...W. P. Carey MBA Admissions Essay Questions – Evening MBA and Online MBA MBA Applicants are required to submit answers to essay questions during the online application process. Essays may be typed in the document below, saved and uploaded in one document when requested during the online application. Responses to each essay question should be no more than two pages using 1.5 line spacing. Please begin each question on a new page. Essay Question #1 Explain how your past accomplishments have prepared you for the W. P. Carey MBA. “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.” A famous saying from the movie Forrest Gump pretty much describes my situation. In my earlier life, I never thought I would come to US for my master of engineering, work as an electrical engineer at Force10networks (it was acquired by DELL recently), and now pursue an MBA. My past accomplishments that have prepared me for the W.P. Carey MBA include teaching mathematics in Taiwan, coming to US to improve myself, earning my engineering masters at the University of Arizona, and working as electrical design engineer at force10networks. Before I came to US, I had taught mathematics from high school level to college calculus for seven years. The reason that I like teaching is I like to sense students’ issues of learning mathematics. I like to communicate with them, and to help them succeed in achieving...
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...Pursuing My MBA Pursuing My MBA May 6, 2008 Introduction One of my many dreams has always been to completing my education. As a single parent raising two boys, and working fulltime, it was a dream of mine to earn a college degree. Finally, I had the courage to get my undergraduate degree at the age of 49 from Jacksonville University. I considered myself lucky because several professors truly made quite an impact in my life. They advised me to pursue the MBA after one year of rest, in order for me to get some of my personal affairs in order. My former professors perceive me to be an outgoing person with a vision and a low tolerance for incompetence. They often refer to me as a natural leader. Possible career as a manager, I did not want to risk having my plans ruined. I thought long and hard to analyze the time it would take me to complete the MBA and the time I had to give up to accomplish my dream. My decision to pursue an MBA degree was more on considering the benefits of an MBA degree and the opportune time to do it. I decided that it made more sense to wait a year rather than pursue immediately after earning my undergraduate degree. I knew that choosing to pursue an MBA would basically open up new career opportunities. Some of my concerns were getting back into studying and test-taking mode, which doesn't always come naturally after some time away from it. I’m fully aware that attending work and taking classes at the same time can be a heavy...
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...I’m stuck! That is the simple explanation for wanting to pursue an MBA degree. I received my undergraduate degree in accounting and since graduating I have gained eight years of experience within the accounting and finance industry. Within this industry I have financial accounting experience and experience in financial analysis from working at a CPA firm, the public sector for the State of Alabama, a mid-sized insurance company headquartered here in Montgomery, AL, and now within the banking industry. With the exception of the CPA firm where I started out as entry-level, all of these places of employment I am and was a mid-level employee, where I am now stuck. To move out of the mid-level hole and into a position of management or at least a senior-level position within my current organization, an MBA is a requirement. Also, in today’s economic climate an MBA degree also creates a level of job security. An MBA degree lets people know that you have an increased knowledge of business acumen, which, therefore makes you a valuable asset to your company or organization. An MBA opens the doors of opportunity, such as being considered for advancement within my current organization, a position of higher pay and status with another company or laying the foundation to be a successful entrepreneur. Through my experience I have only worked in one environment in which an MBA degree wasn’t a requirement for advancement. As a staff accountant for the State of Alabama, they have a...
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...Should I Get an MBA? Jane Doe University of Phoenix: MGT/521 October 11, 2012 Joseph Mason The definition of MBA according to Wikipedia (2012) is the following: Master of Business Administration (MBA or M.B.A.) is a master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out scientific approaches to management. The core courses in the MBA program are designed to introduce students to the various areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, etc. Students in MBA programs have the option of taking general business courses throughout the program or can select an area of concentration and focus approximately one-fourth of their studies in this subject (“Wikipedia”, 2012). Accreditation bodies exist specifically for MBA programs to ensure consistency and quality of graduate business education. Business schools in many countries offer MBA programs tailored to full-time, part-time, executive, and distance learning students, with specialized concentrations (“Wikipedia”, 2012). I asked myself a series of questions of “Why should I get an MBA”? I took a systemic approach by addressing all the pro’s and cons of having an MBA. First, the pros of an MBA give you credibility...
