Columbia MeM Application Essay 2023-24
The purpose of the Personal Statement is for you to share more about your past experiences and to discuss how these experiences have contributed to your personal and professional growth. It allows the applicant the opportunity to explain to the admission committee the distinct qualities and commitment they can bring to their department and to the overall Columbia Engineering community.
We recommend that your Personal Statement be between 250 and 1,000 words. Your application will not be negatively impacted should exceed this recommendation. Please do not email us to request permission to exceed this recommendation, no permission is necessary.
If possible, the following format is preferred:
- All margins should be at least one inch, and the left and right margins should be equal.
- Text should be double spaced.
- The preferred fonts are 10-point Arial or 12-point Times New Roman; however, any legible serif or sans-serif standard font may be used. Do not use script or ornamental fonts.
- Your name should appear in the Header or Footer of every page.
- It is integral to the admissions process that you write and submit this Personal Statement on your own. Any evidence of plagiarized materials may result in denial or revocation of admission.
A few topics that you may want to address in your Statement include:
- Describe how your background has prepared you to pursue an advanced degree in the field of engineering or applied science at Columbia University.
- Describe the reasons you are interested in this program and discuss any relevant past experience.
- If you have relevant work or research experience, please indicate how it helped you decide on your career path.
What are your post-graduation plans or career goals? - What do you hope to gain from this program?
- What about this program excites you?
If any special circumstances need to be brought to the attention of the Admission Committee, please include that information.
Columbia MeM Winning Sample Essay-1
As a Senior Product Manager at Booking.com, leading projects that enhance customer engagement through innovative data science products, I am excited to pursue an advanced engineering or applied science degree at Columbia University. My background in computer science, combined with extensive professional experience in managing cross-functional teams and implementing technology-driven projects, has provided me with a solid foundation to excel in this program.
During my tenure at Booking.com, headquartered in Amsterdam, I led teams across international borders, coordinating with colleagues in the USA, UK, Thailand, and Israel. This role required a deep understanding of not only technical details but also broad strategic objectives to ensure the alignment of technology solutions with business goals. Leading the development and deployment of products that resulted in a 9% increase in customer sign-ups has been a highlight of my career, showcasing my ability to translate technical capabilities into tangible business outcomes.
My decision to pursue a career in technology management was driven by early professional experiences and a keen interest in how technology can improve business practices. Initially starting as a software engineer, I quickly realized that my true passion lay in product management, where I could influence both the development of technology and its strategic deployment. This realization propelled me to transition into product management, where I have successfully managed and scaled products that meet diverse market and regulatory demands.
Looking ahead, my career goal is to become a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at a leading technology firm, where I can continue to drive innovation and strategic use of technology. I am particularly interested in how artificial intelligence and machine learning can be further leveraged to enhance decision-making and efficiency within business contexts. Pursuing an advanced degree at Columbia University will equip me with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in these areas, expanding my expertise and enabling me to lead more ambitious projects in the future.
From Columbia’s program, I hope to gain not only advanced technical and managerial knowledge but also a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical considerations in deploying technology. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, combined with its focus on real-world applications, is particularly appealing. I am excited about the opportunity to work with esteemed faculty and motivated peers who share a commitment to innovation and excellence.
What excites me most about this program is the integration of theoretical learning with practical application. Columbia’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that simulates real-world challenges will allow me to refine my problem-solving skills and apply theoretical concepts in practical settings. Additionally, the university’s location in New York City, a global hub for technology and business, offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, internships, and exposure to industry leaders.
In summary, pursuing an advanced degree at Columbia University is a strategic step towards achieving my long-term career goals. It will provide me with essential knowledge and experiences to lead innovative technology projects and make significant contributions to the field of engineering and applied science. I am eager to join Columbia’s community of scholars and professionals, contributing my background and expertise while learning from the best in the field. This program not only aligns with my professional aspirations but also excites me with its potential to challenge and broaden my understanding of technology and management.
