What value can you bring to your potential teammates here at Stanford?
I have never worked with a client who pursued their MBA simply because they wanted to give back to their teammates or the school they attend. Your interviewer knows you are aiming high because you anticipate obtaining your MBA will bring you success in the future. However, truly great MBA programs such as the one offered by the Stanford Graduate School of Business are invested in identifying candidates that will boost the merit of the program through their participation. Your interviewer wants to know what your best skills are and what you are truly great at. They want to know how that will translate into making the experience great for the individuals you will be working with while enrolled at Stanford.
This question presents your time to shine in your interview. I recommend taking full advantage of the opportunity to speak confidently about what sets you apart from others and makes you the ideal Stanford MBA candidate. It is acceptable to offer a list of generally valuable qualities, but make sure you include something unique or something you are absolutely excellent at within your response.
Consider the following:
- What makes you a great leader
- Why do your customers ask for you specifically
- What are you able to do easily that others cannot
- Why do teammates seek you out
- What visionary qualities do you have
- What is your professional 'superpower'
- What are you an expert at
"As a senior program manager, I have a vast amount of experience leading in team settings where I do not have explicit management duties. I have worked with a diverse group of people under various circumstances including those with tight deadlines, limited budgets, demanding clients, difficult roadblocks, and risk. I am brought in regularly to lead program rescue initiatives. I am known for my ability to quickly establish trust, identify a way forward that honors all of the parties involved, and get things back on track and aimed at the maximization of value.
I take a facilitative approach and create a safe space where the best ideas can come forward. I know how to help create synergy within groups, establish trust, and keep everyone focused on transforming great ideas into tangible action plans. I can perform these duties while simultaneously participating fully as a contributor to the process. I feel confident that my advanced skills in this area will be beneficial to my teams here at Stanford."
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