I am alive :)

Dear readers,

I'm still here. But I was extremely busy, because:
1) I submitted my application for Chevening Scholarship
2) I submitted my application to London Business School
3) I went to London and saw the school, the people and the city (and it was great!)
4) Tonight is MBA Fair in Moscow and I want to go.
So... more about everything later. This week, I promise.

Stay tuned!

What to do with a writer's block?

You're in the middle of application process, but your inspiration has evaporated. Don't worry; even professional writers have this little problem. I'm not that kind of advisor, but I have three receipts that may help the desperate ;)

First
Read a lot. Articles, MBA diaries, books. You may even choose some fiction literature. You know, that 20% of information you need are outside of your industry? Well, that means that 80% are inside, so if time is scarce you better read articles about leadership, involvement, marketing and all that. Anyway, read.
Second
Go out and talk to your friends. Better if they are business friends that can show you some insight (they maybe your recommenders!). Talk to relatives about yourself of course and your future plans. Do it only if you're sure that they will support you.
Third
Have in mind the topic you're stuck with and do something with your hands. Paint, cook, knit. Do some housework. Go to gym. You will be surprised how many ideas you'll get while jogging (take a dictaphone) or swimming!

I heard this method from one mathematician, who said he always got brilliant ideas while washing the dishes.
OK, I'll go and wash it now :)

INSEAD recommendation: what they ask your recommender about

I’ve submitted everything for INSEAD and decided to write a bit more about recommendation process.
Unlike LBS, INSEAD doesn’t post draft for recommenders, which you can look at beforehand. You have a link - you send it.
The good thing is – you don’t have to see your recommender. He (or she) can be anywhere near the Internet, and you’ll have your recommendation.
But there is a minor point also: your recommender has to know English!

I’ve decided to highlight the INSEAD draft for recommenders for those who are applying in R2 and R3.
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Details of person completing the form
Relationship to the candidate (check): Professional, Educational, Personal
How long have you know the candidate? Define your relationship with the candidate and the circumstances whereby you met.
I. How do you rate candidate on the following criteria? (check)

II. How do you rate candidate’ potential for becoming responsible and successful manager in international business compared with other students or employees whom you have known in a similar capacity? (check: excellent, very good, above average,…)
III. Please give your answers to each of the following questions
1. Comment on the candidate’s career progress to date and his/her career focus.
2. What do you consider to be the candidate’s major strengths? Comment on the factors that distinguish the candidate from other individuals of his/her level.
3. What do you consider to be the candidate’s major weaknesses?
4. Comment on the candidates potential for senior management. Do you see him/her as a future leader?
5. Describe the candidate as a person. Comment on his/her ability to establish and maintain relationships, sensitivity to others, self-confidence, attitude, etc. Specifically comment on the candidate’s behavior or skills in a group setting/team environment.
--++--