Assume you are evaluating your application from the perspective of a student member of the Kellogg Admissions Committee. Why would your peers select you?
At the very onset, ABC’s application came across as very interesting. On a detailed assessment, I find that this seasoned manager has important characteristics that qualify him: leadership, creativity, determination, teamwork, a global outlook and consistent career growth. Enlisted below are the qualifying highlights for his candidature.
Career Progress
A fundamentally sound career progression is evident from his resume. His responsibilities have progressed with promotions year-on-year and an increasing team size (from 30 members in his first tenure to leading a 1200-strong workforce). Also, he has changed his employer just once in a 7-year career. I like the fact that he has developed from the very basics – starting his career in underwriting, transitioning to client relations and then to product management. A strong depth and breadth in financial services industry is quite evident.
Career Focus
While his career goals may indicate a shift from financial services to Private Equity, I believe that his commitment, abilities and a previous track record of developing various financial products for Small to medium Enterprises (“SMEs”) make it a natural, rational extension. He understands various scaling (expansion) problems faced by such SMEs as also their potential. At the same time, he is candid in accepting that he requires skill enhancement in specific functional areas (such as private equity finance) and seeks to further enhance his leadership and team skills.