Hi, I'd like some advice. I'm contemplating Fall '12 for MBA in the US. By then, I'd have 2 n a half years work ex. (I've been in IT since I've started working so worst case I'd be in it till I take admission). I'm planning to take my GMAT in the 1st week of May.
I know it depends on my GMAT score but I want to target the top 10/15 Universities. I have quite some extra curricular activities with some social work thru' college and work.
Would my profile justify admission or do I need to work longer and more diverse?
Also, how necessary is TOEFL during admission? Does it make sense to have a TOEFL score ready while application or do I take it if the University I get an admit from requires it.
When you are going with an experience that's lesser than the norm, it becomes more important to highlight how the quality of your experience has been superlative. Specially when you are targetting the top 10-15.
There's nothing else that we know about you from your post to make any specific suggestions.
TOEFL is generally required by most schools, though some might waive it off if you can show that you've completed your undergrad from an institution where the education was imparted in English. If you have the time, I'd suggest taking it and having a score ready. Better than getting into a tight spot later on and reducing the choice of schools.
MBA Crystal Ball I started as a software engineer but wasn't happy either with the company or the kind of work i was doing. I wanted to change field but did not want to pursue a full-time mba as it would have meant quitting my job. I took CFA instead and after getting through the first 2 levels found a job at one of the banks and have been working there since.
My profile is GMAT 750 10th: 90% 12th: 70 % Btech Computer science: 72% Work-ex: 3.5 yrs as of now. Age: 27 yrs i have completed all 3 levels of cfa For last 30 months I have been working as a finance manager in a bank. Extra-curriculars : Decent
I would like to know which colleges should i aim for. How good are my chances of getting into top 10 US MBA programs? Will it be easier or tougher than getting an admission into top european MBA programs?
I have done PGDM Ebiz with Marketing specialization. Do foreign universities consider this as an equivalent to MBA and would this add to my application for US MBA ? I got complete fee scholarship for my MBA course in India
My profile is GMAT 750 Btech Computer science: 72% Work-ex: 3.5 yrs as of now. Age: 27 yrs i have completed all 3 levels of cfa : : Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the clarification and the additional info. I'm guessing you completed the CFA levels in your part-time (like most people do). If that's true, at 27 yrs of age shouldn't your work-ex be more than 3.5 yrs?
Apologies for being inquisitive (professional hazards of having to think like Admission Committees), but it'll be important for you to pre-empt any such gaps - perceived or otherwise - in your profile and address them in your essays for anyone to be able to judge whether your profile is average, good, strong or fantastic.
psych Says
Will it be easier or tougher than getting an admission into top european MBA programs
Don't assume it is easier or difficult just based on the geography. American and European schools attract different kinds of profile. Check out the average student profile for a few US and Europe based schools to see what I mean.
I'd say it is more difficult to get into some of the good European schools that have candidates with more work-ex than their American counterparts. So even if the average GMAT scores from some top European schools appear to be relatively modest, don't be fooled by that one parameter.
psych Says
I would like to know which colleges should i aim for. How good are my chances of getting into top 10 US MBA programs?
If you are able to address questions like the ones I've asked AND go beyond them to highlight the potential you've shown in your finance role (the role doesn't have to be glamorous, but with your contribution you can still make it much more than what it was meant to be) - then sure you could aim for the top schools.
Don't fill your plate with only the top-10 though. Mix it up nice and well, so the risk is diversified (portfolio management theory applies here as well).
Greetings, I have taken my GMAT, gotten my admit as well, so my SOS call is more of a "during" MBA query than how to get into one.I have been accpted nto Schulich , Canada . My profile is F/680/5/3 Yrs in Oil& Gas PSU (2 YRS Mktg+1 Yr operations).I plan to pursue my career in Energy Mktg and sustainabilty field itself.Now the reason to post here is that the consultants have been through the MBA grind and corporate experience themselves.i have approx 5 months with me b4 i begin the course.please suggest me ways by which i can strengthen my profile for an international course. I have started basic finance studies and following the current business afffairs more closely.Your feedback/ assistance will go a long way!Thank you
A great initiative.... It would be gr8 if someone can guide me too:
My Profile 10th/12th : 87%/82% Engg. (IT) : 68% (Mumbai University) 32 months in IT sector and still ticking... CISA certified
Extra-curricular/achievements : - Published a book on Software Engg. for Mumbai University students - Conducted seminar at National level fest in Engg. days and won Coding competitions - Represented college at State and National level sports competition - Won a couple of awards at work place - Client Appreciations and Recommendations
The dilemma:
I didn't really wanted to pursue Mgmt frm the strt. A coder at heart. . But after approx. 3 years I want a change. So thought about many options and MBA seems to be the answer.
