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ISB
PGPMAX Essay 1
What has been your most
significant achievement to date? Please explain why you consider it to be
so? (500 words)
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 1 Tips
You have
several accomplishments in your roster - personal, professional and
academic. As the PGPMAX admissions committee says, "The
PGPMAX office relies heavily on the application to short-list the applicants
for the interviews. It is therefore important to highlight your STRENGTHS,
achievements, future plans and goals through the essays..".
The
choice of achievement for writing this ISB PGPMAX essay should be based
on the general importance of the achievement and the extent of your
contribution to its success. But most importantly choose the story based
on what it tells about YOU. Showcase qualities, perspectives, attitude
and/or knowledge through the story that the ISB PGPMAX admissions
committee will find attractive. Underscore characteristics, traits,
viewpoints and/or skills that enable you to be an effective senior
manager. Choose a story that dramatically highlights all the USPs that
you want the PGPMAX ad-com to be aware of.
The
dramatic quality of the story is essential to grab and maintain
interest. So be interesting while totally credible.
As usual
keep in mind that this essay is part of a bigger package. Write
accordingly. For example, essay three and even the additional fourth
essay can also potentially carry the same story, so choose the
achievement carefully. Also, within the context of your ISB PGPMAX essay
package this should be "your MOST significant achievement" - see that
there are no contradictions there.
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 2
What is your motivation
to pursue a Post Graduate Program in Management for Senior Executives?
(500 words max)
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 2 Tips
In other
words "Why ISB PGPMAX?". "What are your goals and how will the ISB
PGPMAX help you attain them?" is also a fair interpretation.
Before we
delve into the question however, it will be useful to see how ISB PGPMAX
views you. According to them all applicants to the PGPMAX program "have
the potential and motivation to become truly global, multi-skilled
business leaders. The participants will typically be achievers who have
done exceptionally well in a functional domain and are looking to take
on general management positions. Senior Executives who are already in
general management roles (can) enhance their strategic perspectives and
decision making capabilities."
Having
understood their perspective, and intensively researched the program (a
look at the
curriculum will help) you might be
ready to start tackling the essay question. Use application, research
and intelligence. Look beyond cutting/pasting info gleaned from the
PGPMAX website and make a compelling argument that answers "Why ISB
PGPMAX?". This unasked question will be critical not only for your
online application but also later in your interview.
The
second significant unasked question is "What are your goals?".
Your "future plans and goals" will
be the unique differentiators in this essay.
Personalize your answer as much as possible and find as many matches
between what ISB PGPMAX specifically (and if possible, uniquely) offers
you and your future goals/plans. Credibility and logic, even more than
in other essays, are essential in this goals essay. If you can add
passion and confidence as well, you have the recipe for a beautiful and
effective essay.
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 3
The programme requires
a lot of understanding of management theory and mathematical concepts.
It also incorporates examinations and other forms of assessment. After
many years of being away from formal studies, how do you plan to adjust
to an extremely rigorous academic life and how can ISB be assured of you
successfully completing the programme? (500 words max)
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 3 Tips
This is a
new question, and an entirely sensible and honest one. So let's approach
it with the sensibility and honesty it deserves.
The general perception that older
candidates will adapt to scholastic pursuits less agreeably than younger
ones is perhaps understandable. Show them how little do they know!
Convincingly demonstrate through brief examples and achievements, the
practices, qualities and attitude that make you an excellent student.
Willingness and aptitude for learning, a recent history of formal
studies (where you hopefully performed well!), recent instances where
you gave time-bound examinations, time management and demonstrable
understanding of key management/financial/mathematical concepts might be
the key areas you might want to focus on.
If you have taken GMAT, do mention
and submit the GMAT scores, though this is not mandatory.
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 4 (additional)
Please
list any other attributes, achievements (professional or personal),
awards, extra-curricular activities or activities outside workplace
which you feel would add value to your application. (500
words max)
ISB
PGPMAX Essay 4 Tips
Use this
essay to underscore yourself as a multi-skilled achiever who will be a
great addition to the PGPMAX class of 2012. Leadership, decision making,
strategic perspective, functional expertise and/or global perspective
could be some of your focus areas.
If
you are mentioning attributes please justify and substantiate them with apt
examples. While mentioning awards and achievements, do give background
information that will make their significance apparent.
Volunteer
activities, academic achievements and/or hobbies which allow you to
further showcase your defining qualities are also welcome.
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