Why Are You Seeking an Mba from Chicago Booth and What Unique Knowledge and Experiences Do You Hope to Contribute to the Program?

Why are you seeking an MBA from Chicago Booth and what unique knowledge and experiences do you hope to contribute to the program? (maximum 2 pages, 12 pt. Times New Roman)

Ever since I was a child, I always knew I would make an impact well beyond the borders of my small village in Malaysia. I grow up in a remote country side community of less than five thousands residents in a family of eight members. With limited education and access outside the village, I grew up learning that hard work and determination was the key to success. I vividly remember going door to door with my siblings, helping our mother carry and sell baskets of home grown tropical fruits and vegetables to other residents of the village. This lifestyle was the norm for most people in my village and it was expected that this was the life I would have. However, I had bigger plans. I wanted to do more than sweat and toil to make ends meet, more than a limited factory job, and more than what could be offered within my village; I wanted to be "different". I knew I wouldn't be able to achieve my dream without a formal education, so at 17-years old I left my village to attend a university in the capital city. At first this was difficult, my family did not believe women should receive higher education and thus, there was no motivation, and financial support. I had to take a part-time job or sometime two to support myself throughout college years. But my "rebellion" eventually paid off as I became the first in my family to receive a college degree. This experience taught me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it and has instilled a self-confidence that continues to drive me today.

My journey has since led me from an entry-level accounting position in Malaysia, a senior auditing position in Singapore to a head of internal audit function at a leading global food manufacturer here in Chicago. Last year, I was asked to take on an additional role as the Vice President of China Business Development as my company seeks to expand its global footprint. This increased responsibility has made me quickly realize I could use additional training to be successful in the role and achieve my long-term career goals.

Over the last five months I have helped my company set up a new entity in Shanghai. Through this project I have had the opportunity to work closely with our CFO (David Cotton), who is a Booth MBA graduate. Through various conversations with him I have come to realize that in order to reach my potential in our future China business development plans, I need to grow my knowledge and skills in leadership, communication, business strategy, conflict management and decision making. Aside from the necessity to analyze and deliver business solutions at a big picture level, I will be expected to develop more business relationships as well as to lead and manage the team effectively. I am inspired by his capabilities in these