Elliot Jacobsen set a goal to get into HBS. He strived so hard to get connected with the HBS
network that all three of his letters of recommendation from came from HBS alumni. As you might think, he got in. Elliot’s MBA application strategy
demonstrates how to effectively get noticed by your dream school or how to get
your foot in the door with your company of choice.
From Elliot’s language it was clear that he was very audacious about
contacting alumni from his dream school.
In the past I have felt reluctant to be as forward as Elliot in
reaching out to people that could help me achieve my goals because I don’t want to
get “too political.” I don’t want these individuals to think that I’m contacting them just because I want to get something out of
them. However, Elliot responded to such
concerns in his presentation by saying “Just be humble and have the courage to
ask people for help. It’s okay to ask
for help”
I too run into that problem of thinking that the people you talk to will feel like you are just using them. I have often found, though, that these people are more than willing to help. Almost all of them have been in your shoes and want to help your succeed. When we can take advantage of those resources around us we can find new connections we didn't think existed and expand our possibilities. I like this reminder to be courageous enough to speak up and ask for help.
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