Free MBA profile evaluation
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by MBACrystalBall » April 24th, 2012, 5:29 pm
//B.tech from UP Technical University, 71.5% (5th in a class of 150 or top 10 percentile of university)
GMAT Score - Not taken yet
Work Experience - IT (Infosys), System Engineer, 2yrs
Career Goals: To build a career in marketing
I am looking for an entry in 2014.
Planning your MBA application 2 years in advance! Good going.
//In the next two years i can either:
OPTION 1: Pursue my career at Infosys,
OPTION 2: Accept an offer from Teach For India,
We recently published a Teach for India Fellowship story on our blog.
This second option will help you gain attention from Admission Officers. Apart from being a noble cause, you will also be working to gain some grass-root level experience which most of your competitors sitting in air-conditioned offices will probably never get.
But there are a few risks as well. Your would be focussing completely on the education industry. Though many employers have pledged their support for the Teach for India initiative, your post-MBA employer might not be one of those. So it would be important to continue building your diverse set of skills beyond teaching.
As you are anyway seriously considering an unconventional detour, can I suggest a third option?
OPTION 3: If you decide to take up the Teach for India offer, why limit it to that. Use the next 2 years to launch your own initiative. Do something that might be directly relevant to your post-MBA goals. Do something that'll help you learn more about the marketing field (as that's where your interest lies).
Kids in your classroom will be happy, your admission officers happy, your future employer happy...and we all live happily ever after.
Does that make sense or am I expecting too much from you?
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by Sparks » April 24th, 2012, 9:15 pm
Great initiative, thanks for doing this.
I've just started the process of short-listing schools and am hoping that you can help me with this process!
First, a bit about myself:
24 year old, Female, UK Resident, Indian Citizen.
- Your qualifications: degree, academic performance
B.E. Electronics & Communication (2005 - 2009) - Anna University. Graduated First Class with Distinction
CFA Level 1 passed. Taking the level 2 in June.
- GMAT score: quant/verbal break-up, AWA
Attempt 1: 710. Q:49, V:34. AWA: 5
- Work-experience: Industry, role, number of years
2 Years (3 years when if I enroll for a Fall 2013 MBA program)
Bulge Bracket Global Bank: Private Banking division within an investment advisory capacity
- Career goals
Short-term: Work in a consulting firm for a few years
Long-term: Start my own consultancy focussing on financial advice in India
Phew! Now for my questions:
1. Given that my target schools are all top 10, do you think its worth re-taking the GMAT?
My test prep scores were between 730-760 and was quite ill on test day so feel that I could improve on my score second time around. However, if I do that, would mean that I would have to push my apps to Round 2, which might be significantly harder given that I'm from an over-represented population. Also, opportunities for scholarships etc, might have dried up. Stuck in a bit of a dilemma here!
2. My raw percentage in my undergrad is 81%. How would this be converted into a GPA? I'm conscious that the US system is relative while ours is absolute and while 81% directly translates to about 3.2/3.3, in relative terms the actual GPA may be closer to a 3.8! From my research on the GPA brackets for the top 10 B-Schools, this has quite a large impact on which schools would fall into my short-list so any insights would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
N.
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by jumpingjack » April 25th, 2012, 9:43 am
I cannot thank you enough for this initiative of yours. I believe it will clear some of my doubts because I belong to the dreaded IIM pool, albeit with some mildly different flavors. It would be a great help if you can kindly evaluate my profile.
Following is a snapshot:
Nationality: Indian
Gender: male
Age: 32
GMAT: 710; Verbal: 38 (83%); Quant: 49 (86%)
TOEFL: 114
Work ex: ~ 8.5 years
International Experience: 5.6 years (USA)
Organization: Infosys
Designation: Senior Consultant
Role at client location: Senior Business Analyst + Agile Team Lead
Team size:
* BA team: 5 at client location (3 nationalities) + 2 Infy.
* Agile team: 20+, spread across 3 countries
Additional Responsibilities:
* Anchor for Infy Strategic Partnership Initiatives at client location
* Trainer for Business Analysts at client location
* Subject Matter Expert
* Client engagement and opportunity creating initiatives
* Pre-sales activities
Achievements:
* Received 'Infosys Star Award' from Infy VP.
* Published white paper
* At client location, led Agile team to 4 consecutive best team awards; best project award
Academics:
Qualification: Engineer (B.Tech) in Electronics & Telecom from 3rd ranked college in state (in India)
Graduation Marks: 72%
Multiple domain related certifications in US.
Extra-Curricular:
In US:
* Event organizer in 2 cultural organizations. Founding member of a 3rd one which flopped.
* I run a website dedicated to cuisine.
In India:
*Founding member of a blood donation camp for Thalassemia patients at home city. Organization still going strong after 12 years.
*Involved with a NGO since I was 15 - worked in slum development.
*In college, was elected Assistant General Secretary and was member of placement cell.
