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SkimaTalk Official Course

Preparing for the MBA Application Process Lesson 4: Your Story

Think of Your MBA Application as a Story

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Beginning (the past)

Middle (the MBA)

End (the future)

Educational background

Professional background

Interest / hobbies / etc.

Why an MBA?

What skills do you lack today?

What will you focus on during your MBA?

Career / life goals

What will you do after getting your MBA?

A Good Story Consists of Many Parts that Fit Together

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Each part should fit The sum is greater than the parts Any gaps / inconsistencies should be addressed proactively

Interests

Background

Goals

Skills

You Want Your Story to Stick Out

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Make your story memorable

Lesson Structure

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Before the lesson you will practice answering the following question: “What are your career goals? How will an MBA help you achieve these goals?” During the lesson you will discuss your story with your teacher:

(10 minutes) – Discuss the 3 parts of your story: •  Beginning: educational / professional background, interest, hobbies. •  Middle: why an MBA? •  End: Future career goals.

(5 minutes) – Answer the following question to your teacher: “What are your career goals? How will an MBA help you achieve these goals?”

(10 minutes) – Receive feedback from your teacher, and answer the question again.

Teacher Notes

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Teacher Version Only

Teacher Instructions: 1.  (10 minutes) Spend the first 10 minutes discussing the three parts of the student’s story:

•  (3 minutes) Beginning: Describe your educational / professional background, interests, and key accomplishments.

•  (3 minutes) Middle: Why do you want to get your MBA? •  (3 minutes) End: What are your career goals?

2.  (5 minutes) Have the student answer the following question: “What are your career goals? How will an MBA help you achieve these goals?”

3.  (5 minutes) Provide feedback on the student’s response •  Is the story clear / logical? •  Is the story consistent? Do all of the pieces fit together well? •  Is the story memorable? Does the story help the student stand out?

4.  (5 minutes) Have the student answer the question again: “What are your career goals? How will an MBA help you achieve these goals?”

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End of Lesson We Hope You Enjoyed It!