charmimehta
Jan 23, 2011
Graduate / MBA, business school, Financial Planner - how to start my SOP for Msc Management. [5]
I have done all the brainstorming but I am unable to join the dots and make it flow. Please help me with the beginning of the essay. I know its a lonngg text. I beg you. I'm planning to apply to Warwick, Cass, Manchester, LSE for SEP '11 intake.
1. List your major accomplishments/achievements (not responsibilities!) in each of your professional positions (see the example that follows). To the best of your ability, briefly describe the beginning, middle and end of what would constitute a story about these accomplishments.
Accomplishment 1: Earned a degree of Certified Financial Planner at the tender age of 18 and turned into youngest CFP in the country.
Beginning: Approached the degree with the hunger to learn one of the crucial factors leading to make me a good businesswoman. Accepted the challenge of Dean who said this course was meant only for graduate students.
Middle: I managed to secure a good balance among undergraduate studies, extra-curricular activities and CFP studies. Scored first class on undergraduate degree exam, A grade on CFP exam and won inter-college dance competition for a dance which I choreographed.
End: Became youngest certified financial planner in the borders of Indian Territory.
Accomplishment 2: Earned the title of Best Intern at ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company.
Beginning: The internship was based on Mutual Fund Industry. Grasping the minute details about the variety of mutual fund schemes and persuading the client the scheme that is most suitable as per his life style in a short period of 6 weeks was overwhelming.
Middle: Served as a leader to the team of 6 members. The prevailing pessimism on the marketplace and the sourness in the investor's sentiment after US markets crash down made the selling of mutual fund to the customer a challenging task.
End: My team broke the records by bringing in more business to the company than the permanent staff did.
2. List your major accomplishments in each of your community activities, following a similar format (template below).
Organization/Dates of involvement: Aria, February 17th 2007 to September 30th 2007.
Description of organization: Rural illiteracy and empowerment of women
Role: Teacher
Hours per month: 48hrs
Accomplishment: Led bright students from rural areas to best colleges
Beginning: Taught the basic concepts of maths and English.
Middle: Identified students who had immense potential and willingness to pursue higher degree. I identified Government loans and subsidies that can help rural students to pursue their degree courses.
End: Saw my dear students to make it to Top Colleges of the country.
Event: JYOT
Description: Event for unravelling the facts of Jainism.
Role: Execution Committee Member
Hours: 60hrs
Accomplishment: Attracted over 7 lakh visitors spanned out in 11 days.
Beginning: Curiosity to give inputs towards my religion. I joined committee for gathering information from scriptures and gurus.
Middle: I gathered the information and gave ideas for displaying the information in unique way and we employed craftsmen for pictorial display of information.
End: The project met huge success. Expected crowd was nearly 4lakhs which included retired people but the innovative strategies attracted visitors from all age groups.
3. List your major accomplishments in each of your collegiate extracurricular activities, following the format shown in the examples for Questions 1 and 2.
Grade 12:
Won the AdMad competition for my school at inter-school level in Quest Competition conducted auditions for the same and formed and led the team alone.
Participated in Drama describing life of St. Ignatius for triple jubilee celebration
Accomplishment in Year 1:
Represented dance team of college at inter-college competitions such as IIPM Amaze and Josh and won titles for them.
I wrote an article on 'Planning out Career' in college newsletter.
Accomplishment in Year 2:
Choreographed a dance at college for Josh inter-college competition and won the same.
Participated in themed modelling competition at inter-college level and won too.
Hosted the college festival in front of the audience of over a 1000
Accomplishment in Year 3:
Gave CAT (Indian MBA entrance exam), IELTS and GMAT in gap of one month and averaged on all the three. Pressure and time management makes me consider it an accomplishment.
4. List any instances in which you have made a significant difference in another human being's life (i.e., helping solve a family problem, teaching a child to read, mentoring a co worker who is having trouble, etc.).
Through the knowledge of reiki and mind power, I helped my friend recover from the trauma. After knowing about the death of his father, he was to occupy his father's position in family business and bring stability in his family. With all negativity prevailing and zero academic credentials, he had almost given up on his life. I had him read "The Secret" by Rhonda Bynes and spurted in motivation in his life to start a new chapter of his life.
I also taught my servant how to read and write in English.
5. List your academic accomplishments: awards, honours, distinctions, publications, etc. Briefly explain the nature of and selection criteria for each.
I scored highest in French Language Learning, Accountancy and Statistics class.
I scored distinction in modules such as Derivatives, Commodities and Mutual Fund exams along with studying for my freshmen year of undergraduate study.
I won best handwriting competition held in my school. I competed with nearly 200 students
Ranked 1st in 10th Grade within the class of 190 students
6. List the five personal accomplishments of which you are most proud (as they relate to yourself, not others-i.e., completed a marathon, published a poem in literary journal, overcame a fear of heights, travelled to 17 different countries, etc.).
During family holiday to China, I got lost in the markets of Guangzhou and couldn't find my family. When I thought, making it to hotel all by myself would be impossible as no one around could understand my language, I didn't lose hope. With the help of dumb charades and translating and interpreting sign language, I hired a taxi and reached to my hotel. It made me realise how important it is to know another person, another culture and gel with them.
Travelled to 15 different countries
7. Discuss any professional or personal setbacks or failures that you have experienced. Have you ever missed any opportunities, not achieved a goal or disappointed another person?
Failing in the first semester of CFP Exam which was Investment Planning killed me from inside. As I had known it was a graduate program and I had to outperform in order to catch the seat I had been offered in the course, it disappointed me and led me to believe I couldn't do this course. But with strong passion, I retook the exam and passed it. After that, there was no looking back.
8. List your hobbies and interests, past and present
Yoga, Reiki, Reading, Playing Table Tennis, Teaching, Browsing the internet, Socializing with friends, Watching comedy movies, Travelling, Scrapbooking, Pottery, Candle Making, Interior Decorating, Cooking
9. List five words or phrases your friends/family would use to describe you. List five words or phrases you would use to describe yourself.
Responsible, Confident, Friendly, Helping, Convincing power and Competitive
10. List any language(s) you speak aside from your native tongue.
English, French, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati
11. Briefly, what are your short-term after business school?
"Watch, listen and learn. You cannot know it all yourself. Anyone who thinks he does is destined for mediocrity." As true these words are, I see myself working in the position of management consultant for a blue chip company post B-school. With the strong knowledge of finance and accounting, broadening my knowledge with concepts of management, I hunt for an exclusive post of finance manager. Strategic management and Business Management are my preferred areas. A master's in management can help me acquire the full range of skills and make available a wide range of career options. And obtaining this degree from the prestigious LBS will enable me to stand out from the crowd and will further refine my practical knowledge and skills and groom me to achieve the goals I have set for myself.
Post graduation, I aspire to do a Phd in Business Management.
12. Briefly, what are your long-term after business school?
To undertake high quality research in the subject area, actively contribute to teaching at graduate and post graduate level and to undertake administration work as required by Department Head. Alongside, I aspire to return back to my country and entrepreneurship venture wherein I'd establish schools and colleges for the unprivileged students.
13. List the reasons you feel you want/need to get an MBA. How do you believe an MBA program will prepare you to reach your goals, and why do you believe now is the best time to get this degree?
Why MBA-
Stability
Knowledge
Wide Variety of Career Options
Strengthening my Career
Earn a jackpot
Earning an MBA will gain me expertise in the field of management. Combining the knowledge of finance and management, I aspire to serve as a CEO of a business magazine. Do the research, attend the meetings, help out Government and devote in the prosperity of the country.
I have done all the brainstorming but I am unable to join the dots and make it flow. Please help me with the beginning of the essay. I know its a lonngg text. I beg you. I'm planning to apply to Warwick, Cass, Manchester, LSE for SEP '11 intake.
1. List your major accomplishments/achievements (not responsibilities!) in each of your professional positions (see the example that follows). To the best of your ability, briefly describe the beginning, middle and end of what would constitute a story about these accomplishments.
Accomplishment 1: Earned a degree of Certified Financial Planner at the tender age of 18 and turned into youngest CFP in the country.
Beginning: Approached the degree with the hunger to learn one of the crucial factors leading to make me a good businesswoman. Accepted the challenge of Dean who said this course was meant only for graduate students.
Middle: I managed to secure a good balance among undergraduate studies, extra-curricular activities and CFP studies. Scored first class on undergraduate degree exam, A grade on CFP exam and won inter-college dance competition for a dance which I choreographed.
End: Became youngest certified financial planner in the borders of Indian Territory.
Accomplishment 2: Earned the title of Best Intern at ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company.
Beginning: The internship was based on Mutual Fund Industry. Grasping the minute details about the variety of mutual fund schemes and persuading the client the scheme that is most suitable as per his life style in a short period of 6 weeks was overwhelming.
Middle: Served as a leader to the team of 6 members. The prevailing pessimism on the marketplace and the sourness in the investor's sentiment after US markets crash down made the selling of mutual fund to the customer a challenging task.
End: My team broke the records by bringing in more business to the company than the permanent staff did.
2. List your major accomplishments in each of your community activities, following a similar format (template below).
Organization/Dates of involvement: Aria, February 17th 2007 to September 30th 2007.
Description of organization: Rural illiteracy and empowerment of women
Role: Teacher
Hours per month: 48hrs
Accomplishment: Led bright students from rural areas to best colleges
Beginning: Taught the basic concepts of maths and English.
Middle: Identified students who had immense potential and willingness to pursue higher degree. I identified Government loans and subsidies that can help rural students to pursue their degree courses.
End: Saw my dear students to make it to Top Colleges of the country.
Event: JYOT
Description: Event for unravelling the facts of Jainism.
Role: Execution Committee Member
Hours: 60hrs
Accomplishment: Attracted over 7 lakh visitors spanned out in 11 days.
Beginning: Curiosity to give inputs towards my religion. I joined committee for gathering information from scriptures and gurus.
