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How to Write a Powerful MBA Essay—With Examples

The MBA essay is critical to your business school application. Read our guide to writing the perfect MBA essay, with successful admit examples.

Posted July 4, 2024

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Table of Contents

What is the mba essay.

The MBA admissions essay.

Those words alone are enough to make most MBA candidates run screaming. Writing in general is hard enough. Writing about why you want an MBA? Your short-term goals and career aspirations? What matters to you most, and why? Forget it.

Of course, you still have to write these essays.

The MBA essay is perhaps the most important part of the business school application. Every other part of the application — your GPA, your test scores, your letters of recommendation — is quantified, cut and dried, or out of your control. The essay is your chance to show up as a fully realized MBA candidate, with hopes, dreams, and vulnerabilities. Admissions committees are not simply assessing your candidacy as a future leader — they're looking to admit human beings. That's where the MBA applicant essays come in.

That being the case, rather than being intimidated by it, treat the MBA essay writing process like the opportunity that it is — the chance for you to highlight your unique, iridescent self; the only moment in the MBA admissions process (prior to the interview) when you can speak directly to admissions officers; the time when you'll show them who you really are. It's not easy to write something that will do that, of course, but with the tips and tricks in this guide, and some help from one of Leland's vetted, world-class admissions coaches, we know you can do it. Give the essay the time, attention, and respect it deserves, and you'll be on your way to an offer of admission at your dream school.

Without further ado, let's dive in!

Ultimate MBA Essay Guide

See the MBA essay prompts, top tips from experts, and real examples from admits with this comprehensive guide.

How Long Will My MBA Essay Take?

First things first: let's talk about timing.

The MBA application is a behemoth; between exams, resumes, gathering your official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and the applications themselves, there's a lot to juggle. That being the case, we suggest you give yourself ample time to draft, write, and revise your essays. The last thing you want is to be rushed to the finish line.

So, give yourself at least three months to write your MBA admission essays. That should allow you enough time to draft, write, and edit. For more information on timing your entire business school application, click here for  A Comprehensive MBA Application Timeline--With Chart .

Now, on to the critical question:

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What Makes a Great MBA Essay?

At the highest level, the answer is the one that is truest to you. The whole point of an MBA application essay is to shine through as an authentic, vibrant human being, so the best essays are the ones that cut through the clutter, and allow you to do that.

Which begs the question — how do you cut through the clutter and shine through as a vibrant human being? Here are four critical tips to follow as you begin thinking about your essays.

1. Answer the Question

This one sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many applicants launch into their story, get carried away, and forget to answer the question. Follow the prompt, and answer the question the admissions committee has asked you. Those prompts can actually be very useful when writing MBA essays — it's a great deal harder to write when you have no guidance or guardrails. With these essays, you have a very specific question you need to answer. So answer it!

2. Be Specific

Another mistake some MBA applicants make is to stay at a high level in their essays, keeping their writing abstract and therefore inaccessible to the admissions committee. If at any point, an admissions officer could replace your name with the name of another applicant, then your essay isn't getting deep enough. It's not enough, for instance, to say that you suffered adversity in high school, or that you really, really want a Wharton MBA. You need to explain, in detail, the adversity you faced, and give concrete and unique reasons why you think Wharton is the right program for you. The best essays offer hyper-specific examples and anecdotes, with details and anecdotes that no other candidate could bring to the table. To get those anecdotes, we recommend using the STAR template, as explained below:

• Situation : What was the situation you were facing? Where were you? How old were you? If you were in a professional role during this anecdote, what was the role, and how long had you been in it? If you were volunteering, at what organization? How long had you been volunteering there? Why did you start? Offer all the relevant information that the admissions readers will need to understand your story.
• Task : What was the task at hand? What went wrong? In your professional role, what was the challenge you faced? In that volunteering experience, what were the hurdles you had to overcome? You can't have a good story without conflict or tension, so after you set up the anecdote, explain what that conflict or tension was (and remember, be specific!).
• Action : What was the action you took to resolve the problem? What did you have to do to fix that issue at work? How did you clear that hurdle in your volunteer experience? Again, be specific about how you came through on the other side of that conflict/tension — and while you're doing it, highlight your leadership capabilities as much as possible! Remember that top MBA programs are looking for future leaders who can assess a situation and decisively take action. (We'll say a bit more about this below, in the Personal Statement section.
• Result : What was the result of your action? If you were facing a growth problem at work, were you able to increase sales? If so, by what percentage? If you were advocating for diversity and inclusion at your local charity, what new programs did you implement to help with that effort, and what was the enrollment like in those new programs? Detail what happened in your anecdote with as much specificity as possible — and quantify, quantify, quantify!

If you want to learn more about how to master the STAR Method, read our article How to Nail “Tell Me About a Time…” Interview Questions .

3. Get Vulnerable

Most MBA admissions essay prompts are written with the goal of getting to know as much about you as possible in the shortest number of words. To do that, you're going to have to share real things from your life — to get personal, intimate, and vulnerable. Do not shy away from this. If you're starting to get emotional during the reflection, drafting, and writing process, good — that means you're on the right track. Keep going.

Pro tip: If it’s making you cry, it will make them cry.

Another good rule of thumb is to put something real and true on the table. Admissions officers have to read thousands of applications from thoroughly qualified individuals, some of whom might come from similar roles to yours, with letters of recommendation from equally impressive supervisors. In order to cut through that noise, you'll have to share something honest.

If you're doing it right, this can feel risky. At some point, you’ll likely think to yourself: “Can I say that?” The answer is: “Yes.” Of course, there is a line, you don’t want to be crass or offensive but always err on the side of being open and authentic.

The very worst thing you can do is be overly cautious and write something you think will please the admissions committee. These poor people have to read thousands of essays. If yours is just like everyone else’s, they’ll fall asleep. Don’t let that happen. Wake them up by putting yourself —your true, bright, vibrant, quirky self—on the page.

4. Don't Exaggerate

Finally, do not exaggerate, over-inflate, or lie. This goes without saying, but admissions committees are looking for honest candidates. The surest way to get rejected is to lie about something. (Business schools do a background check on you before you're properly admitted, so they will find out.) Don't be the person who over-inflates on their essays and then has their offer letter rescinded.

The Types of MBA Essays

All right — since we've covered high-level approaches to the MBA essays, it's time to dig into the various types.

There are three general categories of MBA essays you'll see across the board.

1. Personal Statement

These questions ask you to offer up something sincere about yourself. They'll often touch on such things as your values and your character. In these, you'll want to be as authentic as possible, while also highlighting attributes like leadership, intellectual vitality, and teamwork that business schools are looking for.

Here are a few examples of previous personal statement essays:

• As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (HBS)
• What matters most to you, and why? (Stanford GSB)

2. Why an MBA/Why This School

In these, schools first want to hear about how an MBA will fit into your career, both short and long term. Top MBA programs are looking for candidates who will: first of all, be gainfully employed upon graduating, second of all, have an illustrious career that will make their institution look good and encourage future generations of applicants to apply, and third, be consistent and generous donors. That being the case, they want to know about your career trajectory, and how an MBA will fit into it.

Pro tip: Here, you want to be ambitious and inspiring in laying out your future career, but not naïve. Walk the line between shooting for the stars and sounding dreamlike and uninformed.

In this set of questions, you'll also encounter questions geared at figuring out why you would want to attend a specific school. MBA programs want to know that you're serious about attending their school — yield, or the percentage of admitted candidates who accept their offers of admission, is an important metric for them — but they also want to envision how you'll contribute to their admitted class. What will you uniquely bring to the table, the things that you'll do that the other candidates wouldn’t be able to offer?

We've heard former deans of business schools say that, in choosing a class, they're curating a world-class dinner party, and that each person invited to the dinner party has to bring something different. What will you bring to the dinner party?

Another Pro tip: To demonstrate that you've done your research, and to help the admissions committee envision you in their program, indicate which classes you might take when earning your MBA and why, which professors you might hope to study with, and in which clubs you might participate.

Here are a few examples of "why MBA / why this school" essays we've seen before:

• How is a Columbia MBA going to help you? (Columbia)
• What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (Wharton)
• Why Stanford? Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. (Stanford GSB)

3. Behavioral/Other

Finally, most other essays will be behavioral in the sense that they’ll ask you about experiences, traits, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements. There's a wide variety of topics here, but all the guidelines from above apply, with the final note to always prioritize authenticity (as mentioned in the Personal Statement section) and leadership ability (remember, business schools are choosing future leaders).

Here are a few examples of behavioral/other essays from the past:

• Describe the biggest commitment you have ever made. (Yale SOM)
• Tell us about your favorite book, movie, or song and why it resonates with you. (Columbia)
• Think about times you’ve created a positive impact, whether in professional, extracurricular, academic, or other settings. What was your impact? What made it significant to you or to others? (Stanford GSB)

Top MBA Program Essay Prompts (Updated 2024)

To help you get started, we've compiled the required prompts from a few top MBA programs below:

1. Harvard Business School (HBS)

• Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your experiences have influenced your career choices and aspirations and the impact you will have on the businesses, organizations, and communities you plan to serve. (300 words)
• Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become? (250 words)
• Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (250 words)

For more information, visit A Guide to the HBS Essay .

2. Stanford Graduate School of Business

• What matters to you most, and why? (650 words)
• Why Stanford? (400 words)

Read: What Matters Most When Writing the GSB Essays.

• How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
• Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)

For Wharton-specific advice, visit A Guide to the Wharton Essays .

4. Columbia Business School

• Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what, in your imagination, would be your long-term dream job? (500 words)
• Essay 2: The Phillips Pathway for Inclusive Leadership (PPIL) is a co-curricular program designed to provide students with the skills and strategies needed to develop as inclusive leaders. Through various resources and programming, students explore and reflect on the following five inclusive leadership skills: Mitigating Bias and Prejudice; Managing Intercultural Dialogue; Addressing Systemic Inequity; Understanding Identity and Perspective Taking; and Creating an Inclusive Environment. Describe a time or situation when you had the need to utilize one of these five skills, and tell us the actions you took and the outcome. (250 words)
• Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)

If you’re looking for more tips on the CBS essays, read our Guide to the Columbia Business School Essays .

5. Chicago Booth

• How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250-word minimum)
• An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (250-word minimum)

*Pro tip: Some essay questions such as these will say “no maximum.” While it’s certainly a good thing that you’re allowed to write more, keep in mind to never write too much. Our rule of thumb for things like this is to never go over 200 words past the “minimum” count.

Read more at A Guide to the Booth Essays .

6. Northwestern Kellogg

• Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)
• Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)

For more on Kellogg’s essays, read How to Nail Your Kellogg MBA Application Essays .

7. MIT Sloan

MIT Sloan doesn’t use traditional essay prompts; instead, applicants are required to submit a cover letter, video, and short answer questions, as well as the other traditional application materials.

Cover Letter

MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity, respect, and passion.

Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation)

Video Question 1

Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!

Videos should adhere to the following guidelines:

• No more than 1 minute (60 second) in length
• Single take (no editing)
• Speaking directly to the camera
• Do not include background music or subtitles

Note: While we ask you to introduce yourself to your future classmates in this video, the video will not be shared beyond the admissions committee and is for use in the application process only.

Video Question 2

All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture. It does not require prior preparation.

Video Essay 2 is part of your required application materials and will appear as a page within the application, once the other parts of your application are completed. Applicants are given 5 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.