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Columbia MeM Winning Sample Essay-2
As an automotive systems engineer at Ford Motor Company, I have over 5 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in developing innovative solutions for next-generation vehicles. My background has provided me with strong technical skills in areas like suspension design, battery systems, and design for manufacturing that will serve as a solid foundation for pursuing an advanced engineering degree.
I am driven to continue my education at Columbia University because of the opportunity to work with world-class faculty researching cutting-edge automotive and mobility technologies. Columbia’s Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering program excites me with its focus areas in dynamics and controls, energy and environment, and mechanics and materials – all highly relevant to the future of transportation. With access to Columbia’s outstanding research facilities and commitment to interdisciplinary study, I know I can take my automotive expertise to the next level.
In particular, I am eager to explore advanced driver assist systems, sustainable materials, and optimization techniques that can shape safer and more eco-friendly vehicles. My experience leading Ford’s development of an award-winning frame architecture analysis tool demonstrates my passion for finding innovative ways to increase efficiency. An advanced degree from Columbia would allow me to dive deeper into these interests through research opportunities.
Beyond the technical curriculum, I am also looking forward to gaining more skills in areas like product strategy through elective coursework. My recent experience developing a sustainability framework at Ford’s internal incubator opened my eyes to the importance of understanding customer needs for long-term product planning. Rounding out my engineering knowledge with more business acumen will prepare me to take on leadership roles defining the mobility solutions of the future.
After completing my Master’s at Columbia, I plan to return to the automotive industry, likely taking a role in an advanced vehicle technology group working on autonomous driving or electrification initiatives. The knowledge and research experience gained from Columbia will allow me to elevate my contributions in these critical areas. Longer term, my goal is to attain a senior technical leadership position helping shape an automaker’s product strategy around sustainable and intelligent mobility.
With my background in automotive engineering, passion for innovation, and desire to develop forward-looking mobility technologies, I am well-positioned to make the most of Columbia’s outstanding engineering program. I am confident this experience will equip me with the advanced expertise to become a thought leader optimizing the next generation of vehicles for performance, safety, and environmental impact.
Client Testimonials
Columbia MeM Letter of Recommendation 2023-2024
Three recommendation letters, Columbia Engineering requires three letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation should be written by faculty members with whom you have studied, who can assess your academic work, intellectual ability, academic potential for graduate work, address your suitability for the program, and your ability to commit to the rigorous curriculum. You may also submit letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors. Personal references are not appropriate. Upon entering your recommendation providers’ contact information in your application, your recommendation providers will be contacted to supply the letter of recommendation. Under no circumstance should you write any portion of the evaluation, nor have any involvement in its drafting or submission.
MEM Recommendation Letters
(Free Samples & successful Examples)
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 1
Here is a quick PDF of a sample recommendation our client submitted for a successful admit.
Professor - Recommendation letter Sample 2
How do you know the applicant? How long have you known them for?
I am the Dean and Professor at Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in Rohini, India. I have known Pavani since her first semester, where she was in my “Fundamentals of Computing” class.
I have had multiple opportunities to interact with Pavani as she was leading the student activities for her batch and was also working on the “Automated Stock Trading algorithm” project as a part of the curriculum, under my guidance.
What would you say are the applicant’s key strengths and talents?
One of Pavani’s primary strengths is her ability to lead a team even in uncertain situations. In her final year, Pavani was the Organizing Committee Member of the International Conference. Since it was the first conference of its kind, there were no previous benchmarks or processes in place. Right from marketing, outreach events, finding vendors for event management, to logistics—everything had to be figured out from scratch. The budget was also crunched, which further did not help the situation.
