Grad's guide to graduate admissions essays - Colleen Reding 2015
Dartmouth college - Tuck school of business
Business
Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? Why is Tuck the best MBA program for you, and what will you uniquely contribute to the community?
What are the drivers of growth at a law firm? How do you model and capitalize on the relationship between service mix and profitability in a hospital system? How do you organize a global hospitality company for future growth?
These are only a few of the interesting challenges I have tackled as a consultant at a leading strategy consulting firm where, in few short years, I have learned more than I ever could have expected. The firm’s apprenticeship-based approach to development has rapidly given me exposure to a wide range of industries and content areas. It has also enabled me to advance at my own pace. Last December, I was excited to earn a promotion to Senior Consultant 6 months ahead of my peer group. Now, one month into my third year, I am approaching my first assignment in a manager role with enthusiasm and an open mind. I love my job, and I have no reason to believe that my trajectory will slow. That is why it is important to me at this point in my career to pause, reflect on my goals, and invest in an MBA to gain the leadership and general management skills that I need to achieve them.
After graduation, I plan to return to management consulting to solidify the skills I learn at Tuck before transitioning to an industry role as a corporate strategy executive. In order to be a successful leader of increasingly large, complex teams and, eventually, organizations, I need to develop positive leadership habits and establish a solid general management base. I am energized by Tuck’s approach to leadership development, which balances self-evaluation, classroom instruction, and coaching. Having time to reflect on my experiences and to receive guidance, both from faculty and from peers, will be invaluable to my development. Tuck’s curriculum will allow me to build on the general management skills I was introduced to as an undergraduate and focus on the elective areas I value most: leadership, marketing, and strategy. In both leadership and general management, I look forward to learning in 2 years at Tuck what would otherwise take a decade of trial-and-error to discover.
During my time in management consulting, I have been naturally drawn to Tuck alumni. They are, without fail, among the most thoughtful, capable, and fun individuals on any project team. I would be honored to be a part of that Tuck network, and in return I will dedicate my 2 years on Tuck’s beautiful Upper Valley campus to creating innovative and lasting impact for future classes. At the firm, I changed the employee experience by founding the New York Training Initiative, a program designed to expose employees to educational opportunities not addressed by the scope of their casework. At Georgetown’s student-run credit union, I improved employee satisfaction by designing new standards and feedback systems. My involvement in and contributions to the Georgetown and my professional communities define who I am today, and I cannot wait to dive in at Tuck.