Northwestern MeM Application Essay 2023-24
This is a central part of your application, which allows you to demonstrate your motivation, aptitude, and creativity. In 750 words or less, please address the following questions:
- Why are you applying specifically to the Master of Engineering Management program at Northwestern University?
- How do you hope to uniquely add value to the experience of your classmates?
- What are your career aspirations upon completion of the program, and how will MEM help you reach those goals?
- Additional Personal Statements
Compare and contrast your experiences working on a high-performing and low-performing team. Please ensure your response is 300 words or less and addresses the following:
- What contributed to or led to the high/low performance of both teams?
- Could you have done anything to shift the low-performing team to a high-performing team?
MEM challenges its students with rigorous content and, at times, a fast-paced learning environment. Describe a situation where you leveraged time management skills to ensure the success of a project. Please ensure your response is 300 words or less and addresses the following:
- What lessons did you learn from the experience?
How can you translate those skills into being a successful MEM student?
Northwestern MeM Winning Sample Essay-1
1. Why are you applying specifically to the Master of Engineering Management program at Northwestern University?
I am applying to the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at Northwestern University because it integrates advanced engineering knowledge with essential management skills, perfectly aligning with my career aspirations. My professional journey at MEIL, where I have progressed from an Analyst to a Senior Associate, has equipped me with a strong foundation in corporate strategy and investment management. However, to excel in strategic leadership roles and drive significant business expansion, I need to enhance my management capabilities and business acumen.
The comprehensive curriculum at Northwestern’s MEM program, coupled with its experienced faculty and strong industry connections, offers the ideal platform to bridge this gap. I am particularly drawn to the program’s focus on real-world applications and interdisciplinary learning, which will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of engineering management.
2. How do you hope to uniquely add value to the experience of your classmates?
I bring a diverse set of experiences, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainability and innovation. At MEIL, I have led high-impact projects such as the acquisition of a 1200 MW power asset, which increased our power portfolio by 250%, and orchestrated the strategy for the largest natural gas pipeline project in India. These roles have honed my skills in project management, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
Additionally, my work on the ‘Circular Economy in Plastics’ initiative has strengthened my understanding of sustainable business practices. By sharing these experiences, I aim to contribute to a collaborative learning environment at Northwestern. My ability to navigate complex business environments, manage diverse teams, and drive strategic initiatives will offer valuable insights to my classmates, fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth.
3. What are your career aspirations upon completion of the program, and how will MEM help you reach those goals?
Upon completing the MEM program, my immediate goal is to transition into a strategic management role within a leading technology or energy firm. In the long term, I aspire to become a Director of Corporate Strategy, where I can lead innovation and sustainability initiatives. The MEM program at Northwestern will equip me with advanced skills in project management, decision analysis, and technology commercialization, enabling me to make informed strategic decisions that drive business growth. The program’s strong emphasis on leadership development, coupled with its robust industry connections, will provide me with the practical knowledge and professional network necessary to achieve these goals.
Additional Personal Statements
1. Compare and contrast your experiences working on a high-performing and low-performing team.
At MEIL, I had the opportunity to lead both high-performing and low-performing teams. A high-performing team I led was responsible for acquiring a 1200 MW power asset. The success of this team was due to clear communication, well-defined goals, and a strong sense of collaboration. Each team member was motivated and committed to our objectives, resulting in a seamless acquisition process that significantly enhanced our power portfolio.
In contrast, a low-performing team I worked with struggled during a project to optimize supply chain logistics. The team faced issues such as poor communication, lack of clear direction, and low morale. Team members were unsure of their roles and responsibilities, leading to missed deadlines and inefficiencies. Reflecting on this experience, I realize that I could have taken more proactive steps to improve team dynamics, such as facilitating better communication, setting clearer goals, and fostering a more collaborative environment. By addressing these issues early on, I could have helped shift the low-performing team toward higher performance.
MEM challenges its students with rigorous content and, at times, a fast-paced learning environment. Describe a situation where you leveraged time management skills to ensure the success of a project.
One of the most challenging projects I managed at MEIL involved launching a pilot electric intercity bus service across four cities in India. The project had a tight deadline and required coordination between multiple departments and external stakeholders. To ensure the project’s success, I implemented a detailed project plan with clearly defined milestones and deadlines. I prioritized tasks based on their importance and urgency, delegated responsibilities to team members, and scheduled regular progress meetings to track our progress and address any issues promptly.
From this experience, I learned the importance of effective time management, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. These skills will be invaluable in the MEM program at Northwestern, where managing rigorous coursework and balancing multiple responsibilities will be crucial. By leveraging my time management skills, I will be able to handle the fast-paced learning environment and contribute effectively to team projects and collaborative activities.
