Business Jargon You Should Avoid Using in Your MBA Application Essays
One of the mistakes that MBA applicants make in their admission essays is that they include jargon in the mix, whether intentionally or unintentionally. When done willfully, people think that jargon can make them look more professional and knowledgeable about their fields. When done unwillingly, these people just forget themselves and write like how they would when communicating with people in their workplace. Whatever the case, it spells out carelessness, lack of preparation, and poor communication skills on their essays.
As you know, getting to an MBA school means you want to learn managing a business in a specific field. Basically, you’re gunning for a leadership position. And when it’s about leadership, it’s necessary that the qualities of good communication skills and forethought are present in a leader. If you use jargon intentionally, that shows that you can’t express yourself in other words besides jargon. It also shows a lack of creativity and originality when you rely on jargon to get your message across.
So instead of making you look smart, using jargon just makes you look as if you’re using technical words to hide your poor communication skills and to intimidate your readers into believing you’re an expert in your field. If you’re a real expert on a subject, then you can find ways of explaining yourself in a clearer way. For those who use jargon unwittingly or just through daily use, it shows that one is not fully aware of the purpose of the essay. You display inconsideration to the reader and use your language haphazardly. Now these are hardly the qualities that you would look for in a leader, much less from an MBA applicant.
Here are some jargons that you should avoid in making your mba application essays:
• Acronyms, especially the ones that are known only to your organization
• Industry-specific technical terms
• High-sounding but vague terms (for example, online enterprise development, human resources utilization)
• Clichés. Though these belong to a different category, they can stand as jargon for the business language. You always hear terms like “best of breed” and “value chain” in your organization. They may sound nice, but they also sound rundown.
Whether you’re writing for an MBA essay or your high school essay, the elements of good writing are the same. You need to be clear yourself on what you want to express, work on the right expression, and get feedback on what you wrote.
1. Make an outline before you write.
2. Remember the purpose of the essay and your readers.
3. Watch your jargon.
4. Consult sample MBA application essays for some tips and mistakes to avoid.
5. Read and edit your work thoroughly.
6. Have someone non-technical read your essay and get feedback if it is an easy read.
7. Read and edit again for jargons and cliché.
If you have good communication skills, you don’t need to use jargon to make you look smart. You’d even look smarter if you get your message across without relying on technical terms. By doing so, you show your confidence in your communication skills.
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If you’re planning to take your career to the next level, get into the best business schools that can give you top-notch education. Here are three of the best MBA schools in the US for 2008.
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
An illustrious institution that has produced the likes of Kraft, Nabisco, Gillette and Oscar Mayer top honcho James Kilts is located in the heart of good old Windy City. Founded in 1898, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business takes pride in instilling effective guidelines and innovative approaches to business in its students. These students have then went on to become the greatest professionals in the business arena, and some have even become Nobel laureates. Check out the official website of Chicago Booth and choose among the full-time and part-time schedules and executive, Ph.D and MBA course offerings.
One of the more famous and top-ranked business schools in the country has churned out approximately 42, 012 living alumni, most of whom are respected leaders in their industries. Founded in 1908, the Harvard Business School (HBS) is best known for the quality education and training that it gives to its students. Its students have gone on to become renowned businessmen and leaders of trade, while some even went back to share their knowledge in the academe such as World Bank Senior Advisor John. H. McArthur and Ford Foundation Director of Investment and Financial Policies and current HBS Dean Jay O. Light. Visit the HBS website to check out the school’s MBA programs and schedules.
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University)
Set your sights on one of the exceptional business schools in Chicago, the Kellogg School of Management of the Northwestern University. Established in 1908, the Kellogg School of Management is famous for instilling values such as teamwork and leadership among its students. Excellent instruction regarding business and trade strategies are taught in the MBA programs of Kellogg School of Management. Check out the school’s website for requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites per program. Students can either take classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
The 2008 BusinessWeek MBA Schools List ranks Leonard N. Stern School of Business, Anderson School, and Kelly School of Business in the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth spots. If you plan on going to these schools, check out the brief profiles of each school below.