Middle: I gathered the information and gave ideas for displaying the information in unique way and we employed craftsmen for pictorial display of information.
End: The project met huge success. Expected crowd was nearly 4lakhs which included retired people but the innovative strategies attracted visitors from all age groups.
3. List your major accomplishments in each of your collegiate extracurricular activities, following the format shown in the examples for Questions 1 and 2.
Grade 12:
Won the AdMad competition for my school at inter-school level in Quest Competition conducted auditions for the same and formed and led the team alone.
Participated in Drama describing life of St. Ignatius for triple jubilee celebration
Accomplishment in Year 1:
Represented dance team of college at inter-college competitions such as IIPM Amaze and Josh and won titles for them.
I wrote an article on 'Planning out Career' in college newsletter.
Accomplishment in Year 2:
Choreographed a dance at college for Josh inter-college competition and won the same.
Participated in themed modelling competition at inter-college level and won too.
Hosted the college festival in front of the audience of over a 1000
Accomplishment in Year 3:
Gave CAT (Indian MBA entrance exam), IELTS and GMAT in gap of one month and averaged on all the three. Pressure and time management makes me consider it an accomplishment.
4. List any instances in which you have made a significant difference in another human being's life (i.e., helping solve a family problem, teaching a child to read, mentoring a co worker who is having trouble, etc.).
Through the knowledge of reiki and mind power, I helped my friend recover from the trauma. After knowing about the death of his father, he was to occupy his father's position in family business and bring stability in his family. With all negativity prevailing and zero academic credentials, he had almost given up on his life. I had him read "The Secret" by Rhonda Bynes and spurted in motivation in his life to start a new chapter of his life.
I also taught my servant how to read and write in English.
5. List your academic accomplishments: awards, honours, distinctions, publications, etc. Briefly explain the nature of and selection criteria for each.
I scored highest in French Language Learning, Accountancy and Statistics class.
I scored distinction in modules such as Derivatives, Commodities and Mutual Fund exams along with studying for my freshmen year of undergraduate study.
I won best handwriting competition held in my school. I competed with nearly 200 students
Ranked 1st in 10th Grade within the class of 190 students
6. List the five personal accomplishments of which you are most proud (as they relate to yourself, not others-i.e., completed a marathon, published a poem in literary journal, overcame a fear of heights, travelled to 17 different countries, etc.).
During family holiday to China, I got lost in the markets of Guangzhou and couldn't find my family. When I thought, making it to hotel all by myself would be impossible as no one around could understand my language, I didn't lose hope. With the help of dumb charades and translating and interpreting sign language, I hired a taxi and reached to my hotel. It made me realise how important it is to know another person, another culture and gel with them.
Travelled to 15 different countries
7. Discuss any professional or personal setbacks or failures that you have experienced. Have you ever missed any opportunities, not achieved a goal or disappointed another person?
Failing in the first semester of CFP Exam which was Investment Planning killed me from inside. As I had known it was a graduate program and I had to outperform in order to catch the seat I had been offered in the course, it disappointed me and led me to believe I couldn't do this course. But with strong passion, I retook the exam and passed it. After that, there was no looking back.
8. List your hobbies and interests, past and present
Yoga, Reiki, Reading, Playing Table Tennis, Teaching, Browsing the internet, Socializing with friends, Watching comedy movies, Travelling, Scrapbooking, Pottery, Candle Making, Interior Decorating, Cooking
9. List five words or phrases your friends/family would use to describe you. List five words or phrases you would use to describe yourself.
Responsible, Confident, Friendly, Helping, Convincing power and Competitive
10. List any language(s) you speak aside from your native tongue.
English, French, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati
11. Briefly, what are your short-term after business school?
"Watch, listen and learn. You cannot know it all yourself. Anyone who thinks he does is destined for mediocrity." As true these words are, I see myself working in the position of management consultant for a blue chip company post B-school. With the strong knowledge of finance and accounting, broadening my knowledge with concepts of management, I hunt for an exclusive post of finance manager. Strategic management and Business Management are my preferred areas. A master's in management can help me acquire the full range of skills and make available a wide range of career options. And obtaining this degree from the prestigious LBS will enable me to stand out from the crowd and will further refine my practical knowledge and skills and groom me to achieve the goals I have set for myself.
Post graduation, I aspire to do a Phd in Business Management.
12. Briefly, what are your long-term after business school?
To undertake high quality research in the subject area, actively contribute to teaching at graduate and post graduate level and to undertake administration work as required by Department Head. Alongside, I aspire to return back to my country and entrepreneurship venture wherein I'd establish schools and colleges for the unprivileged students.
13. List the reasons you feel you want/need to get an MBA. How do you believe an MBA program will prepare you to reach your goals, and why do you believe now is the best time to get this degree?
Why MBA-
Stability
Knowledge
Wide Variety of Career Options
Strengthening my Career
Earn a jackpot
Earning an MBA will gain me expertise in the field of management. Combining the knowledge of finance and management, I aspire to serve as a CEO of a business magazine. Do the research, attend the meetings, help out Government and devote in the prosperity of the country.