Discipline and Hard Work as the Fundamental Values of Life - Admission/Application Essay Example

Success in business requires training and discipline and hard work. But if youre not frightened by these things, the opportunities are just as great today as they ever were." (David Rockefeller) Discipline and hard work – I cherish them as the fundamental values of my life. They have helped me surmount seemingly insurmountable odds, to develop excellent leadership and conflict resolution skills. I now possess all the key elements necessary to achieve success, except for the formal training.

Quality education through the MBA program of the Fisher College of Business of the Ohio State University would help me to achieve that desirable status by rounding out my business education and preparing me for a successful managerial career. My work history reflects my disciplined outlook and my creative problem solving abilities. I have managed assets, resources and staff in various capacities at different companies. In progressing from a purchasing assistant at a Japanese mid-size Tier 1 automotive supplier for Suzuki to a logistics planner at a giant Canadian oil & gas producer, I have also matured into a highly skilled supply chain professional.

My entry into the Hungarian job arena in the early 90’s occurred during a period of significant political and economic transformation, when multinational companies were entering into joint ventures with local businesses. My first office job was an entry-level clerical position at EXEDY, where my learning process commenced. But the salary was inadequate, so I quit after 10 months and took on the challenge of self employment as an English translator and interpreter. In 1999 opportunity knocked at my door in the form of a position at Artesyn Technologies, an electronics part manufacturer.

This job required skill and tact in dealing effectively with stressful, ambiguous and high conflict situations. The root cause of the friction between the German parent organization and our team was the fact that they were losing jobs to us, due to major restructuring and outsourcing. My thirst for knowledge drove me to the United States, where I enrolled at Excelsior College. I faced challenges at every turn, as I learnt on my own from books and faced tough exams. My dedication and persistence paid off and I earned a Bachelor’s degree with Cum Laude and a grade point average of 3.7. In 2004 I accepted a Sr.

Buyer position in the Chemicals Division of the Purchasing department at SAMSUNG SDI Ltd. This job provided me the opportunity to demonstrate my ability, to build credibility and trust with the Asian higher-ranking officers. I did not know then, that corporal punishment was accepted and widely practiced as a form of disciplinary action among South Korean businessmen. As a result, the South Korean leadership style and the cultural differences often caused disputes and altercations; however, I demonstrated my ability to negotiate, mediate and resolve conflicts as I supervised and coached material handlers and warehouse associates at the chemicals storage facility.

Additionally, I also provided training, guidance and work leadership to less-experienced buyers. After relocating to Canada, I faced new challenges and greater opportunities, with multiculturalism and fierce competition in the job market. In 2005 I accepted a 6 month contract position at Celestica. I was thrust into an environment of pressing deadlines and fluctuating conditions; but I took on the challenge and cultivated excellent interpersonal relations, demonstrating my ability to work effectively with others as a team member.

A year later, a headhunter from Alberta arranged a phone interview with my current manager at Suncor Energy Inc. It went so well that I was offered a job 2 hours after I finished discussing how difficult it would be to move to Fort McMurray! In my current role as a logistics planner, I have focused on client service and excelled in this area, by striving to exceed clients needs and expectations while remaining committed to Suncor’s vision and objectives. My effective communication skills--both verbal and written--have allowed me to adapt to a different industry and a varied client base, and also helped me to demonstrate how well I can tackle problems systematically, to determine causes and provide effective solutions.

In meetings with contractors and suppliers, I have conducted myself with poise and bearing, to represent the Supply Chain organization with maturity and professionalism, which in turn has earned me recognition and reward from all levels of management. My goal is to return to the energy sector, but as a management Consultant. With an advanced Fisher college business degree, prospective employers will find my portfolio attractive enough to consider me for managerial level positions at top corporate entities.

In summary, I aspire to be a multidisciplinary, communication-savvy, business manager with a holistic orientation. As a highly trained functional area specialist however, I am now at a level that limits my ability to move further up the corporate ladder. In the process of transition from an experienced SCM professional into a business development consultant with a holistic knowledge about a business enterprise and the challenges of a global environment, I need an MBA to refocus and revitalize my career.

The rigorous management program at Fisher College would be a challenging and satisfying learning experience, equipping me with a strong theoretical and practical framework of knowledge. Success to me is synonymous with utilizing my skills and competencies to create value for my employer and I am focused upon attaining this objective through an MBA to give my career a boost.