Leonard N. Stern School of Business (New York University)
Though NYU may be better known for its academic prowess in the arts, it is also becoming notable for its academic exploits in the business and trade side through the NYU Stern School of Business. NYU initially established Stern as the NYU undergraduate School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance in 1900. In 1916, the school eventually offered graduate studies to individuals looking to pursue higher and specialized studies. The school was renamed the Leonard N. Stern School of Business in 1988 following the philanthropist and alumnus’ generous donation to the school. Check out the school’s official website for more details on class schedules and types of programs offered.
Anderson School (University of California–Los Angeles)
Seventy years ago saw the birth of one of UCLA’s business schools, the Anderson School of Management. Aside from the usual MBA, PHD, and executive MBA programs, Anderson also offers the Master of Financial Engineering. Other notable distinctions offered in Anderson are the UCLA-NUS Global Executive MBA program, Riordan programs, and Management Communications programs among others. Pay a visit to the schools’ official website to find out the requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites for each program.
Kelley School of Business (Indiana University)
Indiana University established its School of Commerce and Finance in 1920, where students got to focus on trade and business strategies. In 1997, the school was renamed the Kelley School of Business when E.W. Kelly donated $23 million dollars to the institution. Despite the various changes in names, the Kelly School of Business still retains the quality education taught by impressive faculty to students pursuing undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral degrees. Kelley also offers full-time, online, and specialized MBA programs to its students. Check out the school’s official website to apply online.
Darden Graduate School of Business, Kenan-Flagler Business School, and Cox School of Business have been ranked as the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth placers in the Best MBA Program ranking of BusinessWeek for 2008. Take a peek into each school as short profiles are listed below.
Darden Graduate School of Business (University of Virginia)
Darden Graduate School of Business is just one of the many departments of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson, the University’s founder, wanted to educate people in different aspects such as the arts, sciences, law, medicine, and business. Darden was inaugurated in 1954 to serve the needs of students who wanted to focus on the trade and business sector. This institution is famous for implementing a two-year MBA program on a case-based method, similar to the program instilled by Harvard. Check out the school’s website to get the gist on the application process and requirements.
Kenan-Flagler Business School (University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill)
The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill initially established the Department of Commerce in its College of Arts in 1919. Through the years, the facilities expanded but it was in 1991 that the school received a generation that bolstered the institution even more. Because of the donation made by Mary Lily Kenan-Flagler and Henry Morrison Flagler, the school changed its name into its present label. UNC Kenan-Flagler offers MBA and executive programs as well as undergraduate degrees in Business Administration. Log on to their website to check for requirements such as MBA application essays and other requisites.
Cox School of Business (Southern Methodist University)
Considered by the Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek among others as one of the most excellent business schools in the world, Cox School offers superb education in trade and business strategies. Founded in 1920, this institution has been able to produce notable alumni who have gone on to be the best leaders in each of their own ventures. Cox offers undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs as well as MBAs. Pay a visit to the school’s website for more information on the application process and guidelines.
One of the most coveted lists of the top MBA schools for 2008 slate Columbia, Fuqua School of Business, and MIT Sloan in the seventh, eighth, and ninth spots respectively. If you’re planning to take up an MBA or a business course in any of these schools, check out the profiles below for an overview of each school.
One of the big names in the academe is Columbia University. It’s MBA degree-granting body, the Columbia Business School, was established in 1916 and has given rise to many of the country’s best professionals in the field of business. At present, Columbia Business School has a diverse student body, made up of individuals who are of different national and ethnic backgrounds. Outstanding curricula are taught in the MBA, doctorate, and executive programs in Columbia by a stellar faculty comprised of experienced individuals and talented leaders of trade and business. For more information and a detailed application guideline, check out the school’s official website.