*Some awards at school and college level in sports (track & field) and inter school/college competitions.
Something odd:
* Grew up in a monastery (explains the early start in social work). I fell like this is a selling point w.r.t diversity, not sure though.
Target school:
INSEAD (main target)
IIM A (PGPX)
ISB
Target post-MBA work: Strategy, general management, marketing for technology major
Questions:
1. I have heard that non-IIT 'Indian IT Male' candidates almost never make it to INSEAD. Age is also a factor. Do you think I stand a chance? Do I need to do anything additional, like re-appear for GMAT etc?
Or am I aiming too high?
2.What can I do to improve my chances for IIM A PGPX. I believe the average age there is 35, so I have a couple of years to build up my profile.
3. For someone with my experience, is it worth it to try for ISB?
4. What other school should I target? I am more interested in 1 year MBA.
Please feel free to be brutal in your assessment.
Thanks & Regards,
JJ
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by MBACrystalBall » April 25th, 2012, 4:41 pm
//So to sum up:
:
3)Right age,right time to apply to top 10 schools.
:
Not to all top 10 schools. Only those who are open to taking candidates with relatively lesser experience.
Yes to points 1, 2 and 4.
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by MBACrystalBall » April 25th, 2012, 5:02 pm
//24 year old, Female, UK Resident, Indian Citizen.
- Your qualifications: degree, academic performance
B.E. Electronics & Communication (2005 - 2009) - Anna University. Graduated First Class with Distinction
Msc. Finance from the London School of Economics (2009 - 2010)
Graduated with a Distinction
- GMAT score: Attempt 1: 710. Q:49, V:34. AWA: 5
:
Phew! Now for my questions:
Phew indeed! After reaching till this point, I looked at the rest of your post and saw that you were just getting warmed up. Please don't do this to your essays.
//1. Given that my target schools are all top 10, do you think its worth re-taking the GMAT?
Yes. Specially considering your GMAT practice test scores were much higher.
//However, if I do that, would mean that I would have to push my apps to Round 2,
If you are already at the 730-760 GMAT score level, why would you need so much time for re-taking the GMAT? It's probably a matter of brushing up on the concepts, taking a few more practice tests and going for the re-take.
//2. My raw percentage in my undergrad is 81%. How would this be converted into a GPA?
3. Given that I have a post-graduate degree, which of the GPAs would be more relevant when I am assessing my candidacy with the top schools?
Conversions will never be accurate. Don't convert your percentage (many schools will take it as it is). Also, you LSE GPA is more relevant. Don't worry about your acads, they are just fine.
//4. Is having a Masters a plus/minus/neither?
If it's in the area that you want to continue being in and from an excellent brand (like the London School of Economics) then, it's an advantage.
// 5. I'm conscious that my long-term goal is to start my own firm although I have not had any concrete experience with starting my own firm. Does this affect my credibility?
Yes it does. Adcoms have no way to validate why and how your long term goals are more practical that all the other applicants'.
//Would you suggest I delay my application for maybe a year or two to allow me to build credibility on that aspect?
You could, if you have the patience. However, you don't have to let this year go. Apply to a handful of schools and see how well you do. It'll tell you whether you've been pitching too high or too low. Spread out your options well.
//6. Recommendations -
I'm not sure I understand your question here. If your supervisor can write strong recommendations, then you should definitely ask him.
//7. Lastly, a rather silly question: Is the mean age published by schools that age of the student body upon admission or upon graduation?
Age and work experience averages published on business school websites are at the time of matriculation (i.e. starting the program)
//Oh, and I would really appreciate it if you could be blunt if you think I'm way off base with my school short-lista!
It is a pretty ambitious list, if you ask me. Specially considering that you'd be competing with those with an average of 4-5 yrs work-ex.
Phew!!!
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by Sparks » April 25th, 2012, 6:02 pm
On the GMAT, just conscious that I'm travelling a bit for the next two months and that the GMAT format would've changed by then I hear so new beast, new prep..?
In any case, great feedback.. Thanks a ton.
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by MBACrystalBall » April 25th, 2012, 9:44 pm
//I cannot thank you enough for this initiative of yours. I believe it will clear some of my doubts because I belong to the dreaded IIM pool, albeit with some mildly different flavors.
'Mildly different flavors'...that reminds me that i have to take my daughter out for ice-cream. Sorry, let's get back to business.
//Nationality: Indian
You too? No kidding!
Sirji, how many other forums has this been posted on?
When it comes to free MBA profile evaluations or MBA essays or marriage proposals or just about anything else in life...one secret ingredient that always grabs attention is to customise and make the other party feel special. Even if you've repeated a formula a hundred times.
//Age: 32
GMAT: 710; Verbal: 38 (83%); Quant: 49 (86%)
Work ex: ~ 8.5 years
International Experience: 5.6 years (USA)
Organization: Infosys
Hmmm...I was thinking it was falling into the regular loop, and then you mentioned this...
