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Writer's pictureMBA Conquerors

CORNELL ESSAYS: JAY ARONDEKAR

Updated: Dec 1




Short Answer
Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as an entrepreneur/co-owner at Woodstone Manor within the Hospitality industry.
  • Targeted Job Role: Co-owner
  • Target Job Company: Woodstone BnB (soon to be renamed)
  • Industry: Hospitality

In 5 – 10 years post-MBA, my goal is to continue working as the co-owner at Woodstone Manor within the Hospitality industry while expanding operations across US by acquiring valuable historical sites such as these and turning them around.
  • Targeted Job Role: Co-owner
  • Target Job Company: Woodstone Hospitality
  • Industry: Hospitality


Please share how you plan to utilize the resources available to you at Johnson as well as any existing resources you bring to the program to help you secure your post-MBA career goal. (350 words)
(Created with AI)


UNDERSTANDING THE PROMPT
This particular essay prompt usually tries to test you on a few things- 1. Your goals (duhhhh!!), 2. What skills you possess, 3. Skills added by Cornell, and 4. Feasibility of your goals. If you want to see the commentary of Columbia Goals Essay for Michael Scott, you will get an idea on how this can be done easily. But! Here is the response more specific to Jay, which has been created by giving specific prompts to AI to see what it can look like! Give it a go!

ESSAY RESPONSE
At Cornell Johnson, I plan to leverage the extensive resources and unique opportunities available to achieve my career goals of enhancing and expanding Woodstone Manor. The school's emphasis on leadership development, experiential learning, and community engagement aligns perfectly with my aspirations.

Firstly, I will take full advantage of the Johnson Leadership Program to enhance my leadership skills. Participating in leadership workshops, the Leadership Crisis Challenge, and leadership excursions will provide me with practical experience and the ability to lead effectively in high-pressure situations. These experiences will be invaluable as I work to optimize operations and drive growth at Woodstone Manor.

Secondly, the Immersion Learning approach at Johnson, which integrates coursework with hands-on fieldwork, will allow me to gain deep insights into the hospitality industry. I plan to participate in the Hospitality and Real Estate Club and engage in industry-specific immersions to build a robust network and gain practical knowledge. These activities will prepare me for the challenges of managing and expanding a hospitality business.

Additionally, I will utilize the flexibility of Johnson's curriculum to tailor my studies to my career goals. By selecting electives in strategic management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, I will acquire the skills necessary to enhance the influence of Woodstone Manor. The opportunity to take courses across Cornell's excellence-driven schools will further broaden my expertise and perspective.

My existing resources include my extensive experience in managing Woodstone Manor and my strong background in hospitality and community engagement. These experiences have equipped me with a unique blend of operational, strategic, and interpersonal skills. My proven track record in increasing revenue, enhancing guest experiences, and leading successful community initiatives demonstrates my ability to drive results and make a positive impact.

By combining the resources at Johnson with my existing skills and experiences, I am confident in my ability to achieve my short-term goal of optimizing operations at Woodstone Manor and my long-term goal of expanding its influence and reach in the hospitality industry.

Impact Essay Option:
At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make a meaningful impact on the Johnson community?
(Created with AI)


UNDERSTANDING THE PROMPT
This particular essay prompt usually tries to test you on two things- 1. Your research on the program, and 2. What you bring to the program. It is important to be active in the community of any school to make the experience more vibrant than purely transactional. You want to live the experience. Word limit is a major constraint so we recommend limiting yourself to two resources. And just as we did for Michael Scott's Columbia Essay 3, we are going to see what kinds of resources are more aligned with the goals and what are not. Strongly encourage visiting Columbia creator's commentary for essay 3 to get a better understanding about this. Don't forget the MBA mission and values of Cornell Johnson!

This essay prompt was created by AI by giving it necessary prompts to produce the response. So have a look at the structure and try to draw the differences.


ESSAY RESPONSE
My journey as the co-owner and manager of Woodstone Manor has taught me the importance of community, collaboration, and innovation. At Johnson, I intend to bring these values to the forefront, making a meaningful impact on the community.

During my interactions with Johnson alumni and current students, I was inspired by the collaborative spirit and the emphasis on experiential learning. I plan to contribute to this environment by actively participating in the Hospitality Business Club (HBC) and Real Estate Club (CREC). My experience in transforming Woodstone Manor into a successful bed and breakfast, along with managing a themed restaurant, will allow me to share practical insights and innovative strategies with my peers. I envision organizing workshops and guest lectures that focus on the intersection of hospitality and historical preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of niche markets within the industry.

Moreover, I am passionate about community engagement and cultural preservation. At Johnson, I aim to initiate a series of community outreach programs that connect students with local historical sites and cultural organizations. By collaborating with the Johnson Museum of Art and the Cornell University Library, we can create projects that not only preserve history but also provide valuable learning experiences for students. These initiatives will help strengthen the bond between Johnson and the broader Ithaca community.

In addition to these activities, I plan to take on a leadership role in the MBA Student Council. My goal is to advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every student feels valued and heard. Drawing from my experience in organizing DEI events at Woodstone Manor, I will work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment at Johnson.

Long-term, I aspire to leverage my MBA to expand Woodstone Manor's reach and explore new ventures in the hospitality industry. By staying connected with the Johnson community, I hope to mentor future students and contribute to the school's legacy of excellence and innovation.

 

Unique Trait That Defines Me Option:
What is something unique about you that others will remember you by?
(Created with AI)

UNDERSTANDING THE PROMPT
This particular essay prompt usually tries to test you on two things- 1. Your research on the program, and 2. What you bring to the program. Wait! Didn't we just say that above? Well, yeah! The thing is, this essay is literally asking what will you do in the community that will make you stand out and generally, it is also supposed to be associated with the goals. How will you contribute and engage with the community while pursuing your goals that you become a memorable part of Cornell's community? But, we encourage you to be bold in this essay. Really, position yourself at Cornell and show them what you can bring to the community that can make it vibrant.

This essay is also created using AI by giving it specific prompts to see what the answer would be, helps you get an idea of the structure and specificity.


ESSAY RESPONSE
Growing up, I was always fascinated by stories from the past. This passion led me to pursue a degree in History and eventually co-own Woodstone Manor, a historic mansion with a rich and diverse past. My wife, Sam, and I transformed the manor into a bed and breakfast that offers guests not just a place to stay, but a journey through time. We incorporated historical tours, themed dinners, and storytelling sessions that bring the manor's history to life.

One example of how this trait has manifested is our annual Halloween fundraiser. Inspired by the manor's haunted history, we created an event that combines historical reenactments with modern-day festivities. This event has become a community favorite, raising significant funds for local charities while educating attendees about the manor's past. The positive feedback and growing attendance each year are testaments to the impact of blending history with hospitality.

At Johnson, I plan to bring this unique perspective to the classroom and beyond. I envision collaborating with peers on projects that explore innovative ways to integrate historical preservation with modern business practices. Additionally, I hope to organize events that celebrate the rich history of Cornell and its surrounding areas, fostering a deeper appreciation for the past among the Johnson community.

My ability to create immersive experiences will not only enhance the learning environment at Johnson but also contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community. By sharing my passion for history and hospitality, I aim to inspire others to think creatively and embrace the value of preserving our cultural heritage.

In the long run, I hope to continue blending history with hospitality in my professional endeavors, leaving a lasting legacy that others will remember me by.

 

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