Ask a Consultant! - GMAT/GRE Only

MBA
446
kushthevocal Says
suggest me a strategy for a 780, don't want to settle for anything that is mediocre.


There are several accounts from people who've cracked 780 on the GMAT, like this one. Also search on PG and the other international forums to see what people have done to reach that score. Don't blindly copy their approach, design something that works for you. Like combining one of the online courses with your own self-prep methodology.

would any day prefer online guidance than meetings so let me know how do we go about this one.
Contact info available on our site, sirji.

And with regards to work.. yea quite diverse... Nickelodeon and MTV aren't different companies but are brands under the Viacom 18 umbrella and I work in the consumer products division where in I work for both the brands.
Oh, didn't know Nick was also owned by Viacom. Great, so you can position the two to contrast your experiences with each brand as it appeals to different age groups.

So the marketing, content localization and the promotional model for each would be quite different. MTV India operates very different from MTV US (or Europe or any other geography) and I'm not referring just to the content.

You've talked about your industry, but not about your role. Was it purely technical or did you have inputs on the creative side as well? if not in content development, then more on the supporting aspects? You also have not shared what you want to do post-MBA. Fill in those gaps when you are writing your apps.

When you are competing with guys with more work-ex, if you can show that your short stint in the corporate world was action packed, your chances go up.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
447
@Neo - Thanks for creating this thread
@Consultants & NOT Consultants :D - thanks for answering the queries. Reading through the previous questions and responses was helpful.
Profile:
Male/25 ::: GMAT : 680(Q48,V35). 720 (Q48, V40)
12th (A.P state board) - 94% - did mostly studying, hence the high score
Undergrad - Btech computer science (2007) - 7.6/10 - played around more , studied less, hence the above avg score :banghead:
why computers - Got sucked into the Engg/medical wave, as it is in South india :banghead:
Work Ex:
2.5 yrs @ TCS - Telecom project for U.K client- started off in the scripting team. Inspite of not having previous knowledge about CDMA principles got selected to head the customer support team (Asia pacific region) in just 8 months of joining the project. Was good at work and liked it too but not enough to spend the rest of my life in IT.During TCS days, I volunteered with an NGO (SKA) for 1.5 yrs.
Then quit TCS in 2010 and started working with SKA since march 2010.Long story, I guess solid too, behind switch.
In March, I backpacked across 6 north Indian states for 3 months to better understand about manual scavenging (MS)/ Caste discrimination as SKA works at eradicating MS in India.
At SKA, I worked as a Program Manager. Work range { Doumentation to logistics for rallies/activites to team coordination}
Want to do an MBA/ MPP - International Development (preferably) or International Relations
Schools shortlisted:
Columbia,Yale - Dream
Maryland,Boston,Carnegie Mellon, Fletcher - MIB
Queries:
1) What are my chances, heavily dependent on scholarship since post MBA planning to work with an NGO/INGO, so not big $$$ there
2) What are the job opportunities post MBA, since most of the development work are federal jobs(as far as i know) and Indians will not have a shot.
3) Also flirting with the idea of doing a PhD in economics (post MBA), since this would give me the tools in the development field. Not sure if MBA/ID is the right path for this? What can I do to improve my chances?
4) Any active "puys" with my line of career choice? Would be great if you can get me in touch(mail) with any Indian who did MBA/MPP - ID/IR.
5) Any other universities I should consider
A big thanks for your help in advance.
448
There are several accounts from people who've cracked 780 on the GMAT, like this one. Also search on PG and the other international forums to see what people have done to reach that score. Don't blindly copy their approach, design something that works for you. Like combining one of the online courses with your own self-prep methodology.

Contact info available on our site, sirji.

Oh, didn't know Nick was also owned by Viacom. Great, so you can position the two to contrast your experiences with each brand as it appeals to different age groups.

So the marketing, content localization and the promotional model for each would be quite different. MTV India operates very different from MTV US (or Europe or any other geography) and I'm not referring just to the content.

