GRACE M.
Home State/Country: Tennessee, USA
Undergraduate School: University of Notre Dame
GPA Range: 3.3–3.7
GMAT: 750 T (45V; 48Q)
Work Experience: Private Equity
Word Count: 1,052
ESSAY
Since I was six, my family has volunteered to help the desperately poor and medically underserved in the remote village Boucan Carre, Haiti. Until my sisters and I were old enough to volunteer in Haiti ourselves, we would help from home, picking up donations, organizing annual benefits, and leading fundraisers. When I was fourteen, my parents fostered a Haitian boy, who was seeking medical treatment for growth hormone deficiency and malnutrition. Due to his condition, at the age of twelve, [he] stood three feet tall, weighed 45 pounds, and wore a 5T size in clothing. He was sweet and playful, but at times struggled to overcome anger, sorrow, and self-harm, resulting in violent and often public outbursts. We loved [him] despite the challenges, and our family adapted. My parents were, rightly, consumed with [him] and his well-being, so I embraced the role of mediator within our large family. I took on a parent role to my younger sister, who felt neglected, and I supported my parents to ease their burden. Though fostering [him] was difficult, we grew stronger as a family and in our relationships to both [him] and each other. I had expected to take on the role of older sister to [him], but I never anticipated that my role with my younger sister, or my parents, would change as well. Interpersonal relationships are complex and dynamic, and through the experience, I learned that a significant change to an established system, like my family, can create a ripple effect that can be difficult to predict.
In my professional experience, I have seen how targeted investments can have a similar unforeseen ripple effect on communities, positive or negative. For example, recent infrastructure investments by telecommunications companies have improved access to the internet in Africa, which has earned these companies higher subscriber growth, their intended outcome. The unintentional, although positive, ripple effect was that it paved the way for growth in digital finance in the region, giving millions of people access to credit and financial accounts who would not otherwise have them. Similarly, private equity has a place in the global economy as a stimulus for growth, innovation, and productivity, and also as a means to connect excess capital to companies seeking it. In my time at [Private Equity Firm], my team has invested in large companies based in South Korea, Germany, and the Netherlands. The investments have resulted in net job growth and productivity gains in their respective locations. However, the economic value of global investment activity and its ripple effect is not going far enough to affect villages like Boucan Carre or people like [my brother]. My hope is that with a deeper understanding of local cultural dynamics, international private equity investment can improve its impact and reach.
As a Lebanese-American growing up in a small Tennessee town, I learned to navigate the juxtaposed perspectives of my family in Lebanon and my environment in Knoxville and bridged the gap between the two cultures. Professionally, I have found that connecting across cultural divides is important for effective communication. For example, I work closely with a company based in Seoul, and through interacting with colleagues there, I observed that professional culture in Korea is far more formal than in America. Drawing on my experience connecting my Lebanese and southern cultures, I trained my own mannerisms to improve our communication, even in minor ways such as referring to familiar colleagues as “Mr.” or “Ms.” By improving my awareness of cultural nuances and adapting my communication habits, our interactions became more effective and, eventually, more frequent, which helped information flow across the two groups.
I want to invest in international markets, where I can apply my skills in finance and my perspectives on relationships and working across cultures to make an impact on the poorest communities. Upon graduation, I want to join an operations-focused private equity firm with international reach, because investing in developing markets will be at a smaller scale than my work thus far at [Private Equity Firm] and will require more operations improvements to create value for individual communities.
To be successful in my goal, I need a broader business base. My education and career have been narrowly focused in finance and at arm’s length. At my firm, we talk about the complexities of integrating acquisitions, but I have never integrated disparate IT systems myself or seen the work that goes into it. We tell our investors about operational improvements we can make, but I have never run manufacturing equipment or improved output. The next step to fill these gaps is to gain greater understanding in new areas of business. Based on my discussions with current students (e.g., [HBS Student] ’19) and alumni (e.g., [HBS Alum] ’16) who are colleagues, I know that HBS is the best program to attain this broader business base and to engage myself in a campus community. I will take advantage of courses such as Managing International Trade and Investment to understand the landscape of foreign investment, and TOM to deepen my understanding of operations, an area in which I am weak today. I will learn from section mates from diverse backgrounds who view problems and approach solutions differently. I can apply my experiences to real-life scenarios in cases and group assignments. I hope to pursue a FIELD immersion program where, for example, my group could implement a new product in a developing community, execute a marketing strategy at a small scale in a foreign country, and confront real, localized problems in the process. I plan to join the Investment Club to learn from peers from other asset class backgrounds, like start-ups or international growth equity. There, I can leverage my experience leading Notre Dame’s Wall Street Club by organizing speaker series around broader investment strategies, including social impact and emerging markets, which will develop my understanding of localized investing in international markets.
