The following essay is written by an applicant who was admitted to Northwestern University’s Kellogg business school.

With over five years of work experience in Fintech, the applicant has diverse work experience in corporate finance and startups. This essay will help you get ideas on how to draft a great personal statement for a top business school like Northwestern.

Essay 1 Kellogg

Kellogg’s purpose is to educate, equip and inspire brave leaders who create lasting value. Provide a recent example where you have demonstrated leadership and created value. What challenges did you face and what did you learn? (450 words)

I initiated a project named ‘Lightening up the Lives’ to provide cheap power for households of the country’s biggest slum – the Nagasi colony, having 20,000+ minorities living without electricity. The low-income level of the colony dwellers left them without access to government-supplied electrical connections, which had high installation costs and tariffs. Additionally, the residents could not borrow from conventional banks without any collateral. Living in the heart of the country, the irony of their helplessness triggered the desire in me to create meaningful change in their lives.

I realized that solar energy could solve these people’s problems, given ample sunlight availability and lower installation costs. So I approached First Electric (Pvt) Ltd, the largest solar panel supplier in the world, for support on a pilot project. But the management’s risk averseness due to no collateral on offer became a stumbling block.

I proposed a customized microfinance strategy that made First Electric’s management more confident. First, I proposed leveraging community trust and referrals. Once people offered to finance started paying, new people were provided the funding that directly correlated with the number of new invitations. This way, the financed people had pressure from the colony to pay on time to avail of new financing.

I soon realized the limitation of this strategy as it would take years to lighten up the whole slum. I then approached different NGOs and other possible financing channels to fast-track the process. Despite being given cold shoulders by more than 20 such organizations, I found a ray of hope with USAID. USAID was initially unwilling to participate in the project due to politico-legal reasons. However, after multiple meetings with the management, I convinced them to do a pilot project. I connected USAID to First Electric, negotiated discounted offers for the panels, and with the initial USAID grant, I was able to provide solar panels to 250+ families within six months.

It was a challenging time that tested my patience and resolve. However, I learned creative problem-solving with my never-say-die attitude, which helped me face rejection. I also learned the power of effective communication and how teamwork can achieve higher goals.

The happiness I created in the lives of people who had given up hope of having electricity in their homes is a proud achievement. However, the recognition I received from State Minority Minister was truly humbling as he said: “You are a perfect example of courage, innovation, and determination. I do not doubt if God gives you more strength, you can change the fate of many.”

Essay 2 Kellogg

Please discuss your post-MBA career goal, the current experience you will leverage to support the transition, and the Kellogg 1Y opportunities that will help you reach this goal. (250 words)

My long-term goal is to create a Fintech investment platform, an area with vast potential, to provide innovative products designed especially for the low and middle-income segments. For this, post-MBA, I want to expand the reach of my start-up, Alpha Financial, further. Specifically, I aim to introduce novel microfinance products like the first privately managed future derivative trading terminal with the lowest spread to ensure that the masses can access this opportunity.

My professional career has equipped me with a solid understanding of finance, conducting due diligence, and sourcing deals. As a result, I feel ready to utilize the Kellogg MBA to enhance my knowledge, network, and leadership skills to grow my entrepreneurial venture.

I am very excited to study the Enternpenuership path at Kellogg, focusing on strategy. This pathway offers modules to help me deal effectively with issues such as creating unconventional financing channels. In addition, electives such as Global Entrepreneur Finance will equip me with essential skills and strategies to design financing options for my products. 

Moreover, I am excited about engaging in Blockchain Technology, Digital Assets, and the Future of Finance, which will enhance my Fintech understanding and its application to solve lower strata problems. Outside the classroom, the Private Equity and Venture Capital Lab will provide me with unique opportunities to engage in in-depth discussions and build skills essential to become a better business leader.

Essay 3 Kellogg

Values are what guide you in your life and work. What values are important to you and how have they influenced you? (450 words)

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Innovation, integrity, and the drive to take on challenges to improve oneself are the most important values I live by, and they greatly influence my personality.

Our global is over 7 billion, and 50% of the population belongs to the lower-middle class. But unfortunately, these people barely have any investment platforms or financing options to enhance their incomes. Also, conventional banks mainly target high net-worth individuals and rarely offer microfinance lending. 

Moreover, most of this middle-class segment is engaged in private sector jobs without access to any health or pension funds plan. As someone with a strong innovative spirit, I started Alpha Financial, helped many clients gain exposure to financial instruments, and employed hedging strategies to protect their portfolios even during downturns. I also launched first-of-its-kind micro investment products to cater specifically to low-income individuals. My goal is always to create innovative, transparent investment opportunities for the masses, allowing them a chance to realize their dreams. This innovation has helped me grow my business by three times in 3 years.

Integrity is fundamental for developing personal and business credibility. I have always tried to be transparent in my dealings and create a culture in my organization that encourages the same. Leading a financial advisory firm, I always lead from the front, encouraging my colleagues to be clear in terms of setting the investor’s expectations and explaining the inherent investment risks clearly. Encouraging transparency has increased the firm’s credibility as one of the most trusted upcoming financial advisory firms. As a result, we have increased our client base and revenues, with the added responsibility of not losing the trust of our investors.

I have always been driven to take challenges in my stride and learn to improve myself personally and professionally. From running my family after the demise of my parents to growing academically and professionally, I have always tried to excel at any challenge thrown my way. This drive for self-improvement has made me well-rounded and fearless of uncertainty, and I aspire to continue this spirit into my Kellogg MBA journey.

I believe the Kellogg MBA strongly resonates with my values, which will help me grow personally and professionally during my time here.

Essay 4 Kellogg

Part (i)

What has been your most significant career accomplishment? (240 characters)

The first-of-its-kind innovative financial firm provides alternate income-earning opportunities to low-income individuals via micro-investments. This provided financial inclusiveness to the largest but ignored population segment.

Part (ii)

What is your desired position after Kellogg? (150 characters)

Alpha Financial Advisory’s expansion led my start-up with innovative strategies and financial products.

Part (iii)

What is your long-term career goal? (150 characters)

Expanding Alpha Financials’ product lines to cater to middle-income groups and increasing the country-wide footprint of the company.

Part (iv)

What drives your interest in these short- and long-term goals? (240 characters)

My passion for Fintech, strong financial background, successful experience with starting Alpha Financial, and significant market potential with people looking for micro-investment opportunities, academic credentials, and years of experience.