Please outline your career objectives and how the MBA will help you to achieve them. (3000 characters/500 words)
Like most goal essays, this essay too is about connecting your past with your future via your present. Think about MBA as your means to get to your goals.
Start by clearly describing your short and long term goals, the rationale for your goals and why you consider Cranfield MBA a necessary next step in your career.
One way to approach this essay could be by first showing what you have learnt and accomplished till date and then describing where you want to go in future. That way you will be able to make a persuasive argument for the reader see and feel your need of for an MBA.
Another approach could be to paint your grand vision of the future and then show where you are in the present moment, making a case for MBA to take you to your future.
Whatever approach you take, make sure your goals are logical, credible and realistic.
What positions of responsibility have you held (not necessarily business related)? What have you gained from this experience? (3000 characters/500 words)
The adcom expects to understand your leadership potential and how you will perform in the Cranfield MBA program and beyond in the corporate world.
While describing positions of responsibility, give context about the organization, purpose, your role and some information about your team. One most common format is STAR: Situation, Task, Action, and Results structure. Start by explaining the context, what you did as part of the roles you held and what actions you took. Don't forget to highlight your accomplishments along with writing about your gains/learnings.
What single event or achievement has been most significant in your life? What were the results of this event or achievement? (3000 characters/500 words)
How you decide to answer this question will reveal your character, values and maturity.
Think about your most significant accomplishment or experience that forced you to think differently, or perhaps your failure that have taught you invaluable lessons. Whatever you choose to talk about, make sure it is a significant moment, a turning point in your life that has influenced you deeply and possibly in some ways also relates to your career vision.
Start by providing the context and if applicable any challenges associated with the situation. Take the reader with you in your mental and emotional journey. Giving specific, concrete details to your story will make your narrative vivid and memorable. Go for it!
Please describe an ethical dilemma you have experienced firsthand. How did you manage the situation? (3000 characters/500 words)
As always in describing an anecdote, start with context and show the reason for the dilemma. Talk to the adcom about decisions you had to make and if/ why those were difficult for you. What stand did you take? Why did you decide that way? Describe your thought process throughout the experience. Show what you thought, act, did and what was the outcome.
If you can show how others responded to your stance, that will give adcom another viewpoint to observe you. If you can have your recommender talk about this event, that might be even better!
Please give details of your hobbies, sporting activities and other outside interests, for example work in the community. (3000 characters/500 words)
Whatever activity you decide to talk about, show why that is important to you and how it positively impacts you i.e. what you gain from it and if possible how it helps you contribute to other people.
If you are passionate about cricket or stamp collection, or dancing or movies- what does it say about you? A thoughtful and mature reflection of the activity as part of your personality will truly differentiate you and make a strong addition to your application.
Have fun with this one!
Please add any other information that you believe may influence your application.(3000 characters/500 words)
You could use this opportunity to address any weaknesses or highlight any strengths that have not been covered in other parts of your application.
Some of the areas of underperformance (academic or professional or GMAT) or events which stick out such as gaps in your resumes or a previous MBA or academic disciplinary actions are possible reasons why you attempt this optional essay. Comment on your shortcomings with intelligence, perspective, and credibility: giving vague excuses or blaming xyz for failures will be totally counter-productive. Explain the issue clearly and maintain greater focus on the correction for the issue.
Cranfield MBA application requires you to submit a one-page resume along with details about your employment and academics. The typical MBA resume format consists of employment, education, and extracurricular details.
In your Cranfield application, you will be asked to provide two MBA letters of recommendation - from you current or previous supervisors.
As is the policy with most top business schools, Cranfield MBA interviews are conducted only by invitation. Students typically would recieve an invite 4-6 weeks after submitting their MBA applications.