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...Writing an Argument Latasha Randle MGT/521 February 6, 2012 Dr. Marie J. Abram Writing an Argument A Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is a post graduate degree which focuses on Business Communication. The program focuses on providing its attendees with business knowledge, leadership abilities, networking opportunities, and career advancement. Although the intent of the program is understood, one must weigh the advantages and disadvantages when determining if pursuing an MBA is the right choice. Oftentimes, obtaining a degree is only seen in a positive light. However, there can be some hidden negative impacts to seeking a MBA. There are several factors I personally had to consider when deciding to enroll in an MBA program. The MBA program is recognized as the most sought-after postgraduate degree program (VanderMey, 2011). According to the Graduate Management Admission Council, the average starting salary ranges from $61,000 to $78,000 annually for recent MBA graduates (VanderMey, 2011). The thought of obtaining a highly sought-after degree and the earning potential were my first true reasons for desiring to be in the MBA program. On the contrary, the job market is currently in a downward spiral. This means that with an MBA degree, there is a likelihood of remaining underemployed or unemployed. According to recent statistics, college graduates are facing the highest unemployment rates in more than two decades (VanderMey, 2011). Another objection to earning...
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...Writing an Argument Decision to Pursue an MBA Damita Jackson-Owens MGT 521 September 7th, 2011 Glenn Perry Writing an Argument Deciding to pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration is a decision worth sincerely contemplating. Not only may it boost in your self-esteem but you will obtain satisfaction for your ability to get recognized professionally. It can be an effective tool to enhance or advance one's career if carefully researched career goals are considered. It is an enormous commitment of time, personal sacrifice and financial investment and those who consider pursing it need to consider its value prior to pursing it. This brings me to discuss why I want to pursue my MBA degree. As the old saying goes, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste” and someone has at least heard this phrase told to them, “Knowledge is power” so therefore education is a lifelong process and you could never have too much knowledge. I will discuss my reasons for pursuing my MBA, share my personality traits and look at the pros and cons on obtain an MBA. My decision to pursue my MBA After obtaining my degree in Business Administration in April 2011, furthering my education immediately became an option in efforts to broaden my career opportunities. I am currently employed by the City of Tucson as a Housing Services Agent working with low-income families who are in need of housing under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) public housing sector and have been with the...
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...happy with my job at the bank until I had a meeting with an expert in 5s – a popular standard in organizing manufacturer. The meeting brought me a different view on manufacturing company which is considerably different from the bank. I want to do something more creative rather than following strictly to professional procedures at the bank. Moving from a bank where high-class customer services are provided to a manufacturing enterprise where processes and distributes heavy metal products to foreign markets might be a challenge. This transition needs a thorough understanding on business phenomenon and solving problems effectively. I had worked as supervisor at customer service and credit department of the bank for several years. With experiences in these fields, my short term goal after switching the job is middle manager in finance area. My long-term goal in the next five years is to become senior manager in that company. From my point of view, MBA is a perfect preparation to guarantee for the success of my career goals. My purpose is to concentrate fully in studying, therefore I quitted the job to pursue an MBA program. 2. MBA role in my career planning Self-awareness is extremely important in evaluating my own strengths and weaknesses, identify advantages acquired from MBA program and position myself in the labor market. Strength Banks associates with customer’s trust so the job requires high level of preciseness in all transactions which partly shapes my personality...
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...pursue the Olin MBA or Specialized Master's degree for which you are applying. Your response should include a thoughtful presentation of the personal and professional experiences that have led to your decision to pursue graduate management education. It should also provide an identification of your specific short- and long-term career objectives, an explanation of your decision to pursue this degree at this point in your life, a description of your specific interest in the Olin Business School, and any other information that would help inform the Admissions Committee of your qualifications for our program. (500-1000 words) After completing my B.Tech in Plastics from one of the top ten institutes in India, I occupied dual roles of marketing executive and merchandiser for almost three years in esteemed textile firms, where I handled a broad customer and vendor base. I have spent considerable time to understand the textile market and now I am able to identify key areas for business growth and process improvements. I spotted the market for scarves and enabled my company’s foray into the product. I helped my earlier textile company which only sold fabrics to venture into garment manufacturing. I also enabled the setting up of processes and systems that improved our sales processes. Experiences such as these have honed my operational, marketing, leadership, and interpersonal skills. However, as my opportunities are limited, so are my capabilities! At this stage of my career, I feel...
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...MBA Career Abstract The purpose of this paper is to construct and support an argument on decision I made to pursue an MBA degree to further my career as a senior manager within the Automotive industry. The argument will be based on a “What’s My Jungian 16-Type Personality?” test and a general benefits analysis of postgraduate and specifically speaking MBA programs. The paper will evaluate on my personal score from the test. ENTP result describes individuals who are typically enthusiastic innovators, seeing new possibilities, different theories, and new ways of doing things. Further in the paper we will look at the benefits of undertaking MBA program including: better career prospects, opportunity to gain not only theoretical knowledge, but also listen to experience class mates. The paper will conclude with my personal expression regarding this topic. MBA degree to further your career Further education, which does not have to be limited to MBA program, is a major factor determining career opportunities and development. In the new fast paced world experience starts to play secondary role and personal abilities and education comes to the front (Barger, 1995). May we insist on the enormous importance of permanent knowledge acquisition for career development. Our career will hardly progress if we do not differentiate from our colleagues in terms of what specific knowledge we have and they do not. We may all be great managers, for instance, but if we also took MBA,...
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...MBA programs expose students to the full depth of business function because they are created to apply science to management. The MBA is something that individuals in the more technical industries (math, science, etc.) obtain to expand their opportunities beyond what is available to them. An MBA means these individuals are now candidates for new, managerial positions – going from working “with things” and going into working “with people”. Similar to these individuals, I want to earn my MBA to open future professional opportunities. Personally, an MBA will help me bring value to my family and community. I currently hold a B.S.in Business with an emphasis in Information Technology and work in the Risk Assurance field. While I have a business degree, the work is do is technical in nature – programming, reading code, auditing and developing technical strategies to address risks. While I interact with individuals from the business it’s generally with other developers or programmers to discuss and address technical issues. As I progress my career at my workplace, I can see that the functions of my job will change. I see my superiors doing less of the technical work and more work with the business and our clients. Currently, some of my peer group and coworkers hold masters degrees, but they are all in accounting. While this is valuable, I feel an MBA will go much further. By earning an MBA, I will be able to bridge the gap between my technical knowledge and the managerial side of my...
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...and earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduate degree is an important decision that will have far reaching positive influences in life and will assist in finding a new rewarding career. An MBA is one of the most important tools in the toolbox for a business, personnel, management, finance, human resource, and entrepreneurial careers. The critical success in the future of a career depends on the ability to be called on for knowledge, expertise, and advice, for which an MBA is the vehicle that will provide my career the means to that end state. A graduate with an MBA is stereotypically regarded as more dependable, knowledgeable, and marketable. An MBA is sometimes called the golden ticket to increase in salary, career progression, influence, and power ((Rapert, Smith, Velliquette, & Garretson, 2004, p. 17). An MBA is recognized globally as a standard of excellence that is measured and weighted in today’s global economy. An undergraduate student has skills and knowledge, but armed only with this degree, the student has on touched the breadth of knowledge in key subject areas including economics, finance, strategic managerial principals, and analysis. The undergraduate is knowledgeable in the area of business perceptions and analysis, but is far from having the skills required to apply advanced theory and analytical practices in a competitive fast paced business environment. A Graduate student with an MBA has honed the skills to develop a solid analytical...