Fuqua School of Business (Duke University)
The Fuqua School of Business of Duke University is a fairly young institution compared to its contemporaries, having only been established in 1969. However, as with all schools under the Duke University system, Fuqua has greatly prospered and has helped many business-minded individuals strike it rich. Cross-continent and joint degree programs are just a few of the programs offered in Fuqua that equip students with the proper knowledge and the most effective business strategies. Pay a visit to the school’s official website to learn more about what this institution can offer and for application guidelines and requirements such as MBA application essays.
MIT Sloan School of Management
Though MIT is more famous for being a premiere institution for science and engineering in the US, its MIT-Sloan School of Management brings in a different yet equally excellent program of study. Established in 1914, the MIT Sloan emerged from what was then just the MIT Department of Economics and Statistics. Currently, MIT Sloan lists programs for MBA, Master of Finance, and doctoral degrees for students interested in honing their business acumen. Drop by their admissions office or visit the school’s official website for detailed application guidelines.
People pursue MBA degrees to increase their marketability. Others do so to make themselves eligible for executive and top management positions. Enrolling yourself in a brick-and-mortar graduate business school will also earn you the chance of building your own social and professional network.
Why is networking important when you’re in an MBA school?
When you enroll in a brick-and-mortar university, it is very likely that you will have classmates who come from all walks of life. Some of them might even be professionals in the business industry.
If you want to expand your career opportunities, use this particular setup to your advantage. The alliance you can form with your classmates may be invaluable in the near future. Your classmates can even share you tips and pieces of advice regarding the management of businesses. Interacting with them will give you the opportunity to learn from their experiences.
Treat you classmates as peers who can be your future employee, employer or business partners. Remember that establishing ties with them while you are still MBA students will be very beneficial for you in the future.
How can you create a network while you’re in MBA school?
Creating a social and professional network while you’re still pursuing your MBA degree is a challenging task. First, you have to talk with your classmates. Just remember not to overdo it. Remember that small talks can lead to friendship. So, don’t hesitate to approach your classmates.
Joining various school organizations will also allow you to create a network. You and your co-members can enjoy doing the same activities together. Doing these things will allow you and your friends to introduce one another’s personality. Affiliations can also bring a positive review to your resumes. Membership in school organizations will also allow you to hone your leadership skills. It can also be a place where you can apply the things you’ve learned in your MBA courses.
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Having an MBA degree can really provide you with great career opportunities. It is for this reason that more and more people are pursuing this particular graduate studies program. But before you take the plunge with them, remember that you need to acquire certain skills before pursuing an MBA degree. Certain skills will not just help you survive your MBA degree but they will also come in handy in your career plans. To give you an idea, here are just some of the skills you will need to succeed in MBA programs:
>Analytical skills
The curricula of the different MBA programs are generally focused on honing your analytical skills. Such focus is given priority because we all know that the business world needs people who have the ability to solve issues and problems. An MBA program will teach you how to effectively analyze data and reports. Try practicing your analytical skills before you enroll in an MBA program. Doing so will ensure that you won’t have a hard time on different case studies that this course requires.
>Mathematical skills
Businesses always involve calculations. To help you get ready for this, MBA programs also have intensive courses in Mathematics. Such courses will have you dealing with spreadsheets and financial documents. The intensive Mathematic courses for MBA students will also assist you in understanding complex mathematical equations.
>Communication skills
Good communication skills are a requirement for both MBA degrees and in the real world. Enrolling in a brick-and-mortar graduate business school will surely help you hone your interpersonal skills. Remember that in the business industry, you have to be both a good team member and a good team leader. Aside from this, good interpersonal skills will give you the chance to talk with your classmates. You can also use this particular skill to build your own social and professional network.
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People seek an MBA degree to aid them in leveling up their careers. Others get an MBA to help them in their transition to new career paths. It is for these reasons that graduate business schools are offering a lot of different MBA programs. Advanced MBA degrees, in particular, are designed for those who want to gain expertise in a particular area of business field. These programs even offer elective courses that one can even customize to suit his or her career needs.