Private equity investment has the potential to positively impact communities like [my brother’s]. By transcending cultural divides, investments can create opportunities that are mutually beneficial to local populations and businesses, creating jobs and new industries that improve quality of life for low-income communities, while being economically attractive for companies. I know HBS can deliver an MBA experience that provides me with the broad business foundation I need to be effective in targeted investing in developing markets.
ANALYSIS
Throughout her essay, Grace draws an interesting parallel between her personal and professional lives. She describes the profound impact of her family’s fostering when she was fourteen, which fundamentally reshaped her relationship with and role among her family members. She learns here that “a significant change to an established system … can create a ripple effect.”
The theme of a “ripple effect” reappears in her professional life. Grace outlines what her work entails: investing in various industries throughout developing countries, seeking to create employment opportunities, and elevating economic welfare. Grace talks about how such investments, even unintentionally, lead to various benefits in regional enterprises and promote overall well-being. Grace demonstrates her global character by highlighting various professional experiences around the world and ties this narrative back to Harvard Business School in relation to the professional skills she hopes to develop through the MBA program.
—Felipe Tancredo
SIDD B.
Home State/Country: United Arab Emirates
Undergraduate School: Columbia University
GPA Range: Undisclosed
GMAT: Undisclosed
Work Experience: Private Equity
Word Count: 1,097
ESSAY
The conspicuously large red glasses that have adorned my face for the past decade are integral to who I am. These 2? x 2? square-faced rims have proven to be an instant conversation starter and a means by which I am often remembered. They are even featured on a crowd-sourced page on WikiCU—Columbia’s version of Wikipedia—meant to chronicle my work as Student Body President. In fact, my glasses have their own page too. All this attention, now endearing, to a pair of glasses was certainly never my intention. The red glasses resemble merely a fashionable accessory to most, but have a far deeper significance to me: they embody a past insecurity that I have now overcome.
Growing up in the desert city of Dubai, I have ironically always been attracted to water activities, and was a competitive swimmer during middle school. I loved the sport and used it as a channel to navigate what was a tough period of social identity. While I made many new friends at swim meets, I also truly valued the reflective time I had to myself in the pool. However, my vision started to deteriorate at the age of thirteen, and my parents introduced me to my first pair of remarkably average spectacles. Over the following eighteen months, my vision became blurrier and I would get throbbing headaches if I did not wear my glasses. Although significant astigmatism is not an uncommon condition, it was a weakness that constantly stared me in the face and seriously impacted my daily life. I questioned what I had done wrong and how I could counter what I viewed as a handicap—should I watch less TV? Should I change my vegetarian diet? Should I pray more frequently at the temple?
My vision disadvantaged me in the pool, and I slowly lost interest in swimming. It was agonizing to find myself distant from such an important part of my childhood. I acknowledged that the plastic frame with thick lenses was here to stay. To a younger version of myself, it seemed like I was destined to parade my weakness perched on my nose with no place to hide.
After a year of resentment, I was poised to shake things up. I was determined to tackle this demon and reimagine the implications. On a summer trip to Mumbai, I purchased my first pair of jumbo unbranded red glasses. The large size and loud color were a deliberate choice. This was my internal battle cry as I was tired of hiding—no more drab glasses; no more shunning my handicap.
The principal back at my conservative high school disliked the bright red color that starkly contrasted with the somber school uniform, and was vocal about his distaste for the glasses. He attempted to bully me into not wearing them, but I was not willing to turn back now. My creative compromise was to resort to dual identities; I brought two pairs of glasses to school daily—the lively red pair for the classroom and a rimless sober pair for the common areas that the principal roamed.
