SMU Singapore MBA Sample Essay 2023-24
- Explain in 500-600 words your career and personal aspirations, and your motivation for pursuing the Master of Business Administration Programme.
- Discuss in 500 to 600 words one of the following topics:
- Describe your greatest weakness and how you have tried to overcome it.
- Describe your outstanding talents, skills and inherent abilities that are not reflected in your academic qualifications and records.
- Describe the situation with the greatest ethical complexity that you have faced in your professional or academic life, and how your input helped resolved it.
SMU Singapore MBA Sample Essay – 1
Essay Topic 1: The prominent southeast Asian businessman and philanthropist, Lee Kong Chian, once said, “He who wants to harvest good rice, must also plant good seeds.” As a leader, your decisions will have a tremendous impact on a great many others. Please provide an example of when you realized this in your career.
OR
Essay Topic 2: There are many great companies and excellent managers in the world. Please provide an example of a well-run and well-managed company and why you think this is so. Be sure to explain what you believe are exemplary instances of their performance, policies, culture, and/or social impact.
I believe a savvy leader is not only one who leads a team to deliver results but also teaches and mentors the team members to achieve success individually. I have been fortunate enough to have multiple mentors who have guided me in my journey: from the slums of India to studying and working in four countries, and from waiting tables to fund my own education to handling multimillion-dollar client portfolios. Learning and then passing on that learning is what I believe to be the equivalent of planting good seeds for a good harvest.
I started my career in the hospitality industry and later transitioned into the Investment Management field. One skill that I learned from my mentors is the impact of communication and building relationships. When I transitioned, I started at the bottom of the ladder as an analyst, where my role required communicating with different stakeholders on a daily basis. It was my communications and networking skills that helped attract more assets in our firm, earning recognition and paving the way for a promotion to Vice president of Investments.
However, the seeds for this success and my good communication skills were planted way back when I was working in the hospitality industry with Hyatt hotels, which is one of the most luxurious hotel chains known for exceptional client service. The hospitality industry taught me the real meaning of customer service, team management, and the power of communication. At Hyatt, I was leading a multicultural team of Americans, Russians, Europeans, and Africans.
My team used to have regular conflicts due to a lack of cross-cultural understanding. For instance, Russians by nature are very direct and casual in the way they communicate, crossing the limit sometimes, but that is how they build trust and relationships. By contrast, Somalians are a little reserved and viewed directness as disrespectful, and they gave more importance to mutual respect and politeness.
The conflicts presented a window of opportunity for me to learn and then teach my team about how to overcome the cultural barrier. First, I acquainted myself with both cultures and then I mentored both the parties to help them understand the difference in each other’s social norms. I also created small teams with mixed nationalities, giving them a greater chance to interact and learn about each other’s way of communication. This helped my team create a strong bond amongst themselves, and then they applied the same learnings to serve our international clientele at Hyatt. The improvements within the team and outside the team helped Hyatt Regency Denver be recognized as the # 1 hotel in convention services across the Hyatt group of hotels in North America.
This one experience really cemented in me the belief that as a leader you should learn and then pass on the learnings for a greater impact. This fundamental belief has helped me lead in a better way, deliver better results, and acquire skills to progress my career as well as the career of my team members.
Quick Essay Review
Using Chat GPT to Write your Essay?
Worried if your Essay is Good enough or Not?
Need a last-minute review?
Submit your essays below & get in-depth feedback within 48 Hours.
SMU Singapore MBA Sample Essay – 2
1. Explain in 500-600 words your career and personal aspirations, and your motivation for pursuing the Master of Business Administration Programme.
My career aspirations are driven by a profound interest in finance and a commitment to leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges. In the long term, I aim to lead the Finance & Treasury function of a major corporation, where I can influence strategic financial decisions and drive organizational growth. Personally, I aspire to be a leader who fosters innovation, inclusivity, and social responsibility in the business environment.
My professional journey began with a B.Tech in Computer Engineering, where I developed strong analytical and technical skills. Leading projects such as an automated stock trading algorithm and a forest fire predictor model sparked my interest in using technology to enhance financial analysis. These experiences laid a solid foundation for my subsequent roles in finance and entrepreneurship.
As a co-founder of Greenwood Essential, I played a pivotal role in establishing and growing our essential oil brand. This venture taught me valuable lessons in strategic planning, market expansion, and team leadership. Leading the company to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29% was a testament to our innovative approach and commitment to quality. However, this experience also highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of business management to scale operations effectively and sustainably.
