LBS MBA Essay Examples: Real Essays That Got Accepted
What is your experience in leading teams and what role will you play in an LBS MBA study group?
When I entered my current position, after the replacement of the company's CEO, I knew I had to make changes in the company's structure and methodologies. Up till then, the company was a "one-man-show". The previous CEO had worked directly opposite freelance analysts, and neither organized work processes nor research methodology existed. The company relied solely on the analyst's personal abilities, which caused inconsistency in projects' quality and customers' dissatisfaction.
In order to change that, I hired 5 research managers, re-defined responsibilities and tasks throughout the company, and spearheaded the formulation of a new research methodology. The new methodology gave us an edge over our competitors and established the company as a brand name for quality research.
One of the most difficult decisions I had to make was firing xxx, a veteran member of my team. Transforming my company into a leading research firm required a devoted team that was committed to this goal, and willing to make extra efforts. This vision did not fit xxx. She was looking for a laid-back position, and although talented, she did only the necessary minimum.
I faced a tough decision. On the one hand, to fire an experienced employee, in a time when most of the employees were new, seemed unwise. On the other hand, not firing her would mean establishing double standards for our employees, and might cause resentment in the entire team.
After I failed to change her attitude, I decided to fire xxx. Although I knew that in the short run things would get difficult, I concluded there was no other way. I needed the most dedicated team possible, and xxx, as head of a major division, would have undermined this effort in the long run.
Personally, making the decision was very hard. It meant firing a colleague, with whom I had worked closely for a long time. However, in the long run, team spirit improved greatly and I succeeded in building the right team to lead the company forward.
I believe that the role I will play in my study group will be the level-headed planner, who analyzes a complicated situation, prioritizes tasks, and assigns responsibilities. I will be the one that tries to find the solution when there seems to be a dead-end and points out the hard facts that others prefer to overlook. When other people are in charge, I will be the one they go over their plan with, in order to find pitfalls and loose ends. On the other hand, I'll also be the one encouraging the team that we can conquer whatever destination we set our mind to, and be willing to take a risk in order to achieve that.
What are your 5-year post-MBA career goals and long-term vision?
My longer-term vision is becoming the CEO of a major telecom company, such as Vodafone. I want to be the one that directs the course, creates a vision, and executes it. I believe that a successful CEO has to have the skills to hire the right people to run the everyday business, while he worries about future business directions. A path of management roles in large corporations that focus on business development will serve as the necessary ground for being an innovative leader hopefully leaving my mark on the telecom industry, and at some point, I do see myself putting my knowledge and experience into my own company, and surprising the telecom market with an innovative product or service.
What are your immediate post-MBA career goals, how will your experience and LBS MBA help, and why is now the right time?
What are your post-MBA goals and how will your experience and the LBS program help achieve them?
What are your post-MBA goals and how will your experience and the LBS program help achieve them?
What are your post-MBA goals and how will your experience and the LBS program help achieve them?
My short-term goal is to become an AI Product Manager at a rapidly growing company tackling energy challenges, such as EnerTech Solutions or Fusion Dynamics in the United Kingdom (UK) while collaborating with former colleagues from a previous firm to refine and iterate on our product ideas. In the long run, I aspire to build a global cleantech innovation leader, leveraging AI to drive innovation in nuclear energy or electric batteries.
London Business School offers the perfect combination of academic rigor, entrepreneurial focus, and international reach to help me achieve these goals. The Institute of Entrepreneurship and Private Capital will connect me with venture capital networks, experienced mentors, and initiatives like the Entrepreneurship Summer School. These resources will help me refine my product ideas and navigate the complexities of launching a startup. I plan on taking a leadership role at The Energy Club, arranging talks with senior industry experts I know, and providing the LBS community opportunities to collaborate with peers and industry leaders while exploring innovative solutions in the energy sector.
Having worked across the United States (US), the UK, Norway, Russia, and France, I thrive in diverse and cross-cultural teams. The LBS global community and extensive alumni network will help expand my horizons and create the connections necessary for scaling my future venture internationally. Sarah (LBS MBA ‘XX), who transitioned from marketing to entrepreneurship after completing the program, told me how LBS fosters entrepreneurial leadership and global impact. Her experience inspires me to follow a similar path.
Another key advantage is the school’s central location in London. It provides easy access to my networks in London and Paris while also connecting me to New York and other entrepreneurial hubs in the United States, such as Austin, Texas, and Silicon Valley in Northern California. This strategic positioning will allow me to remain engaged with scale-ups and startups addressing energy challenges while laying the groundwork for my long-term aspirations.
In addition to its practical opportunities, LBS offers a flexible curriculum that will deepen my understanding of business and entrepreneurship. Courses such as Energy Markets: Transitions to Sustainability and Pathways to Start-up Success will give me the strategic and operational tools I need to scale innovative businesses. David (MBA ‘XX) recommended that I participate in the Leadership Launch to help me strengthen my ability to empower teams and inspire collaboration, qualities I value deeply in my professional life.
LBS’s focus on fostering entrepreneurial leaders, its global reach, and its location in one of the world’s most dynamic cities make it the ideal platform for the next phase of my career. LBS is my first choice for earning my MBA for several reasons: I am a Dutch citizen and will soon obtain dual nationality, allowing me to take full advantage of the country’s unique resources and opportunities. Coupled with my experiences in AI and energy, LBS is the perfect complement to achieving my post-MBA goals.
What makes me unique is how I have navigated challenges and solved problems along the way. I have always made choices driven by curiosity, openness to new ideas, and an international perspective.
Coming from a family with a strong military legacy, I have drawn strength from my father’s motto: “Forward!” This principle of resilience has guided me through difficult times. I have also faced health challenges that forced me to reflect on my life’s purpose. These experiences taught me the true value of resilience and reinforced my determination to build something meaningful through entrepreneurship.
My journey has been unconventional. I transitioned from economics and finance to artificial intelligence research. This shift was driven by my desire to tackle complex problems and create real-world impact. I have a strong interest in blending entrepreneurship, energy, and artificial intelligence. This curiosity and drive for positive change motivate me to start a company focused on cleantech.
Growing up Catholic, I later discovered that I am also deeply connected to another spiritual tradition, which added another layer of richness to my worldview. I am motivated by a passion for exploring life and gaining new perspectives, seeking growth and knowledge in everything I do.
