IIM Calcutta’s One Year Full Time Residential program, better known as Post Graduate Programme for Executives asks for written answers around your previous work experience and future career goals as a part of the written application. The purpose of the Statement of Purpose (SOP) is to highlight your compelling reasons to pursue the program and highlight the strength of your candidature. You could take a direction from the IIMC PGPEX sample SOP presented below. However, do not use this as a template for several reasons. One this candidate’s story will not be your story. Tell it in your own unique way. Also plagiarism will affect your application negatively. So consider this as a guideline to understand what succeeds in PGPEX applications.
Minor details in the SOP have been changed to protect identity of the applicant.
Please give a description of your exact job, including nature of work, major responsibilities, etc.
I am a Major in the Army, currently holding the appointment of XXX at a training establishment.
I am responsible to maintain the training of close to 600 recruits in line with the Army guidelines. Overseeing the training and amending the programs as necessary to attain the best results, my team also demands, maintains, and runs a plethora of training infrastructures required for military training, ranging from firing ranges to swimming pools and obstacle courses.
We conduct the final evaluation of each and every trainee and decide whether to promote them to the next level of training.
In addition to the primary tasks I am also in charge of five sports teams: namely wushu, archery, basketball, football, Air Rifle and Air pistol. As the team manager I manage their inventory, shooting ranges, selection trials, rotation of the players, and the documentation for participation in various national and army level competitions.
I also handle all operational responsibilities of my establishment. In addition to military responsibilities, I aid civil authorities in terms of internal security and disaster management.
This should include an objective and clear statement on why you want to join the PGPEX programme? What qualities, experience and achievements do you have to justify your admission; what types of jobs and at what level do you expect after successful completion of PGPEX? (word limit 500 words)
The Indian Army has moulded me into a leader adept at handling crisis situations. I have spent X years on the LOC in Kashmir as a company commander leading X men. In 20XX, I was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the General Officer Commanding our division. I was the adjutant of my unit, located 200 meters from the spot of the infamous 20XX terrorist attacks. During the impending confusion I cordoned and secured our area. This greatly enhanced our reaction capabilities and ensured that we did not suffer any casualty.
Throughout my tenure I have performed exceedingly well in all career courses. A certified Army instructor in three operational disciplines, I have consistently ranked in top 10 % in these courses. I have proven my competence in building teams and delivering results constantly. I significantly improved the performance of our Rocket launcher team in 20XX by identifying and eliminating technical flaws, to secure the second position out of 14 teams.
I am due to move out from the Army by the end of this year. Hence, this is the right time to begin the next innings of my career. Since I come from an organisation that follows completely different procedures, I believe PGPEX would be the perfect vehicle for me to glide through this phase.
In the immediate future I see myself as an operations leader, working on challenging assignments while preparing to take up higher corporate responsibilities. My army experience will hold me in a good stead to manage such a role, whereas my ability to cope up with tough situations will be useful in handling the high pressure and demands of the job.
IIMC will not only provide me with the right skill set to make a transition but also with insights into latest trends of the market and lessons that need to be learnt from the past.
On a functional level, modules on Business Forecasting will develop a deep understanding of employing this knowledge in an organisational set up. Courses on Organization Behavior will not only further add to my experience in leading teams but also help appreciate the variations that exist while managing people in a corporate environment.
Outside work, I am an active sportsperson, have represented NDA in football, and continue to participate in football, basketball and cricket at my unit. An avid traveller, I have been to seven countries. Experiencing the diversity of the world has truly broadened my perspective. I am sure that I will contribute to the learning and vibrancy outside the class through my extracurricular activities.
At the crossroads of my career, I find IIMC the best fit to transform myself from a military leader to a corporate leader. I am certain PGPEX will allow me to develop both personally and professionally in a manner that would be visible throughout my life.
MBAkarma helped the candidate write this application and get a successful admission to the PGPEX program, despite a GMAT score of 620. Copying the content of this IIMC PGPEX sample SOP will be considered plagiarism by the admissions committee.
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