Recognizing the strong competition in the finance industry, it is critical to acknowledge one’s own strengths and challenges. Most individuals are more readily willing to admit their strengths than to voice the challenges that may hinder them in achieving their goals. For myself, I feel that my strengths are in place to help overcome my challenges more so than to mask them. My motivation or applying to this ESSEC Master in Finance can be placed within this context as I am a strong student, accomplished engineer and CPA but my nontraditional status as an older candidate necessitates a widely-recognized alma mater such as your institution in order to move forward in this industry.
Much of the concern when changing careers at a later point in life comes as industry leaders are seeking innovative and technologically savvy individuals for their open positions. My background in engineering provides me with this edge while my experience in accounting places me as a strong candidate for many career options. However, while these experiences have provided me with an edge in my current positions they have failed to fulfill my interests in investing and finance. Together my experiences and your program can help to overcome the challenge to my success and transition my career into finance.
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"Application Essay".
My knowledge of finance began through a course of self-learning with a focus on reading finance leaders such as Jack Dorsey and Warren Buffet. My first investment yielded modest returns and I knew that my career would eventually take me further in this industry. As with most individuals who seek a career in finance, I set my sights on becoming an Equity Analyst. Again, I researched and studied only to find that this position is highly competitive and I recognized that my late entrance into the field would limit my edge in the competition. Determined to find my place in the finance industry, I considered my experience and interests. I began to focus on firm valuation techniques as well as mergers and acquisition. Considering my interests and background, I believe that the ideal position would entail a private equity firm or fortune 500 companies that stand ready to leap as a prospect company becomes available for acquisition. I recognize that my career tenure will begin as an associate but I believe that my strong technical skills, dedication to the finance industry, and the knowledge acquired through your program will allow me to rapidly advance to senior associate and on to CFO.
Contributions to an educational program come in multiple facets as each member of the entering class brings with them personal, cultural, academic, and professional experiences that can bring new insight to a topic of discussion. I believe that it is critical that each member of the class be culturally competent and versatile in their previous studies to meet these essential criteria. For myself, I bring to the program experience in engineering, accounting, non-profit organizations, and extensive technological comprehension. I have worked within the industries that necessitate financial guidance from the ground floor as well as from the financial administrative offices.
I speak comfortably in each of these settings and believe that my communication skills will help others in the program. I recognize that coming from a background in engineering may be viewed contradicting to a finance program but I feel that my knowledge of numbers and quantitative reporting that was gained through this background will help to bring awareness to the interconnectedness of the businesses to the finances of the same. In this, I bring a well-rounded knowledge of business from the perspective of multiple divisions. Finally, my own awareness of the multiple factors that each member of the staff and student body brings to the program, from the staff to the students, signifies my desire to learn not only from the perspective of the text books but also from those who I will call my colleagues.
The first characteristic that I tell others about myself is that I am a good listener. I believe that this is a necessary introductory statement as it is not my desire to simply introduce myself but also to get to know others. During my experience in sales, I found myself faltering on this communication skill and since that time I focus carefully on listening. Secondly, I am loyal. Once I take the time to get to hear someone out and, so long as my good judgement of character signifies, I will go to any extreme to stand by that person. Loyalty is a rare find these days, especially in a competitive market, but it is an essential interpersonal skill. Thirdly, I am pro-active. I do not stand by and watch a problem escalate.
Instead, I am constantly examining a situation to be a step ahead of the potential problems. I do not over-analyze the situation but rather move right into action should there be a cause for concern. This comes from being a problem solver. I have yet to encounter a problem, personal or professional, that could not be solved with analytical tools and innovative thinking. I take on the challenge straightforwardly. Finally, I am determined. Once I recognize a potential or current problem I find a solution and do not give in until it is rectified. For myself, these characteristics pushed me from the salesman who once did not listen to the applicant before you who is determined to excel in the finance industry.