Short Answer Question

How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your life experiences and perspective. Please use this opportunity to share more about your background. (250 words)

For top-notch advice on the MIT Sloan question prompts, read our articles Expert Guide to the MIT Sloan Short Answer Question and MIT Sloan Video Statement: Overview, Advice, & Common Mistakes .

How to Start Writing Your MBA Essay

So you've read about the types of essays, and seen some of the prompts from top MBA programs. Now it's time to actually start diving into the essay.

The very first thing to do, before putting pen to paper, is to look inward .

Why do you want an MBA? What role will this degree play in your professional growth? How do you imagine it will shape your life? What do you want out of your career? What is the most important thing in the world to you?

Yes, these are life’s deep-end questions, but you’ll need to tackle them in these essays, so before you start all of your writing, take the time to think through them. Go for a run, swim some laps, bake a cake—however you get into the flow — and start a dialogue with yourself. Put down your work, turn your phone off, and give your mind permission to go to the places it usually avoids. That’s a good place to start. That’s where the answers are.

Pro tip: The first sentence is the hardest one to write. When you're starting out, it can be intimidating and anxiety-producing. The trick is to simply put anything down — and don't look back. Keep putting one sentence after the other. You can edit later: let whatever comes to you out onto the page. If you’re struggling with self-critique, dim your computer screen until you can’t even see the words you’re typing. Then keep going.

Additional Tips & Tricks

Once you've started your essay, it's a matter of persistence: keep writing, then keep drafting and editing until you have something you're really proud of.

To help you write a successful MBA essay, here are a few more tips and tricks:

Take Breaks

When you hit the wall — and you will hit the wall — stop and take a breather. This is your brain telling you it needs to do something else. Walk your dog. Take a lap around your room. Eat some cheese. Your body needs sleep every night to function; your mind is the same way. That next leap of inspiration will come exactly at the moment when you’re least expecting it.

Read it Out Loud

When you finally have a draft, print it and read it out loud to yourself. Your ear will catch things your eyes miss. Reading out loud is the best way to pick up on spelling errors, clunky transitions, and paragraphs that still need ironing out. It’s also a good way to envision how the admissions committee will experience your essay.

Don’t be precious with your essay. Send it to anyone willing to read it. Solicit as much feedback as you can. If you don’t like what people have to say, you don’t have to incorporate it, but you need an impartial third party to give notes on what they’re seeing, thinking, and feeling. (You’re too close to things to do it for yourself.) This is where a Leland coach comes very much in handy!

Complete Everything Early

This is more of a timing consideration, but you do not want to trip at the finish line because your internet went down the night before the deadline, or your credit card was denied when paying your application fee (it's happened before). Don't let that be you!

Here is another article to get you started, written by an expert essay coach: 7 MBA Essay Tips to Make You Stand Out in 2022 .

Example MBA Essays

Finally, here are two essays to help inspire you. The first, a personal statement essay, was submitted by an admit to Berkeley Haas' Executive MBA program; the second, a career goals / why MBA essay, was submitted by an admit to Chicago Booth's deferred MBA program.

Haas Admit:

A person’s identity is shaped by many different aspects, including family, culture, personal interests, and surrounding environments. Please share a facet of your identity or story that is essential to who you are. (300 words) My upbringing in India, filled with countless myths and legends, had a profound influence on me. The most formative tale was about a sage who prays for years to the goddess of knowledge, but in vain. In the end, the goddess didn’t appear for the sage because he was turning his prayer beads the wrong way! As a child, this story upset me: the sage worked so hard and had the right intentions. As an adult, though, I’ve come to realize that the goddess of knowledge was right: you can’t succeed unless you do things the right way.

Seven years ago, two friends and I started a company, XXXX: a digital health platform that would allow patients to store medical records online and consult doctors remotely. We had early success—we brought on 2,000 patients at XXXX, a gynecology clinic in XXXX—but ultimately we didn’t have the resources to properly scale, and had to shut the company down. Among the many lessons I learned, the most valuable was that ideas and hard work are common; businesses succeed or fail based on execution—on doing things the right way. Two years ago, I relearned this lesson in the most painful way possible: when my marriage ended. My wife and I loved each other, but we weren’t there for each other when it mattered most. Our feelings weren’t enough—we had to back them up with the right actions.

It’s disheartening when you have good intentions but still fall short. When this happens, though, you have to keep trying—because eventually you will do things the right way. I carry the story of the sage with me always, not as a harsh lesson, but as a motivating goal: one that keeps me striving towards doing things the right way.

Booth Admit:

How will the Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (250 word minimum)

I want to start a geothermal company that will help lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy—by targeting existing oil wells as sites for geothermal plants. Oil fields are close to electric grids and have high nearby subsurface temperatures, making them ideal sites for geothermal plants. By building geothermal infrastructure nearby, my company will produce cleaner, cheaper energy, making it more profitable for operators to switch from oil to geothermal. As oil companies decommission their wells, I’ll negotiate for their land rights, so I can use their existing wells for new geothermal vents. I want my company to prove the case for economically viable, carbon-neutral energy production.

After getting an MBA, I want to start a geothermal company which will help me lead the energy transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy. I plan to target developed oil fields in Texas, where, in many places, producing wells are flowing enough hot fluid to generate clean energy. Using this geothermal heat, the carbon footprint of oil and gas extraction will decrease as fewer fossil fuels are utilized to power surrounding infrastructure. As the wells approach their economic life, I will negotiate the lease from various operators, saving them millions in plug and abandonment costs, and retrofit the wells for direct geothermal energy production via closed-loop binary fluid systems, bringing emissions to zero. To accomplish this goal, I need to shore up my knowledge of energy economics and entrepreneurial finance, develop a strong sense of leadership, and build a network of like-minded individuals that will help me lead the transition and I believe I can get those things at Chicago Booth.

My immediate career goal is to develop my first co-production site in Shelby County, Texas at the Blanton well site, which produces abnormally heated fluid from the flanks of an active salt dome. Before investing in capital expenditures, developing a strong sense of energy economics and broader markets is necessary to verify financial feasibility. The University of Chicago, through the Graduate-Student-At-Large: Business program, is already allowing me to accomplish this goal with my enrollment in “Microeconomics” with Professor Andrew McClellan. His instruction helped me understand the impact taxes and subsidies have on market equilibrium, an important aspect of renewable energy as green energy tax incentives continue to change on a yearly basis. As my company continues to grow, having a strong finance and accounting foundation is imperative to building and sustaining a healthy company. Electives such as “Accounting for Entrepreneurship: From Start-Up through IPO” will provide the skills I need to be successful by following the life-cycle of a business that originates as a start-up and covers topics such as building an initial accounting infrastructure. I understand that the execution of the business is as important as developing the idea and proof of concept, and Booth is the best place for me to develop financial fluency.

Leading the energy transition will require a strong sense of leadership. Not only will I need to lead those I get to work with over my career, but to lead the energy transition, and reverse the impact fossil fuels have had thus far, I must have the emotional intelligence to inspire others to join me in my journey. The “Interpersonal Dynamics” course at Booth will allow me to develop my communication skills and better understand the emotions and perceptions of my colleagues. These skills, synthesized with leadership development acquired in “Leadership Practicum” will prepare me to act as a relational leader, who understands the needs of others. As a relational leader, I hope to foster an environment which promotes happiness and maximizes efficiency, not only to make our efforts in changing the world more successful, but to excite other people to join our cause.

To find the greatest chance of success in leading the energy transition, I will need a network of like-minded individuals who can provide a diversity of thought. Chicago Booth provides the opportunity to develop that network through different community experiences. The Energy Club’s “Energy Forward” conference, which designates time to topics in oil and gas and renewable energy will allow me to hear from industry leaders, build meaningful relationships with peers, and contribute my sector experience to the public forum as I learn from those around me. Opportunities through the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Group such as “SeedCon” will help me connect with successful entrepreneurs and early-stage investors whose ideas and funding might change the course of my venture’s trajectory. Even in the GSALB program, I have had the opportunity to connect with other students in various sectors, including the energy industry. I hope to continue to strengthen those connections and continue building new ones with matriculation into the full time program.

Connect with an Expert for all your MBA Essay Questions

We know that a lot goes into the process of MBA essay writing. Research, planning, and execution all are major stages that take a lot of time. If you’re looking to fast-track your essay writing process while still blowing away the admission committee, try looking at some of our all-star MBA admissions consultants . We have a wide array of experts ready to give you as much help with MBA essays as you need, just check out some of our top-rated coaches below!

FAQs for Writing Your MBA Essay

What is the most important aspect of an MBA essay that admissions committees are looking for?

• The most crucial aspect of an MBA essay is authenticity. Admissions committees want to see the real you, so be honest and genuine in your responses. Highlight your unique experiences, values, and aspirations to stand out.

How long should my MBA essay be?

• The length of your MBA essay will depend on the specific prompts and guidelines provided by each school. Generally, essays range from 500 to 1,000 words. Always adhere to the word limit specified in the prompt. In the event that there’s no limit, we recommend floating within 200-300 words of whatever posted word count there is.

Can I use the same essay for multiple MBA applications?

• You can use similar content, but it’s essential to edit each essay to be about the specific school and prompt. Schools are looking for personalized responses that demonstrate your understanding of their program and how it aligns with your goals.

How do I figure out what to write about?

• Select experiences that showcase your leadership, problem-solving skills, and personal growth. Focus on stories that highlight your unique qualities and align with the values and culture of the MBA program you're applying to.

What should I avoid doing in my essay?

• Avoid clichés, generic statements, and exaggerations. Be specific and detailed in your responses. Also, steer clear of overly technical jargon that might be hard for the admissions committee to understand unless it’s directly relevant to your story.

Who can I ask for feedback on my essay?

• Seeking feedback from trusted friends, family, or mentors can be very helpful. In addition, consider working with one of our admissions coaches who can provide professional insights and help refine your essay to make it more compelling.

What should I do if I don’t have a traditional business background?

• If you don’t have a traditional business background, focus on transferable skills and experiences that highlight your leadership, analytical abilities, and teamwork. Demonstrate how your unique perspective will contribute to the MBA program and your future career.

How do I handle multiple essay prompts for the same school?

• Approach each prompt separately and ensure that each essay provides new insights about you. Avoid repeating the same information across essays. Instead, use each essay to highlight different aspects of your experiences, skills, and aspirations.

Here are several other articles that you may find helpful as you put together your MBA application:

• The Most Frequently Asked Questions on MBA Applications
• How to Answer the "Why an MBA?" Essay Question
• My Top Piece of Advice for MBA Applicants
• How I Nailed My MBA Interview and Gained Admission to Top 10 Business Schools
• 4 Expert Tips on Paying for Business School

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50 MBA Essays That Got Applicants Admitted To Harvard & Stanford

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What Matters? and What More? is a collection of 50 application essays written by successful MBA candidates to Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business

I sat alone one Saturday night in a boardroom in Eastern Oregon, miles from home, my laptop lighting the room. I was painstakingly reviewing a complex spreadsheet of household energy consumption data, cell by cell. ‘Why am I doing this to myself? For remote transmission lines?’…I felt dejected. I’d felt that way before, during my summer at JP Morgan, standing alone in the printing room at 3 a.m., binding decks for a paper mill merger that wouldn’t affect my life in the least.

That’s how an analyst at an MBB firm started his MBA application essay to Stanford Graduate School of Business. His point: In a well-crafted essay, he confronts the challenge of finding meaning in his work and a place where he can make a meaningful difference. That is what really matters most to him, and his answer to Stanford’s iconic MBA application essay helped get him defy the formidable odds of acceptance and gain an admit to the school.