My role as a Financial Analyst at Deve Herbes further solidified my interest in finance. Managing financial books, overseeing inventory, and performing payment reconciliations provided hands-on experience in financial management. However, I recognized that to achieve my long-term goals, I need to deepen my strategic and managerial acumen.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at SMU is the ideal platform to achieve my career and personal aspirations. The program’s rigorous curriculum, with its strong emphasis on finance and strategic management, aligns perfectly with my career goals. Courses such as Corporate Finance, Financial Strategy, and Strategic Management will provide me with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills needed to excel in high-level financial roles.
Moreover, SMU’s unique focus on experiential learning and practical application is particularly appealing. The opportunity to engage in real-world projects, case studies, and consulting assignments will allow me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, thereby honing my problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The program’s emphasis on leadership development, through workshops and personalized coaching, will equip me with the skills to lead and inspire teams effectively.
Additionally, SMU’s strong network of alumni and industry connections offers invaluable opportunities for mentorship, career advancement, and professional growth. The diverse and collaborative learning environment will expose me to different perspectives and best practices, enriching my understanding of global business dynamics.
Personally, pursuing an MBA at SMU represents a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and innovative business environment. The program’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity aligns with my personal values and aspirations. I am eager to contribute to and learn from the vibrant SMU community, bringing my unique perspective and experiences.
In conclusion, the SMU MBA program will provide the comprehensive education, practical experience, and leadership development necessary to achieve my career objectives in the finance industry. I am confident that the skills and insights gained from the program will enable me to make a significant impact in my future roles and contribute meaningfully to the business world.
2. Discuss in 500 to 600 words one of the following topics:
- Describe your greatest weakness and how you have tried to overcome it.
- Describe the situation with the greatest ethical complexity that you have faced in your professional or academic life, and how your input helped resolved it.
- Describe your outstanding talents, skills and inherent abilities that are not reflected in your academic qualifications and records.
While my academic qualifications and professional experiences highlight my technical and analytical abilities, there are several outstanding talents, skills, and inherent abilities that have significantly contributed to my personal and professional development. These qualities, although not fully captured in my academic records, are integral to my success and will enable me to make meaningful contributions to the SMU MBA program.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit:
Co-founding Greenwood Essential and leading it to international success has been a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit. This venture required creativity, resilience, and strategic thinking to navigate the complexities of establishing a brand from scratch. My ability to identify market opportunities, develop innovative products, and drive sales growth by 29% month-on-month underscores my entrepreneurial mindset. This experience has also instilled in me a profound understanding of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, which I am eager to share with my peers at SMU.
- Leadership and Team Management:
Throughout my professional journey, I have consistently demonstrated strong leadership and team management skills. Leading a team at Greenwood Essential involved directing R&D efforts, managing international market expansion, and coordinating with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, my role as Vice President of the Technology Club during my undergraduate studies required me to organize workshops, invite industry leaders for seminars, and facilitate hands-on projects. These experiences have honed my ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams towards achieving common goals.
- Problem-Solving and Innovation:
My technical background in computer engineering has equipped me with a strong foundation in problem-solving and innovation. Developing an automated stock trading algorithm and a forest fire predictor model are examples of my ability to apply analytical thinking and technological solutions to real-world problems. These projects required a deep understanding of data analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling, showcasing my ability to innovate and drive technological advancements.
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Effective communication and interpersonal skills have been crucial in my roles, particularly in customer support and community engagement. As a Financial Analyst at Deve Herbes, I managed customer support for international clients, resolving queries and addressing concerns. This role enhanced my ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically. Additionally, volunteering with Teach For India and organizing community fundraisers, such as a COVID-19 relief campaign, have strengthened my interpersonal skills and reinforced the importance of empathy, patience, and social responsibility.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability:
My experiences in expanding Greenwood Essential into international markets and interacting with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds have developed my cultural sensitivity and adaptability. Understanding different business practices, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements in various countries has broadened my global perspective and enhanced my ability to navigate cross-cultural challenges. This adaptability will be valuable in the diverse and dynamic learning environment at SMU.
- Passion for Continuous Learning:
A passion for continuous learning drives my professional and personal growth. I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills through online courses, industry conferences, and hands-on projects. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that I stay updated with industry trends and advancements, positioning me to contribute innovative ideas and best practices to the SMU community.
In conclusion, my entrepreneurial spirit, leadership and team management skills, problem-solving and innovation abilities, communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and passion for continuous learning are talents and inherent abilities that complement my academic qualifications. These qualities have significantly shaped my personal and professional journey, and I am confident that they will enable me to thrive in the SMU MBA program and contribute meaningfully to the community.
