Post-MBA career goals and professional development

¶ … post-MBA career goals and how your work experience has influenced these goals. Include in your discussion: "Why an MBA at this time?" And the industry or functional area you plan to pursue at the completion of your MBA.

Currently, the world economy stands at a seminal juncture in its development. On our own shores, we see that the American economy is poised at a critical stage. The American economy is recouping itself after the feverish activity of the 1990's, recovering from the business world's nearly unquestioned faith in the progress of technology and the virtues of the Internet. At present, economic growth is on the increase once again, yet consumer confidence remains low because of the indeterminacy in the business world of where is the next and best way to expand. The European Community is still struggling what the 'C' -- as in community -- In the term 'EC' really means. Meanwhile, Asia continues to boom, but few analysts can state with any certainty where China, Korea, and other developing economic powers of the region will be in the next ten years.

In such uncertain and turbulent waters, it is time to take stock, not only of the world, but also of one's own personal evolvement. I know that for me, it is time to gain a better grasp upon the intellectual as well as the practical aspects of international business. Thus, I seek an MBA at this critical juncture in my own development, and in my own education, at this parallel time in my own life, to the uncertain world economy. After considering the opportunity cost of knowledge in the real world as well as my potential salary growth to be low, while the gain from becoming better versed in the intellectual discourse of international business to be high, I have decided to pursue my MBA after finishing my undergraduate degree.

Yes, at present, I am only a senior in college. Thus, the admissions committee, and rightly so, might ask, what does this applicant have to offer to 'the table,' to those other students with far greater experience as well as education in the field of international business? While it is true that my work experience in terms of duration is likely to be less than those of my potential colleagues, I hope to offer, if not experience from the higher echelons of the business world, at least some international perspective from below, to those who will play such a key, collective part in the achievement known as a 'masters in business administration.' would like the admissions committee to be aware of the fact that I do have practical experience in business, as well as knowledge of business as an academic discipline. Embarking upon a career in international business has always been my desired career choice. To become better versed in the developing economic and international world of commerce, I have pursued internships in Korea as well as in America. My internship abroad was instructive, not only in the language and customs of business culture in the region, but were living education as to the conflicted, yet tremendous potential of that divided country. In the July of 2003, I had a summer internship at Morgan Stanley. This provided a wonderful, comparative perspective of the high-intensity focus and adrenaline of the environment of an American firm, albeit a firm with many branches and connections across the globe and thus a very 'international' atmosphere.