Fortunately, college was more welcoming; “are they real?” was the third most frequent question during orientation after “how do you speak such fluent English?” and “did you ride camels back home?” My red glasses were an easy icebreaker and the unconventional fashion appeal helped debunk stereotypes of an engineer’s appearance. The warm response towards my red glasses gave me newfound confidence in my new home many seas away from family. This self-belief helped me successfully run for freshman Class Representative, which subsequently led to three reelections in different capacities on student council. My team and our agenda evolved each year but the constant red glasses portrayed a sense of familiarity and trustworthiness. The red glasses accompanied my team on our posters around campus, on our social media outreach, and as we went door to door speaking with the constituents we strived to serve. Even those that were unaware of the student council’s initiatives knew they could always reach out to “the guy with red glasses.” Inadvertently, the red glasses had become my personal brand.
As I embarked into the business world, I gave considerable thought to how I would present myself. Post college, pressed suits and ties replaced t-shirts and sweatpants, and I questioned if I was supposed to retire the red glasses for a more professional alternative. Recalling my high school experience, I settled on a dual appearance, wearing different sets of glasses depending on my target audience and desired message. While this helped me control my persona, the glasses were still more of a trusted friend than simply a showpiece; they continued to give me courage and reminded me not to back down in challenging times. In my first year at [the investment firm], I spent a couple months at my portfolio company and the experience was initially as uncomfortable as it was exciting. I had to often provide guidance to senior executives who were far more tenured than I was, and I questioned how I, three years into my career, was to convince industry experts of my views. Through my internal conflict, the red glasses I wore served as a constant reminder that I could push through my reservations, and I did.
My red glasses have become endearing to friends and family because they are truly an extension of myself. Friendly, colorful, and bold, they encapsulate my personality well. Friends (and occasionally strangers) often grabbed my glasses to take a photograph wearing them, leading to a photography blog through senior year of college titled “Sidd B. Imposters” that captured over a hundred such moments. After years of practice, I even have a jovial response to compliments now: “Thanks—they’re the only reason I have friends!”
As an investment professional today, I look back and realize that the red glasses have yielded an unexpectedly high return on investment; they seem to have an intangible draw that enhances what I bring to the table. Accompanying me on my journey thus far, the red glasses are essential to my individuality. They have become what my family and friends expect to be greeted with, give me a mode to connect with strangers, and reinforce the boldness I feel we should all have towards our work and dreams. Although I aspire to wear crimson red proudly, I have no intention of leaving behind my candy apple red glasses. I am confident that they will help me embrace the dreaded cold call and will partake in the many adventures I hope to have with my section mates.
ANALYSIS
This essay exemplifies how seemingly small moments can be told in big ways. Sidd begins the essay by introducing his red glasses as a symbol of personal growth and uniqueness. Instead of viewing his vision as a handicap, Sidd accepts it and his glasses as part of his identity. This association between Sidd and the glasses establishes a strong hook and provides a symbol that he is able to refer back to throughout the essay.
Sidd parallels the red glasses with his evolution towards self-acceptance and openness to new experiences. Sidd uses the glasses as a token to remind himself of his ability to overcome limitations and become a better student and professional. Through these stories, Sidd is also able to present his professional accomplishments and strong work experience. By presenting his experiences and accomplishments through the theme of the red glasses, Sidd was able to craft a compelling narrative essay.
—Felipe Tancredo
ALEXIS R.
Home State/Country: USA
Undergraduate School: University of Wisconsin-Madison
GPA Range: 3.3–3.7
GMAT: 700 T (40V; 45Q)
Work Experience: Corporate Finance
Word Count: 1,305
ESSAY
The past year has been one of much introspection for me. I’ve looked internally to understand my motivations, what’s important to me, and how my past experiences have shaped me for future success. Through this time of reflection, I’ve concluded that going back to school to pursue my MBA at HBS is the ultimate next step, not only to build upon the professional I am today, but more broadly, to collectively better myself as a person.
As grounding, I’ll start with where I’ve been.
My name is Alexis R. I was born in North Dakota and moved to Wisconsin when I was ten years old. I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin, as an only child of two parents that taught me the importance of hard work, persistence, and staying true to your Vikings roots in the heart of Green Bay Packer country. My parents instilled in me the power of determination and commitment, and I modeled myself after them in my definition of success.
After graduating from college, I began work full-time at a large CPG company, and the experience thus far has challenged and grown me more than I would have ever expected. Finance is at the epicenter of all business; a reputable colleague that other functions lean on for advice and counsel. Two years out of school, I sat on the leadership team of one of our Customer Sales Regions, the sole Finance support for the Sales team. I played an exciting role above my experience as the trusted adviser to my Senior Sales Director. We worked together to make things happen quickly, and I was able to influence decisions due to her trust in my abilities. I admired the action-oriented, motivating style with which this woman led, and it was something I focused on building within myself.