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...A Former Harvard Business School Admissions Board Member Reveals the Insider Keys to Getting In • Prepare your resume and professional record • Discover the differences between business schools • Top essay and interview strategies • Behind the scenes of the admissions process • Qualitative factors that can make you stand out • Application insights from insiders Chioma isiadinso, M.ed. former Admissions Board Member of Harvard Business School The Best Business Schools’ Admissions Secrets A Former Harvard Business School Admissions Board Member Reveals the Insider Keys to Getting In Chioma Isiadinso, M.ED. © 2008 by Chioma Isiadinso Cover and internal design © 2008 by Sourcebooks, Inc. Cover photo © Punchstock Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. —From...
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...Decision to Pursue an MBA Degree Decision to pursue MBA Program is a first step to reach my personal goal and start a new career. After my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science I was offered a job as IT Administrator to a well-known organization and never had an opportunity to think about further education. The decision to obtain an MBA requires a substantial commitment of money and time. However, there are many compelling reasons to pursue an MBA to get ahead in the business world. Below are some of the lines of reasoning that I want to mention: MBAs are internationally recognized Travel to many areas of the world, and most people have at least heard of the graduate degree known as the MBA. This makes it much more valuable than many other business degrees. For example, even though a Master's in Commerce may be a prestigious degree in some countries; other locations may not be familiar with the program. Having an MBA, which is recognized almost universally, will increase my ability to compete for jobs in more locations. MBAs can earn higher salaries One of the major reasons, as I have chosen to pursue an MBA is that it often allows graduates to earn a greater salary. Although the average starting salary for MBA graduates is influenced by the number of years of work experience they have prior to starting their degree, even those with fewer than three years of industry experience reportedly start out earning close to $70,000. This figure rises dramatically as graduates...
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...Obtaining an MBA requires a certain level of motivation, determination, intellect and a strong will of power to succeed. As an individual who has consistently proven myself to possess these traits, I firmly believe that I have the ability necessary to execute the obstacles accompanying the degree of a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). With a unique and diverse background in both my professional and personal life, my experiences have led me to pursue a career in business that encompasses several small and large scale goals. Upon graduating from the University of Massachusetts- Boston with a bachelors degree in Biology, I was fortunate enough to work in the biotechnology industry under two different companies. During my time at these companies I became heavily involved with several colleagues whom have taught me a tremendous wealth of knowledge I carry around wherever I go. I came to greatly respect these individuals as they have helped shape my professional career by serving as a support system. These people all had one specific common denominator. They had all obtained graduate degrees ranging from MBA to PhD as well as MD. These colleagues of mine were absolutely experts in their fields and it is attributed to the fact that they studied a subject they had been deeply passionate about in graduate school. I would love to emulate what these great minds have done by attending graduate school so that I too am able to become an expert in the field of business. Graduate...
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...Masters of Business Administration (MBA). The impact of education on earning potential, job security, and becoming an entrepreneur will be examined. This paper will also discuss how raising and countering objections has been an aid in my own decision to get an MBA and how I embraced my decision to go back to school. Objections will be raised for reasons not to pursue a graduate degree and referenced information will be sited to support the raising and countering of the content. Why an MBA Raising Objections Business schools have long sold the promise that, like an F1 driver zipping into the pits for fresh tires, it just takes a short hiatus on an MBA program and you will come roaring back into the career race primed to win. After all, it signals to companies that you were good enough to be accepted by a decent business school (so must be good enough for them); it plugs you into a network of fellow MBAs; and, to a much lesser extent, there's the actual classroom education. Why not just pay the bill, sign here and reap the rewards? The problem is that these days it doesn't work like that. Rather, more and more students are finding the promise of business schools to be hollow. The return on investment on an MBA has gone the way of Greek public debt. If you have a decent job in your mid- to late- 20s, unless you have the backing of a corporate sponsor, leaving it to get an MBA is a higher risk than ever. If you are getting good business experience already, the best strategy is...
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