Hi Sameer,
My profile
X: 81% (CBSE)
XII: 86% (CBSE)
BE Aeronautical Engineering 7.6/10 GPA (Anna University, Chennai)
MS Aerospace Engineering in a good ranked US university: 3.76/4.0 GPA
GMAT: 680 (V38/Q44), AW:5.0
Wrk Ex: 30 months till date in a Fortune 500 company's base in India
I have good extra-curriculars and decent community work (though not as active for a year now)
Q1: Would I be at a disadvantage if I pursue a MBA, already having an MS. My main reason for a MBA now is to shift careers.
Q2: Is 680 a decent score for universities not in the top 10 or 20. I would mainly be aiming at a couple of Tier1 and Tier2 Univs in US apart NUS, NTU, ISB, SPJain and univs accepting GMAT in India.
Q3: What other universities would you recommend I target. I am torn between Consulting / Supply-chain.
Thanks a lot Sameer and PG.
LateButLatest
Hi,
I'm Nikita from Mumbai. I've done my Grad in Microbiology and Biochemistry (85%) and my Post Grad in Biochemistry (67%). I've been working in Cipla (Pharma) for the past 2 years in International Business development for the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island Markets. I've done a bit of Social work during college including the National Service scheme for a year and 5-6 months in the Teach India program where I taught street/ slum kids English. Other extra curricular activities have been sports, art, music (i play the guitar) and participation in organization of various college events. I am planning to apply for an MBA for fall next year and targeting the Round 1, this year.
I am considering a career in Finance, though I do not have any educational background in the subject. Hence I am a bit apprehensive if I have the aptitude. Have been reading online and a book on Finance.
I would like to stick to the healthcare field- Pharma and Biotech specifically. After my MBA, I could consider a career in Investment banking focusing on the Pharma/ Biotech sector. Or could also consider a career in a corporate set up where I would be involved in the Financials of a Pharma/ Biotech company. I have been reading alot about Venture capitalists in this industry and it interests me. I understand that I will have to have a substantial amount of experience to get into VC. As far as I can gather now, this seems like the career path that I would like to take. Could you please let me know
1. if this makes sense, what other career options would I have
2. whether my qualifications so far will help, what aptitude i should have for Finance
3. what I need to do right now to back up my application in favour of this slight detour in career
4. which universities I should be targeting
5. I have taken a date for the GMAT for the 8th of June 2011. So what should be my target score.
6. Also if I could get a few contacts of people who are in the similar field so I can get advice from them.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks,
Nikita.
Work Experience:Software Engineer at a leading global Electronics firm R&D; Labs (20 months)
:
I am planning to appear for GMAT this year in August.
I wish to take up Information Systems and wish to return to the IT sector after MBA.
Sayan-da,
I got the CAT story, but I'm not sure I understand your motivation to pursue a 1-yr MBA program at this stage.
If you want to go back to the IT industry after graduating, do you really need an MBA?
The senior level positions would be tough to reach as you'd have a pre-MBA experience of 3 years. For junior levels, you wouldn't need an MBA.
Ektu clarity hobe ekhane, dada. Pleejh help.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Sayan-da,
I got the CAT story, but I'm not sure I understand your motivation to pursue a 1-yr MBA program at this stage.
If you want to go back to the IT industry after graduating, do you really need an MBA?
The senior level positions would be tough to reach as you'd have a pre-MBA experience of 3 years. For junior levels, you wouldn't need an MBA.
Ektu clarity hobe ekhane, dada. Pleejh help.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Hi Sameer
I want to move into the roles like IT Business development or Product Management or Project Management or IT Consulting which are typically offered after the taking up Systems in the 2 year PGDM Programmes from Indian B-Schools.
I wish to take up GMAT since I would be completing 2 years of work ex in September 2011.
Do you feel that the work ex I am having is inadequate to move into the above mentioned roles?
Also are the 1 year PGP programmes not suitable for what I want to achieve?
Thanks and Regards
Sayan
Hi Sameer
:
Also are the 1 year PGP programmes not suitable for what I want to achieve?
Sayan-da,
I've responded to the email you've sent. Didn't realise you've posted here as well :-)
- Sameer
Crystal Ball...What's that???
