There are several points to consider when you are applying for an MBA degree; your CV, finances, and demonstrating an academic aptitude, to name a few. One of the most challenging parts of applying for an MBA is writing a great application essay. Still, the good news is that thorough preparation will go a long way. When you are applying for a global MBA in Japan, there are specific advantages that obtaining this degree at this university will give you. Laying out these benefits and having a clear goal will help you convince the reader of the essay of your suitability for the program. Let’s have a look at the admission requirements for a global MBA in Japan, various reasons for aspiring to obtain this degree, and advice on how to process your reasons into an application essay.
MBA Degree Requirements
There are certain minimum prerequisites to apply to any MBA program. For example, at Hitotsubashi ICS, the following requirements need to be met in the initial screening to be considered for admission to the global MBA program:
- Having finished at least 16 years of education inside or outside of Japan and/or holding a Bachelor’s Degree recognized by the School Education Law of Japan or MEXT
- Having a suitable academic record with satisfactory grades
- 2 years of full-time working experience
- Two references letters, with at least one being from your most recent employer
- A valid GMAT or GRE Score
- Demonstrating a strong command of English
Another part of the initial screening is writing essays that should reflect a clear purpose, strong motivation, and well-developed interpersonal skills. If you have any weaknesses in other parts of your application, such as a low GMAT/GRE score, a long gap in your professional experience, or low GPA in your undergrad, the essays are a great chance to redeem yourself.
If you have specific motivations and know how to clearly confer your reasons for your application to the MBA program with your essays, chances are that you will move on to the next round despite other shortcomings. After passing the initial screening, the selected candidates will be invited for an interview that you must ace to get admitted to the MBA program.
Reasons To Do a Global MBA in Japan
Of course, everyone will have their own personal reasons to enroll in a global MBA program in Japan. But there are a few reasons that are at the base of many students’ motivations. Firstly, those who are looking to start or continue a career in Japan can get a great head start with a global MBA degree from Japan. Not only is it an easy way to enlarge your own Japanese network with the Seminar System and activities like the Global Network Week, but you can also get placed by your university’s network. Also, if you plan to work for a company outside of Japan that does business with Japan, an MBA degree from an esteemed Japanese university can help you get your foot in the door.
Furthermore, MBA degrees are of especial interest for people with aspirations to switch their careers. After a few years of full-time work, some employees realize that they have ambitions in a different direction than where they are currently heading. They might want to ascend the career ladder a lot faster than what is possible in their current company, or they discovered that they have certain talents that they want to develop further and apply in a different career higher up. Another reason for wanting to obtain an MBA degree can be to start up your own business.
A global MBA in Japan at Hitotsubashi ICS prepares you to take the next step in your career, with a solid academic program featuring courses about business, classes of regional interest, and opportunities to practice business skills and try out methods in programs like Simulation Week and independent research.
Tips for Writing an MBA Application Essay
One reason essays are a part of the application process is because the admissions officer wants to get to know you more and understand what motivates you to apply. So it is imperative that you use your real personal experiences and tell your own story. As the first part of your writing process, you could list all your reasons for applying for this degree and write them down. Then, think about which life experiences you want to use to answer the first 2 questions described in the Application Package and write these down. Finally, think of how to tie these experiences back to your reasons to apply.
The essays are written on the basis of predetermined questions, with each question becoming a separate essay, and the number of words you should be aiming at the per question is mentioned. You should make good use of the number of words you have at your disposal without going over the limit. First, write a chronological story that takes the reader on a short trip of your history which brought you to the point of applying for a global MBA. Then, write the long version of your essays using the life experiences and reasons that you wrote down in the first draft. Afterward, you should review to avoid any gaps in the narrative, fix any typos and wordiness.
Again, re-reading your essays multiple times while editing is an excellent way to see how it comes across to a reader. You can also ask someone else to read it for feedback. You should only have the most substantial reasons and descriptions left at the end of this editing process.