Getting into the prestigious MBA programs at either Stanford Graduate School of Business or Harvard Business School are among the most difficult journeys any young professional can make.

NEARLY 17,000 CANDIDATES APPLIED TO HARVARD & STANFORD LAST YEAR. 1,500 GOT IN

This collection of 50 successful HBS and GSB essays, with smart commentary, can be downloaded for $60

They are two of the most selective schools, routinely rejecting nine or more out of every ten applicants. Last year alone, 16,628 candidates applied to both schools; just 1,520 gained an acceptance, a mere 9.1% admit rate.

Business school admissions are holistic, meaning that while standardized test scores and undergraduate transcripts are a critical part of the admissions process, they aren’t the whole story. In fact, the stories that applicants tell the schools in the form of essays can be a critical component of a successful application.

So what kinds of stories are successful applicants to Harvard and Stanford telling their admission officers? For the first time ever, a newly published collection of 50 of these essays from current MBA students at these two schools has been published. In ten cases, applicants share the essays they wrote in applying to both schools so you can see whether they merely did a cut-and-paste job or approached the task anew. The 188-page book, What Matters? and What More?, gains its title from the two iconic essay prompts at Harvard and Stanford.

THOUGHTFUL CRITIQUES OF THE ESSAYS

Stanford can easily boast having the most difficult question posed to MBA applicants in any given year: In 650 words or less, candidates must tell the school what matters most to them and why. Harvard gives applicants ample room to hang themselves, providing no word limit at all, “What more would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy?”

One makes this unusual collection of essays powerful are the thoughtful critiques by the founders of two MBA admissions consulting firms, Jeremy Shinewald of mbaMission and Liza Weale of Gatehouse Admissions. They write overviews of each essay in the book and then tear apart portions by paragraphs to either underline a point or address a weakness. The book became available to download for $60 a pop.

As I note in a foreword to the collection, published in partnership with Poets&Quants, the essay portion of an application is where a person can give voice to who they are, what they have achieved so far, and what they imagine their future to be. Yet crafting a powerful and introspective essay can be incredibly daunting as you stare at a blank computer screen.

APPLICANTS OPEN UP WITH INTIMATE STORIES THAT SHOW VULNERABILITY

One successful applicant to Harvard Business School begins his essay by conveying a deeply personal story: The time his father was told that he had three months to live, with his only hope being a double lung transplant. had to undergo a lung transplant. His opening line: “Despite all we had been through in recent years, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I asked my mother one summer evening in Singapore, ‘What role did I play during those tough times?’”

For this candidate to Stanford Graduate School of Business, the essay provided a chance to creatively engage admission readers about what matters most to him–equality-by cleverly using zip codes as a hook.

60605, 60606, 60607.

These zip codes are just one digit apart, but the difference that digit makes in someone’s life is unfathomable. I realized this on my first day as a high school senior. Leafing through my out-of- date, stained, calculus textbook, I kept picturing the new books that my friend from a neighboring (more affluent) district had. As college acceptances came in, I saw educational inequality’s more lasting effects—my friends from affluent districts that better funded education were headed to prestigious universities, while most of my classmates were only accepted by the local junior college. I was unsettled that this divergence wasn’t the students’ doing, but rather institutionalized by the state’s education system. Since this experience, I realized that the fight for education equality will be won through equal opportunity. Overcoming inequality, to ensure that everyone has a fair shake at success, is what matters most to me.

HOW AN APPLICANT TO BOTH SCHOOLS ALTERED HIS ESSAYS

Yet another candidate, who applied to both Harvard and Stanford, writes about being at but not fully present at his friend’s wedding.

The morning after serving as my friend’s best man, I was waiting for my Uber to the airport and—as usual—scrolling through my phone,” he wrote. “I had taken seemingly hundreds of photos of the event, posting in real time to social media, but had not really looked through them. With growing unease, I noticed people and things that had not registered with me the night before and realized I had been so preoccupied with capturing the occasion on my phone that I had essentially missed the whole thing. I never learned the name of the woman beside me at the reception. I could not recall the wedding cake flavor. I never introduced myself to my friend’s grandfather from Edmonton. I was so mortified that before checking into my flight, I turned my phone off and stuffed it into my carry-on.

The Stanford version of his essay is more compact. In truth, it’s more succinctly written and more satisfying because it is to the point. By stripping away all but the most critical pieces of his narrative, the candidate focuses his essay entirely on his central point: the battle of man versus technology.

Even if you’re not applying to business school, the essays are entertaining and fun to read. Sure, precious few are New Yorker worthy. In fact, many are fairly straightforward tales, simply told. What the successful essays clearly show is that there is no cookie-cutter formula or paint-by-the-numbers approach. Some start bluntly and straightforwardly, without a compelling or even interesting opening. Some meander through different themes. Some betray real personality and passion. Others are frankly boring. If a pattern of any kind could be discerned, it is how genuine the essays read.

The greatest benefit of reading them? For obsessive applicants to two of the very best business schools, they’ll take a lot of pressure off of you because they are quite imperfect.

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How to Write and Format an MBA Essay

Create a strong essay for your MBA application

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What Is an MBA Essay?

The term MBA essay is often used interchangeably with MBA application essay or MBA admissions essay. This type of essay is submitted as part of the MBA admissions process and is usually used to provide support for other application components like transcripts, recommendation letters, standardized test scores, and resumes.

Why You Need to Write an Essay

Admissions committees sort through a lot of applications in each round of the admissions process. Unfortunately, there are only so many places that can be filled in a single MBA class so a vast majority of the candidates who apply will be turned away. This is especially true of top MBA programs that receive thousands of applicants each school year.

Many of the applicants who apply to business school are qualified MBA candidates —they have the grades, the test scores, and the work experience needed to contribute to and succeed in an MBA program. Admissions committees need something beyond a GPA or test scores to differentiate applicants and determine who is a good fit for the program and who is not. This is where the MBA essay comes into play. Your MBA essay tells the admissions committee who you are and helps to set you apart from other applicants.

Why You Don't Need to Write an Essay

Not every business school requires an MBA essay as part of the admissions process. For some schools, the essay is optional or not required at all. If the business school does not request an essay, then you don’t need to write one. If the business school says the essay is optional, then you should DEFINITELY write one. Don't let the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants pass you by.

MBA Essay Length

Some business schools put strict requirements on the length of MBA application essays. For example, they may ask applicants to write a one-page essay, a two-page essay, or a 1,000-word essay. If there is a desired word count for your essay, it is very important to adhere to it. If you are supposed to write a one-page essay, don't turn in a two-page essay or an essay that is only a half-page long. Follow instructions.

If there is not a stated word count or page count requirement, you have a little more flexibility when it comes to length, but you should still limit the length of your essay. Short essays are typically better than a long essay. Aim for a short, five-paragraph essay . If you can't say everything you want to say in a short essay, you should at least stay below three pages. Remember, admissions committees read thousands of essays - they don't have time to read memoirs. A short essay demonstrates that you can express yourself clearly and concisely.

Basic Formatting Tips

There are some basic formatting tips that you should follow for every MBA essay. For example, it is important to set the margins so that you have some white space around the text. A one-inch margin on each side and on the top and bottom is typically good practice. Using a font that is easy to read is also important. Obviously, a silly font like Comic Sans should be avoided. Fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia are typically easy to read, but some of the letters so have funny tails and embellishments that are unnecessary. A no-frills font like Arial or Calibri is usually your best option.

Formatting a Five Paragraph Essay

Many essays - whether they are application essays or not - utilize a five-paragraph format. This means that the content of the essay is split into five separate paragraphs:

• One introductory paragraph
• Three body paragraphs
• One concluding paragraph 

Each paragraph should be about three to seven sentences long. If possible try to create a uniform size for the paragraphs. For example, you don't want to start with a three-sentence introductory paragraph and then follow up with an eight-sentence paragraph, a two sentence paragraph and then a four-sentence paragraph. It is also important to use strong transition words that help the reader move from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Cohesion is key if you want to write a strong, clear essay.

The introductory paragraph should start with a hook - something that captures the reader's interest. Think about the books you like to read. How do they start? What grabbed you on the first page? Your essay isn't fiction, but the same principle applies here. Your introductory paragraph should also feature some sort of thesis statement , so the topic of your essay is clear.

The body paragraphs should contain details, facts, and evidence that support the theme or thesis statement introduced in the first paragraph. These paragraphs are important because they make up the meat of your essay. Don't skimp on information but be judicious - make every sentence, and even every word, count. If you write something that doesn't support that main theme or point of your essay, take it out. 

The concluding paragraph of your MBA essay should be just that - a conclusion. Wrap up what you are saying and reiterate your main points. Do not present new evidence or points in this section. 

Printing and Emailing Your Essay

If you are printing out your essay and submitting it as part of a paper-based application, you should print the essay out on plain white paper. Do not use colored paper, patterned paper, etc. You should also avoid colored ink, glitter, or any other embellishments designed to make your essay stand out. 

If you are emailing your essay, follow all of the instructions. If the business school requested it to be emailed with other application components, you should do that. Do not email the essay separately unless you are instructed to do so - it could get in someone's inbox. Finally, be sure to use the correct file format. For example, if the business school requested a DOC, that is what you should send. 

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20 Must-Read MBA Essay Tips

Business school admissions committees care about more than (just) your  GMAT scores and GPA —they want to know who you are and why you belong in their program . Your MBA essays are your best chance to sell the person behind the résumé. They should tie all the pieces of your business school application together and create a comprehensive picture of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.  Here's a roundup of our best MBA essay tips to keep in mind as you begin to write.

How to Write an Unforgettable B-School Essay

1. communicate that you are a proactive, can-do sort of person..

Business schools want leaders, not applicants content with following the herd.

2. Put yourself on ego-alert.

Stress what makes you unique, not what makes you number one.

3. Communicate specific reasons why you're great fit for each school.

Simply stating "I am the ideal candidate for your program" won't convince the admission committee to push you into the admit pile.

Read More: Find Your Business School

4. Bring passion to your writing.

Admissions officers want to know what excites you. And if you'll bring a similar enthusiasm to the classroom.

5. Break the mold.

Challenge perceptions with unexpected essays that say, "There's more to me than you think."

6. If you've taken an unorthodox path to business school, play it up.

Admissions officers appreciate risk-takers.

7. Talk about your gender, ethnicity, minority status or foreign background....

But only if it has affected your outlook or experiences.

8. Fill your essays with plenty of real-life examples.

Specific anecdotes and vivid details make a much greater impact than general claims and broad summaries.

9. Demonstrate a sense of humor or vulnerability.

You're a real person, and it's okay to show it!

BONUS: Don't Make These MBA Essay Mistakes

1. write about your high school glory days. .

Admissions committees don't care if you were editor of the yearbook or captain of the varsity team. They expect their candidates to have moved onto more current, professional achievements.

2. Submit essays that don't answer the questions.

An off-topic essay, or one that merely restates your résumé, will frustrate and bore the admissions committee. More importantly, it won't lead to any new insight about you.

Attend UNC's top-ranked online MBA program without putting your career on hold. See how.

3. Fill essays with industry jargon.

Construct your essays with only enough detail about your job to frame your story and make your point.

4. Reveal half-baked reasons for wanting the MBA.

Admissions officers favor applicants who have well-defined goals. However unsure you are about your future, it's critical that you demonstrate that you have a plan.

5. Exceed the recommended word limits.

This suggests you don't know how to follow directions, operate within constraints or organize your thoughts.

6. Submit an application full of typos and grammatical errors.

A sloppy application suggests a sloppy attitude.