You've talked about your industry, but not about your role. Was it purely technical or did you have inputs on the creative side as well? if not in content development, then more on the supporting aspects? You also have not shared what you want to do post-MBA. Fill in those gaps when you are writing your apps.

When you are competing with guys with more work-ex, if you can show that your short stint in the corporate world was action packed, your chances go up.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball

Hey Sameer,

Great stuff, Good pointers to start on.

Below is the brief of my profile on the job; how I got here is kind of a fairy tale for me where in I had actually auditioned for Roadies 6 (popular MTV show) in 2008 in the last year of college, got too mind boggled to work for MTV, extremely passionate for the brand, actually my blood had more of MTV than RBC I think ;), wrote a synopsis to do my graduation project there,emailed the synopsis to MTV webmaster & was finally offered internship and then after 6 months of internship, I was finally absorbed and here I am completing 2 yrs in June 2011.

A. Key Deliverables- New Business Development
- Explore opportunities with brands and partners across categories with a potential to associate with MTV
and Nickelodeon to expand its range of consumer products.
- Prepare pitch presentations exploring and ideating product mix and value propositions for potential
partners; Notable pitch presentations: MTV condoms by Kamasutra, MTV apparel by Shoppers Stop,
MTV electronics by LG.
- Research the existing product offering of the client and suggest product innovation and differentiation
opportunities leading to the partnership.
- Vendor management and negotiation with local manufacturers/suppliers to source products for
promotional licensing pitch process especially for FMCG clients.
B. Key Deliverables- Marketing
- Launch MTV and Nickelodeon consumer products through high impact press publicity and engaging retail
activations.
- Promotion of the product ensuring on air visibility (Commercials, Astons, tickr mentions, bugs to name a
few).
- Leverage Digital platform including mtvindia.com through banners, spot lights, microsite; MTV India
Facebook through posts, innovation contests, promotion tabs.
- Ideation, coordination and execution of on ground product promotion events.
- Co-Branded/Barter deals including radio, on ground, digital and on air e.g. Nick-Landmark Gift card
promotion activity.

C. Key Deliverables- Client Servicing
- One point contact for all client commitments.
- Legal: Execution of deal memo and coordination with the international legal team on closure of
licensing and merchandizing agreements upon closure of the business plan.
- Finance: Timely delivery of invoices, follow up on collections, Sales report analysis at end of each
quarter and specific feedback to the team and client to facilitate incremental sales in the coming
quarter.
- Product development: Briefing and coordination with the creative agency for product development
e.g. "MTV Gear by Wildcraft", "MTV Eyewear by Aureole Inspecs" among others.
- Creative approval with the international team: Coordination and on time approval of the designs
with the international creative team

With regards to post MBA goals; I think strategy and consulting are key areas I would want to focus on, as you work in a domain like licensing and merchandizing, you get myriad experience of varied industries, products and services so some day in office i may be making a presentation to pitch to Yatra for MTV holidays and next day to a Puma for an adult range of SpongeBob... Do let me know if my MBA goals are in sync.

Thanks a lot mate for all the replies, hope to get to the ISB Hyd campus coming April.

Best,
Kushagra
449

Hi Consultants
I am working with TCS for last 3.5 years
My Profile:
10th - 80%
12th - 80%
B.E - 72%
GMAT - 720 (Quant- 86%, Verbal - 86%)
Joined TCS in August 2007
August 2007- August 2009 - Business Analyst (TCS Telecom Innovation Lab)
September 2009 - August 2010 - Program manager (Korea offshore delivery)
September 2010 - till date - Process Improvement consultant (HiTech ISU)
Achievements:
Won TATA Innovista 2008
Made to the finals of TATA Innovista 2009
Made to the finals of TATA Business Leadership Award 2010
Made to the finals of TAS 2011
ASQ certified Six Sigma Black Belt
Involved with Maitree for last 1 year and teach rural children on Saturdays

Want to pursue my career in Strategic Consulting.
Want to do 1 year MBA preferably (starting 2012 Fall)

Please let me know what all colleges I can aim for and where does my profile stand?

Also, I have 2 years break between 12th & College, and No international experience.
How much it will play?