What are the different kinds of MBA programs?
Advanced MBA programs have different kinds. The main feature of these programs is that they allow students to choose their own area of specialization. This means that students can pick courses such as management, finance, information systems, human resources, biotechnology and marketing as their field of specialization. There are also advanced MBA programs that let students earn two degrees. The joint MBA/Law program is an example of this kind of advanced MBA program.
How does one choose from the different kinds of MBA programs?
An individual who wishes to pursue an advanced MBA program must first determine his or her career goals. Doing research and comparing the different curricula of advanced MBA programs will also help. Individuals must remember that MBA advanced programs must equip them in their career endeavors.
What can one get from having and advanced MBA degree?
Better opportunities are close at hand for people who have advanced MBA degrees. For one, application for employment will just be a breeze for them. It is because companies prioritize applicants who have already finished their MBAs. Aside from this, advanced MBA degree holders will easily be recognized as experts in their particular fields of specialization. The chance of getting higher paychecks is also bigger for advanced MBA degree holders.
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An MBA degree can really be an individual’s ticket to greater career opportunities. It is for this reason that many people seek to get an MBA degree because having one is definitely seen an advantage in the competitive world of business. Having an MBA degree will earn an individual the chance to be eligible for top positions. Entrepreneurs can also benefit from an MBA degree too.
Why do entrepreneurs still pursue an MBA degree?
Entrepreneurs still try their hand at getting an MBA degree for one main reason—an MBA degree offers a lot of benefits. To illustrate, below is a short list of the perks that entrepreneurs can get from their MBAs.
>Access to various business models and theories
An MBA program is designed to give its students the chance to learn more about different theories and models. MBA students can readily apply such knowledge to improve their own businesses. And because an MBA program offers advanced learning, entrepreneurs will have the benefit of easily understanding current and upcoming trends in their field.
>Graduate degree in your sleeve
An MBA degree is a distinction for higher learning. Having an MBA is like putting a feather in your hat. This advanced learning program will earn you the chance of being called an expert in the field of business. And if ever you decide to apply for top management positions, you can be sure that you are qualified. Companies always prioritize applicants who have already earned their MBAs.
>Chance to build your own network
Enrolling at a brick-and-mortar MBA school will provide you the opportunity to interact with different classmates. Some of them may even be entrepreneurs like you. Others may even be considered as professionals in the business field. This kind of setup will be most beneficial to you because you can learn a lot of things from your classmates. Your classmates can even give you pointers on how you can effectively manage your business.
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Applying for an MBA program is quite similar to applying for a college program. You also need to comply with the application requirements for an MBA program. MBA application essays, in particular, are just of the crucial MBA admission requirements. These essays can make or break your application. So it is best to handle them with extra care. Below are some tips that can help you craft your MBA application essays for different MBA schools.
>Review the instructions
The first thing you should do when writing MBA application essays is to make sure that you have very well understood the instructions. Rules for writing MBA application essays vary from one graduate school to another. So, it is important for you to recheck instructions. There are graduate business schools that require applicants to answer a specific set of questions in their application essays. Others just give their applicants a particular topic to write about.
>Elaborate particular parts of your essay
Taking the word count limit in consideration, expand the important parts of your essay. Elaborating on particular paragraphs can give your essay a positive attitude that scores points with admissions committee members. If you want to emphasize a particular skill, make sure that you have talked about it in a way that will convince your readers to believe you.
>Improve your essay
If you have the luxury of time, let your essay cool for a while. Go back to it after a few hours to see if anything needs to be improved. If you are using a generic essay, try to add or delete some lines. Doing so will let you come up with different MBA application essays that will the MBA programs you are applying for.
>Know when to stop
If you thing that you have written all the things you need to say then stop. Don’t try to reach the maximum word count limit. Remember that the content and style of your MBA application essays are more important.
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