Hanna Renaldi's Blog: The Importance of Defining Your MBA Goal

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Be sure you can define your MBA Goals

Goals are not an afterthought in MBA admissions. They are front and center in the minds of many admissions directors. Put them front and center in your mind as you prepare to apply.

What is an MBA Goal?

A goal is something you want to do (not just study), and for MBA admissions purposes it should relate to a specific industry. For some applicants, geography is also an important element in their goal. Your goal should be based on your experience, not television, not what your parents/significant other or friends think you should do, and not simply what will make you a lot of money.

I am not saying that you can’t change careers. You clearly can, because roughly 50% of MBA students are career changers, and many estimates place that number much higher. But you need to have a realistic vision of your future based on skills and character traits you have developed and experience that you have had.

Defining Your MBA Goal

Clear, well-defined goals are as much a requirement of MBA admissions as are your GMAT, GPA, and work experience. Define your goal in terms of the function you want to perform and the industry in which you want to perform it.

To define your objectives for b-school, first look inward:

1. What do you enjoy and where do you excel?

2. Examine what you have done off the job and see if there are lessons in your non-professional life for your professional life.

3. Clarify and mine your interests and past experiences.

Then look outward:

1. Examine professional paths that will take advantage of your strengths and give you more of what you find satisfying.

2. Research the schools to find those that support your professional goals and provide an educational environment where you can thrive.

3. Establish specific goals you want to achieve within a given program and a career direction for your post MBA years.

What’s Your Goal?

A strong, clear MBA goal should guide your admissions research and your choice of target schools. And expressing your goals clearly in your essays will help show adcoms why you belong in their programs. Defining your goal is an important first step in the MBA admissions process, and we can help! Check out our MBA admissions consulting services and work one-on-one with an advisor who will help you define your career goals and apply successfully to your top-choice program.