In an essay that is 500-700 words in length, please answer the questions below:
Why are you interested in a one-year, tech-focused MBA (as opposed to a traditional two-year MBA program that would offer a summer internship opportunity)?
Demonstrate the relationship between your current professional experience and academic background to your short- (0-5 years after graduating) and long-term (6-15 years after graduating) career goals for this program.
At Cornell Tech, we aim to educate leaders for the digital age. What, in your opinion is the single most important characteristic that such leaders must possess? Why?
What else would you like the admissions committee to know about you?
Personal Statement (Created with AI)
I am thrilled to apply for the one-year, tech-focused MBA program at Cornell Tech. The accelerated pace of the one-year program aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, allowing me to dive straight into the tech-centric curriculum and immediately apply my learning to my entrepreneurial venture.
My professional journey began in the fashion industry, where I gained extensive experience in retail management and brand development at Ralph Lauren. This role honed my skills in customer relations, merchandising, and strategic planning. However, as the digital landscape evolved, I recognized the transformative potential of technology in fashion. This realization inspired me to pivot towards fashion-tech, where I could leverage my industry knowledge and passion for innovation to create impactful solutions.
In the short term (0-5 years after graduating), my goal is to launch a startup that integrates AI and machine learning to personalize the shopping experience. I envision a platform that not only curates fashion recommendations based on user preferences but also promotes sustainability by suggesting eco-friendly alternatives. Cornell Tech’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and its resources, such as the Startup Studio, will be instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
In the long term (6-15 years after graduating), I aim to scale my startup into a leading fashion-tech company that sets industry standards for innovation and sustainability. I aspire to create a brand that not only meets consumer needs but also drives positive change in the fashion industry. The strategic and technical expertise gained from Cornell Tech’s MBA program will be crucial in achieving these ambitions.
At Cornell Tech, I believe the single most important characteristic that leaders must possess is adaptability. In the digital age, technology and consumer behaviors are constantly evolving. Leaders must be able to navigate these changes, pivot strategies, and embrace new opportunities. Adaptability fosters resilience and innovation, enabling leaders to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
Beyond my professional experience, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my journey from an uptown girl to a woman who dared to start over as a waitress at Central Perk to a successful fashion professional. My resilience, creativity, and passion for fashion have driven my career thus far, and I am eager to channel these qualities into the tech space. I am committed to lifelong learning and am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with diverse peers and mentors at Cornell Tech.
Additionally, my experience at Ralph Lauren has taught me the importance of customer-centric thinking and the power of brand storytelling. These skills will be invaluable as I develop my startup, ensuring that it resonates with consumers on a personal level. I am particularly drawn to Cornell Tech’s interdisciplinary approach, which will allow me to collaborate with students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives.
Moreover, the vibrant tech ecosystem in New York City presents unparalleled opportunities for networking and partnerships. Being at the heart of this dynamic environment will enable me to stay abreast of the latest trends and innovations, further fueling my entrepreneurial journey. I am eager to take advantage of the mentorship programs and industry connections that Cornell Tech offers, which will be crucial in navigating the challenges of launching and scaling a startup.
What sets Cornell Tech apart is its commitment to fostering leaders who are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded. I believe that ethical leadership is paramount in today’s world, where technology can have profound societal impacts. As a leader, I am committed to promoting sustainability and ethical practices in the fashion industry. My goal is to create a business that not only thrives commercially but also contributes positively to society and the environment.
In conclusion, I am confident that the Cornell Tech MBA program will provide the perfect platform for me to achieve my career goals and make a meaningful impact in the fashion-tech industry. The program’s focus on technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from and contribute to this vibrant community. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining Cornell Tech and embarking on this transformative journey.
Personal Statement (Created by a consultant)
Defining my life so far as a journey of self-discovery would be an understatement. I was an uptown girl for whom it took escaping her own wedding to truly find herself. So began my journey of finding myself and making myself more independent. While initially afraid, I conquered my fears and didn't shy away from starting a new life. With a little help from my friends, I finally took the first step by working for a couple of years exploring what I can be while working as a waitress at Central Perk in New York city. It was no easy decision to convince my family and friends that moving from Upstate NY just to find myself working as a waitress was important for my overall growth and finding myself. And I finally did! I had a strong understanding of the fashion industry and decided to channel my passion into profession.
With this new found freedom came new opportunities and new responsibilities that I fully leveraged over the years to finally start doing something that I cared about and something I was good at. Little did I know that this journey of new beginnings would never stop as I became a mother and didn't know a thing about it but raised a beautiful daughter while managing my professional responsibilities. And most recently, when I got off the plane and declined an offer from Louis Vuitton in Paris, something many people thought was my dream, I had finally realized that I had found myself in New York. Going to Paris was never the dream, it was always to find myself and to follow my passion.
My life's journey gave an answer to the very thing that leaders of the digital age should possess- being ready for an ever changing world: adaptability. For it was only the adaptability that helped me go from a girl who knew nothing about the world to a woman who found her place in it. As I plan to take the next step in my life through yet another new beginning- an entrepreneurial venture- I know that just like I have never shied away from starting over before, I will do so again because I am well equipped to tackle those challenges life is about to put in my way.
Building on my passion towards fashion, I aim to leverage the AI-technology to create a FashionTech company which will be uniquely positioned for women who are looking for a fresh beginning with a fresh new look but inclusive of all. As the technology grows, I also want to ensure sustainability remains a core focus as we leverage AI tools to bring vision to life faster, making things a great fit for the growing fast-fashion industry but still reducing the wastage with a sustainable approach.
New York city serves a pivotal role in helping me realize this vision because I have seen first hand, the innovations that have made NYC the fashion capital of the US allowing me to partner with the leading media and fashion companies to bring my vision to life. My preexisting network and connections have been very valuable in helping us create headquarters in NYC while expanding globally in the long term.
As I embark on my entrepreneurial journey, I believe Cornell Tech MBA could be the better option for me as I will be able to stay in New York City, balancing the responsibilities of my venture and my family. The accelerated pace of the one-year program aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, allowing me to dive straight into the tech-centric curriculum and immediately apply my learning to my entrepreneurial venture. The studio curriculum approach is unique and helps me find professionals with the necessary technical skills to bridge certain gaps I have in my own experience. Startup studio would serve as a launchpad for me to get things running while I gain a deeper understanding about business, technology and sustainability. To summarize, Cornell Tech is uniquely positioned at the intersection of - Entrepreneurship, Technology and Location- three of the major deciding factors for my MBA journey.
With a journey I have had over the years, I know that I have the necessary skills to build the technology of tomorrow and pay back to the next generation of women like me to take the risk in themselves and not be afraid to start over. And I am truly glad to have found the friends for life who would support me in the pursuit of my dreams as I would support the next generation.
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