My short term goals as an MBA student primarily focus around gaining valuable work and life experiences during my two years in the program. While long term career success and impact are certainly important motivators for pursuing an MBA, I believe the most meaningful growth occurs through intentionally crafting transformational near-term objectives. With this perspective in mind, I have outlined three interconnected short term goals that will help maximize my learning and set the stage for future opportunities.
My first goal centers around obtaining relevant professional experiences through internships, projects, and extracurricular activities. While I have over five years of work experience in finance already, an MBA provides a unique chance to explore new industries and roles up close. As such, I aim to secure at least one summer internship in consulting given my interest in that field. Some target companies I have started researching include McKinsey, Bain, and BCG since they offer excellent training and exposure to many client situations. Outside of formal internships, I also plan to join the consulting club on campus to take on pro-bono projects that simulate real work. Participating in case competitions and networking events hosted by the club will allow me to start building an advisory skillset.
Additionally, I intend to seek out leadership positions within student organizations related to social impact, such as the environmental club or community service board. Enhancing my abilities to execute initiatives, manage teams, and collaborate across differences will benefit my long term career aspirations of starting a socially-driven business venture one day. Even though these extracurricular roles may require a significant time commitment, I believe the hands-on learning experiences and connections formed will far outweigh any costs. My objective is to take advantage of as many opportunities for on-the-job learning as feasible during my time in the MBA program.
Cultivating a diverse professional network is my second core short term goal. An MBA attracts candidates from all over the world representing a vast array of industries, functions, and backgrounds. I aim to build meaningful relationships with at least 50 new contacts within the first year alone. To achieve this, I will regularly attend social events, join networking focused clubs, approach professors and guest speakers, and pursue informal coffee chats. Nurturing an international network will be important as well since many companies operate globally nowadays. I also aspire to build strong networks with recruiters to help source internship and full-time positions. Forming these professional connections early establishes resources that can last far beyond graduation whether for career advice, collaboration, or new opportunities.
Bolstering certain technical skills comprises my third key near-term objective. Data Analytics capabilities for example have become increasingly valued across all fields. I therefore plan to take elective courses in programming, statistics, and data visualization. Additionally, I intend to complete at least two online certificate programs in topics like SQL, Microsoft Excel, and Tableau during my free time. Supplementing the general management foundation of an MBA with more specialized technical acumen will make me a stronger job candidate moving forward. It may also open up new types of roles to explore. Pursuing technical skills development in a structured yet self-paced manner suits my learning style and prevents skills from becoming outdated.
Weaving career preparation tightly into academics represents the most productive use of the significant financial and time investments associated with an MBA, in my assessment. With intentional focus applied to seizing relevant professional experiences, growing a robust network, and expanding specific skillsets, I am confident my two years in the program will pay dividends well beyond graduation day. Achieving the short term goals outlined above will significantly improve my career mobility and options while simultaneously fulfilling my interests in consulting, social entrepreneurship, and data analytics. Most importantly, accomplishing these near-term objectives advances me steadily down the path towards fulfilling my long term ambition of driving positive social change through innovative business solutions. I am committed to capitalizing fully on the unique opportunities present during graduate school to realize my maximum potential.
Well-conceived short term aspirations form the building blocks for future career success. As an MBA candidate, I appreciate the necessity of crafting purposeful near-term objectives that align closely with long term goals. The three interlinked short term goals discussed – deepening relevant experiences, cultivating strong professional networks, and developing technical abilities – comprise the cornerstones I will use to maximize my time in the program. Completing internships, taking on extracurricular responsibilities, attending various events, and enhancing technical skills represents an effective plan for holistic growth. I am prepared to dedicate serious effort towards achieving my ambitious yet actionable short term targets. Doing so will equip me with the optimal foundation to launch a purpose-driven career upon graduation. I look forward to leveraging the full breadth of resources available at your esteemed institution to accomplish my enriching goals over the next two years.
Andrew Stroud