7. Send one school an essay intended for another—or forget to change the school name when using the same essay for several applications.

Admissions committees are (understandably) insulted when they see another school's name or forms.

8. Make excuses.

If your undergraduate experience was one long party, be honest. Discuss how you've matured, both personally and professionally.

9. Be impersonal in the personal statement.

Many applicants avoid the personal like the plague. Instead of talking about how putting themselves through school lowered their GPA, they talk about the rising cost of tuition in America. Admissions officers want to know about YOU.

Read More: How to Ace Your MBA Interview

10. Make too many generalizations.

An essay full of generalizations is a giveaway that you don't have anything to say.

11. Write in a vacuum.

Make sure that each of your essays reinforce and build on the others to present a consistent and compelling representation of who you are, what you've done, and what you bring to the table.

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MBA Essays: Everything You Need to Know

Scott Edinburgh - Personal MBA Coach

Scott Edinburgh is an mba.com Featured Contributor and the founder of Personal MBA Coach , a boutique MBA admissions consulting and tutoring firm.

Nearly all MBA hopefuls are familiar with the term “MBA essay”, but what exactly does this mean and why is the MBA essay so important? To help guide MBA hopefuls, Personal MBA Coach would like to answer some common questions about the MBA essays and share details on the most common MBA essay types.

Why do I need an MBA essay?

Beyond the obvious answer that nearly all schools require you to write one in order to be admitted, the MBA essay is your chance to show MBA admissions committee members who you are BEYOND the facts and figures. These essays are your opportunities to show what makes you unique, share your goals and discuss how you will add to the dynamic community at your target business school. 

Do I need different MBA essays for each program I apply to?

Unfortunately, YES! While there are some overlapping themes across the most common MBA essay types (more on this below), each business school has its own unique essays. Unless you are applying through an organization such as The Consortium (which has some specific requirements), you must complete a separate application for each MBA program and answer each school’s specific essay questions.

To make this daunting task more manageable, Personal MBA Coach helps clients identify common elements across essay types. Ultimately, however, you should develop a separate essay for each school you are applying to.

What should I write about in my MBA essay?

First and foremost, you should answer the question. It is surprising how often candidates write beautiful essays that do not actually answer the question. Instead of writing what you think admissions committee members want to hear, answer the question.

What are the most common MBA essay questions?

While there are countless different essay questions across MBA programs, the three most common types of essays questions are Goals Essays, Why an MBA? Essays, and Personal Story Essays. (Often one essay question will ask clients to discuss both their goals and why they want an MBA.)

Below, Personal MBA Coach shares our tips for answering each of these key essay types:

Goals Essay

When answering a question about your MBA goals , it is crucial that you are decisive . While no one will hold you to what you write in your MBA applications, you should have a specific post-MBA plan. For most schools, you will want a short-term and a long-term career goal. This goal should be logical for you. This means it should flow naturally from your passions and experience. If it doesn’t, it is crucial that you explain why this goal makes sense for you.

Finally, this goal should be attainable. You are not going to be the CFO of Pepsi two years after graduating from business school (sorry!). Do your research in terms of what position might be reasonable in your target industry.

Why an MBA? Essay

To answer a question about why you want an MBA or why you want to study at X school, you want to show that you have carefully thought through how an MBA (at your target program) will prepare you to achieve your career goals. To do so, Personal MBA Coach suggests being very specific in detailing the opportunities you plan to take advantage of on campus.

Discuss classes you are particularly interested in or perhaps professors you are looking to study with, etc. Do not include a laundry list. Instead, carefully think through how each offering will allow you to fill in your skill and/or experience gaps. Be sure to show an understanding of your target school’s culture and avoid writing vague statements and copying content from other MBA application essays.

Personal Story Essay

With a personal story essay, your objective is to show the reader how your story is unique and how you will add value and diversity to classroom discussions and on campus activities. This can be one of the hardest essays to write. To get started, Personal MBA Coach advises that you make a list of everything you have done in your life and take the time to write it all down. Then, think carefully about the decisions you have made, activities you enjoy and, most importantly, why you made those choices. Finally, look for a theme! What single idea connects these items? This is the hard part, so give it time.

How do you conclude an MBA essay?

Do not overthink the conclusion. In fact, with short word limits, Personal MBA Coach often advises clients to write just one concluding sentence or remove the conclusion altogether. Conclusions can be fluffy, generic or repetitive. You do not need (or want) to waste words here. If you have told your story well and you have addressed the question clearly and concisely, do not worry about the conclusion!

How far in advance should I start my MBA essays?

As soon as possible! It is never too early to start thinking about your MBA essays. In fact, Personal MBA Coach works with many clients 6 month – 3 years in advance through our Early Planning package, helping future applicants make the appropriate career and extracurricular decisions to ensure they have enough experience to write strong MBA essays.

That said, with diligence, some Personal MBA Coach clients are able to develop a compelling MBA essay within a month. (Keep in mind, this is a very compressed timeline and takes dedication to achieve!). Plus, you always want to leave time for proofreading and should avoid submitting your essays at the last minute. 

Founded by a Wharton MBA and MIT Sloan graduate who sits on the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants Board of Directors, Personal MBA Coach has been guiding clients for 14 years and is consistently ranked #1 or #2, currently holding the #1 ranking in the US on Poets&Quants.

We help clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing and mock interviews. Our team includes a former M7 admissions director and former M7 admissions interviewers.

Last year, our clients earned more than $6M in scholarships!

10 Common Assignments in Online MBA Programs

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If you’ve just enrolled in an Online MBA program, but you haven’t had much experience with the distance learning format, you might be wondering if the assignments are any different from those of the on-campus program. While many assignments for distance learning programs are designed to fit the online format, of course, experts say these assignments can be just as (or even more) rigorous than those that take place on-campus. Students in online programs can expect to complete assignments that require them to respond in-depth to video lectures, participate in discussion boards, and work with groups on a range of business projects.  

In addition to responding to video lectures, discussion boards, and group projects, U.S. News & World Report lists the following types of assignments in online programs:

Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios

Exams and quizzes, formal research papers, virtual presentations and collaborations.

Students can reflect on experiential learning, internships, study abroad, personal experiences, and more. Students often update their blog throughout any given course, and in some cases, peers can respond. This is a great way to build relationships with other students in the program, even if you never meet face-to-face.

Students analyze presented issues and develop solutions. Sample case studies from Organizational Behavior and Economics and Finance courses at St. Bonaventure University Online include The Economic State of Samoa , Liberia’s Challenges to Economic Development , Will Sears Survive? , and A Video Recap of Liberia’s Challenged to Economic Development .

Discussion Boards

Supplement weekly coursework, and are a major part of most online classes. The professor poses a question and students respond to the instructor and each other. Responses must be thought provoking and help to expand the conversation.

Exams and quizzes are just as important in online programs as they are in on-campus programs. The difference is students taking an online exam may be monitored by a proctor via webcam (“companies such as ProctorU make this possible”) or by a computer. According to U.S. News, “automated services including ProctorTrack can keep track of what’s happening on an online student’s screen in case there are behaviors that may indicate cheating.”

The types of research and writing required to complete a formal research paper is important at the graduate level, and especially in MBA programs. While you won’t find many differences between FRPs in online and on-campus courses, online students should ensure that the program offers “remote access” to the “university’s library and its resources, which may include live chats with staff.”

Group Projects

Students around the world can work on projects virtually as a group by utilizing Google Docs, Skype, Zoom for videoconferencing, chat features in the online classroom, and any number of video chat apps. Group projects, which simulate real-life business situations or business plan development, require students to work as a team, with specific roles and responsibilities assigned to each member. Students must contribute equally to the project.

Journal assignments allow Online MBA students to communicate with their professors directly. Though topics are typically assigned, “journals often enable students to express ideas,” opinions, questions, and concerns about course material.

Video Lectures

In a recent U.S. News blog post, Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness at SUNY Buffalo State, Bradley Fuster, explained that with video lectures, the professor provides a recorded lecture, article, or book chapter and requires students to answer questions. “Students generally complete the assignment at their own pace,” as long as “they meet the ultimate deadline.”

Students give live or recorded presentations to the professor and cohort. Students can present business plans, solutions to business problems, and interact with one another on projects and assignments. According to U.S. News, experts say, “virtual collaboration is a skill that's critical for conducting business in the 21st century.”

Wiki, a shortened form of the Hawaiian word for “quick,” is a website that can be edited by anyone with a computer, web browser, and an internet connection. Wikis use a quick and easy syntax to allow users to apply formatting to text and create links between pages. In online programs, students use wikis to answer research questions, edit shared documents, write task lists, and launch discussions. Wikis are particularly useful for group projects.

While these are not the only types of assignments students may encounter in an Online MBA program, they are among the most common. For more information about the types of assignments in any given Online MBA program, review the programs overview, curriculum, and catalog.

Considering an Online MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering Online MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.

Friedman, Jordan. “10 Types of Assignments in Online Degree Programs . ” U .S. News & World Report Education , U.S. News & World Report L.P., 31 Aug. 2017. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

Friedman, Jordan. “What to Expect in a Top Online MBA Program . ” U.S. News & World Report Education , U.S. News & World Report L.P., 27 Jun. 2016. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

Online MBA Assignment Showcase . School of Business - St. Bonaventure University Online. St. Bonaventure University, 2018. Web. 23 Aug. 2018.

What is a Wiki? WikiEducator.org, 2018.

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How to Create a Winning MBA Assignment

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The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a globally recognized degree that can open doors to many exciting career opportunities. An MBA assignment is therefore an important piece of work that should not be taken lightly.

To write a winning MBA assignment, there are certain elements that must be included. Firstly, the assignment should be well-structured and organized. Secondly, it should be based on sound research and thirdly, it should be original and showcase the student's unique perspective.

With these tips in mind, anyone can write an MBA assignment that will impress their professors and set them up for success in their chosen field.

How to Write an MBA Assignment.

Introduction.

An MBA assignment is a writing project that is typically assigned to graduate students enrolled in an MBA program. The purpose of an MBA assignment is to assess a student's ability to apply the concepts learned in their coursework to real-world business situations.

As such, MBA assignments are usually very specific and require a great deal of research and analysis. In order to write a successful MBA assignment, students must first understand the requirements of the assignment and then develop a clear and concise argument that addresses the prompt.

In order to help students complete their MBA assignments successfully, this guide will provide an overview of how to write an MBA assignment, including tips on structure, content, and presentation.

How to Write an Effective MBA Assignment.

The structure of an MBA assignment.

An MBA assignment should be well structured in order to convey your thoughts and ideas in a logical manner. The structure of your assignment will also impact the overall presentation of your work. Therefore, it is important to plan the structure of your assignment before you begin writing.

There are several ways to structure an MBA assignment, but one common approach is to divide the assignment into three main sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion.

The introduction should briefly describe the topic of the assignment and provide an overview of the main points that will be discussed in the main body.

The main body should develop the key arguments or points raised in the introduction in more detail. Each argument or point should be supported by evidence or examples.

The conclusion should summarise the key arguments or points raised in the main body and state your overall opinion on the topic of the assignment.

How to Make Your MBA Assignment Stand Out.

The presentation of an MBA assignment.

An MBA assignment should be presented in a professional and concise manner. It should be free of any grammar or punctuation errors, and all sources should be properly cited. The font size should be legible, and the page margins should not be excessive.