Pavani went beyond her responsibilities and took the lead on the project. She worked with other team members, discussed with them, and charted a plan. She delegated responsibilities to fellow peers and also guided them on their tasks. There were also conflicts in the team and unforeseen problems. One of the vendors cancelled the contract two days before the conference. Pavani immediately reached out to other vendors through personal contacts and engaged the team with a calm mind and got things done. Thanks to Pavani, the conference was a huge success with over 60 participants from multiple countries. As a result, 3 projects were selected and funded by our institution. The conference is now recognized internationally and is set to take place again next year in February.
Pavani also demonstrated her leadership capabilities while working on a project under my guidance. The project was focused on building automated stock trading algorithms that managed to maximize cumulative profit. Although she did not come from a finance background, Pavani quickly learned the basic concepts. She also brought her team members onboard by coaching them and teaching how the stock market works. With the team’s support, Pavani was able to build a functioning algorithm that got published in a reputed journal, “Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research”. I believe Pavani is the kind of candidate who can take ownership and deliver things with minimal guidance.
In which areas of development has the applicant progressed the most in the time you’ve known them?
Initially, when I met Pavani, she was a shy person who was not confident to lead a team. Even though she might have brilliant ideas, she used to keep them to herself and not put them forward. As a consequence of being shy, she even preferred to work alone rather than in teams. She needed a little encouragement to help break her out of her shell. Slowly, she started putting forth her ideas. As those ideas were adopted by her teammates, she started gaining confidence. She quickly learned to plan, lead, and delegate a team effectively.
Pavani grew to participate in competitions, representing the college on a national level. Seeing her progress into an effective leader, I appointed Pavani as the organizational head of an international conference that took place on our campus in February 2020, as mentioned above.
Pavani also progressed tremendously in her academics, from a 7 CGPA in the 1st semester to a 9 CGPA in later semesters. Her performance has progressed not just in theory but practical as well. She was part of 2 research papers that were published in reputable journals.
Another area that Pavani needs to develop is to be open and listen to others’ opinions. Sometimes, Pavani is quite stubborn when it comes to her plans and wants to execute them the way she has planned them. Therefore, she is at times not open to new viewpoints or any suggestions to the plan she came up with. This arises from her own perceptions that changing plans will lead to chaos and hence poor performance. In one of our sessions, I coached her and made her understand that she alone cannot control all things and she alone cannot achieve great things. She understood the importance of teamwork and has been trying to work it out. She is now a bit more open to new ideas and opinions. I believe she will learn these qualities over time and experience.
In what ways might the applicant contribute to the Masters in Engineering Management Program?
Pavani has always volunteered and stepped up to lead student activities. I have no doubt that she would continue to do the same in a Master’s in Engineering Management program. With her experience in project management and leadership, she will be a great asset in student-run activities and events.
Apart from that, I think Pavani is a fast learner who is always enthusiastic to teach her fellow batchmates. She has held multiple tutor sessions for juniors and fellow batchmates on tough courses. She will contribute to the class by bringing her technical expertise and practical experience during discussions and also coaching them on relatively tough concepts.
Is MEM Program a right fit for the candidate right now?
This course would be the natural academic evolution for her. On multiple occasions, Pavani has expressed her interest in taking up roles that are at the intersection of engineering and management. Engineering has given her a strong foundation in technical and analytical skills. However, she needs the academic experience and learning about management principles. More importantly, a MEM program will also groom her leadership abilities and impart holistic thinking capabilities. Pavani has great potential to learn and succeed, and I believe a MEM will be a step in the right direction towards achieving her goals.
Internship 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
Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. (50 words)
I am the project manager, and Vinay is part of my team as a Senior Business Analyst for the past two years. I directly oversee his work and align with him on a weekly basis to understand the project requirements, roadmap discussions, and staffing plan for his team.
Describe your first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s work on a software or product development project. Describe the candidate’s role on the project and how their performance on the project compared with other well-qualified individuals in similar roles. (200-500 words)
I believe Vinay have good command over product development process and projects. To quote an instance, I was a project manager for one of the Healthcare clients. The client project involved heavy product development. I brought Vinay onto this project as a senior Business analyst to shoulder some of the project roadmap and team collaboration-related responsibilities.