My next rotation brought me to the Cereal Operating Unit, where I was the Finance point for Cereal Innovation. I led the financial modeling and analytics for numerous successful new product launches, all of which taught me the strength in operating through ambiguity and working quickly to resolution rather than dwelling on a problem. This role was also my first glance into the power of true business partnership—I learned the underlying motivations that guided the decisions my business partners were making, and I was able to use this as a solid foundation to influence the team and provide direction. Chocolate Peanut Butter Oats was a project that portrayed these underlying motivations very clearly. Product engineers wanted to use tasty, high-cost ingredients, while Consumer Insights wanted a healthier nutrition label. Supply Chain wanted one singular carton size to reduce complexity, while Sales wanted three to ensure strong distribution. This was my opportunity to truly make an impact—I was able to contextualize the trade-offs for the team and educate them on the important role that Innovation played in the Operating Unit’s long-range plan. It was through my high degree of business partnership that I was able to bring Finance to the forefront and ensure that we had all the context necessary to make the right decisions.
I then moved into my current role in North America Planning and Analysis. This has given me a completely different set of skills as I build capabilities to analyze results and understand drivers of change. In this role, I provide direction and insights to the President and VP of Finance for our North America business. I get the opportunity to sit with these senior leaders and hear the questions they’re asking, the trade-offs they’re making, and the recommendations and decisions they own. It is through this experience that I’ve learned the significance of simplicity. Complexity leads to confusion, and the leaders I look up to are able to see the complexity, understand it, and then relay it in a concise, easy-to-interpret way. The power of leading with simplicity is often overlooked but is something I value considerably.
As I review the career moments that have developed who I want to be as a leader, it’s important to note two other influential parts of my life outside of work: my time as a Big Sister as part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program and my experience as a volunteer tax preparer with Prepare + Prosper, a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the community’s financial wellness. I have been a Big for the past five years and came into the program hoping to make a lasting impact on a young girl’s life. What I have found instead is that while my impact on my Little’s life is valuable, the pieces that she has taught me have already had a lasting effect on my own life. She has taught me the importance of staying curious, how to be more patient, and how different values drive different behaviors. I have also been a volunteer tax preparer for the past five years for low-income local residents. I can’t count the number of tax returns I’ve filed that have had donations to charity in an income bracket lower than the poverty line or the number of clients who have thanked me incessantly for my services even after a multi-hour wait. I see the selflessness and gratitude of these people, with backgrounds different than my own, and have learned to truly appreciate what I can gain from others. It is through these relationships that I’ve discovered that to be a respected leader, empathy and an understanding of how others operate is as important as, if not more than, the analytical skills I’ve naturally developed.
Through my roles at my previous employer as well as the activities that occupy my time outside of the office, it is clear that my past has formulated the way I think about my future. With that in mind, I am at a point in my career where I am shifting from grounding myself in detailed financial analysis to more forward-thinking, strategic recommendations and decisions. To aid in this shift, I need to fully envelop myself in the focus on that goal. As I’ve progressed through my career, I’ve always received high praise for my analytical capabilities and my ability to partner with the team to create actionable next steps. Although, I have admittedly not been the loudest at the table. Colleagues respect and trust my abilities and have mentioned that they’d like to hear even more from me. I take time to gather my thoughts and formulate my opinion with 100% certainty before voicing it outwardly. Through my own internalization of this feedback, I am now more focused than ever to make the change; to move from analytical horsepower to leading the discussion and influencing the outcome. This determination has bolstered my decision to make a solid commitment to self-improvement, lively debate and discussion, and ensuring that my voice is heard. It is through HBS’s program that I can accelerate my leadership goals. It is the case method that provides the perfect backdrop for taking often ambiguous, complex data and boiling it down into succinct direction. It is the highly verbal environment that provides a learning ground for my desire to speak my mind more quickly and partner with others of unique and diverse backgrounds. It is the talented classmates around me that provide insights into what it takes to motivate and lead to action. All of this culminates into my notion of the impact I’ll make on the world. On my path to becoming a leader in the CPG industry, I desire to bring tangible happiness to consumers through the products I trust and believe in, all while being a highly motivating leader deeply grounded in the values I was raised upon. HBS is the next step in that path forward for me; a mutually beneficial relationship that will foster both personal development and professional success.
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