UBC Sauder Application Essays & Questions 2023-24
The following questions will allow the Admissions Committee to learn more about you. Please answer them concisely. Each written answer CANNOT be more than the specified word limit. Only words within the limit will be read for admission purposes.
The mandatory video answer must be kept available online until you have received an admissions decision. For complete instructions on how to submit the video, please refer to this page.
Short Answer Question(s) (200-Word Limit)
How does UBC Sauder’s MBAN Program align with your goals and values? What actions will you take to contribute to creating a respectful and positive RHL community and cohort experience? (200 words)
Long Answer Question(s) (500-Word Limit)
The UBC Sauder MBAN program prepares leaders who seek to create value for the world through thoughtful, data-driven solutions to complex problems. Describe a time when you had to analyze and present a data set. What tools (Python, SQL or other) did you use? How did you present your findings to your audience/stakeholders? (500 words)
What does it mean to have a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion? How do you intend to demonstrate your commitment to advancing EDI in our community as a future UBC Sauder MBAN student and alumnus? (500 words)
Video Essay (60-90 Seconds)
Please respond to the following question, in video format (60-90 seconds) and upload it to either YouTube or Vimeo and provide the video’s URL in the space provided. While creativity is encouraged, kindly note that it is mandatory for you to appear in the video.
In your perspective, what is the relationship between storytelling and business skills with data analytics? (60-90 seconds)
UBC Sauder Winning Sample Essays-1
Short Answer Question (200-Word Limit)
How does UBC Sauder’s MBAN Program align with your goals and values? What actions will you take to contribute to creating a respectful and positive RHL community and cohort experience? (200 words)
The UBC Sauder MBAN program aligns perfectly with my goals and values. As an experienced management consultant at ZS Associates, I have developed a strong passion for data-driven decision-making and leveraging analytics to drive business growth. The MBAN program’s focus on equipping students with advanced data analytics skills, coupled with its emphasis on developing leadership and communication abilities, will enable me to take my career to the next level.
To contribute to creating a respectful and positive RHL community and cohort experience, I plan to actively engage with my peers and share my diverse experiences. As a member of the Women Leadership Initiative at ZS, I have championed the cause of gender diversity and inclusion. I will bring this same commitment to the MBAN program, participating in and leading initiatives that foster an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Additionally, I will leverage my background in community service to organize events and activities that bring the cohort together and create a sense of belonging. By embracing the program’s values of respect, inclusivity, and teamwork, I aim to enrich the overall experience for myself and my fellow students.
2. Long Answer Question 1 (500-Word Limit)
The UBC Sauder MBAN program prepares leaders who seek to create value for the world through thoughtful, data-driven solutions to complex problems. Describe a time when you had to analyze and present a data set. What tools (Python, SQL or other) did you use? How did you present your findings to your audience/stakeholders? (500 words)
During my time at ZS Associates, I was tasked with leading a project to design an innovative and interactive platform for a major pharmaceutical client’s field representatives. The client was dissatisfied with the existing user experience and wanted a more engaging solution to enhance their sales and marketing efforts.
To address this challenge, I collaborated with cross-functional teams to analyze a vast dataset comprising sales performance metrics, user feedback, and market trends. I utilized a combination of SQL and Python to clean, organize, and extract meaningful insights from the data.
Using SQL, I wrote complex queries to aggregate and filter the data, enabling me to identify key pain points and opportunities for improvement. I then leveraged Python’s data visualization libraries, such as Matplotlib and Seaborn, to create interactive dashboards and charts that clearly communicated the data insights.
With these analytical findings, I presented a comprehensive solution to the client’s stakeholders, including the sales leadership team and the IT department. During the presentation, I carefully tailored the content and visualization to address the specific concerns and priorities of each audience.
For the sales leadership team, I focused on demonstrating how the proposed platform would drive increased engagement and productivity among the field representatives, ultimately leading to higher sales. I used data-driven projections and case studies to illustrate the platform’s potential impact on the client’s bottom line.
For the IT department, I emphasized the technical aspects of the solution, such as its seamless integration with the existing infrastructure, scalability, and data security features. I used live demonstrations and prototypes to showcase the platform’s user-friendly interface and intuitive functionality.
