I decided to apply for an MBA 3 times: once, during my senior year at university, when I was going through my usual routine of contemplating far-away possibilities. The second time came a year later, when I decided not to pursue an MBA in my home-country, knowing I'll one day go for something I deemed bigger and better. I started a Masters in Economics and toyed with that for a couple of years instead.
Then, about two years ago, I got wind of an MBA event in this fancy hotel not far from my apartment, and decided to attend. I felt right at home (I'm still not sure whether this is good or bad). I walked around the schools' stands, talked to as many people as I could. I loved the atmosphere and was almost dizzy by the smell of opportunity. That was the third time - the one that mattered.
I signed up for the GMAT course the very next day. I was working full time, but I gave it all I had. During it all, I read more and more on the entire business school industry and despite the fact I didn't really understand the real meaning of it all (and maybe because), my commitment only strengthened.
Another thing I did was get in touch with an MBA admissions consulting firm, which was then the largest of its kind in my country. I soon realized they were not providing me with the kind of help I've been looking for. Just then one of my acquaintances told me about this another little firm that was just starting up, and I got in touch with them. In many ways, my relationship with the people leading and working for this company, Kisos, paved the way to where I am today.
From that point on, every step of the way introduced a new battle for me. I had a hard time defining where it was I wanted to get to, especially career-wise (unfortunately, I never had a clear and specific dream, a point I could visualize and aim for). I spent more time on my single-paged resume than I ever thought possible (but eventually looked at the end-result as if it was no less than a piece of art). I had a very hard time with my first application (it took me a while to realize the stories I had to tell should reflect on the kind of person I am, my beliefs and my values, rather than on my professional history alone). I had a hard time approaching people I've never spoken to, impress them enough to leave an impression, and get them to share personal experiences. But I was meticulous and determined and open. I grew and improved, and by the time I went to visit schools in the US, a month before the applications were due, I was rather savvy in the art of networking and had acquired the much-needed MBA-acumen.
After tasting the different flavors of the different schools, I returned from my visit with even more determination and much more focus. I submitted my applications, trying to coordinate and refine the endless little details of their many aspects (academic records, GMAT, TOEFL, resume, essays, recommendation letters, online application).
Waiting turned out to be a difficult phase in itself. The approaching schools' notifications occupied my mind every single day. I imagined numerous outcomes and envisioned countless futures. This could build or crush me in many ways, and I was told that the only experience that would have so much (and more) influence on my self-esteem and confidence would be recruiting for companies during the MBA itself.
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I was holding my cell in my hand for about half an hour. The reply from the first school was rumored to arrive that day, 24 hours before the actual time answers were due to start flowing. I knew it was ridiculous - the call could come the next day or the day after, and even then, it could come at any time. It could also not come at all. But sure enough, it came. And it felt so, so good (see my first post for a little more on what it was like)...
Everyone goes through a different experience. Some put in just a few months of work and cross the finish line leisurely and almost untouched. Others, like me, fight through every tiny grain of the process, and after struggling for the longest time, finish drained of energy and distraught. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I learned and I evolved along those many months more than I had ever dreamed I would.
"Preparation is key." Understanding that might just be the best gift Kisos had given me. These people pushed me to dare. Having gone through the same things themselves, extremely experienced and knowledgeable, they taught me everything I needed to know about the MBA world, and so much more. They helped me define what exactly it was that I wanted to get out of myself and out of that big step I was aspiring to take. They helped me unveil my weaknesses and address them methodically. They were there for me - from the very start, through my introspective and endlessly-polished applications, my month-long trip to visit universities, the 3 interviews I managed to land, and even the process of moving to the US. They were true guides. And true friends.
This one is for them.