Before he joined, we were faced with a problem. The developers were working in silos, as there was no Business Analyst who gave proper guidance and a roadmap on what to work on, where to start, and the project lacked a proper structure. Also, the client was proposing new changes and had new requests every week, so the scope kept on changing, and the team was struggling.
After joining as a Business Analyst, Vinay brought himself up to speed on the application, use cases, and what the client asked. He started doing user research, created empathy maps, drafted jobs to be done, and finally added all client requests and user stories to the product backlog.
He took the lead in coordinating with the technical lead to understand the technical aspects and architecture of the product. He started adding product backlog of both functional and technical user stories, with the help of the tech lead and added around 130 user stories. He made sure the team followed Agile practices. Finally, within a short period of 3 weeks, the team has a roadmap, stories to work on, and proper practices to follow.
As a result, we delivered the product with a UI improvement of 45% based on user feedback. And Vinay received appreciation from the client for his exceptional work. We also got a new project from the client for one of the pain points Vinay found to develop an application on Data security to safeguard patient data using blockchain technology.
Vinay’s performance impressed the Client Leadership Team (CLT) with how he worked with the team, bringing a structured format to the team, creating a product roadmap, Client communication, and Stakeholder management. As a result, we added him as a part of (CLT). He is one of the best BAs I have ever worked with.
More generally, provide your insights as to whether this candidate has promise to be an effective engineering manager. Include specific examples of times when they demonstrated skills and/or behaviors that would lead to their success in that role. (200-500 words)
I think Vinay has the potential to be a good product manager because, after joining the team as a Business Analyst, Vinay proposed doing a Discovery phase with the client. I let him take the lead on this and told him that he can go ahead if he can convince the client.
He observed it had been 8 years since we did the last discovery workshop. He pitched his idea to the Client and proposed a Discovery phase where his team and he can do a SWOT analysis for the project, prepare a roadmap, and a template containing all the tasks necessary for the workshop. The client really liked the idea and aligned on doing a Discovery workshop for a week.
Once the workshop started, Vinay ensured everyone was taking part completely and clarifying any doubts. He also ensured that everyone (Clients, Developers, designers, Salespeople, QAs) was thinking and contributing to the tasks based on their viewpoints. He also reminds everyone occasionally about empathizing with users while discussing or writing their points. As a result, the workshop was successful, and we got 4 new problem statements the client is currently facing; we got approval for 3 of them to start building the product as a part of new engagement and revenue of $3 Million.
He showcased effective communication skills during the workshop, motivating and inspiring everyone. He also brought the emotional intelligence and empathy part, where he could read the situation and influence everyone to make everyone empathize more with users in the workshop tactfully. One of the significant skills of any product manager is communicating effectively, interpersonal skills, and empathy. Vinay has all these skills to be an effective Product Manager.
Would you work with this candidate again? If not, why? (50 words)
Yes, If he desires to rejoin after completing his Master’s in product management.
What hesitations or concerns to have you have about recommending this person to the MSPM Program? (50 words)
NONE
Do's & Don'ts - of a Recommendation Letter
Based Letters of Recommendation Guide for engineerign management aspirants, here are five do’s and don’ts tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Engineering Management program:
Do’s:
1. Choose Recommenders Who Understand Your Technical and Managerial Abilities:
– **Do** select recommenders who can provide detailed and specific examples of your technical expertise and managerial skills. Ideal recommenders include current or former supervisors who have directly observed your engineering projects and leadership roles.
– Example: Your direct manager on a project where you led a team of engineers to develop a new product or improve an existing process.
2. Provide Comprehensive Background Information:
– **Do** give your recommenders a comprehensive overview of your achievements and context for your contributions. Highlight key projects, leadership roles, and innovative solutions you have implemented.