I am Pravin. I have given un-succeeded attempt for Indian top b-school.
Now I have given GMAT(690/4.5). My details are as follow
X : 80.7%
XII : 78.34
B.Tech. : 5.8/10
VJTI MumbaiWorking : 2.5 years in IT MNC.
Average extra curr.
Looking for applying for Fall'11 or Summer'12.
1. Please evaluate my profile and suggest some good universities of UK and Australia.
2. Please suggest how I can improve my profile
3. How much weightage is given to B.Tech marks?
Thanks
Hello,
Firstly I would like to thank you guys..I believe you are doing a great job out here 😃 it really helps guys like us..
It would be really helpful, if you can give me an idea regarding how my profile stands. I want to go for a MBA (my dream course being the Value Investing Prog offered by Columbia Business School, huge fan of Fisher, Graham, Buffet)
Profile:
10th-76%, 12th-85% (commerce)
B.com(hons)- 70% from Delhi University, 2007
MBA from International Management Inst, New Delhi (07-09 batch) CAT Percentile-96.25
CFA Level 3 candidate, (will be appearing for L3 in June, next month)
FRM, (GARP,USA) will be awarded charter after 2 years of relevant work ex
Not much in terms of extra curricular activities, have a lot of interest in quizzing though and won few prizes.
Have a total work ex of 18 months, currently working in a KPO and serving a I-Bank as equity research analyst.
I want to go for only top B-schools (globally), cz the costs involved will be huge. Have not taken GMAT yet but I feel given decent prep I can breach 680-700. (saying this given my mock scores during CAT preparation, please do correct me in case CAT cant be used as a proxy to gauge GMAT score to some extent)
some queries-
-- if being a commerce graduate will be of any deterrent?
-- no substantial work ex, as in no big companies to name or international exposure. (as yet)
-- what will be a good time to go for MBA.
--lastly, what can I do to enhance my candidacy/profile.
will be happy to provide more detail if required :)
any suggestions are more than welcome.
thanks a lot..
Regards,
Neeraj
Hi Sameer,
:
I have given CAT and would try to seek admission in UBS Chandhigarh for MBA degree.
Akshat
Hi Akshat,
Can't help you if you are planning to continue on the CAT path, as that's not my line of expertise.
If/when you change your priorities to GMAT based programs (i.e. the focus of this thread), I'd be able to share my 2 cents.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Hi All... I have received unconditional MBA admission offer from Edinburgh university and Bradford university. I have to select one...Please give your suggestions based on value for money and placements.
10th-82%, 12th-70%
BE Electrical - 63% 2006 passout
5 years of IT owrk experience
2 years of leading team
1.5 years at various of onsite exp (US and Aus)
Domain - Mobile Work force Management
Average in terms of extra curricular activities, prizes in school and college for cutural activities.
State level medal in tae-Known-do.
Involved in Organizing all hands meet for the company.
Haven't taken GMAT yet , I am assuming a safe bet would be 660.
WHich colleges can i look forward to?
Hi,
I have been on PG for a long time and thanks to this wonderful website for giving aspirants all the information.
I want a look at my profile and an opinion on schools I can apply to.
Class 10- 87%
Class 12- 72%
10th and 12th from CBSE
Economics (Honours)- 59.9%
University of Delhi, 2007
1 year with Ernst and Young
Joined as Audit Associate, promoted to Advanced Audit Associate within six months
6 Months as a fashion merchandiser
2 years with State Bank of India as Probationary Officer (Assistant Manager), have worked in Dehradun, Bazpur, currently posted in Agra
Job profile includes banking operations at the branch level
GMAT:- 670, QA 46, VA 36, April 2011
Looking for good MBA schools, Europe or Americas, Please suggest where all can I apply... is my GMAT competitive?
Thanks
Hi
I have poor acads
X Maharashtra Board - 80.13
XII CBSE - 65.6
BE Nagpur University - 61.56
CAT 09 93.72
CAT 10 94.68
i am working as a business analyst at Mu Sigma for 6 months now.
want to join any one of the best 10 B-Schools in India.
Wanted to ask 1. how much will my poor acads hurt me.