Throughout the presentation, I maintained a clear and concise communication style, ensuring that the audience could easily understand the data insights and their implications. I also actively solicited feedback and addressed any concerns raised, demonstrating my ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
The successful execution of this project resulted in the client renewing a $3 million, three-year contract with ZS Associates. Moreover, the implementation of the in-house ZS interactive platform generated an additional $2 million in profit for the firm, showcasing the impact of my data-driven solutions.
This experience has strengthened my conviction in the power of data analytics to drive business success. It has also honed my skills in presenting complex information in a compelling and impactful manner, which I believe will be invaluable in the UBC Sauder MBAN program and my future career as a data-driven business leader.
3. Long Answer Question 2 (500-Word Limit)
What does it mean to have a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion? How do you intend to demonstrate your commitment to advancing EDI in our community as a future UBC Sauder MBAN student and alumnus? (500 words)
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core values that I deeply believe in and have actively championed throughout my professional and personal life. To me, a commitment to EDI means creating an environment where everyone, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experiences, is treated with respect, has equal access to opportunities, and is empowered to contribute and thrive.
As a woman in the male-dominated field of management consulting, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of navigating a lack of diversity and inclusion. This has fueled my passion for advocating for greater representation and creating more inclusive spaces. At ZS Associates, I have been an active member of the Women Leadership Initiative (WLI), where I have worked to implement hiring, engagement, and retention strategies to increase the representation of women at all levels of the organization.
I plan to bring this same level of commitment to the UBC Sauder MBAN program and the broader RHL community. As a student, I will actively participate in and lead initiatives that promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. This could include organizing speaker series and panel discussions that highlight the experiences and perspectives of underrepresented groups in the field of data analytics. I would also be eager to collaborate with student clubs and organizations to develop mentorship programs and networking events that connect MBAN students with diverse professionals in the industry.
Beyond the classroom, I will seek out opportunities to engage with the local community and use my skills and knowledge to create positive change. This could involve volunteering with organizations that provide educational and career development opportunities for marginalized youth, or partnering with non-profits to leverage data analytics for social good.
As an alumnus, I will continue to be an advocate for EDI within the UBC Sauder and RHL communities. I will actively participate in alumni events and mentorship programs, sharing my experiences and insights to inspire and support the next generation of data-driven leaders. Additionally, I will explore opportunities to give back financially, potentially establishing scholarships or funding initiatives that promote access and inclusion within the MBAN program.
Ultimately, my commitment to EDI is not just a personal value, but a fundamental belief that diversity and inclusion are essential for driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and creating a more equitable and just society. By leveraging my skills, experiences, and platform as a UBC Sauder MBAN student and alumnus, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change and to inspire others to join me in this important work. [500 words]
4. Video Essay (60-90 Seconds)
In your perspective, what is the relationship between storytelling and business skills with data analytics? (60-90 seconds)
[Video Transcript]
As a data-driven professional, I firmly believe that the ability to tell compelling stories with data is a crucial business skill. Data analytics is not just about crunching numbers and generating reports – it’s about translating complex information into insights that drive meaningful action.
Effective storytelling is the bridge that connects data to decision-making. By weaving data points into a narrative, we can captivate our audience, whether they are clients, stakeholders, or colleagues, and inspire them to take action.
In my experience at ZS Associates, I’ve seen how powerful this combination of data analytics and storytelling can be. When presenting insights to clients, I don’t just share the raw numbers – I craft a narrative that highlights the key trends, identifies the underlying drivers, and outlines the strategic implications.
This approach has enabled me to not only inform my clients’ decisions but also to influence them. By making the data relatable and actionable, I’ve been able to secure multi-million dollar contracts and drive significant business impact.
As a future UBC Sauder MBAN student, I’m excited to further develop my skills in data analytics and storytelling. I believe that mastering this intersection will not only make me a more effective business leader, but also allow me to create meaningful change in the world around me.
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UBC Sauder Recommendation Letters & Key Questions
Two references are required for all UBC MBAN applicants.
References can be academic or professional. Please note that professional references from supervisors are preferred for applicants with work experience. Referees must fill out the reference form online. Separate letters are not accepted./Please provide the names and contact information of two referees who will submit reference reports on your behalf. Please note that MBA applicants are required to submit at least two professional references. A third reference may be submitted but is not required.
The reference form will be emailed to each referee. Please make sure you choose referees who are prepared to provide a confidential report in English on your academic ability and professional qualifications.
Please note that all referees must complete UBC Sauder School of Business’ reference form. Please indicate to your referees that they will receive an email regarding your application which will contain instructions to complete the reference form.
