How is a career progression essay different from a career goals essay in my MBA application?
A career progression essay talks about your career so far, while a career goals essay covers your short-term and long-term goals after the programme. Keep them separate unless the question asks about your future plans. Progression essays usually appear in MBA and some management master's applications.
A career progression essay looks back at your career so far, while a career goals essay looks ahead to what you plan to do after the programme. You should usually keep the two separate.
Progression Essay Versus Goals Essay
| Point | Career progression essay | Career goals essay |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Your career progression so far | Your short-term and long-term goals after the programme |
| Typical use | MBA applications and some master's programs such as MS in Management | Asked separately by programs that want your future plans |
| Goals content | Do not include goals unless the question asks for future ideas | Core content of the essay |
What to Include in a Progression Essay
- Achievements: highlight your accomplishments and quantify them, for example increased sales by 20% over six months.
- Skill development: explain how your skills will contribute to your objectives.
- Influences: show the factors behind your career decisions.
- Reflection: share what you learned at each stage.
My Advice
Read each prompt twice before drafting. If it asks only about your path so far, stay in the past and the present. Add future goals only when the question invites them, and check each university's essay instructions.
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