//Something odd:
* Grew up in a monastery (explains the early start in social work). I fell like this is a selling point w.r.t diversity, not sure though.
Nice twist in the tale. But don't push this just for the sake of diversity (it isn't 'diversity' in the true sense, btw). If you can show how this upbringing has influenced your thoughts and your personality (beyond just social work) then we've got a real story.
//Target post-MBA work: Strategy, general management, marketing for technology major
Too wide, bro. Need to work on this one. Very critical.
// 1. I have heard that non-IIT 'Indian IT Male' candidates almost never make it to INSEAD. Age is also a factor. Do you think I stand a chance? Do I need to do anything additional, like re-appear for GMAT etc? Or am I aiming too high?
Everything is a factor - age, work-ex, gender, nationality. But statistics is what happened last year. You will define how their stats will look in the coming season. Maybe they never got a guy with your unique stories and aspirations before ('unique' being the operative word here.)
So if you have INSEAD on your dream school list, do apply. But also have a few more reachable Bschools on your radar.
//2.What can I do to improve my chances for IIM A PGPX. I believe the average age there is 35, so I have a couple of years to build up my profile.
A spike in your career graph will definitely help. Also, a change of roles and responsibilities that have a more strategy..er..flavour.
//3. For someone with my experience, is it worth it to try for ISB?
Sure, you could. But you'll be competing with a much younger lot for jobs. And they'll have an upper hand.
//4. What other school should I target? I am more interested in 1 year MBA.
Aah...now we are talking. The whole of Europe is open, some in Canada, a few in Asia-Pac. Pick up the latest Financial Times MBA rankings and search for these countries. Plenty on the plate.
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by arifahmedk » April 27th, 2012, 3:44 pm
Sorry for the wrong information I have a total of 14 years of experience.Appreciate your patience in answering my queries.arifahmedk wrote:Hi again Arif,
Well disheartened to hear that I may not be able to do a two year full time program,what good schools can you suggest in India and abroad.Well, I wanted to apply to IIFT,SP Jain and had NUS on my radar, would they be useful in my case.
You don't have to be disheartened. If you feel strongly about a few 2-year programs, go ahead and apply. Just don't end up having a huge proportion of such programs.
Even if a school where you don't fit in accepts you, your 2 years may not be very enjoyable. So be careful what you wish for.
In India, the 'closest match' is IIM Ahmedabad (IIMA) PGPX. With ISB you'd face the same problem that you'd have with US based 2-year programs.
Thanks for a quick reply,what do you suggest I was in tour operations and prior to that in Sales & Marketing and front operations functions of the hotel Industry,which program/s in India would ideally give me good good start if I switch the industry and which industry/s would be suitable for me.
Considering my industry what other industries can I get in where I get to apply my skills?
Your original post only mentions that you've been working in the Hospitality and the Tourism Industry for 11 years and nothing about the specific role there (operations, finance, accounts, HR etc).
[Btw, I still have an open question of why the experience isn't in sync with the age, but we'll save that for another time and place].
If your role (say finance) is transferrable across industries e.g. Finance in Media, Finance in manufacturing etc, then your jump across industries would be easier.
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Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by sreekanth.ssn » April 28th, 2012, 11:10 am
2.Consistent rank holder throughout schooling.Have come in the top 1% of students in the 1st Global Cyber Olympiad during 9th Grade.
3.Had been in an active role as Flight Cadet during my stint in NCC for one year.Have successfully secured A-certificate in NCC.
4.Had been a part of many quiz competitions and won prizes for the same.
GMAT score: 680 quant/verbal break-up - 50/31 , AWA - 5.0
Work-experience: IT Industry(Cognizant Technology solutions, Programmer Analyst ( Currently leading a small team), 1 year and 9 months at present
Major achievements at work and outside : I was part of a team which won the best team of the quarter(Twenty five teams each with a average size of 7 showcased their accomplishments). Currently leading a small team of 3 members.I have simultaneously involved myself in Innovation wing of Cognizant and Outreach council of Cognizant ( Outreach aims to provide valuable time and other service to the underprivileged) .I am also a part of three NGO's ( Nam Makkal,Team everest and RRI(Reunite to redefine India) ) . Other activities include managing family business as a part-time work.
Career goals - My career goal is to become an entreprenuer and the head of a service oriented company .
With the above stated profile of mine , i would also like to mention where my interests are with respect to choice of B schools
1 . NUS
2. NANYANG
3. INSEAD(Open to either Singapore or France )
4. HEC,Paris
5. IMD,Switzerland
6. SP JAIN (Abu dhabi,Pune)
7. ISB,Hyderabad
Kindly suggest where i should apply and in what ways i could improve my profile ??Thanks a lot in advance. Highly appreciate your help
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by asterik » April 28th, 2012, 7:22 pm