Statement of Purpose (SOP) Samples For MBA Admission

SOP Sample I – MBA with Marketing Specialization

Early-on, as a teenager  , I would read through the profiles of leading business executives and successful entrepreneurs . It became increasingly clear that a strong majority of them started early in business. I therefore decided to “get my feet wet” while pursing my B.B.A from Binghamton University. After extensive efforts and networking , I found an apprenticeship with ABC, a globally reputed Diamond manufacturing company. The exciting role involved direct reporting to senior managers and an opportunity to learn extensively about the diamonds business.

At ABC, I realized that it does take a trained eye to identify a diamond from the rough stages. And as an intern, I was trained for the same, right from the very basics - from diamond grading and valuation to polishing. The company turned out to be …

Analysis of the SOP so far: As one reads through the comments of the underlined parts of the above personal statement, it becomes clear that their is a deliberate and subtle design in every line. The key to writing a winning MBA or Business Masters SOP is to identify the best starting phase. It need not be academics or extra-curriculars or the mundane, as often seen – especially if you do have internships or full-time work experience. Another key detail in this letter of intent/personal statement is that the candidates hasn’t actually begun his career with a marketing internship – and that is perfectly fine as we read the evolution of his story further… 

SOP Sample II – General MBA

I learnt the core values of focus, perseverance and patience at a very early stage of my life. My father who is a patient, disciplined and determined individual, would spend countless number of hours in his endeavor to purchase a residential property in the nascent economic times of 1985. His success  motivated me to follow his ideals. A few years later, it was this belief that led me to major success in organizing a cultural event in our sprawling locality . After convincing nearly 10 of my friends staying nearby, I went on to solve problems in the other two areas of concern – lack of funds and unwillingness of the community towards contributing to the event Beyond the schooling and study hours , I led the team towards garnering contributions from more than 100 households. Within 2 months, we had surpassed our targeted revenue collection. The event was a mega-success and established the trend for similar cohesive celebrations and the foundation for our “Cultural events committee” .

Analysis of the SOP so far:  Since the applicant is seeking a general management MBA and had limited work experience, he chose to begin with the value-system he hails from and a very well crafted example of how he formed the “Cultural Events Committee” in a 100+ household complex.  As one reads through the comments of the underlined parts of the above personal statement, it becomes clear that their is a subtle design in every line. The key is to map out the entire SOP blueprint and then decide on where you need to begin and not the other way round. 

SOP Sample III – MBA Banking and Finance

I realized my prime source of motivation at a very early stage in life – the satisfaction that comes after determinedly facing challenges and emerging victorious. Be it soccer match against a stronger team or a highly trained tennis player or a complicated puzzle , I would never give up till the goal of winning was achieved

As I grew up to my teens, the same attitutde reflected in my curricular and co-curricular pursuits at college and in my reaction to a financial crisis at home. The later taught me to think ahead and find solutions instead of giving up on plans; I thus started working part-time and continued with education. Those years developed the mental discipline for managing multiple responsibilities and time management was learnt hands-on.

Analysis of the SOP so far: True to life situations, the applicants attitude towards them and their linkage to talents of a good prospective MBA – all of these make a winning opening for the personal statement. The most notable part is that this SOP/letter of intent does not begin with any direct business or finance or banking angle …and that’s perfectly fine if the wordlimit is 500 words or more. It is important to map out the entire SOP blueprint and then decide on where you need to begin and not the other way round.

SOP Sample IV – MBA with Finance Specialization

As a teenager, I would often read through the profiles of business leaders – successful entrepreneurs and top managers in leading corporations. It became increasingly clear that a strong majority of them started early in their business careers and with a marked degree of focus. Realizing my acumen for finance as a subject area, I went on to pursue my internship after the ### semester of my BBA from DEF University

At ABC, I realized that it does take a trained eye to read through different trades and analyze the logic and complexities behind them. The company turned out to be a world in itself! In the first three months (and as junior analyst), I learnt about the……..

Analysis of the SOP so far: This is a relatively concise SOP that quickly evolves to the work experience history. This approach is ideal for SOPs with limited wordlimits. This sample is in contrast with samples I, II and III above that are far less linked (initially) to the specific MBA path or specialization. It is important to map out the entire SOP blueprint and then decide on where you need to begin and not the other way round.

SOP Sample V – Executive MBA with Entrepreneurship specialization

As a 14-year-old, I realized my passion for adventure when I crossed the Atlantic Ocean (a 400-mile single lap journey) on a small coastal freighter (1). Over time this passion was channelized through entrepreneurship. My first company “did roaring business” for ##-years providing in-vogue sunglasses at ABC college and funded most of my college tuition.

SOP Sample VI – MBA with Supply Chain Management specialization

Early-on, as a teenager, I would accompany my father (Partner, ABC Corporation) during various factory visits. His liberal encouragement towards relating to a variety of personnel and learning about operations made me realize my passion for improvising manufacturing “business systems”

After completing my graduation (mechanical engineering) and Masters (Engineering Management), I took charge as an IT (1) implementation specialist for a services organization – New York Department of Health. My “system mapping” made it possible to guide core technologists towards customizing high-end computer software for clients. I could succeed at change management through numerous client trainings/interactions often involving very senior professionals.

In February 20##, I joined ABC Corporation – our US$ 18Mn-valued, professionally run, family business. Starting as management trainee, I have optimized various supply-chain and processing activities resulting in greater workforce motivation and record cost efficiencies. I currently lead a handpicked, hierarchical 10-member team

Analysis of the SOP so far: This is a unique SOP and most ideal for understanding the nuances of linking various work experiences towards the said degree and near term goals.It is important to map out the entire SOP blueprint and then decide on where you need to begin and not the other way round.