The RHL Graduate School reserves the right to follow-up at anytime during the application review process with your referees to clarify their references and/or verify its authenticity.
MSBA Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Date: 23 September 2023
Admissions Committee
Ms in Business Analytics Program
UC Davis
Subject: “Recommendation Letter for Akhila Mohan”
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for my former student, Akhila Mohan, who is applying for the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis. As her professor at COMSATS, where she pursued her Bachelor of Business Administration degree, I had the privilege of observing her brilliant academic and professional journey, which is punctuated with outstanding achievements. I am thrilled to support her application, as she possesses a unique blend of skills and qualities that make her an outstanding candidate for this program.
Academic Excellence and Analytical Skills
During her time at COMSATS, Akhila’s commitment to academic excellence was evident as she consistently ranked in the top 1% of her class and achieved remarkable results across all campuses. Her dedication to her studies and her exceptional intellect were further reflected in the numerous merit scholarships and medals she secured. She was an active leader in class discussions, curious and engaged, and consistently provided insightful contributions to diverse topics.
Initiative and Practical Application
Akhila’s interest in studying economic disparity within socioeconomic groups in Pakistan led her to survey women in underserved areas in her community. Using her research, she developed and implemented a financial literacy program to improve the livelihoods of economically disenfranchised women by imparting crucial money management knowledge and skills to enable their financial autonomy. This project showcases her ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, a critical skill in business analytics.
Leadership and Multitasking Abilities
Throughout her academic tenure, Akhila demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance a multitude of responsibilities while excelling in every endeavor, both within and beyond the classroom. Her multitasking prowess is evident in her successful completion of five internships while maintaining exceptional grades, and notably her involvement with AIESEC, which showcased her dedication to global awareness for SDGs and cross-cultural exchange. Through her leadership in promoting student exchange programs, she facilitated transformative experiences for over 100 individuals through international exchanges and professional internships.
Conclusion
In summary, Akhila possesses a rare combination of academic brilliance, practical problem-solving skills, and leadership qualities. I am confident that she will excel in the Master’s in Business Analytics program at UC Davis and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field. I highly recommend her as an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Institution Name]
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
To,
Admissions Committee,
XXX University,
Date: 21 December 2022
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for Pranav
I have known Pranav for over two years now. He was a student in my Entrepreneurship course as part of his Minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. As a student in my class, Pranav showed great skill in applying these concepts in practical in-class quizzes, his final group business pitch at the end of the course, and his professional activities at UBS. Pranav also achieved remarkable performance in my course, earning the highest grade possible of A+.
Pranav stood out to me during the final project for the course evaluation. As a major assessment, I assign a project for students to work in groups and pitch a viable, self-sustaining business idea. Pranav took the initiative to create a multicultural and diverse team with students from different countries and majors, successfully delivering a business pitch for a student-run laundry and cleaning business. The idea was unique, and he actively sought my advice and mentorship to make the team and project successful.
Another noteworthy aspect is the analytical research Pranav conducted before and after seeking my advice. He made a concerted effort to learn about diverse topics he had not previously encountered and was able to grasp different aspects of entrepreneurship, such as management and finance. This demonstrated his goal-oriented and detail-oriented abilities. The idea, data-oriented research, and financial analysis were impressive, synthesized and executed effectively on assigned tasks. Additionally, the real-world considerations regarding the execution of the pitch and the cohesive delivery from a team collaboration perspective were excellent.
I was so impressed with the project that I asked Pranav if I could include the pitch and presentation as teaching material for my course. I also offered him a Research Assistant position for the following summer, which he was unable to accept due to his graduation.
Given his analytical skills and collaborative approach, it was no surprise to me that Pranav was able to transition into finance directly from his undergraduate studies in engineering, securing a role in finance with UBS in their Investment Banking Operations in Hong Kong.
In terms of areas for improvement, I believe Pranav’s analytical nature and attention to detail can sometimes lead him to get caught up in minutiae, affecting his time management. In the group project, Pranav struggled with time management and was a week behind schedule because he gave equal attention to all the details of the presentation, losing track of the bigger picture. With my guidance, he was able to get back on track and submitted the project by the deadline. However, I believe Pranav needs to develop a better overall view of projects to improve his time management.