2. Do the colleges differentiate boards and universities while reading into the acads as Maharashtra Universities are really tuff on marksheets.
3. Will i be able to make up for the bad acads with nearly 18 months of work ex.
4. Will having a business analyst's designation help me edge out the ITians
Hi Sameer,
My profile
:
LateButLatest
Wondering about the various philosophical things that your pseudonym (Late but latest?) might hint at. I'm glad you didn't choose Der-but-not-andher.
Aerospace sounds intriguing but you haven't shared anything about what you do. So tough to know about the strength of your profile.
Q1: Would I be at a disadvantage if I pursue a MBA, already having an MS. My main reason for a MBA now is to shift careers.I don't think so. An MBA-after-an-MBA is generally a tougher call. An MBA-after-an-MS wouldn't raise eyebrows, if you can explain why you are looking for a transition at this stage.
Q2: Is 680 a decent score for universities not in the top 10 or 20. I would mainly be aiming at a couple of Tier1 and Tier2 Univs in US apart NUS, NTU, ISB, SPJain and univs accepting GMAT in India.It'll be a stretch with that score (speaking from experience) and you'll have to sprinkle some secret sauce on your essays to make them look yummier.
Q3: What other universities would you recommend I target. I am torn between Consulting / Supply-chain.Do you have any names in mind? I could share my thoughts on them.
Find a way to leverage on the uncoventional background advantage and take it beyond the initial brownie points. Most people sit back relaxed hoping their backgrounds will automatically catapult them to the top of the pile. Ensure there's enough content to hold on to Adcom's attention.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Guys,
I need some help. A little intro about me:
28 years ( will turn 29 this July), IT Engineer, experience of 6.5 years. About 2-3 years of experience leading teams.
Have 3 months international experience. Had written GMAT earlier in 2009 and had scored 570.
So took some time off and prepared really well this time. Wrote the GMAT again yesterday but scored 620.
I am not feeling very bad, strangely because in my opinion i had done everything i could. But i feel i have what it takes to
score a 700 or at least a 680 or 690. Will give it another shot in a month or 2 and be done with it.
Anyway, Now coming to my question, i am targeting a 1 year MBA. I prefer UK schools for that. Some schools i have short listed
are:
Oxbridge ( with my GMAT score i feel these are stretch school)
Cranfield
Warwick
Cass
Manchester
(Can i consider any more good colleges?)
Some Indian schools:
ISB
XLRI
(Any more good schools i can consider other than IIMs?)
These are some of the good schools i have zeroed down to. How are these schools?
What is the reputation of these schools back in India?
My post MBA plan is to move to Consulting in IT or in Management. My long term goal is to come back to India and work with one
of the top 4 consulting firms here, preferable in IT business consulting.
What realistic GMAT score can make my application really competitive? I know a score about 700 is good but i want to know if a score of about 650-680 range is ok or is it going to be really challenging?
I am confident of writing good essays but this GMAT is killing me!
Need some guidance.
Naveen
First of all, congratulation and thanks to you for keeping up such a helpful thread.
I have a few queries, which I am trying to find answers for sometime. But before asking those queries I would like to give a brief introduction about my profile.
Age 26
GMAT 720 ( Quant 49 , Verbal 39) AWA 5
Work ex - almost 6 Yrs (Product based Software company). I got relocated to UK 3 yrs back and since then I have been working in UK.
Graduation - B Tech (IIT Roorkee), Didn't do well in studies. 6.78 on 10 points grade
12th - 76%
10th - 80%
Extra Curricular - was active in cultural society in my college. I taught kids in an orphanage for 2 yrs in pune. This whole event was organized by an NGO. I have completed couple of olympic distance (NOT IN Olympic) half marathons and full marathons in UK.
I wish to join a MBA programme in 2012. My motivation behind joining a B School is that I want to switch to finance industry. More specifically I am aiming towards IB (M&A;). 2 yrs back I realized the fact that I lack fundamental knowledge and exposure to industry I am aiming for, so I enrolled myself for CFA exam. This year I am planning to take CFA level 2.
