Mr. Oil Baron

Hi Mr. Oil Baron,
Congratulations on your promotions and doing well in your career despite what has been a very challenging few years in the industry! This is Debbie Choy from mbaMission and GSB alum. I think you have a lot of strengths in your profile – coming from a differentiated industry, leading teams, being part of your company’s leadership training program. I think an MBA will certainly help you deepen your business skillset as you branch more into the investment side. Be sure to explain this clearly in your applications as AdCom will want to know – as Susan pointed out – why MBA, why now? What specific knowledge / skillset do you want to learn at HBS that you cannot learn on the job? Further, AdCom will also be looking for leadership not only at work but also outside work, for example, within your community. I like that you lead a yoga/meditation group. Consider how you might step up your engagement, for example, are there other causes or local organizations you might be interested in volunteering for? I think if you can beef up this area, as well as crystallize your career goal narrative more, I think you could have a good shot at HBS. Wishing you the best in your MBA journey!

Mr. Oil Baron – Thanks for posting your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus.

You clearly are an expert in your field. Congratulations! My biggest question based on what you have shared in the profile is WHY do you want an MBA? If you intend to play a more active role in your own firm, what areas do you need to develop?

HBS wants students who can bring a unique perspective to the case-based classroom. I think you have that but you need more. Based on your publications I suspect that you can demonstrate an analytical aptitude and appetite. I’m seeing glimpses of leadership but HBS (and Stanford) will want to understand how your leadership has developed over time and HOW you lead. Also, is there more that you feel you need to learn to lead in a more impactful way? Finally, you will need to demonstrate that you are an engaged community citizen. What I’m seeing in the profile is rather light and not particularly impactful but I could be missing something.

Given your very targeted work, I think you have the potential to stand out. That said, there will likely be a LOT of candidates from oil and gas in this and the next cycle so you have to nail your narrative.

Wishing you all the best!