Pranav is just beginning his financial career, but he already possesses analytical skills and an understanding of management, teamwork, and other organizational elements comparable to other top students I have recommended to Master’s programs. Pranav’s progress at CityU and UBS clearly demonstrates his intellect and dedication. He is capable and has a keen intellectual capacity for analytical thinking. I believe Pranav is on track to build a successful career that blends his quantitative inclinations with his qualitative skills, inspiring those he will lead and work with.
To conclude, I strongly recommend Pranav, and I would be happy to discuss his candidacy further if you have additional questions.
Regards,
XXXXX
Professor
XX university
Work Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Internship Manager - Recommendation Letter Sample 2
How long and in what capacity have you known the candidate?
I have known Pranav for roughly one and a half years. I was his mentor during his internship with UBS. Although he completed his internship and has moved on, we still continue to keep in touch to exchange different business ideas.
What do you think about the candidate’s professional performance and potential (including any room for improvement)?
When Pranav started his internship with UBS, he was one of the most proactive interns. Since he didn’t have a finance background, he showed keen interest in learning and came up the curve very quickly.
The team assigned him Automation and Efficiency-related projects, and while working in the automation team he managed to stand out from other interns by providing solutions that were slightly outside of the box and impressed everyone on the team.
For instance, he met with various team leads to understand their automation requirements and one team lead expressed her frustration with the manual risk report that used to take 10-12 hours every quarter. After the meeting, Pranav took the proactive step of helping automate this report for the team. The specific process automation that he implemented was for risk reports for the risk team. The team had a manual time consuming process in which they had to refer to multiple Excel sheets to create their quarterly risk report. Pranav understood and mapped the entire process before using an automation tool to automate it. This led to a time reduction of 90 percent in the compilation of the report. The automation process he designed was ingenious; no one had thought of using it before, and that is why I think everyone was impressed with his out-of-the-box thinking.
Apart from that, another one of his biggest strengths is his willingness to take initiative.
To highlight another instance, he noticed the dashboards in Operations and wider UBS were on Tableau, he took the initiative to compare Tableau and PowerBi and pitched shifting the employee statistics dashboard to PowerBi. The management team agreed and Pranav successfully created an Employee demographic dashboard on PowerBi. This led to cost savings for the department as UBS was already paying for PowerBi. He also took even more initiative, helping others in his team and UBS get certified on PowerBi and documented his knowledge for everyone before he left his internship.
On the flip side, when it comes to areas of improvement, I would also say this proactiveness and eagerness sometimes led to difficult situations. Like other fresh hires, he was also trying to prove himself in the initial months of his tenure with the team. However, this often meant that he would try to manage and solve things on his own instead of seeking help. This led to delays and situations becoming critical.
Pranav was tasked with getting certified on Automation Anywhere, another automation tool used by the team. He was unable to crack the certification according to the timeline assigned to him and was delayed by a month in getting certified. He tried to manage and solve the situation but was unable to do so without help from his team, this delay led to an increased workload for the rest of the team and longer hours as work had been earmarked for Pranav to do as soon as he would be finished with the certification.
Overall, I would say that Pranav has great potential; he is not afraid to take the initiative and present his ideas.
Regards
XXXXXX
Manager – UBS, Hong Kong Offices
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
When it comes to writing great letter of recommendation, here are a few do’s and don’ts tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program:
Do’s:
1. Choose Relevant Recommenders:
– Do: select recommenders who can provide detailed and specific examples of your technical and analytical skills. Ideally, these should be people who have directly supervised your work in relevant roles, such as data analysis, business intelligence, or any analytics-related projects.
– Example: Your current or previous supervisors, project managers, or clients who have seen your analytical skills in action and can speak to your ability to handle complex data sets and derive meaningful insights.
2. Provide Context and Achievements:
– Do: give your recommenders a comprehensive list of your accomplishments and the context in which you achieved them. Highlight your contributions to significant projects, especially those involving data analysis, statistical modeling, or the implementation of analytics solutions.
– Example: Create a list detailing how your analysis led to actionable business decisions, cost savings, or process improvements. Share this list with your recommenders to help them write a more impactful letter.
3. Meet and Discuss Your Goals:
– Do: meet with your recommenders to discuss your career goals, reasons for pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics, and why you have chosen specific programs. This helps them tailor their letters to align with your aspirations and the program’s focus.
– Example: Explain how the program’s curriculum, faculty, and resources will help you achieve your career goals in data science or business analytics.
4. Ensure Specific Examples:
– Do: encourage your recommenders to include specific anecdotes that highlight your skills and accomplishments. Real-life examples add weight and credibility to your recommendation.
