When writing MBA essays, it’s tempting to include big, inspiring statements like “I want to be a leader in business.” While well-intentioned, such broad statements carry a major risk: they lack specificity, making it difficult for the reader to connect with your story.
Admissions officers read thousands of essays every year. Vague ambitions don’t help them understand who you are, why you’re motivated, or how you plan to achieve your goals. Instead, they want vivid, concrete details — the “how” and “why” behind your aspirations. For example, “I aim to lead sustainability initiatives in global supply chains by combining operational expertise with data-driven decision-making” instantly paints a clearer picture of your direction.
Specificity also shows that you’ve done your homework. When you reference targeted roles, industries, or challenges you want to address, you signal maturity, self-awareness, and a realistic understanding of your path.
While ambition is valued, it’s the grounded, actionable vision that makes you memorable. Broad statements can inspire in speeches, but in MBA essays, they need to be backed with detail, context, and evidence.
In short, skip the generic slogans. Show the admissions team exactly what kind of leader you want to become — and why.