The MBA degree is becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. It is a highly respected qualification that can lead to exciting and rewarding career opportunities. If you are considering studying for an MBA, it is important to be aware of the challenges involved in completing the degree. One of the most important aspects of successfully completing your MBA is writing assignments that are both well-crafted and effective. In this blog post, we have looked at three key aspects of writing a winning MBA assignment: how to write an assignment that is well-structured and contains relevant and original content; how to make your assignment stand out with a strong presentation; and finally, the importance of carrying out effective research. By following these tips, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success when it comes to writing your MBA assignments.

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Have a Look at Our MBA Assignment Samples All Assignment Case Study Essay Dissertation Report Research Paper coursework A   15 Accounting C   1 Computer science and it E   14 Economics F   15 Finance H   13 Human Resource M   169 Management 27 Marketing P   31 Project Management A   2 Accounting E   4 Economics F   2 Finance H   3 Human Resource M   7 Management 6 Marketing A   3 Accounting E   3 Economics F   4 Finance M   27 Management 3 Marketing P   6 Project management A   2 Accounting H   2 Human Resource M   17 Management P   1 Project management A   8 Accounting C   1 Computer science and it E   6 Economics F   8 Finance H   6 Human Resource M   114 Management 18 Marketing P   23 Project Management E   1 Economics M   4 Management F   1 Finance H   2 Human Resource P   1 Project Management A   3 Accounting2 1 Auditing B   3 Biology C   15 Computer Science and IT E   1 Economics 2 Engineering F   1 Finance L   7 Law M   16 Management 4 Marketing N   9 Nursing P   4 Project Management A   4 Accounting3 2 Architecture 3 Auditing B   1 Biology C   2 Computer Science and IT E   3 Economics 2 Engineering F   2 Finance H   5 Humanities L   3 Law M   15 Management 5 Marketing N   17 Nursing S   2 Science A   1 Accounting4 1 Auditing B   1 Biology C   2 Computer Science and IT E   1 Economics F   1 Finance H   1 Humanities L   1 Law M   2 Management N   1 Nursing C   5 Computer Science and IT A   1 Accounting5 1 Auditing B   1 Biology C   1 Child Care 4 Computer Science and IT 18 Cookery D   11 Diploma E   2 Economics 2 Engineering F   2 Finance H   1 Humanities L   2 Law M   10 Management N   5 Nursing P   3 Project Management A   1 Accounting6 1 Architecture 1 Auditing B   1 Biology C   1 Computer Science and IT E   1 Economics 1 Engineering F   1 Finance H   1 Humanities L   1 Law N   1 Nursing A   7 Accounting7 1 Architecture 4 Auditing B   4 Biology C   37 Computer Science and IT E   3 Economics 9 Engineering F   9 Finance H   5 Humanities L   9 Law M   54 Management 7 Marketing N   19 Nursing P   15 Project Management S   1 Science 4 Statistics MBA Assignment Sample

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Research Topics & Ideas: Business

50+ Management Research Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

Finding and choosing a strong research topic is the critical first step when it comes to crafting a high-quality dissertation, thesis or research project. If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re looking for a business/management-related research topic , but aren’t sure where to start. Here, we’ll explore a variety of  research ideas and topic thought-starters for management-related research degrees (MBAs/DBAs, etc.). These research topics span management strategy, HR, finance, operations, international business and leadership.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps . In this post, we’ll kickstart the process by sharing some research topic ideas within the management domain. This is the starting point, but to develop a well-defined research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , along with a well-justified plan of action to fill that gap.

If you’re new to the oftentimes perplexing world of research, or if this is your first time undertaking a formal academic research project, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course. In it, we cover the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from start to end. Be sure to also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. 

Overview: Business Research Topics

• Business /management strategy
• Human resources (HR) and industrial psychology
• Finance and accounting
• Operations management
• International business
• Actual business dissertations & theses

Strategy-Related Research Topics

• An analysis of the impact of digital transformation on business strategy in consulting firms
• The role of innovation in transportation practices for creating a competitive advantage within the agricultural sector
• Exploring the effect of globalisation on strategic decision-making practices for multinational Fashion brands.
• An evaluation of corporate social responsibility in shaping business strategy, a case study of power utilities in Nigeria
• Analysing the relationship between corporate culture and business strategy in the new digital era, exploring the role of remote working.
• Assessing the impact of sustainability practices on business strategy and performance in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry
• An analysis of the effect of social media on strategic partnerships and alliances development in the insurance industry
• Exploring the role of data-driven decision-making in business strategy developments following supply-chain disruptions in the agricultural sector
• Developing a conceptual framework for assessing the influence of market orientation on business strategy and performance in the video game publishing industry
• A review of strategic cost management best practices in the healthcare sector of Indonesia
• Identification of key strategic considerations required for the effective implementation of Industry 4.0 to develop a circular economy
• Reviewing how Globalisation has affected business model innovation strategies in the education sector
• A comparison of merger and acquisition strategies’ effects on novel product development in the Pharmaceutical industry
• An analysis of market strategy performance during recessions, a retrospective review of the luxury goods market in the US
• Comparing the performance of digital stakeholder engagement strategies and their contribution towards meeting SDGs in the mining sector

Topics & Ideas: Human Resources (HR)

• Exploring the impact of digital employee engagement practices on organizational performance in SMEs
• The role of diversity and inclusion in the workplace
• An evaluation of remote employee training and development programs efficacy in the e-commerce sector
• Comparing the effect of flexible work arrangements on employee satisfaction and productivity across generational divides
• Assessing the relationship between gender-focused employee empowerment programs and job satisfaction in the UAE
• A review of the impact of technology and digitisation on human resource management practices in the construction industry
• An analysis of the role of human resource management in talent acquisition and retention in response to globalisation and crisis, a case study of the South African power utility
• The influence of leadership style on remote working employee motivation and performance in the education sector.
• A comparison of performance appraisal systems for managing employee performance in the luxury retail fashion industry
• An examination of the relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction in blue-collar workplaces, A systematic review
• Exploring HR personnel’s experiences managing digital workplace bullying in multinational corporations
• Assessing the success of HR team integration following merger and acquisition on employee engagement and performance
• Exploring HR green practices and their effects on retention of millennial talent in the fintech industry
• Assessing the impact of human resources analytics in successfully navigating digital transformation within the healthcare sector
• Exploring the role of HR staff in the development and maintenance of ethical business practices in fintech SMEs
• An analysis of employee perceptions of current HRM practices in a fully remote IT workspace

Topics & Ideas: Finance & Accounting

• An analysis of the effect of employee financial literacy on decision-making in manufacturing start-ups in Ghana
• Assessing the impact of corporate green innovation on financial performance in listed companies in Estonia
• Assessing the effect of corporate governance on financial performance in the mining industry in Papua New Guinea
• An evaluation of financial risk management practices in the construction industry of Saudi Arabia
• Exploring the role of leadership financial literacy in the transition from start-up to scale-up in the retail e-commerce industry.
• A review of influential macroeconomic factors on the adoption of cryptocurrencies as legal tender
• An examination of the use of financial derivatives in risk management
• Exploring the impact of the cryptocurrency disruption on stock trading practices in the EU
• An analysis of the relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial performance in academic publishing houses
• A comparison of financial ratios performance in evaluating E-commerce startups in South Korea.
• An evaluation of the role of government policies in facilitating manufacturing companies’ successful transitioning from start-up to scale-ups in Denmark
• Assessing the financial value associated with industry 4.0 transitions in the Indian pharmaceutical industry
• Exploring the role of effective e-leadership on financial performance in the Nigerian fintech industry
• A review of digital disruptions in CRM practices and their associated financial impact on listed companies during the Covid-19 pandemic
• Exploring the importance of Sharia-based business practices on SME financial performance in multicultural countries

Ideas: Operations Management

• An assessment of the impact of blockchain technology on operations management practices in the transport industry of Estonia
• An evaluation of supply chain disruption management strategies and their impact on business performance in Lithuania
• Exploring the role of lean manufacturing in the automotive industry of Malaysia and its effects on improving operational efficiency
• A critical review of optimal operations management strategies in luxury goods manufacturing for ensuring supply chain resilience
• Exploring the role of globalization on Supply chain diversification, a pre/post analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic
• An analysis of the relationship between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription-based business models
• Assessing the cost of sustainable sourcing practices on operations management and supply chain resilience in the Cocao industry.
• An examination of the adoption of behavioural predictive analytics in operations management practices, a case study of the
• Italian automotive industry
• Exploring the effect of operational complexity on business performance following digital transformation
• An evaluation of barriers to the implementation of agile methods in project management within governmental institutions
• Assessing how the relationship between operational processes and business strategy change as companies transition from start-ups to scale-ups
• Exploring the relationship between operational management and innovative business models, lessons from the fintech industry
• A review of best practices for operations management facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the fast food industry
• Exploring the viability of lean manufacturing practices in Vietnam’s plastics industry
• Assessing engagement in cybersecurity considerations associated with operations management practices in industry 4.0 manufacturing

Topics & Ideas: International Business

• The impact of cultural differences in communication on international business relationships
• An evaluation of the role of government import and export policies in shaping international business practices
• The effect of global shipping conditions on international business strategies
• An analysis of the challenges of managing multinational corporations: branch management
• The influence of social media marketing on international business operations
• The role of international trade agreements on business activities in developing countries
• An examination of the impact of currency fluctuations on international business and cost competitiveness
• The relationship between international business and sustainable development: perspectives and benefits
• An evaluation of the challenges and opportunities of doing business in emerging markets such as the renewable energy industry
• An analysis of the role of internationalisation via strategic alliances in international business
• The impact of cross-cultural management on international business performance
• The effect of political instability on international business operations: A case study of Russia
• An analysis of the role of intellectual property rights in an international technology company’s business strategies
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and international business strategy: a comparative study of different industries
• The impact of technology on international business in the fashion industry

Topics & Ideas: Leadership

• A comparative study of the impact of different leadership styles on organizational performance
• An evaluation of transformational leadership in today’s non-profit organizations
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership and productivity
• An analysis of the relationship between leadership style and employee motivation
• The influence of diversity and inclusion on leadership practices in South Africa
• The impact of Artificial Intelligence technology on leadership in the digital age
• An examination of the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing business environment: examples from the finance industry
• The relationship between leadership and corporate culture and job satisfaction
• An evaluation of the role of transformational leadership in strategic decision-making
• The use of leadership development programs in enhancing leadership effectiveness in multinational organisations
• The impact of ethical leadership on organizational trust and reputation: an empirical study
• An analysis of the relationship between various leadership styles and employee well-being in healthcare organizations
• The role of leadership in promoting good work-life balance and job satisfaction in the age of remote work
• The influence of leadership on knowledge sharing and innovation in the technology industry
• An investigation of the impact of cultural intelligence on cross-cultural leadership effectiveness in global organizations

Business/Management Dissertation & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a business-related research topic, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various management-related degree programs (e.g., MBAs, DBAs, etc.) to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Sustaining Microbreweries Beyond 5 Years (Yanez, 2022)
• Perceived Stakeholder and Stockholder Views: A Comparison Among Accounting Students, Non-Accounting Business Students And Non-Business Students (Shajan, 2020)
• Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility and the New Ecological Paradigm among Business Students in Southern California (Barullas, 2020)
• Entrepreneurial opportunity alertness in small business: a narrative research study exploring established small business founders’ experience with opportunity alertness in an evolving economic landscape in the Southeastern United States (Hughes, 2019)
• Work-Integrated Learning in Closing Skills Gap in Public Procurement: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study (Culver, 2021)
• Analyzing the Drivers and Barriers to Green Business Practices for Small and Medium Enterprises in Ohio (Purwandani, 2020)
• The Role of Executive Business Travel in a Virtual World (Gale, 2022)
• Outsourcing Security and International Corporate Responsibility: A Critical Analysis of Private Military Companies (PMCs) and Human Rights Violations (Hawkins, 2022)
• Lean-excellence business management for small and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Kurdistan region of Iraq (Mohammad, 2021)
• Science Data Sharing: Applying a Disruptive Technology Platform Business Model (Edwards, 2022)
• Impact of Hurricanes on Small Construction Business and Their Recovery (Sahu, 2022)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are quite specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

If you’d like hands-on help to speed up your topic ideation process and ensure that you develop a rock-solid research topic, check our our Topic Kickstarter service below.