– Example: Ask them to describe a particular project where you used your analytical skills to solve a complex problem, detailing your approach, tools used, and the impact of your work.
5. Set Early Deadlines:
– Do: set early personal deadlines for your recommenders to ensure they complete the letters well before the application deadlines. This gives you a buffer period to follow up if needed.
– Example: If your application is due on January 1st, ask your recommenders to submit their letters by December 1st to avoid last-minute issues.
Don’ts:
1. Avoid High-Ranking but Unfamiliar Recommenders:
– Don’t: choose recommenders based solely on their title or status if they are not familiar with your work. Letters from high-ranking individuals who cannot provide detailed and personal insights will be less effective.
– Example: Avoid asking a company CEO or a prominent professor you met briefly unless they have worked closely with you and can provide specific examples of your skills and achievements.
2. Don’t Write the Letter Yourself:
– Don’t: write the recommendation letter yourself, even if a recommender offers to sign it. Admissions committees can detect self-written letters, which can harm your credibility.
– Example: If a recommender suggests this, politely decline and offer to provide them with all the necessary information to write the letter themselves.
3. Avoid Generic Content:
– Don’t: let your recommenders submit generic letters that could apply to anyone. Generic praise without specific examples of your work and skills will not make your application stand out.
– Example: Ensure your recommenders avoid statements like “X is a great team player” without context or evidence supporting such claims.
4. Don’t Overlook the Instructions:
– Don’t: ignore the specific instructions and questions provided by each business school. Different programs might have different requirements for recommendation letters.
– Example: Make sure your recommenders address each question posed by the school’s recommendation form and follow any formatting or submission guidelines provided.
5. Avoid Subordinates as Recommenders:
– Don’t: ask subordinates to write your recommendation letters. Their perspective might not carry the same weight and could be seen as less objective.
– Example: Recommendations should come from individuals in a supervisory or client role who can objectively evaluate your performance and potential.
These tailored do’s and don’ts will help ensure that your recommendation letters are strong, relevant, and supportive of your application to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
Free Sample Template - for your to Use
Recommendation letter template specifically tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Business Analytics program, including different structuring and clear instructions for highlighting relevant skills:
Admissions Committee
[Business Analytics Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
It is my pleasure to recommend [Candidate’s Name] for the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name]. I have had the privilege of working with [Candidate’s Name] at [Company Name] for [duration], where I serve as [Recommender’s Title]. In this time, I have observed [his/her/their] exceptional analytical skills and unwavering commitment to data-driven decision-making.
Analytical Skills and Achievements
One of [Candidate’s Name]’s standout projects was [specific project/task]. During this project, [he/she/they] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This project clearly demonstrated [his/her/their] expertise in [relevant skills, e.g., data analysis, statistical modeling, predictive analytics].
In another significant endeavor, [Candidate’s Name] was responsible for [another specific project/task]. [He/She/They] utilized [specific tools or methodologies, e.g., Python, R, machine learning algorithms] to [specific action taken], which led to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This work highlights [his/her/their] ability to leverage complex datasets to drive strategic business decisions.
Problem-Solving and Innovation
[Candidate’s Name] is particularly adept at identifying business problems and formulating innovative solutions. For example, during [specific challenge], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], which significantly improved [specific metric or outcome]. [His/Her/Their] problem-solving skills and innovative approach are invaluable assets in the field of business analytics.
Collaboration and Leadership
[Candidate’s Name] excels not only as an individual contributor but also as a collaborative team member. In [specific team project], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to lead or collaborate], fostering a productive and cohesive working environment. [His/Her/Their] ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to non-technical stakeholders was particularly noteworthy.
Constructive Feedback and Growth
In my experience, [Candidate’s Name] is highly receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement. I once advised [him/her/them] on [specific area for improvement], and [he/she/they] proactively [specific actions taken to improve], which led to [positive outcome or development]. This responsiveness and dedication to growth are crucial for success in a dynamic field like business analytics.
Conclusion
In summary, [Candidate’s Name] possesses a unique blend of technical expertise, problem-solving acumen, and collaborative spirit. I am confident that [he/she/they] will excel in the [Master’s in Business Analytics program] at [University Name] and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader field of business analytics.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
This template provides a structured format that highlights the candidate’s analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative nature, making it suitable for applications to a Master’s in Business Analytics program.