I wrote GMAT recently (feb 2011) and now I am trying to narrow down B Schools that I should aim for. My main filtering criteria has been school's reputation in finance. Also I have given more weigthage to schools in UK, as my wife is also working in UK and if we stay another 2 yrs here we will get PR (helps with issues related to visa after MBA) . After initial screening I am able to come up with following list (although it is not final yet).
1. London Business School
2. NYU Stern
3. Columbia Business School
4. Oxford Said
5. Cambridge Judge
Will you be able to take up following few queries please?
1). Given that I don't have any parctial exposure to finance in term of work ex, how realistic is a strategy to apply in finance major school???
2). Having gone through your 1st post, I can sense some similarities. Based on you experience, can you please share ways to maximize the chances to get admit? How can I ensure that I get the best shot with Adcom?
3) Are there any changes that you want to make in the list of schools?
Thanksfor taking the time to go through this post.I understand your time in highly valuable so I have tried to divulge only necessary information to keep this post short and crisp. Still if there are any ambiguities or in case you require more information, please let me know.
I'm Nikita from Mumbai.
:
I am considering a career in Finance, though I do not have any educational background in the subject. Hence I am a bit apprehensive if I have the aptitude. Have been reading online and a book on Finance.
Nikita,
Having a Finance undergrad degree isn't a pre-requisite to do well in Finance. If you are aiming for an MBA, you'll pick up the relevant skills in class. My bigger concern is about the next point.
After my MBA, I could consider a career in Investment banking ...I have been reading alot about Venture capitalists in this industry and it interests me.VC and I-banking are two diametrically opposite fields requiring very different skills and capabilities. Within I-banking, there are again various sub-domains that you can target. So I'd suggest drilling a little deeper into each area before you shortlist schools or start working on your essays.
You will need to you go more research about the areas you want to get into after your MBA. Otherwise Adcoms might question your seriousness and practicality of these goals.
6. Also if I could get a few contacts of people who are in the similar field so I can get advice from them.Unfortunately, I can't share contacts on a public forum. But if you check out our LinkedIn page, you might find other folks (current students, alumni etc) who might've worked in an area that you are interested in. Send across a connect request to them through us and we'd be happy to connect you.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Hi
I have just started my work career at SAP in Bangalore as a Developement Consultant( IT Field). I did my B.Tech from NIT Warangal. I am basically an average student in terms of grades (7.3 CGPA) though I believe myself to be really intelligent :P. I do have a few extracurricular activities such as member of College Students' Council, event organiser in certain college events etc.
I would really like to gear my career so that by the end of two years I stand a shot at, maybe, the top 10 B-Schools. I would like specific advice on what is it that they look from from a person with my qualification. My long term goals are geared towards entrepreneurship maybe within the IT field. On another note my dad is based out of Dubai and he runs a good business in the food industry and I realise that at some point in my career I may have to take over his business.
With all this background, I would like advice on what all I need to do to get on track. Specifically, what all do I need to do to build my resume as this probably is the best time. I have been told that to get into top programs I really to show growth within the company and activities such as social work are highly regarded by some programs.
Thank you for your time in advance.
hi,
I'm B.Tech in Civil Engg. from NIT Hamirpur passout nd from amritsar punjab. I'm currently working as an engineer in construction of hydropower project of leading power psu of india.
My work ex is around 04 years.
My grads are ok>>>>
10th- 88%
12th- 63.77%
CGPI-8.23/10
nd some extra curriculars----- college event, techfest etc
>I really wanna go for GMAT---MBA abroad but really don't knw which
b-schools to target for?????
> Is there some b-schools that prefer work-ex in energy sector since i really wanna go in management consulting.
Plz guide me!!!!!!!!!!!!
hi,
i am a btech in mech engg for a reputed private university .and currently working as software engineer in a reputed mnc
my work exp is 3 years
my grads
10th-79%
12th-74%
cgpi-7.48
lot of extra curricular activities-sports,dance etc...
i want to do my mba in HR .... please suggest the good colleges abroad..with not a very high fees
please please ....i am in need of urgent help
Thanks Sameer! I appreciate your response to my query.
Could you please elaborate on VC and I-banking? How they are opposite fields? (As I have read that VCs usually have investment experience maybe as an equity research analyst. This may not be a prerequisite if we have a qualification such as an MBA.)