Thanks
Finalophobia

450

Wow , what a great thread it is !! Hats off to the PG forum for really adding "value" . My story is a little bit weird to say the least , nonetheless would like to invite suggestions for the best course of action :

My profile

B Tech -1995 74%
MBA (IITR)- 2006 8.19 CGPA
Pre -MBA work ex :8 years ( Customer service + Sales in Petrochemicals field )
Post -MBA work ex : 4 years ( SAP Project Management)
3 years of overseas experience in managing SAP
Projects in Vietnam, Singapore & Canada
I quit working in July 2010 to take a break and now planning to take the GMAT in Aug 2011
Aspirations: To enrol for a PhD in a good business school (interested in a Finance + IT mix) though I have not ever worked in a finance domain (all IT Projects were for core manufacturing /FMCG)

Realistically speaking I am done with high profile Corporate jobs and want to do something original and satisfying -and want to teach at a later stage

Concerns :

1. I am 39 now , would it be difficult to get selected in a good PhD program ?
2. Have not been working for past 1 year , I made it a point to travel across India (clocked 20,000 km by air, train etc) to gain some insights to the new emerging India
3.To be frank I am not very good at clearing entrance exams so I am not sure how much I can perform in the GMAT

Achievements

1. Lots of certificates in participating and winning various events in College
2. Accolades for steering turbulent IT Projects to safety
3. Known for taking challenges and considered a good team player


Considering the above , what should be my probable course of action

Thanks in advance

451
Below is the brief of my profile on the job; how I got here is kind of a fairy tale for me where in I had actually auditioned for Roadies 6 (popular MTV show) ....
:


Wow, wasn't expecting the whole CV to be posted here :-)

Before you paste all your bschools essays as well, can I suggest that we take this offline? Others waiting for an answer to their posts might not appreciate one guy hogging all the bandwidth.

Sounds fair?

- Sameer
Roadies Fan
452

Hello puys,
I would like some one to evaluate my profile,
X - 84.83
XII - 95.7
BTech - 78.83
Have got 5 years of exp. as of now. 4.3 years in a product based company and the remaining 7 months with TCS.
Have got admission from IIM Trichy and Raipur this year and mostly not taking that.
EC: nothing gr8 here except for few certis from college and have been working for an NGO

And I am targeting ISB R1 - not yet taken the GMAT
further, after 5+yr exp. is that worth taking admission from the new IIMs?

453

Hey guys! Its great to find the experts providing advice on the profiles, etc. It seems most of the aspirants here are from IT-background, so here is mine with a different flavor:

- Personal: Male, Indian, 28. Don't know if this helps in improving the profile, but I come from a poor family and had to struggle a lot for funds initially. It was only after I started working that the situation started to improve.

- Educational Qualifications: Bachelor of Commerce (2003), CA (Chartered Accountant, 2004), CFA Charterholder (cleared level 1 in 2005 and level 2 in 2006, but then work pressure took over, cleared level 3 in 2010)

- GMAT: 700 (Q 48, V37, overall 90%), AWA awaited

- GPA: As you can observe, my B Com and CA ran parallely. My focus was entirely on nailing CA in first attempt (which I did), while B Com was just meant to have a graduation degree. Hence my B Com score is not outstanding (roughly 64%). I don't know how this translates into GPA, but do you think this will impact the overall profile? In CA, my score was 60%+ in both level 1 and 2 but below 60% in level 3. I achieved 14th rank all over India in level 2. In CFA, my level 1 score for all the subjects was 70%+. In level 2, a couple between 50-70%, but most above 70%. In level 3, it was a mix between 50-70% and 70%+.

