Almost all top MBA programs ask applicants to write an essay about there short term and long term goal and how this MBA program will help the applicant reach the goal. Following is a sample career goal essay question:

Describe in a brief essay (do not exceed 250 words per section – 750 words maximum):

a) your post-MBA short-term goals (immediately after graduation),
b) your post-MBA long-term goals (3-5 years after graduation), and
c) how your professional experience, when combined with an MBA degree, will enable you to achieve these goals.

This essay is similar to the Career Plannig Essay required by many of the top schools. It should show the reader that you have a professional project that fits (indeed, necessitates) a top MBA program. Further, the reader will be able to evaluate your project against all other parts of your dossier to get a feel for how likely you are to succeed. The career goal question sounds easy to answer since everyone has a reason to apply for top MBA program. However, the reality is that not every applicants has clear and detailed or career goals. Some may just have career frustrations the other day and they want a fancy title to regain confidence; some may just want a MBA title to find whatever opportunities to make ‘big’ money. These reasons are understandable but cannot get admissions to a top MBA program. You need a WINNING career goal essay to conquer the readers. But how to write a winning career goal essay? Here are some tips:

First, tell a little bit about your working experience: your education, your career progress, your responsibilites and your contributions to your employers (speak with numbers).

Second, start with your limitations such as leadership. teamwork and social network. Explain why these limitations turn you down to your post-MBA short-term goal (position, responsibilities, contributions and challenges etc.) and why THIS MBA program is a big help. You may want to check the program’s web pages to find out the ‘why’.

Finally, set up a long term goal and explain why the MBA degree helps you in your career path.