How Your MBA Profile Can Be as Likable as Steph Curry

Steph Curry   point guard for the Golden  State Warriors basketball team and  recently-named unanimous Most Valuable Player  of the NBA is fast becoming one of the most popular figures in sports. In this entry, we will take a closer look at some factors for his unique mass appeal and what we can learn from him  to better craft our  own business school  application profiles. Consistent Underdog and Overachiever As far as superstar athletes go, Steph Curry’s path to success has been an unusual one. Recruited out of high school, Curry played basketball at a small college  that was  not known for producing top-caliber NBA players. Even after excelling at the college level, critics still held doubts as to  whether his slight physique and â€Å"average† athleticism would allow him to make it at the professional level. Curry’s ability to leverage his unique skills and smarts, however, has allowed him to succeed both on and off the court. MBA  applicants from little-known schools and companies should be able to relate to the doubts that sometimes creep in when competing for spots at the top business schools. Showcasing your history of achieving great results and how you have beat the odds of your more modest background  can help show the Admissions Committee that you have the potential to  be successful at their program and beyond. Presented properly, youll make it easy for them  to root for your success. Resolve and Self-Awareness Just four years ago, NBA teams wondered whether Curry would actually be healthy enough to have a long and productive career due to his frequent ankle injuries. And, although seemingly born with a gift for shooting the ball, Curry also dealt with many weaknesses in other facets of the game.  Nike didn’t even consider him to be one of its priority shoe endorsers, and put  dozens of other  stars ahead of him as a result. Publicly acknowledging his struggles with his ankle and with turnovers during his games, Curry humbly sought advice and training methods to strengthen his body and identify his most common errors in handling the basketball in an effort to improve these weaknesses. Today, Curry is a 2-time NBA MVP setting record-breaking performances and capturing the imagination of the public at historic levels. Witnessing his authenticity, humility, and rapid progress has won over the public,  as crowds of spectators like never before  show up early before Currys games just to see him  go through his pregame warm-ups. The takeaway here for MBA applicants is that you should  feel safe in showing vulnerability and in  acknowledging your applications weak spots (as well as how you are working to improve them).  Providing vivid details of how you have grown despite your  flaws will allow you to connect with the Admissions Committee on a deeper level, and dispel any doubts they may have about potential red flags in your profile. Charm Undeniably, Curry’s normal size and boyish appeal, coupled with his adorable family, also play a part in boosting his public profile. In addition, appearing with U.S. President Barack Obama in playful ads to support worthwhile causes shows his community involvement and personal advocacies aside from his profession. As an MBA applicant, be aware that all aspects of yourself are part of your overall package not just the parts that are related to your employment. Sharing your personal passions and involvement in causes other than your professional work experiences will help present you in a well-rounded manner, and convince the Admissions Committee that you will make a great and unique addition to their school. Applying to business school? Call us at 1-800-925-7737 and speak with an MBA admissions expert today, or take our free MBA Admissions Profile Evaluation  for personalized advice for your unique application situation! As always, be sure to find us on Facebook, YouTube, Google+  and Twitter. Written by Edison Cu, a Veritas Prep Head Consultant for  INSEAD.