Goals/Why Our School essay set, military to business applicant

Why are you pursuing an MBA? (150 words maximum)

I am pursuing an MBA in order to translate my personal and professional growth as a leader in the military to the corporate landscape. Upon the completion of my full-time service commitment in [Month] 202X, I will be entering the private sector, where the education, network, and skills of an MBA will be indispensable. I have always had the dream of pursuing a career in the financial services sector, but I first responded to a competing aspiration, to serve my country through employment in the US [service branch].

To prepare for this career transition, an MBA will allow me to adjust my leadership and communication skills to a civilian environment, along with financial modeling and data interpretation knowledge necessary for investment banking roles. I also seek the network and career support of the MBA experience to gain exposure to top firms and the skills to maximize these opportunities.

Describe your short-term and long-term post-MBA career goals. (150 words maximum)

My short-term goal is to transition into the finance industry, starting as an investment banking associate at a global giant such as Goldman Sachs or Bank of America. In this role, I will conduct due diligence on companies and market conditions to create and review financial models and valuations, build pitch books for clients, and act as an intermediary between senior bankers, clients, and analysts. Long-term, I aim to transition into a Private Equity firm such as [Name 1, Name 2 or Name 3]. The experience I will gain in financial modeling, deal structuring, and market analysis through investment banking will give me the skills and network I need to make this shift. I am inspired by the [Name 1] Foundation, which dedicates investment funds towards non-profit organizations to expand opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Assisting companies to prosper is how I hope to have a positive impact on innovation and society.

At Anderson, our mission is to prepare by developing students to think innovatively, adapt to others – all with a driven and purposeful mindset. How do you plan to achieve your goals and develop into a transformative leader during your time at UCLA Anderson? (250 words maximum) At UCLA Anderson, I will achieve my goals by learning to adapt my [service branch] experience to the business world. I will gain tangible investment experience in the Price Center’s Student Investment Fund, where I will help invest $4 million of endowment funds. The [Specific Capstone Project] will also help me achieve my goals by finding pre-seed startup entrepreneurs seeking investment capital, negotiating contract terms and, ultimately, developing a proposal for UCLA’s Investment Committee.

To adjust my military leadership experience to the private sector, I will implement management training from the Parker Career Management Center as an Anderson Career Teams coach, where I will conduct weekly mentorship sessions for first-year students. I also aim to help organize Parker Career Center Days on the Job weeks, which provide glimpses into life in post-MBA roles, and share my progress with a likeminded community through the Association of Veterans at Anderson.

To develop into a transformative leader, I will seek an elected position in the Investment Finance Association. Current President [NAME] described how second-year students pay forward the recruitment assistance they received. Additionally, the Fink Fellowship, recommended by current Fellow [NAME], will grant me mentors at various career stages while offering an opportunity to remain involved as a mentor upon graduation. I will further my modern technology education by attending Training the Street workshops and annual Innovate conferences organized by the Easton Technology Management Center with AnderTech, to prepare me to harness technological advancement such as AI throughout my post-MBA career.