Great help. thanks

Hi, Your work is very educative, it has widened my knowledge. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much for helping me understand how to craft a research topic. I’m pursuing a PGDE. Thank you

a feasibility study for the establishment of rice processing system in (_____)

Effect of Leadership, computerized accounting systems, risk management and monitoring on the quality of financial Reports among listed banks

May you assist on a possible PhD topic on analyzing economic behaviours within environmental, climate and energy domains, from a gender perspective. I seek to further investigate if/to which extent policies in these domains can be deemed economically unfair from a gender perspective, and whether the effectiveness of the policies can be increased while striving for inequalities not being perpetuated.

healthy work environment and employee diversity, technological innovations and their role in management practices, cultural difference affecting advertising, honesty as a company policy, an analysis of the relationships between quality management and customer satisfaction in subscription based business model,business corruption cases. That I was selected from the above topics.

Research topic accounting

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Top 100 MBA Project Topics [Updated 2024]

Are you an MBA student looking to make your mark with an impactful project? Choosing the right MBA project topic can be the key to unlocking doors to career success. Whether you’re focusing on finance, marketing, human resources, operations, or entrepreneurship, there’s a wealth of possibilities to explore. In this blog, we’ll dive into some compelling MBA project topics across these areas, helping you find inspiration for your next big endeavor.

How to Choose the Right MBA Project Topics

Table of Contents

Now that we’ve explored some exciting project topics, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? Here are some tips:

• Consider Your Interests and Career Goals: Choose a topic that aligns with your passions and future career aspirations.
• Evaluate Feasibility and Data Availability: Ensure you have access to the necessary data and resources to complete your project successfully.
• Consult with Faculty or Industry Professionals: Seek guidance from your professors or industry experts to refine your topic and approach.
• Importance of Originality: Aim for a topic that contributes new insights or approaches to the field, showcasing your creativity and analytical skills.

Top 100 MBA Project Topics: Category Wise

• Financial Analysis of XYZ Company: Conduct an in-depth analysis of the financial performance, ratios, and trends of a specific company.
• Investment Strategies in Emerging Markets: Explore the opportunities and risks associated with investing in emerging markets, providing insights for investors.
• Analyzing the Impact of Interest Rate Changes on Investment Portfolios: Investigate how fluctuations in interest rates affect investment portfolios, offering strategies for risk management.
• Financial Risk Management in the Banking Sector: Study the methods and practices used by banks to manage financial risks, with a focus on risk mitigation strategies.
• Evaluating Capital Budgeting Techniques in Manufacturing Industry: Compare and evaluate different capital budgeting techniques used by manufacturing firms to make investment decisions.
• Mergers and Acquisitions: A Comparative Study: Compare the impact and outcomes of different mergers and acquisitions in various industries, analyzing their success factors.
• IPO Valuation and Investment Strategies: Explore the valuation methods of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and develop investment strategies for IPO investors.
• Impact of Corporate Governance on Firm Performance: Analyze how corporate governance practices influence the performance and value of companies.
• Behavioral Finance: Understanding Investor Behavior: Study the psychological factors influencing investor decisions and their impact on financial markets.
• Analysis of Credit Risk Management in Banks: Investigate the credit risk management practices of banks, focusing on loan portfolio analysis and risk mitigation techniques.
• Consumer Behavior Analysis in E-commerce: Examine the behavior patterns and preferences of online consumers in the e-commerce sector.
• Social Media Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses: Develop effective social media marketing strategies tailored for small businesses to enhance their online presence.
• Brand Loyalty: Factors Influencing Customer Retention: Identify and analyze the factors that contribute to brand loyalty and customer retention in various industries.
• Impact of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Buying Behavior: Investigate how celebrity endorsements influence consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions.
• Online vs. Offline Retail: Consumer Preferences and Trends: Compare the preferences and trends of consumers in online and offline retail environments, identifying key differences.
• Market Entry Strategies for International Markets: Develop market entry strategies for businesses looking to expand into international markets, considering cultural and regulatory factors.
• Digital Marketing Trends: A Comparative Analysis: Analyze the latest trends in digital marketing channels and their effectiveness in reaching target audiences.
• Customer Satisfaction and Service Quality in Hospitality Industry: Evaluate the relationship between customer satisfaction, service quality, and loyalty in the hospitality sector.
• Product Placement Effectiveness in Films and TV Shows: Study the effectiveness of product placement as a marketing strategy in films and television shows, measuring brand recall and impact.
• Green Marketing: Sustainable Practices and Consumer Perception: Investigate consumer perceptions and behaviors towards green products and sustainable marketing practices.

Human Resources

• Employee Engagement Strategies for Remote Teams: Develop effective strategies to enhance employee engagement and motivation in remote work settings.
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives in Multinational Corporations: Analyze diversity and inclusion programs in multinational companies, assessing their impact on organizational culture and performance.
• Talent Management Practices in the IT Industry: Study talent management strategies and practices in the Information Technology sector, focusing on recruitment and retention.
• Performance Appraisal Systems: A Comparative Study: Compare different performance appraisal systems used by organizations and their impact on employee performance and satisfaction.
• Work-Life Balance Programs and Employee Wellbeing: Evaluate the effectiveness of work-life balance programs in improving employee wellbeing and productivity.
• Leadership Styles and Organizational Culture: Analyze how different leadership styles contribute to shaping organizational culture and employee engagement.
• Training and Development Programs: Impact on Employee Performance: Investigate the effectiveness of training and development programs in enhancing employee skills and performance.
• Workplace Stress Management Strategies: Develop strategies to manage workplace stress and promote employee mental health and wellbeing.
• Employee Retention Strategies in High-Tech Industries: Identify and analyze effective strategies for retaining talent in high-tech industries with high turnover rates.
• Gender Pay Gap Analysis and Equal Pay Policies: Study the gender pay gap in various industries and evaluate the effectiveness of equal pay policies in reducing disparities.

Operations Management

• Supply Chain Optimization in Manufacturing Sector: Optimize supply chain processes and logistics in the manufacturing industry to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Lean Management Implementation in Service Sector: Implement Lean management principles in service-oriented organizations to eliminate waste and improve operational efficiency.
• Inventory Management Strategies for Retail Chains: Develop inventory management strategies to minimize stockouts and excess inventory in retail chains.
• Six Sigma Implementation in Healthcare: Quality Improvement: Implement Six Sigma methodologies in healthcare organizations to improve quality of care and patient outcomes.
• Logistics and Distribution Network Optimization: Optimize logistics and distribution networks to improve delivery times and reduce transportation costs.
• Operations Planning and Control in the Food Industry: Develop efficient operations planning and control strategies for food processing and distribution companies.
• Total Quality Management (TQM) Practices: Case Studies: Study successful case studies of Total Quality Management implementation in various industries.
• Process Automation and Robotics in Manufacturing: Explore the use of automation and robotics in manufacturing processes to improve productivity and efficiency.
• Service Quality Measurement and Improvement in Hospitality: Develop tools and techniques to measure and improve service quality in the hospitality industry.
• Green Operations: Sustainability Practices in Manufacturing: Implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices in manufacturing operations to reduce environmental impact.

Entrepreneurship

• Feasibility Study for a Tech Startup: Conduct a feasibility study for a tech startup, analyzing market demand, competition, and financial projections.
• Business Plan Development for a Social Enterprise: Develop a comprehensive business plan for a social enterprise focusing on social impact and sustainability.
• Crowdfunding as a Financing Option for Startups: Explore the use of crowdfunding platforms as a viable financing option for early-stage startups.
• Franchise Business Model: Analysis and Case Studies: Analyze the franchise business model and study successful case studies of franchise operations.
• E-commerce Market Entry Strategy for Small Businesses: Develop an e-commerce market entry strategy for small businesses to expand their online presence.
• Innovation Management in Startups: Best Practices: Study best practices for managing innovation and creativity in startup environments.
• Angel Investing: Strategies and Risk Management: Explore angel investing strategies and risk management practices for investors in early-stage startups.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: Traits and Success Factors: Analyze the traits and characteristics of successful entrepreneurial leaders in various industries.
• International Expansion Strategies for SMEs: Develop strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to expand into international markets.
• Business Model Innovation: Disruptive Strategies: Explore disruptive business model innovation strategies used by successful startups to gain a competitive edge.

General Management

• Change Management Strategies in Organizations: Develop change management strategies to facilitate organizational transitions and transformations.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programs: Impact Assessment: Evaluate the impact of CSR programs on brand reputation and stakeholder perceptions.
• Strategic Alliances and Joint Ventures: Case Studies: Study successful case studies of strategic alliances and joint ventures in various industries.
• Crisis Management and Communication Strategies: Develop crisis management plans and effective communication strategies for organizations facing crises.
• Market Research and Analysis for New Product Launch: Conduct market research and analysis to guide the launch of a new product or service.
• Project Management Best Practices: Implementation: Study and implement project management best practices for successful project execution.
• Knowledge Management Systems: Implementation and Benefits: Implement knowledge management systems in organizations to capture and share valuable knowledge.
• Business Process Reengineering (BPR) for Organizational Efficiency: Redesign and optimize business processes using Business Process Reengineering methodologies.
• Strategic HR Planning for Organizational Growth: Develop strategic HR plans to align human resources with organizational goals and growth objectives.
• Technology Adoption and Integration Strategies: Develop strategies for the adoption and integration of new technologies to drive business growth.

International Business

• Global Market Entry Strategies for Multinational Corporations: Develop market entry strategies for multinational corporations expanding into new global markets.
• Cultural Intelligence in International Business Negotiations: Study the role of cultural intelligence in successful international business negotiations.
• International Trade Policies and Impact on Global Business: Analyze international trade policies and their implications for global businesses.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership: Challenges and Strategies: Explore challenges and strategies for effective cross-cultural leadership in multinational organizations.
• Export Marketing Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Develop export marketing strategies for SMEs looking to enter international markets.
• Global Supply Chain Management: Best Practices: Study best practices in global supply chain management to optimize international operations.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends and Analysis: Analyze trends in Foreign Direct Investment and their impact on global economies.
• Political Risk Analysis for International Business: Assess political risks and their impact on international business operations and investments.
• Global Branding and Positioning Strategies: Develop global branding and positioning strategies for products and services in diverse markets.
• International Business Negotiation Strategies: Study negotiation strategies and tactics for successful international business deals.

