How to Make Your MPM Application Stand Out
Master of Science in Project Management (MPM) Director Raymond Krizek shared tips on what he and the MPM team look for when they review applications.
Krizek recently sat down to discuss ways that prospective students can make their application stand out.
MAKE YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT PERSONAL
Your personal statement is one of the best ways for you to explain who you are and what your professional goals are. We want to know why you think the MPM can help you achieve your career objectives. You would be amazed by the number of times applicants have used our own words in their personal statement to explain to us what MPM is. What we want to know is how you think the program can help propel you forward and enhance your position as a leader.
SHOW YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT MPM IS
Although we don't want you to explain what MPM is, we do want you to demonstrate a working knowledge of what the program is and what it isn't. To be specific, MPM is a course of study that combines the key components of civil and architectural engineering design with the functional concepts of business management and behavioral science to develop technically-oriented graduates who are capable of directing complex projects related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of our infrastructure. As such, we often think of it as an “MBA for engineers and architects,” but it is not a traditional business management program. If you are interested in being a data analyst or running a business that has nothing to do with architecture, engineering, or construction, MPM is likely not the right program for you. That being said, applicants who have diverse backgrounds and can demonstrate a potentially innovative link between their background and the program's objectives are welcome.
THINK THROUGH WHO YOU ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
We enjoy learning about who you are and what you want to do professionally through your personal statement and test scores, but we also value an assessment of your performance record. This is why we request letters of recommendation. MPM requires three letters of recommendation from people who are able to evaluate your professional experience and your capacity for independent academic work. It may sound obvious, but make sure the recommenders you select are able to paint the best possible picture of you as a colleague and learner.
MPM EVALUATES APPLICATIONS HOLISTICALLY
Do not be discouraged if one component of your application is weaker than others, because MPM reviews and evaluates applications holistically. This means that having a grade point average lower than you'd like will not automatically prevent you from being admitted. We know that some people are better test takers than others, and some may not have the same opportunities as others to acquire work experience. That's OK. If there is a reason one part of your application is not as strong as the others, feel free to acknowledge and explain that as part of your personal statement.