- Work Experience: For 1.5 years after CA (which included 3 years internship with a major local audit firm), I worked with the local office of a bulge bracket US investment bank (6 months in real estate team and rest in capital markets team). Since then, I am working with one of the largest Indian PE in the the real estate investments team (5+ years of work ex here, overall 6.5+ years). The IB business was more like a KPO office, but we were pretty well integrated with the global offices and used to work on live transactions as well as pitch books, though never had client interactions. In the real estate IB, my major accomplishments were working closely with the London office to prepare a generic "Why invest in RE?" presentation that was subsequently used across several client meets and pitchbooks, preparing RFP and answering potential investors' questions for a Real Estate Fund, sale-and-leaseback transactions analysis, etc. In the capital markets team, one the major accomplishments was to establish a close relationship with the Nordic desk at the London office, resulting in regular work flow and increased involvement. I was also involved in few capital market offerings in Europe. I was given an opportunity to move to London for 2 months and work directly with the team there, but I had to decline that because of health reasons (I had met with a car accident and suffered spinal cord injury. I was bed ridden for almost 2 months). Finally the lure of IB ended (I felt IB has short-term focus, while PE is relatively long-term) and I decided to move to PE. The involvement has been amazing at the PE and I have been involved in 12+ investments and 100+ investment screenings. Our RE funds are development-focused, i.e. we undertake development and leasing/sale of the assets. We also actively arrange for debt financing of the assets at SPV level. My involvement has been lesser on the projects and leasing/sales side, but I do monitor the progress of under development and ready assets. We have exited from 3 investments till date, and I have been involved at various levels in all the transactions. I joined as associate in the PE fund, and have been recently promoted to VP designation.
I have tried to be as thorough as possible with the work ex, but let me know if you need further details.

- Extra curriculars: I love trekking, travelling and photography. I have trekked extensively in the Western Ghats and Himalayas. I am going for a 20000ft peak in the Himalayas in July this year. I have led various treks and got the team through tough situations many times. I have also worked for organisation of blood donation camps in my home town.

- Languages: Apart from English, I am fluent in Hindi, Gujarati and Urdu. I have done a basic course in spoken Mandarin Chinese and want to learn it further.

- MBA goals: I have had a lot of experience in getting involved in investment and fund management activities. I now want to reach the next level. An MBA from an international university will help me in broadening my perspective and in integrating that knowledge with my existing qualifications and experience. Post MBA, I would prefer to continue in investments/fund management, preferably RE. Indian RE investment environment is still very unorganised and lacks structured long term investment vehicles. My short term goal is to gain further knowledge and imbibe international best practices in this field and in long term to use these in India.

- Target Colleges: Target is primarily top 10-15 US colleges plus LBS. A bit undecided whether a 1 year program would make sense. I hope you can throw some light on this. Please tell me if I am too optimistic in targeting the top 10-15 colleges.

I hope this will give you enough brief of my profile. Eagerly waiting to hear from you...

Thanks guys

454



Want to pursue my career in Strategic Consulting.
Want to do 1 year MBA preferably (starting 2012 Fall)

Please let me know what all colleges I can aim for and where does my profile stand?

Also, I have 2 years break between 12th & College, and No international experience.
How much it will play?


Some quick points:

1. Strategy consulting means you cannot look beyond the top schools. Best is to check through linkedin and the college website the kind of companies that recruit from those schools.

2. Since you just have about 4 years experience - any reason you want to look at a 1 year program? My recommendation is to also look at 1 year programs.

3. What was the 2 year break between 12th and College? You would need to explain it well. My take it focus on college onwards - I don't think top schools even require you to fill any information about 12th.

4. Since you are working with international clients you will need to play that well. You would need to articulate what you have learned from (say) the Koreans. It will not compensate but will not be a big show-stopper either (unless you are applying to a very international school such as INSEAD).

HTH,

Arun
455

Hi Arun
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Few more questions:
1. Is 720 a good score to apply for top b schools ?
2. How much importance b schools give to TBLA, TATA innovista and ASQ CSSBB?
3. I have a different profile from a general IT employee. At the same time I dont have any technical work to back me up. Will the absence of core technical work in my profile play against me?
4. As if now, I have figured out following b schools to apply:
a. INSEAD
b. HEC PARIS
c. LBS
d. NUS
e. ISB
Does my profile make a good fit?
5. The only reason for not applying to 2 year MBA outside is the expense
Is their any other course in USA which is cheap and can serve my purpose?

Thanks
Finalophobia

456
Hi Arun
Thanks for the prompt reply.
Few more questions:

Finalophobia


1. 720 is good enough - don't worry.