Information Technology Management

• Cybersecurity Threats and Risk Management: Analyze cybersecurity threats and develop risk management strategies for organizations.
• Big Data Analytics for Business Intelligence: Implement Big Data analytics to derive business insights and improve decision-making.
• Cloud Computing Adoption: Challenges and Opportunities: Study the challenges and opportunities of adopting cloud computing in organizations.
• Digital Transformation Strategies for Traditional Businesses: Develop strategies for traditional businesses to undergo digital transformation.
• Blockchain Technology Applications in Supply Chain: Explore the applications of blockchain technology in optimizing supply chain processes.
• AI and Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics: Implement AI and machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics in business.
• IT Governance and Compliance Frameworks: Develop IT governance frameworks to ensure compliance and data security.
• Mobile App Development for Business Solutions: Design and develop mobile applications to address business challenges and enhance customer experience.
• IT Infrastructure Optimization and Cost Reduction: Optimize IT infrastructure to reduce costs and improve efficiency in organizations.
• ERP Implementation and Business Process Integration: Implement Enterprise Resource Planning systems for seamless business process integration.

Healthcare Management

• Healthcare Quality Improvement Initiatives: Develop quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and safety in healthcare settings.
• Healthcare Innovation: Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: Explore the use of telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies to improve healthcare delivery.
• Health Information Systems: Implementation and Benefits: Implement Health Information Systems to improve patient data management and healthcare efficiency.
• Healthcare Cost Analysis and Optimization: Analyze healthcare costs and develop strategies to optimize spending and improve financial performance.
• Patient Satisfaction and Service Quality in Hospitals: Evaluate patient satisfaction levels and service quality in hospitals, identifying areas for improvement.
• Healthcare Policy Analysis and Impact Assessment: Analyze healthcare policies and assess their impact on healthcare organizations and patient care.
• Healthcare Marketing Strategies for Hospitals: Develop marketing strategies to promote hospitals and healthcare services to the community.
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) Implementation: Implement Electronic Health Record systems to enhance patient data accessibility and accuracy.
• Healthcare Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Ensure healthcare organizations comply with regulatory requirements and standards.
• Healthcare Supply Chain Management Optimization: Optimize healthcare supply chain processes to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of medical supplies.

Sustainability and Green Business

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting and Transparency: Develop sustainability reporting frameworks to enhance corporate transparency and accountability.
• Green Supply Chain Management Practices: Implement green supply chain management practices to reduce environmental impact.
• Circular Economy Strategies for Waste Reduction: Develop strategies for implementing a circular economy model to minimize waste.
• Renewable Energy Investment Analysis: Analyze the feasibility and returns of investments in renewable energy projects.
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Consumer Goods: Develop sustainable packaging solutions to reduce environmental impact in the consumer goods industry.
• Carbon Footprint Analysis and Reduction Strategies: Analyze carbon footprints of organizations and develop strategies to reduce emissions.
• Water Management and Conservation in Industries: Implement water management practices to conserve water resources in industrial operations.
• Biodiversity Conservation Strategies for Businesses: Develop strategies for businesses to contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Green Building Design and Certification: Design green buildings and obtain certifications for sustainable construction practices.
• Eco-Tourism Development and Sustainability: Develop eco-tourism initiatives that promote environmental conservation and community engagement.

Embarking on an MBA project is an exciting opportunity to apply your knowledge and make a tangible impact. Whether you’re delving into finance, marketing, human resources, operations, or entrepreneurship, there’s a vast landscape of topics to explore.

Remember, the right project topic can be the launching pad for your career, so choose wisely. Dive into MBA project topics that ignite your curiosity, challenge your intellect, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Good luck on your MBA journey!

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50 Super Free Resources for MBA Students

Being an MBA student is no easy task. There’s lectures to attend, papers to write, and exams to pass. To help you out, we gathered 50 of the Internet’s best free resources for MBA students:

 Productivity & Writing Tools

• Grammarly.com : Grammarly searches your work for grammar and spelling mistakes, giving you useful feedback to help you avoid  making the same mistakes. It’s the perfect tool for quick proof-reading before turning a paper in.
• HemmingwayApp.com : The Hemmingway App makes sure that you’re writing at the correct level. The app checks to make sure your writing is readable, highlighting any sentences or fragments that are hard to understand.
• OpenOffice.org : If you don’t have access to Microsoft Office, Open Office is a fully functional substitute. Not only does it include a state-of-the-art word processing app, it also includes free alternatives to Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and more.
• Bubbl.us : Bubble.us is a mind-mapping tool, helping you brainstorm and outline your ideas before taking them to paper.
• BibMe.org : BibMe takes your sources and automatically creates a bibliography citation based on a variety of standard styles, such as APA and MLA.
• Tomato.es : This app uses the Pomodora productivity technique, allowing you to track 25-minute blocks of work followed by brief breaks.
• oTranscribe.com : If you want to record and transcribe a lecture, podcast, or MP3, oTranscribe is a free web-based application that does it for you automatically.
• Google Docs : Google Docs is another useful alternative to Office. You’ll be able to access and edit documents on any computer or mobile device.
• Plotly : If you need to make a graph for a presentation, Plotly’s intuitive interface makes it easy. You can even share your information directly online.
• Cold Turkey : When you need to hunker down and study without distractions, Cold Turkey is perfect. Simply block out time to work and Cold Turkey blocks specific apps and sites that tend to distract you.
• Rescue Time : Being an MBA student means making the most of your time. RescueTime analyzes how your time is spent online and suggests how you can start being more productive.

 Homework & Exams

• WolframAlpha.com : This powerful calculator not only solves complex problems and statistical analysis, it can also show you a step-by-step breakdown on how the solution was found.
• StudyBlue.com : This is a great study tool that lets you create your own flashcards or access an enormous database of cards already created by other students.
• Chegg.com : You’ll have access to online study groups and tutors, along with textbooks at a deep discount.
• MindGenius.com : If you need help managing your projects and a busy schedule, Mind Genius makes organizing your life a breeze.
• Zoho.com : If you’re working with a group on a presentation or project, Zoho gives you the tools to collaborate no matter where you’re at.
• iHomework : This handy application allows you to organize courses and assignments and access your schedule anywhere you go.
• Evernote : It can be accessed on any computer or mobile device, and provides plenty of features to make organizing your classroom notes easy.
• Outliner : You’ll have the ability to organize and share your papers, notes, and projects right from your iPhone or iPad.

 Communities & Organizations

• MBA World : One of the world’s largest MBA student communities, MBA World allows you to connect with other MBAs and employers from around the globe.
• LinkedIn.com : If you’re not on LinkedIn as an MBA student, you need to be. It’s the world’s largest community for business professionals and academics.
• Online MBA Page : Community of like-minded business management students seeking information on accredited MBA programs via distance learning online.
• Beta Gamma Sigma : The world’s largest honor society for business students, BGS provides resources and networking opportunities for MBA students.
• /r/MBA : The MBA Reddit community offers a chance for past, present, and future MBA candidates to find advice and offer wisdom.

 Academic & News Sources

• Google Scholar: If you need academic resources for a paper or your research, Google Scholar is a great free resource.
• Financial Times : FT is one of the world’s largest international newspaper, with a strong focus on business, economics, and, of course, finance.
• American Marketing Association : You’ll need a subscription to access every article, but even a free account grants access to lots of free articles and journals from the world’s top marketing professionals.
• Harvard Business Review : HBR is one of the world’s leading resources for business news and research. There’s plenty of free articles, webinars, and videos, and even more if you subscribe.
• Fortune : Run by Time, Fortune is the leading magazine for American-based businesses. Their website contains tons of free content, including articles, videos, and business conferences.
• MIT Technology Review : Here, MIT provides a ton of free content about the latest technology and how businesses can leverage them to build a competitive advantage.
• The Economist : When you’re looking for authoritative reporting and insight into the world’s most important business and economic stories, this is your best option.
• Business and Economics Journal : This is an open-source, free journal with access to tons of free research and publications about the latest economic, financial, and organizational trends.
• Forbes : Forbes offers daily business insights with a focus on technology and personal finance. It’s a bit lighter than other recognized business sources, making it easy to check out daily.
• Scientific Research : They provide completely free access to an enormous number of peer-reviewed research and articles. There’s even an app to help you research on the run.

 Blogs & Podcasts

• The Business Ethics Blog : Run by Chris MacDonald, a Ph.D. and professor at Toronto’s Ryerson University, this blog takes a look at the most important ethical issues facing today’s businesses.
• ConversionCast Podcast : Run by leading marketers, this podcast takes a look at using websites and digital marketing to drive results in a variety of ways.
• Authentic Organizations Blog : Throughout this blog, CV Harquail takes a look at what it means to be an effective manager and building authenticity in organizations.
• Freakonomics Podcast : Run by the author of the best-selling Freakonomics, this podcast looks at the hidden side of business in an entertaining way.
• Open IT Strategies Blog : Run by Professor Joel West, this blog talks about how you can manage IT to build better business processes.
• The Time Management Ninja : Excelling in an MBA program means making the most of your time. This handy blog helps keep you on track at all times.
• BusinessCast : Run by Darden School of Business, the BusinessCast includes lots of great information tailored specifically for MBA and b-school students.
• Stacy Blackman’s The Wire : This blog is specifically for prospective MBA candidates. If you’re trying to land a spot in a top MBA program, you’ll find everything you need here.
• Harvard Business Review Podcast Channel : Weekly ideas, insights, and tips on management from Harvard Business Review.

 Free Course Providers

• Coursera.org : Coursera works with the world’s top universities to provide free professional development courses and works with companies like Google to act as judges for student projects.
• Udacity : Find free online courses, make a career change, or get a new job by completing a Nanodegree program. Self paced online learning with code reviews.
• Harvard Free Courses Online : Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. Harvard faculty are engaged with teaching and research to push the boundaries of human knowledge. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study.
• EdX : Learn from the best schools, anytime, anywhere. Over 5 million people have taken free courses online from institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Columbia and more.
• 100+ Free Business Courses Online : The quality of education now available online has transformed how people view such courses and degrees.
• U.S. Small Business Administration : The SBA provides an incredible amount of resources for small business owners that MBA students can take advantage of, including plenty of free online and offline courses and seminars.
• Sloan School of Management : If you want to supplement your education with even more classes, you can take completely free graduate business classes from MIT’s opencourseware program.
• MBA.com : If you’re looking into MBA programs, MBA.com should be your first stop. There’re GMAT test prep materials and information on what to look for in an MBA program.
• Kaplan Test Prep : Kaplan is another great resource for prospective MBA students, providing completely free GMAT test prep classes and materials.
• Saylor.org : The Saylor Academy is a foundation that aims to provide free education to everybody. If you want to learn more about a particular subject, chances are good you’ll find something here.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab : Purdue’s OWL offers an incredible selection of guides and tools to help you write and research better.
• Beeminder : This website allows you to set and track goals, whether it’s number or hours studies or time spent on a particular assignment.
• As Seen On:

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Dan Merica, Associated Press Dan Merica, Associated Press

Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press

Chris Megerian, Associated Press Chris Megerian, Associated Press

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kamala-harris-chose-a-long-term-approach-when-tasked-to-tackle-rise-in-border-crossings

Kamala Harris chose a long-term approach when tasked to tackle rise in border crossings

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden, watching tens of thousands of migrants from Central America reach the U.S.-Mexico border just a few months into his administration, tapped his second-in-command to help address the influx — a decision that has exposed Vice President Kamala Harris to one of her biggest political liabilities.

In grappling with migration, Harris proceeded cautiously. She focused her time and prestige on boosting private investment in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, the so-called Northern Triangle; her goal was to help create jobs to bolster economies and dissuade migrants from making the perilous journey to the United States.

It was a decidedly long-term — and limited — approach to a humanitarian crisis, and it has allowed Republicans to tie her to the broader fight over the border. While migration from the Northern Triangle ebbed, it surged from other nations, sparking an emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, one that Republicans have aggressively sought to exploit at Harris’ expense.

