Calgary Haskayne MBA Sample Essays 2023-2024
Answer the following two questions as clearly and concisely as possible – only the first 250 words in each answer will be read.
- How, considering your career progress to date does an MBA fit in with your future career goals? Please describe.
- When thinking of your own personal successes – were they a result of your own personal skills or your ability to work with others? Please describe.
Calgary Haskayne Winning Sample Essays – 1
1. How, considering your career progress to date does an MBA fit in with your future career goals? Please describe.
Considering my career progress to date, an MBA is a critical step toward achieving my future career goals in the international hospitality and food and beverage industry. With over three years of experience in marketing and project management, primarily within the food and beverage sector, I have developed a solid foundation in strategic planning, market research, and cross-cultural collaboration.
As a Marketing Manager at Yunmi Food & Beverage Management Co. in Shanghai, I successfully led high-impact marketing campaigns, including the launch of a Michelin-starred restaurant. This role required me to navigate complex cultural dynamics and manage a diverse team, significantly enhancing my leadership and project management skills. However, to transition into higher leadership roles, I need a deeper understanding of advanced business concepts and strategic management.
An MBA from Calgary will provide me with the comprehensive business education necessary to bridge this gap. The program’s emphasis on practical learning and real-world applications will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context, enhancing my ability to make informed strategic decisions. Courses in leadership, global business, and advanced management practices will equip me with the skills and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the international hospitality industry.
Moreover, the Calgary MBA’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I aim to drive strategic growth and innovation within the hospitality sector, and the program’s strong emphasis on these areas will provide me with the tools to achieve this goal. The opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of peers and learn from experienced faculty will further broaden my global perspective and enrich my learning experience.
In conclusion, an MBA from Calgary is essential for my career progression, providing me with the advanced knowledge, practical skills, and global perspective needed to achieve my long-term career goals in the international hospitality and food and beverage industry.
2. When thinking of your own personal successes – were they a result of your own personal skills or your ability to work with others? Please describe.
When reflecting on my personal successes, I recognize that they are largely the result of a combination of my personal skills and my ability to work effectively with others. Both elements have played crucial roles in achieving significant milestones in my career.
One of the most notable successes in my career was the marketing campaign for the grand opening of DVS, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Shanghai, during my tenure as Marketing Manager at Yunmi Food & Beverage Management Co. This project stands out because it required a strategic blend of my personal skills and collaborative efforts with my team and international stakeholders.
My personal skills in strategic planning, market research, and creative problem-solving were instrumental in the campaign’s success. I conducted thorough market research to understand the preferences of our target audiences, both local and international. This research informed our marketing strategies, which included tailored content for different platforms to maximize engagement. My ability to think creatively and develop innovative marketing approaches played a critical role in generating significant buzz around the restaurant’s opening.
However, this success would not have been possible without effective collaboration and teamwork. Leading a diverse team of marketers, designers, and external contractors required strong communication and leadership skills. I facilitated regular meetings to ensure everyone was aligned with our goals and encouraged open communication to address any challenges promptly. Working with an international team of chefs and suppliers also demanded cultural sensitivity and adaptability. By fostering a collaborative environment, I was able to leverage the unique strengths and perspectives of each team member, enhancing the overall effectiveness of our campaign.
One particular instance that highlights the importance of teamwork was when we faced unexpected logistical challenges just days before the grand opening. The restaurant’s interior decor shipment was delayed, threatening to disrupt our planned timeline. By rallying my team and working closely with our suppliers, we developed a contingency plan that involved local sourcing and expedited logistics. This collective effort ensured that we met our deadline without compromising the quality of the event.
In conclusion, my personal successes have been the result of both my individual skills and my ability to work effectively with others. While personal skills such as strategic thinking and creativity are essential, the ability to collaborate, communicate, and lead a team is equally important. This balanced approach has been a cornerstone of my career achievements and will continue to be vital as I pursue further success in the future.
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Calgary Haskayne Winning Sample Essays – 2
1. How, considering your career progress to date does an MBA fit in with your future career goals? Please describe.
Considering my career progress to date, an MBA is a crucial next step in achieving my future career goals. Over the past five years, I have gained substantial experience in the Fintech, Healthtech, and e-commerce sectors, working in roles that have allowed me to develop a strong foundation in product management, business analysis, and strategic planning. However, to reach my long-term career aspirations, I need to enhance my management skills, broaden my business acumen, and expand my professional network.
My career so far has been marked by a series of leadership roles where I have successfully led teams, managed projects, and driven significant business impacts. For example, at Meesho, I led the development of a new feature that significantly increased user engagement, and at Synaptic, I played a key role in creating a data analytics tool that provided valuable insights to our clients. These experiences have been invaluable, but I recognize that an MBA will provide me with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to take my career to the next level.
The MBA program at Calgary offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential areas such as strategic management, leadership, and innovation. This aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a strategic leader capable of navigating complex business environments. The program’s emphasis on experiential learning through internships and real-world projects will allow me to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations, further enhancing my problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Moreover, the MBA program will provide me with opportunities to network with industry professionals, faculty, and peers from diverse backgrounds. This network is invaluable for gaining insights into different industries, exploring new career opportunities, and building relationships that can support my career growth.
In summary, an MBA from Calgary will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to achieve my career goals. It will enable me to transition into more senior leadership roles, drive strategic initiatives, and make a meaningful impact in the business world.
2. When thinking of your own personal successes – were they a result of your own personal skills or your ability to work with others? Please describe.
When reflecting on my personal successes, I realize that they are a result of a balanced combination of my individual skills and my ability to work effectively with others. Both aspects have played crucial roles in my achievements, and understanding their interplay has been key to my growth and success.
One significant example of my personal success is my leadership role at Meesho. I was tasked with leading a cross-functional team to develop a new feature aimed at boosting user engagement. My individual skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and project management were instrumental in outlining the project plan, identifying key performance indicators, and ensuring that the development process stayed on track. However, the success of the project was largely due to my ability to foster collaboration within the team. By encouraging open communication, respecting diverse perspectives, and aligning the team towards a common goal, we were able to innovate and deliver a feature that significantly increased user engagement.
Another notable success was during my tenure at Synaptic, where I was part of a team that developed a data analytics tool. My technical skills in data analysis and my understanding of client needs were crucial in shaping the tool’s functionality. However, it was my ability to collaborate with colleagues from different departments—such as software developers, marketing specialists, and customer support teams—that ensured the tool’s successful development and deployment. By leveraging the unique strengths of each team member and maintaining a collaborative environment, we created a tool that provided valuable insights to our clients and enhanced our market position.
Furthermore, my involvement in extracurricular activities, such as leading the university choir and coaching the Kuwait National Cycling Team, underscores the importance of teamwork in my personal successes. As the choir president, my ability to inspire and unite a diverse group of individuals led to our victory in international competitions. Similarly, in coaching the cycling team, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose was key to our achievements.
These experiences highlight that while individual skills are essential, the ability to work with others amplifies the impact of those skills. Collaboration brings together diverse ideas, skills, and perspectives, creating a synergy that drives innovation and success. In all my endeavors, I strive to balance my individual capabilities with effective teamwork, ensuring that collective efforts lead to greater achievements.
In conclusion, my personal successes are a testament to the combined power of individual skills and collaborative efforts. By continuing to develop both these aspects, I am confident in my ability to achieve even greater successes in the future.