2. TATA awards are good. Any awards are good. But they might not be as big a deal outside so you might need to explain the context in which you got those and why it is a BFD.

3. Unfortunately you will still be tagged as an IIM (I know you are yelling "Unfair" but that is how the cookie crumbles 😞 nothing much you can do)

4. School selection is good but make sure they match your post-MBA goals. That is pretty much the only deal that should matter INSEAD needs mandatory international experience so that is going to be a problem for you.

5. Cost. Remember that a European Bschool such as INSEAD is not cheap - it can be as expensive as a US MBA program (around 20% less maybe). So do research the annual budget at these places (not just tuition fees).

Arun
457

reposting this query as i didnt get any reply
---
Hi

Just discovered this amazing thread on PG. I dont know how I missed it till now !

This is one issue i have been searching help for since a long time. Hope someone helps me here.

I have just completed my 1st year MBA from IIT Kanpur. I joined this program straight out of my college(Btech).

My main area of interest is Consulting and then finance. I think the kind of profiles that are offered to freshers after MBA are not that great. They are either back end jobs or the exciting jobs are given to just IIM top rankers.

I am thinking of doing a second MBA from one of the B schools in US or Europe.

Can someone please guide me on how to go about building a strong profile for a second MBA.
Which all B schools in US are open for applicants like me. Moreover, what is the average workex that Second MBA applicants should have so as to be a competitive candidate.

I am planning to work for 3-4 years in consulting industry(IT or any other field)/ Business Analyst and then go for another MBA to get a global exposure and more opportunities.

One more thing, if i work in an IT company as BA or consultant, would I be considered a part of the most competitive IIM (Indian IT male) pool of applicants ?

It would be really helpful if experienced people in this area of applications can help me out.

Suggestions for profile building would be a great help.

Thanks

458
Hey guys! Its great to find the experts providing advice on the profiles, etc. It seems most of the aspirants here are from IT-background, so here is mine with a different flavor:



At the outset you certainly have a very strong profile. My analysis below.

Pros:
1. Strong academic profile - CA + CFA. B.Com GPA may hurt a bit but the other accomplishments (CA rank etc) should mask it.

2. Strong workexp - PE in realty sector. I am assuming there is good evidence of career growth and you are able to show increase R&R; over the years. Not to mention stellar recommendations.

3. Scope for a lot of "stories" here such as your mountaineering, perhaps even the Mandrin part (btw tamme Gujarati cho? )

Cons:
1. There are a lot of PE guys applying to the top schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, LBS etc. I have heard this from some of the profiles I have worked with last year as well as some students (Raviraj -lostphoton on PG who got through Harvard this year).

2. A 700 is not bad but if you are gunning for the top where the average is in the 710s and 720s (check the graph on my blog post here). I would seriously consider retaking PROVIDED you can make an improvement.

3. International workexp?

4. You are bordering on "old" (as per the Bschools ) so make sure you apply as early as possible. Typically 28 is like the threshold for H/S. There are other "older applicant" friendly schools such as Wharton but why restrict your scope.

You asked about 1 year programs. My question is where? I am not sure there are many which fit the bill here. Ofcourse there is INSEAD but not sure of any other.

I would not suggest any school apart from the very top for you. Considering PE market is very tough to break in the brand name will make a huge difference.

Arun - CrackVerbal


Arun
459
Hello puys,
I would like some one to evaluate my profile,

And I am targeting ISB R1 - not yet taken the GMAT
further, after 5+yr exp. is that worth taking admission from the new IIMs?


I have already responded to your PM - not sure if you needed anything else here

The new IIMs are a risk given your experience level. They may not be able to provide the kind of jobs, and payscales you might expect. So beware!

Also ISB is tough - especially since you have not taken the GMAT yet. So don't keep your eggs in 1 basket.

