Application Advice from MSLOC Admissions Committee Members
At Northwestern MSLOC, we seek candidates who are ready to embark on a transformative educational journey. Here are a few useful tips from members of our applications committee on how to make your application stand out.
What is Northwestern MSLOC looking for in degree and graduate certificate candidates?
Northwestern MSLOC is looking for candidates who not only possess a learning mindset but also illustrate genuine curiosity and a drive to continuously expand their knowledge and skills. We value candidates who are not afraid to disrupt the status quo by challenging traditional thinking and pushing boundaries to foster innovation. Regardless of their professional role or designation, we seek candidates who display leadership qualities and a proactive approach to driving positive change within their respective spheres. Lastly, successful candidates are individuals who are interested in collaborative learning and recognize both the importance of diverse perspectives and the power of teamwork in driving organizational success.
What do you recommend to candidates in approaching their statement of purpose and essays?
Prioritize authenticity and clarity in both your ideas and your writing. It is crucial to be genuine and true to yourself while conveying your motivations, aspirations, and experiences. Clearly articulate your goals and passions and share how the MSLOC program aligns with them. Additionally, it is beneficial to include stories or illustrations of situations where you have demonstrated strong teamwork skills, highlighting your ability to contribute to a collaborative learning environment.
By combining authenticity with clear and concise writing and incorporating compelling anecdotes, candidates can craft impactful statements that effectively communicate their unique qualities and experiences to the admissions committee.
What do you look for in recommendations of candidates?
We value recommendations from professionals who have worked closely with you, placing emphasis on career-related experiences over solely academic references. It is highly recommended to include at least one recommendation from a direct supervisor (current or former) or someone who has held a supervisory role for your work. By prioritizing professional recommenders and including a supervisor's viewpoint, we aim to gain a well-rounded understanding of your professional abilities.
What do you use to assess academic performance in transcripts, etc.?
While transcripts provide essential information about past coursework and grades, we also value the whole picture of your learning and development journey. When an applicant does not feel their transcript or application tells a complete story, we welcome and encourage applicants to share academic addenda or supplemental materials to provide additional context beyond what is reflected in the transcript. This allows applicants to highlight significant achievements, challenges overcome, personal growth, and other context to provide a deeper understanding of their academic journey. We extend each candidate the opportunity to showcase their full academic potential and accomplishments.
What is your advice for candidates in completing their applications?
Embrace the process and find joy in it! The application process is designed to encourage self-reflection, prompting you to deeply consider your past experiences, future learning aspirations, and career goals. Craft an application that showcases your perspective on how the MSLOC program aligns with and can support your learning and career goals and how you will add to our learning community. One of our key aims for the admissions process is that it sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling educational journey. Approach the application with a sense of excitement and demonstrate your dedication to both your personal growth and the program's mission to “equip leaders with the vision, knowledge, and skills to facilitate sustainable, positive organizational transformation.”
Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy is home to several programs that address organizational design and strategy, knowledge sharing, and change leadership, including the Master of Science in Learning & Organizational Change (MSLOC), Executive Learning and Organizational Change (ELOC), and the Designing for Organizational Effectiveness Certificate. Each of these helps leaders address the challenges we see in our new world of work. For more information, visit msloc.northwestern.edu and eloc.northwestern.edu.