A review of Harris’ work on immigration reveals a record that is more nuanced than the one presented by her critics or allies. It also provides insights into how Harris — who took over as the Democratic standard-bearer when Biden dropped out of the presidential race last month — might tackle one of the nation’s most vexing concerns.

WATCH: A look at Kamala Harris’ legal career and political record

Harris was never the “border czar,” or put in charge of border security or halting illegal border crossings, as former President Donald Trump, Republicans and even the occasional media outlet have claimed. Instead, she was tasked in March 2021 with tackling the “root causes” of migration from the Northern Triangle and pushing its leaders — along with Mexico’s — to enforce immigration laws, administration officials said.

Harris’ backers say she demonstrated leadership by leveraging her stature to win investments that might curb migration years down the road.

“She felt — and I think she was right — that what she could do the most was help basically lead the effort to draw in investment, using the confidence that a relationship with the White House would give to investors,” said Ricardo Zúniga, a former State Department official who specialized in the Northern Triangle and who traveled with Harris to the region.

Critics contend that she could have done far more but chose a less risky path, ensuring the problem only worsened.

“She was like, ‘nope, I’m just root causes,’’” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, which advocates for less immigration. “Even if it worked, it’s the sort of thing that takes generations, not one term.”

He also said there was no evidence that Harris pushed Mexico and the Northern Triangle nations to enforce immigration laws.

Harris has defended her work, and her campaign began running a television ad Friday that said Harris as president would “hire thousands more border agents and crack down on fentanyl and human trafficking.” Democrats have also blasted Trump for helping tank a bipartisan immigration bill earlier this year that would have increased funding for border security, including the hiring of new Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Trump “has been talking a big game on securing the border, but he does not walk the walk,” the vice president said last month in Atlanta. Later, she added, “Donald Trump does not care about border security. He only cares about himself.”

Immigration becomes a big political issue

Immigration has long been an issue that motivates Trump and his base of supporters, and polls show it is among the most important issues on the minds of voters. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump said he would build a wall along the border between the United States and Mexico and get Mexico to pay for it. Trump was not able to complete the project, and Mexico did not fund the part of the barrier that was constructed. The former president also used explosive language to describe immigrants, launching his campaign by suggesting Mexico was sending its “rapists” and criminals to the United States.

While in office, Trump sought to tightly restrict asylum, which was challenged in the courts. This time around, Trump has promised to oversee a “mass deportation” of migrants who have committed crimes in the United States.

Migration numbers have spiked and dropped during both presidencies. Border Patrol arrests on the southern border fell in Trump’s first year in office, then shot back up his next two, rising to more than 850,000 in 2019. The numbers plunged in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic before rising even higher during Biden’s presidency, reaching a peak of more than 250,000 encounters in December 2023, before falling below 84,000 in June of 2024, federal statistics show.

When Biden took office, he reversed dozens of Trump’s moves on immigration even as apprehension numbers began to rise.

Harris was put in a ‘difficult spot’

Harris received the migration assignment when border crossings were rising, garnering considerable attention and leading to bipartisan calls for action.

Chris Newman, an immigration rights advocate in Los Angeles, said Harris was put in a difficult spot.

“She was tasked with developing a long-term policy framework rather than creating a short-term political performance project,” said Newman, the legal director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

Biden and Harris had taken office only two months before, and Harris was under pressure to build her policy portfolio. When he was vice president, Biden had taken on a similar role on immigration. In 2021, though, Harris was dealing with an especially challenging situation given the lack of governing partners in the region. El Salvador’s new president, Nayib Bukele, had a fraught relationship with the administration due to human rights questions raised by his crackdown on crime in his nation. The man who was then president of Honduras has since been convicted of drug trafficking.

The headaches for Harris began almost immediately, validating the concerns of some on her team that it was a no-win assignment.

Harris traveled to Mexico and Guatemala in June 2021, where she defended the fact she had not been to the U.S.-Mexico border during an interview with NBC’s Lester Holt by saying she hadn’t “been to Europe. And I mean, I don’t … understand the point that you’re making.”

She also drew criticism on that trip for warning migrants bluntly: “Don’t come” to the U.S.

Harris decided to focus on bringing private investment to the region, tapping into a network of business and nonprofit executives and using the prestige of the White House to signal the Biden administration was backing this effort.

The work linked multinational companies — like Visa, Nestle and Meta — with smaller nonprofits and Latin American businesses, all of which pledged to increase their investments or bolster their work with at-risk communities.

Focused on private investment

The Associated Press contacted all thenearly two dozen companiesthe White House touted as participants in the outreach effort. Some, like AgroAmerica, a sustainable food corporation, that pledged to invest more than $100 million in six new projects, reported their work had begun and they were on track to meet their investment goals. Others, including Columbia Sportswear Company, said they would likely surpass their pledges.

Most companies, however, either declined to comment or did not respond when asked about their efforts.

The vice president’s office has said Harris’ efforts have generated more than $5.2 billion in investment promises. In an illustration of how long it takes the promises to translate into concrete spending, the State Department reported that companies have plowed nearly $1.3 billion in the region as of June 2024, the bulk of it in Guatemala and Honduras.

READ MORE: Past match-ups offer clues on how Harris might debate Trump

“We are on track to exceed our commitments,” Peter Bragdon, a top executive at Columbia Sportswear Company, said of their promise to purchase up to $200 million in products from the region. That pledge would create nearly 7,000 jobs over five years, the company said. The executive called Harris’ efforts a “work in progress” but “a smart approach.”

Katie Tobin, who worked as the top migration adviser at the National Security Council for three years, credited Harris’ focus with spurring investment in reducing these numbers, arguing that Harris “was able to leverage her credibility” and the power of the White House to persuade companies to invest in “a risky investment environment.”

“That was very much Kamala Harris,” she added. “I have never seen something like that done before in this space and it made a real impact.”

Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, a sharp critic of Harris, said the vice president and White House were taking credit for investments that would have been made anyway.

The companies are “not doing it because someone asked them to,” said Scott, who co-founded a major medical company. “They’re doing it because it makes economic sense.”

Addressed corruption

Harris also sought to address endemic corruption that has fueled migration from Central America. Before her 2021 trip to Guatemala, Harris met with a group of exiled Guatemalan prosecutors and judges in Washington.

Among them was Thelma Aldana, a former chief prosecutor who fled her country after what she said were politically motivated corruption charges.

“I came out of it convinced that she has a genuine interest in seeing things change in Central America,” Aldana said.

The vice president also deserves credit for helping stop Guatemala’s former president, Alejandro Giammattei, from overturning the 2023 election of his successor, Bernardo Arévalo, according to Luis Von Ahn, a U.S.-based technology entrepreneur from Guatemala.

“Giammattei didn’t want to leave power, the administration of Kamala Harris came and told him ’stop (messing) around,’” said Von Ahn, the founder of the language app Duolingo. “That’s a big help to Guatemala. If an extremely corrupt president doesn’t want to leave it’s terrible and (his exit) lets us be a better country.”

Verdict is out on Harris’ approach

While the Harris campaign and White House have pointed to statistics that show migration from Northern Triangle countries has dropped substantially since early 2021, there is debate over what is responsible for that drop.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said Harris and the administration deserve credit for the reduction because their efforts “worked.”

Independent analysts, however, said they were skeptical that Harris’ approach was responsible for the dip. They said the decrease was likely driven by regional factors, including the ascension of El Salvador’s new president and his aggressive drive to combat violent crime. His government reported a 70% drop in homicides in 2023.

Julia Gelatt, associate director of the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, said investment can take years to alter migration patterns — if it ever does.

“Even a whole lot of economic development doesn’t curb immigration in the way countries hope it will,” Gelatt said.

Riccardi reported from Denver. Associated Press writer Sonia Pérez D. in Guatemala City contributed to this story.

Associated Press

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Tim Walz's military record: What to know about potential VP's National Guard service

Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday, choosing a progressive yet plain-spoken VP candidate from America’s heartland to help her win over rural, white voters.

“I’m pleased to share that I’ve made my decision: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will join our campaign as my running mate,” Harris said via text to supporters. “Tim is a battle-tested leader who has an incredible track record of getting things done for Minnesota families. I know that he will bring that same principled leadership to our campaign, and to the office of the vice president.”

We look at Walz, a 60-year-old U.S. Army National Guard veteran, and his military career over the years.

More: Tim Walz is Kamala Harris' VP pick: Minnesota governor named running mate: Live updates

How long was Walz in the military?

Walz served in the military for 24 years, enlisting in the Nebraska National Guard at 17 in 1981 and then transferring to the Minnesota National Guard in 1996. He retired in 2005 to begin his successful run for the U.S. House, representing Minnesota as command sergeant major, among the highest ranks for enlisted soldiers. His battalion went on to deploy to Iraq shortly after Walz's retirement.

Walz specialized in heavy artillery and had proficiency ribbons in sharpshooting and hand grenades.

But during the 21 years that Walz spent working with large artillery pieces, he suffered hearing loss and tinnitus in both ears, Minnesota Public Radio reported. He was allowed to continue his service after undergoing surgery, which partially resolved his hearing loss.

Where did Walz serve, and what did he do in the National Guard?

During his service, Walz responded to natural disasters, including floods and tornadoes in Minnesota and Nebraska, and was deployed overseas for months at a time, according to MPR.

In 2003, he was sent to Italy, where he served with the European Security Force to support the war in Afghanistan. He was also stationed in Norway for joint training with other NATO militaries.

Walz told MPR that he reenlisted in the National Guard after the September 11 attacks but never saw active combat in his years in the military.

Stars and Stripes reported in 2020 that Walz credited his Army experience with helping him steer Minnesota through the COVID-19 pandemic as governor.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz is commander in chief of the 13,000-soldier Minnesota National Guard. “I’m certainly proud of my military service, but it’s one piece of me,” he told Minnesota Public Radio in 2018. “It doesn’t define me.”

Reuters and USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook contributed to this story.

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19 Facts About Tim Walz, Harris’s Pick for Vice President

Mr. Walz, the governor of Minnesota, worked as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, served in the Army National Guard and chooses Diet Mountain Dew over alcohol.

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By Simon J. Levien and Maggie Astor

• Published Aug. 6, 2024 Updated Aug. 9, 2024

Until recently, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota was a virtual unknown outside of the Midwest, even among Democrats. But his stock rose fast in the days after President Biden withdrew from the race, clearing a path for Ms. Harris to replace him and pick Mr. Walz as her No. 2.

Here’s a closer look at the Democrats’ new choice for vice president.

1. He is a (very recent) social media darling . Mr. Walz has enjoyed a groundswell of support online from users commenting on his Midwestern “dad vibes” and appealing ordinariness.

2. He started the whole “weird” thing. It was Mr. Walz who labeled former President Donald J. Trump and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, “weird” on cable television just a couple of weeks ago. The description soon became a Democratic talking point.

3. He named a highway after Prince and signed the bill in purple ink. “I think we can lay to rest that this is the coolest bill signing we’ll ever do,” he said as he put his name on legislation declaring a stretch of Highway 5 the “Prince Rogers Nelson Memorial Highway” after the musician who had lived in Minnesota.

4. He reminds you of your high school history teacher for a reason. Mr. Walz taught high school social studies and geography — first in Alliance, Neb., and then in Mankato, Minn. — before entering politics.

5. He taught in China in 1989 and speaks some Mandarin. He went to China for a year after graduating from college and taught English there through a program affiliated with Harvard University.

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