– Example: Share a list of projects where you applied engineering principles to solve complex problems, managed project timelines, and coordinated cross-functional teams.
3. Meet and Discuss Specifics:
– **Do** meet with your recommenders to discuss your goals for the Master’s in Engineering Management, why you chose specific programs, and how the degree aligns with your career aspirations. This helps them tailor their letters to your specific goals and the program’s focus.
– Example: Explain how the program’s curriculum and faculty will help you achieve your career goals in technical leadership or project management.
4. Ensure Specific, Anecdote-Driven Letters:
– **Do** encourage your recommenders to use specific anecdotes that highlight your technical and managerial strengths. Real-life examples provide credibility and illustrate your skills effectively.
– Example: Ask them to describe a project where you led the team, detailing your role, the challenges faced, and how your leadership contributed to the project’s success.
5. Set Early Personal Deadlines:
– **Do** set early personal deadlines for your recommenders to ensure they complete their letters well before the application deadlines. This provides a buffer period for follow-ups 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 if they are not familiar with your work. Letters from high-ranking individuals who cannot provide detailed insights will be less effective.
– Example: Avoid asking the CEO of your company unless they have directly worked with you and can provide specific examples of your contributions.
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 detailed information to help them 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 will not make your application stand out.
– Example: Ensure your recommenders avoid statements like “X is a great engineer” without context or supporting evidence.
4. Don’t Overlook Specific Instructions:
– **Don’t** ignore the specific instructions and questions provided by each school. Different programs may 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 supervisory or client roles 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 Engineering Management program.
Free Sample Template - for you to use
Recommendation letter Template tailored for candidates applying to a Master’s in Engineering Management program:
Admissions Committee
[Masters in Engineering Management Program Name]
[University Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Date:
Subject:
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Candidate’s Name] for your [Master’s in Engineering Management program] at [University Name]. I have known [Candidate’s Name] for [duration] in my capacity as [Recommender’s Title] at [Company Name], where I have had the privilege of supervising [him/her/them] directly.
Professional Capabilities and Achievements
[Candidate’s Name] has displayed outstanding engineering and management capabilities during our collaboration. In one notable project, [specific project/task], [he/she/they] [specific action taken], which led to [quantifiable result/outcome]. This accomplishment underscores [Candidate’s Name]’s proficiency in [specific skill, e.g., project management, technical innovation, systems engineering].
Another significant achievement was during [another specific project/task], where [Candidate’s Name] [specific action taken], resulting in [quantifiable result/outcome]. This demonstrated [his/her/their] ability to [related skills, e.g., lead cross-functional teams, optimize engineering processes, handle complex technical challenges].
Leadership and Team Collaboration
Beyond technical expertise, [Candidate’s Name] has shown exceptional leadership and teamwork. [He/She/They] effectively led a team of [number] engineers in [specific context], ensuring the successful completion of [specific project/task]. [His/Her/Their] ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment was critical to our success.
Constructive Feedback and Growth
I have provided [Candidate’s Name] with feedback on [specific area for improvement]. [His/Her/Their] response was proactive and enthusiastic. [He/She/They] [specific actions taken to improve], which significantly enhanced [his/her/their] performance in [related context]. This commitment to continuous improvement is a testament to [his/her/their] professional growth.
Personal Qualities and Values
[Candidate’s Name] is known for [his/her/their] integrity, dedication, and willingness to help others. For instance, during [specific instance], [he/she/they] [specific actions taken to support others]. This not only improved team morale but also reinforced [his/her/their] role as a trusted and respected leader within our organization.
Conclusion
In summary, [Candidate’s Name] possesses a rare combination of technical acumen, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I am confident that [he/she/they] will thrive in the [Master’s in Engineering Management program] at [University Name] and make significant contributions to both the program and the broader engineering community.
Please feel free to contact me at [Recommender’s Email] or [Recommender’s Phone Number] if you need any further information.
Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Company Name]