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Northwestern MeM Winning Sample Essay-2
1.Why are you applying specifically to the Master of Engineering Management program at Northwestern University?
I am applying to the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at Northwestern University because it uniquely combines advanced engineering principles with essential business management skills. My professional experience at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has equipped me with strong technical skills and an understanding of the energy sector. However, to advance into leadership roles where I can drive strategic initiatives and innovation, I need to enhance my managerial and business acumen. Northwestern’s MEM program stands out due to its comprehensive curriculum, experienced faculty, and strong industry connections, all of which align perfectly with my career aspirations. The program’s emphasis on real-world applications and interdisciplinary learning will provide me with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic field of engineering management.
2.How do you hope to uniquely add value to the experience of your classmates?
I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, international experience, and a strong commitment to sustainability. At IOCL, I have led projects that not only improved business operations but also contributed to environmental sustainability. For example, I spearheaded the ‘Circular Economy in Plastics’ project, which focused on recycling post-consumer plastic waste to create high-value products. This initiative not only addressed environmental challenges but also generated substantial revenue. My experience in managing cross-functional teams across different countries has honed my collaboration and communication skills, which I am eager to share with my classmates. By bringing my diverse experiences and perspectives to the program, I hope to contribute to a collaborative learning environment where we can all benefit from each other’s insights and experiences.
3.What are your career aspirations upon completion of the program, and how will MEM help you reach those goals?
Upon completing the MEM program, my immediate goal is to transition into a strategic management role within a leading technology or energy firm. In the long term, I aspire to assume a leadership position where I can drive innovation and sustainability initiatives, such as becoming a Chief Technology Officer or a Director of Sustainability. The MEM program at Northwestern will equip me with the advanced skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern engineering landscape and make informed decisions that balance technical feasibility with business viability. The program’s strong focus on leadership development, strategic thinking, and practical applications will be instrumental in helping me achieve these goals. Additionally, the extensive network of alumni and industry connections at Northwestern will provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and mentorship.
Additional Personal Statements
1.Compare and contrast your experiences working on a high-performing and low-performing team
At IOCL, I had the opportunity to lead both high-performing and low-performing teams. A high-performing team I led was responsible for the development of a new polypropylene grade for injection molding applications. The key factors contributing to the team’s success included clear communication, well-defined goals, and a strong sense of collaboration. Each team member was motivated and committed to achieving our objectives, resulting in a successful product launch that significantly increased profitability and reduced cycle time.
In contrast, a low-performing team I encountered was during a project to optimize supply chain logistics. The team struggled due to poor communication, lack of clear direction, and low morale. Team members were unsure of their roles and responsibilities, which led to missed deadlines and suboptimal results. Reflecting on this experience, I realize that I could have taken more proactive steps to improve team dynamics, such as facilitating better communication, setting clearer goals, and fostering a more collaborative environment. By addressing these issues early on, I could have helped shift the low-performing team towards higher performance.
MEM challenges its students with rigorous content and, at times, a fast-paced learning environment. Describe a situation where you leveraged time management skills to ensure the success of a project.
One of the most challenging projects I managed at IOCL involved securing a grade approval from 3M for a new polyethene product. The project had a tight deadline and required coordination between multiple departments and external stakeholders. To ensure the project’s success, I implemented a detailed project plan with clearly defined milestones and deadlines. I prioritized tasks based on their importance and urgency, delegated responsibilities to team members, and schedule regular progress meetings to track our progress and address any issues promptly.
From this experience, I learned the importance of effective time management, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving. These skills will be invaluable in the MEM program at Northwestern, where managing rigorous coursework and balancing multiple responsibilities will be crucial. By leveraging my time management skills, I will be able to handle the fast-paced learning environment and contribute effectively to team projects and collaborative activities.
Northwestern MeM Letter of recommendation 2023-24
We require 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who have had supervisory experience over you in a professional and/or academic setting and can attest to your work performance and management potential. As a rough guide, the table below outlines a recommended balance between professional and academic letters of recommendation, based only on number of years since the completion of an undergraduate degree.
When in doubt, a professional recommendation is generally more valuable than an academic one. For letters from current and former employers, we would appreciate an assessment of the applicant’s career progress, management potential and leadership skills. For academic references, we would appreciate an assessment of the applicant’s potential for graduate work.
In addition, the admissions committee looks for comments on the following (where applicable):
- How long have you known the candidate and in what capacity?
- Can you provide examples that highlight the candidate’s career progress or suitability for our graduate program?
- Can you provide any point of comparison for the candidate against others in similar circumstances?
Please note: The application system will email your recommenders at the email address you provide. Recommenders will receive a request to address the questions outlined above as well as instructions on how to upload their completed letter to the application system. Recommenders may use standard word processing software for letters.
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]
