Cornell Business

Issue date: 10/5/00 Section: Features

As most of you already know, Business Week runs an entire section on business schools (they also do a b-school ranking, which no one really cares about). As part of this section, the magazine asked 23 students from business schools around the world to write about their experiences and adventures. They then post responses to the most interesting inquiries.

This year one of our own, Tangwena Nelson, was selected to participate in the program. When I asked how he was chosen and what the assignment entails, Tangwena replied, "Natalie Grinblatt thought I would be a good fit for the program and encouraged me to apply. Basically, Business Week rounds up a pool of applicants (a few thousand) every year. Applicants send in copies of their school essays and a photo of themselves. Not sure exactly how it is decided who gets selected though I'd have to assume its based on looks since I'm not such a good writer.

"In writing these essays I simply hope to convey a different perspective that may prove beneficial to other folks that are looking into business school. I think my experiences are unique, but that there is still the opportunity for others to learn as I go through the highs and lows.

"The implications of writing such a public journal are numerous however, and do extend a certain amount of fear. For one thing, my writing ability and my life are being exposed for hundreds of thousands to see, among them recruiters. So, I have to be careful when stating my goals and objectives. For example, based on the way I've written my journals thus far, I have no chance with any other industry aside from financial services. Additionally the journal entries can be very time consuming. To put this in perspective, it took me a good two months to put together three essays for business school. I'm now churning out an essay every couple of weeks (at least the first semester). VERY PAINFUL!!!

"A matter of fact, I have another one due today that I have yet to begin."

Here is a reprint of Tangwena's journal entry in its entirety:

Who I Am and Why B-School is for Me

Tangwena Nelson
Johnson School, Cornell University Class of 2002

Tangwena's Journal:

Introductions

And I thought B-school essays were hard to write. Coming up with a summary to give readers a "good sense of who I am" is one of the most difficult essays I've ever had to write, especially since I'm still finding myself. At least with my B-school essays I only had to worry about admissions committees.

Continued...

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