How to effectively describe my career goals? - Indiana University

to join the Hoosier family

Prompt: Describe your academic and career plans and any special interest (for example, undergraduate research, academic interests, leadership opportunities, etc.) that you are eager to pursue as an undergraduate at Indiana University. Also, if you encountered any unusual circumstances, challenges, or obstacles in pursuit of your education, share those experiences and how you overcame them. (200-400 words)

Within my tenure as an undergraduate student at Indiana University, I plan to further my expertise in business by earning a degree in marketing at the Kelley School of Business, and specifically honing in on the foundations of becoming a successful Marketing Manager. The success, that the marketing department at Indiana historically has had, intrigues me as I look forward to being a part of a well-grounded and cutting-edge major field. I envision myself as a master of the fundamentals of marketing. I can achieve this by utilizing the resources that IU offers, such as the relationships with current corporate partners, like Nestle and Hertz, as they offer a variety of meaningful knowledge concerning sales and marketing approaches.

Another resource I look forward to taking advantage of is the internationally renowned faculty members at IU because they can help me develop my creativity and my analytical skills when it comes to marketing. Additionally, IU's Customer Interface Laboratory is something I am extremely fascinated with as it is especially beneficial to someone like me, as it can allow me to directly view consumer behavior, which in turn can lead me to develop an enhanced marketing approach. I believe this form of study is going to become more prevalent in the future and the fact that Indiana is already ahead of the game, with this research tool, makes the school stand out in a positive way.

I plan to work diligently within my courses at IU while also exploring outside availabilities, in Bloomington and the surrounding cities, for increased learning opportunities and experience through offered internships, available job opportunities, and voluntary community projects. I feel as if Indiana's outstanding network of faculty, peers, and alumni will help me tremendously while at the school as well as in my life afterwards. In time, I plan to use the skills I mastered while at IU to aid in either the development of my own company, or the advancement of another established company. After my years at IU, I look forward to having a great alumni base, like Indiana has, and establishing lifelong friendships with my peers within the marketing field. I have always held Indiana University in a high regard when it comes to academics, athletics, as well as the school as a whole. All things considered, I truly hope to be able to join the Hoosier family.

Zach, the best way to approach this essay is to first, think about what your immediate plans are for after you graduate. Once you know what direction your career will be going in, you can then decide how you can lay the foundation for that successfully as a college student. How do you plan on becoming a successful marketing manager? What skills both theoretical and practical do you need to develop? What facilities does Indiana offer that you will specifically be using towards achieving that goal. You have a good start with the Nestle and Hertz mention, as well as the lab. You should revise the essay to further concentrate on those points. Be specific. You will need to do some research in this aspect. The reviewer wants to know that you have given a great deal of thought to your chosen major and that you have actually chosen their university based on the merits of their educational program and not simply on a whim.

That is when you can think of what academic goals you should have in relation to your career. Think first and foremost, about your future plans then look at the programs and training that you can take advantage of at the university. Don't dwell on a generic discussion about the faculty, the university staff, and such common place but little developed responses. You must show the reviewer that you know exactly where you see your career heading and how you plan to achieve that. Don't worry, you only need to prove that you are serious about your application at this point, you can change your plans and/or training pursuits once you get in. The goal of this essay is to simply prove your seriousness when it comes to your college application.

By the way, you are being asked to indicate any academic difficulties that you have had in the past. You seem to have forgotten to do that. You need to offer at least 200 words for each prompt requirement. The latter one not being an optional presentation. You need to discuss any one of the given choices for the difficulties portion of your essay. It will help the reviewer get to know you better and your abilities as a student in relation to your application.