How can you contribute to our school?
You are here: Vince Prep / Blog / 2010 / How can you contribute to our school?HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SCHOOL?
The question is - why are you competitive?
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How much do you understand the student culture at School X?
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Have your done your homework / due diligence / needs analysis?
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What do your future classmates need that only you can provide?
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What needs can you fill? Be as specific as possible.
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Q: WHY DO THEY ASK THIS QUESTION?
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A: TO SEE CHECK YOUR "FIT" WITH THEIR SCHOOL
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Q: WHAT IS FIT?
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A: YOUR ABILITY TO BENEFIT FROM AND ADD TO EACH SCHOOL'S UNIQUE STUDENT CULTURE
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To quote Lou Gerstner, “Culture isn’t just one aspect of the game - it is the game”. Read more about "fit" here
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Vince suggests you fill out this first matrix (Version A) to help clarify how your contributions add value to you and others.
Personality → Contribution Matrix Version A
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Example |
What personal characteristic are you trying to show with this example? |
What will you do at "school X" to build on what you have done in the past? |
Why is this special? |
How will your actions help you achieve your future goals? |
How will your actions benefit others? |
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HOW TO USE THIS CHART
- When it comes to contribution questions, it is important to tell specific stories that highlight concretec ways you will add value to your future classmates.
- Sometimes people mention contributions that don't have any really clear added value; these, by definition, are not contributions.
- Yes, you may love reading Science Fiction in your spare time, but it is only a contribution if your experience of reading Science Fiction can be shown to add value to your classmates (financial forecasting?).
(modified from Adam's post found at http://adam-markus.blogspot.com/2007/09/fall-2008-mba-contribution-questions.html; accessed 11/2010)
Next, filling in the chart below might help you think about the context of your contributions.
Personality → Contribution Matrix Version B
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Aspect |
Keywords |
Professional Example(s) |
Personal Example(s) |
Application to MBA Life: Daily |
Application to MBA Life: Special |
Application to post-MBA Life (alumnus) |
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CONTEXT |
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What? |
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Strengths
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analytical (head)
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how strength helps you contribute to classmates |
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technical (hands)
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interpersonal (heart)
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NOT SURE WHAT TO SAY?
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Dig deeper into School X's special programs / student clubs and culture to find a specific area where you can help them innovate.
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You can use SWOT or some other framework to analyze what School X needs and how ONLY YOU can provide it.
BE SURE TO USE MECE LOGIC
MORE HINTS HERE
-Updated by Vince on 18 Nov 2011
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