Arun - Crackverbal
460


Concerns :

1. I am 39 now , would it be difficult to get selected in a good PhD program ?

Considering the above , what should be my probable course of action

Thanks in advance


Reposting another gyaan guru Baccardisprite on the topic of Phd:
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/33375-international-educational-options-beyond-mba-69.html#post2384664
Arun - Crackverbal
461

Hi Guys,



I would like to know what universities should I be targeting for 2012. My profile is as follows :
a. GMAT : 750 (awaiting AWA) - split 51/43
b. 2 years of experience currently working in a data analytics position in a pharma sales and marketing consultancy. Will have 3 years by the time of admission. Also, expecting a promotion soon. Also, spent 6 months working on the family business.
c. Mechanical Engineering graduate from Delhi College of Engineering, 68.5% (probably top 20% of class)
d. A few extra circulars

I am thinking of applying for MSc. Finance in LSE for sure- would be interested in other universities which accept GMAT scores. What universities do you guys think I should target?

Also, planning to apply for MBA at ISB. Any universities outside India I should target for MBA?

Thanks in advance.

-VS

462
At the outset you certainly have a very strong profile. My analysis below.

Pros:
1. Strong academic profile - CA + CFA. B.Com GPA may hurt a bit but the other accomplishments (CA rank etc) should mask it.

2. Strong workexp - PE in realty sector. I am assuming there is good evidence of career growth and you are able to show increase R&R; over the years. Not to mention stellar recommendations.

3. Scope for a lot of "stories" here such as your mountaineering, perhaps even the Mandrin part (btw tamme Gujarati cho? )

Cons:
1. There are a lot of PE guys applying to the top schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, LBS etc. I have heard this from some of the profiles I have worked with last year as well as some students (Raviraj -lostphoton on PG who got through Harvard this year).

2. A 700 is not bad but if you are gunning for the top where the average is in the 710s and 720s (check the graph on my blog post here). I would seriously consider retaking PROVIDED you can make an improvement.

3. International workexp?

4. You are bordering on "old" (as per the Bschools ) so make sure you apply as early as possible. Typically 28 is like the threshold for H/S. There are other "older applicant" friendly schools such as Wharton but why restrict your scope.

You asked about 1 year programs. My question is where? I am not sure there are many which fit the bill here. Ofcourse there is INSEAD but not sure of any other.

I would not suggest any school apart from the very top for you. Considering PE market is very tough to break in the brand name will make a huge difference.

Arun - CrackVerbal


Arun


Thanks a ton Arun.

The problem with retaking GMAT is that I can better utilise that time to come up with better essays. As you said, there are many points where I can build good essays on topics such as, why MBA, short- and long-term goals post-MBA (I have a very clear career plan with no change in industry), extra curriculars, etc. Also, though I think I can improve upon the verbal score (I was thoroughly battered there), I'll have to devote some serious time to evaluate where I failed. The MGMAT practice tests gave me 95-99 percentile in the last few CAT tests.

While I was in IB, I had worked with the London and HK offices quite frequently (though never visited abroad). Also, we had lot of firangs visiting our office for training, working with us, etc. The HOD was also a firang. Also, in the PE fund, we have an offshore fund, where I have interacted with few firang investors. Do you think this would have some weightage?

I am not sure of the 1-year programmes, hence I had that question. But it seems none of the 1-year programmes are attractive enough. I read somewhere that INSEAD compulsorily asks for international experience. Is that correct?

BTW, hu gujarati chhu :)

Cheers
Husain
463
Reposting another gyaan guru Baccardisprite on the topic of Phd:
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/international-indian-mba-schools-accepting/33375-international-educational-options-beyond-mba-69.html#post2384664
Arun - Crackverbal

Thanks for your help
464
Wow, wasn't expecting the whole CV to be posted here :-)

Before you paste all your bschools essays as well, can I suggest that we take this offline? Others waiting for an answer to their posts might not appreciate one guy hogging all the bandwidth.

Sounds fair?

- Sameer
Roadies Fan

Totally, PM me your digits
465
kushthevocal Says
Totally, PM me your digits


My new(?) year resolution was to reduce the reliance on PMs, china mobiles and dubbed south Indian movies.

In order to address the first 33%, we've put the contact info on our website, sirji.

- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball