Where do you draw the line between being authentic and oversharing in MBA essays? A big family issue shaped my career path, but I’m worried it’ll come off as a sob story or unprofessional. Should I keep it strictly to my work wins, or is there actually value in showing that personal side?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. Share whatever you want but remember who you’re writing to.

like

There is a fine line between being candid, authentic, and then oversharing with TMI and presenting a sob story. Being authentic and sharing how the big family issue shaped your career path can be a total game changer in personalizing your application. However, many clients fail to understand the fine line, overshare, and get rejected. The rule of thumb is: will this make the reader feel uncomfortable? It's like oversharing on a first date. It makes people feel uncomfortable and is a red flag. And yet, there is TOTAL value in showing your personal side and it can differentiate you and get you accepted. For example, we analyzed apps for all of our successful MBA clients that we worked with at StoryCrafters MBA, and every single one who got accepted to Stanford GSB shared a family story in the "What matters most" prompt. The tricky part of threading the needle carefully. And it's really challenging to be objective about your own life.

like

Mention it and its impact on you briefly. Would be good to relate it to your journey and goals

Business schools admit PEOPLE, not resumes and work experience. If a personal experience informs the direction you want to take, by all means, share it!

I've worked with people who's engagement with the healthcare system (either for themselves or a loved one) motivated them to pivot into healthcare.

I've worked with individuals whose experiences with disordered eating made them want to create healthier foods.

I can go on and on.

Work wins are on your resume and will likely be highlighted by your recommenders. Use the essays to highlight the person behind your achievements.

Related Posts

Are there any roles for non technical people at companies like Mastercard and Visa?

Currently I am working at a Fintech product company.
MBA with current package of 11.5 lpa
And my skill sets include SQL, ms office, data analysis, data mining, SAS, Hive, Power BI
Mastercard

Would Middle East offices still hire many people this year or sort of at a hiring freeze? (Think post-mba level)

like

Anyone can opine on HKS MPA-ID? I have MBA admits and want to continue working in ID post-MBA but this school just came up on my radar. I dont have money but just thinking long term if I should invest in applying and going. Dual citizen. Thoughts?

like

So. MBA from a top 20 program (if that matters), working in the southeastern US with 10 years experience in private practice and hospital administration. Salary thoughts?

like

Hello, I have a question that needs your inputs how to handle. I am working with a post-MBA Associate on a project and this person seems to do extra work beyond what the team is asking the rest of us to do. I think during our conversations with the leadership, there were a couple of points that were brought up by the MD but that was not a concrete directive that we need to do because if it is, I would know about it from the chain email since I am staffed to the project.
(…cont)

like

I want to get middle school cert (for ELA) My degree is K-8. My current cert. & EdTPA is K-5. What's the quickest & easiest path to middle school certification?! (I'm in TN, specifically Sumner Co.)

like

How long after final round at bcg until you know if you got it? MBA hire

like

For an MBA graduate of 2018 batch (new IIM), is 25 lpa current CTC decent or is he underpaid?
2 years of pre mba work ex as well.

like

Is Databricks certification useful for switching to a data science role? If so, which track would be the best to go for?

like

I recently graduated college last year and am trying to pursue certifications to help build up my resume. I currently hold an AWS SAA certification and Azure AZ -900. I am looking to try and obtain the CISSP next. Is there something else I should start with before diving into CISSP or should I direct my studying and focus in that direction?

like

Hello all,
Looking for a consultant position in healthcare consulting. I have an MBA with 5 years in the healthcare industry, 7+ years of strategic program/project management and I’m am lean six sigma green belt certified. Know of any companies currently hiring? (I am willing to travel. )

Feel free to PM me to further discuss.

like

Diversity quota is real: both for B-School admissions/scholarships and MBB recruiting.

Readers be warned. Your skills don’t matter as much as you think.

That is all.

like

I am a business analyst with MBA background working in D in ecommerce practice . I have around 5 yrs experience jn consulting and 2 yrs mba. Are there any good product management or BA opportunities in EY

like

Applying for L6 non-tech Program Manager at Amazon. Please leave some advice below on how to get a shortlist! (What looks good on a CV etc.) YoE - 5.5 post MBA

like

Anyone gone through the CFI’s FMVA certification program? Is it worth it for FDD?

like

Are you putting on the app forms that deloitte is covering “100% of the total MBA cost?” Im a bit hesitant since it’s paid retroactively, only covers tuition and we are still eligible for scholarships

like

Hi! Hoping for advice please. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best PMP course?

like
like

CISA exam on June 11. Is it too late to study???

like

What’s the pay scale for a security program manager at AWS in the DMV? 10 years work experience, 4 In consulting, 6 in fed, bachelors, and CISSP.

likehelpful

More Posts

Is it kyndryl or IBM that recently started offices in kochi kerala ?.

TA Leaders - we're recruiting for an EMEA Head of Sourcing and I'd love to hear from senior leaders with a passion in this area and strong regional knowledge across EMEA.

- Owning & executing regional strategy for Sourcing
- PnL management and delivering on EMEA location strategy and growth objectives
- People & leadership development
- Evolution and continuous improvement as it relates to insight led sourcing, including tools, process and technology.


Get in touch to hear more! 👍🏽

likeuplifting
like

Do pharma producers make significantly more than they would at a traditional agency? If so, how much more (ex. Sr. Producer)?

helpful

Anyone from Nationwide? I’d like to hear feedback from current and old employees about the work environment, salary (G3), development, diversity etc. I completed an interview for Claims Manager position.

like

Don’t fall for big silicas tricks

Post Photo
likefunny

What’s the best way to get in contact with the hiring team if I want to follow up on an application, if no contact info is on the application site?

like

I just started doing insurance defense 3 months ago. A few of my billing entries have been cut. I feel very bad. Does anybody have any tips for writing better time entries?

like

One Show cancelled.

like

Who is responsible? This is pretty great

Post Photo
likefunnyhelpful

Has anyone worked on a big VR campaign? If so, roughly how much did the VR development cost? Looking for ballpark.

like

Do other firms have dedicated state and local practices?

like

Got a job offer from a company called Socios but unsure of whether to take it? New to NFTs and looking for any insight on the company/industry. Please help!

like

Hi Guys,

My joining date is Feb 1. When I will be eligible for the variable pay mentioned in the offer letter?

like

What's the total comp packages look like for big pharma for Sr. Manager or AD?

Is 130-150, 15% bonus, 15k rsu in line?

like

Hi Fishes,
I've got offer from EPAM System and Fiserv. Which one to join in terms of management, appraisal/hikes, benefits and growth? Both are offering similar compensation.

Can I negotiate with infosys if I receive higher compensation package from another organization after infosys
Also I m getting lead consultant- infrastructure management role.

What is infrastructure management here.

like

Looking to join Holcim a cement company as an Electrical Engineer I in Alabama.
What is a fair pay with roughly 2 years experience and an EIT license.

Is $80,000 fair to both me and the company. Since I'm really on the cusp of being an Electrical Engineer II?

like

Additional Posts in MBA Applicants

How bout them Washington Football Teams!!!!!!!

like

Are part time students allowed to recruit for jobs with full time students ? Asking for top schools T15 etc

like

For the Wharton app, what do you mention for professional awards? Can I mention “above average annual performance reviews and salary bonus”?? Thoughts??

like

Any recs for insightful and well written books on entrepreneurship? Friend is trying to launch his own startup so I’m thinking of sending him a relevant book as part of a thank you gift

like

Should you have your recommender mention specific future career titles in the letter? My recommender did and I’m wondering if its okay to ask to them to leave it vaugue as my essays are slightly diff

like

How hard is Haas to get into?

like

Is IB or MBB more difficult to land?

like

Looking for a referral to a company that’ll sponsor a future MBA. Already applied to MBB and Big 4. Are there any other options?

like

I had technical difficulties but was able to submit my Kellogg video essays 5 minutes after 5pm. I received notice my response was successfully submitted, but do you think my responses will be automatically disqualified given it’s slightly over the 96 hour deadline?

like

Yay got into cornell with $!

likeuplifting

Do we need to send the official score to all the scores or is unofficial schools enough?

like

For anyone applying this year, selling my applications for CBS, Yale, and Tuck - DM for details

funnylike

How do I avoid coming off as a “smart but lazy” applicant? Have very high test scores but very low gpa.

likefunny

How people manage the expectation? This round is tough, and might not get in any, but MDs wrote my rec are thinking I would make it and about to leave.......

like

Anyone start a new relationship before business school started? How did it work out?

likefunny

Boston people - I have a set of GMAT veritas prep books for sale for $50. DM me if interested.

like

Are we secretly being judged on how many of these admissions events we are attending / if we are participating?

like

How much experience is recommended before applying? I’m 2 years out of undergrad and have been working in consulting at Big 4 since graduation. Aiming for M7 and interested in Data & Analytics and Finance.

like

Chances of convincing HBS to take me off the waitlist using offers and full tuition scholarships from all the other M7 (GSB, Wharton, Kellogg, Booth, Sloan, CBS)?

likefunny

Going to Wharton in the fall. Is it worth going MBB over returning to big 4 (sponsored)? Is this a common path?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal