. I consider myself fortunate to have had the ability to overcome those tough times - times I was written off, when all I ever wanted was a chance to prove myself. Today, I spend time helping less fortunate or capable people tackle the challenges in their own lives. I now see the world through different eyes and realize what is truly important.