1 year back I was at the same point and opted against joining an MBA institute (NMIMS). But want to give a try again. Wanted to know if after 4 years of exp. is it better to try for 1 yr MBA (Exec) or still have time to give one shot at the IIM's.
Personal ambition is to move onto Technology/Business Consulting from Tech Solutions after MBA.
A great initiative.... It would be gr8 if someone can guide me too:
My Profile 10th/12th : 87%/82% Engg. (IT) : 68% (Mumbai University) 32 months in IT sector and still ticking... CISA certified
Extra-curricular/achievements : - Published a book on Software Engg. for Mumbai University students - Conducted seminar at National level fest in Engg. days and won Coding competitions - Represented college at State and National level sports competition - Won a couple of awards at work place - Client Appreciations and Recommendations
The dilemma:
I didn't really wanted to pursue Mgmt frm the strt. A coder at heart. . But after approx. 3 years I want a change. So thought about many options and MBA seems to be the answer.
1 year back I was at the same point and opted against joining an MBA institute (NMIMS). But want to give a try again. Wanted to know if after 4 years of exp. is it better to try for 1 yr MBA (Exec) or still have time to give one shot at the IIM's.
Personal ambition is to move onto Technology/Business Consulting from Tech Solutions after MBA.
Rishab,
You seem to have some great achievements in your area (IT&Coding;) which will definitely give sufficient fuel for your b-school applications. In addition, the aspiration of tech. consulting with this background is very realistic. (Business consulting in tech domain makes sense, but management consulting in general is quite a differnt ball game altogether)
Coming to 1 yr MBAs, if you are looking at "Executive" courses, 4 years is still on the very low side. But if you meant ISB's flagship course, then ofcourse you are in the right bracket. There are definitely people who go to IIMs with such years (and more) of work-ex, but then it really boils down to what you are looking at after b-school. At exec programs, it does get slightly easier to leverage your work-ex. So take ur pick.
I am glad that I finally found such a useful thread .
I have just finished college and started working in the IT sector , soon I discovered that having a BE degree is just not enough these days , as people with a Masters Degree , will always be more knowledgeable , and have an edge . So I was hoping I could get your info on the same .
Here is my profile
Class 10 : ICSE , 84% Class 12 : Karnataka PUC : 82% BE Degree : VTU , Electrical & Electronics : 71%
Current Work Experience : 9 months in Automobile Software Engineering
Many people say that an MBA is best when taken after many years of work experience , but I would like to get it done with before settling down
So any advice as to when / how I should being my preparation
Dear Sir, I have been working as a Designer in one of the leading power equipment manufacturer in India, with a work ex of almost 2 yrs. My profile: 10th: 72% 12th: 69 % Btech Electricals and Electronics: 83.4% Age: 24 yrs Work ex: 2yrs as of now, filed 2 patents since then. I would like to go ahead with a career in Operations management/General management. Would like to join a 1 year exec MBA in one of the top colleges abroad., Request you to guide me into selection of colleges and when to take up GMAT so that I can get into the college in 2012. Thanks in advance. Regards, Nair
I m in a dilemma whether to join McCombs MBA program for fall 2011. No scholarship has been given. I will need to take a huge loan of around Rs.50 lakhs to fund this education. I would like to hear from fellow puys (and experienced consultants) who have already successfully completed their MBA from abroad (on a loan). Taking on such a huge loan amount is making me think twice (I have submitted my enrollment deposit though).
Dear Sir, I have been working as a Designer in one of the leading power equipment manufacturer in India, with a work ex of almost 2 yrs. My profile: 10th: 72% 12th: 69 % Btech Electricals and Electronics: 83.4% Age: 24 yrs Work ex: 2yrs as of now, filed 2 patents since then. I would like to go ahead with a career in Operations management/General management. Would like to join a 1 year exec MBA in one of the top colleges abroad., Request you to guide me into selection of colleges and when to take up GMAT so that I can get into the college in 2012. Thanks in advance. Regards, Nair
Hi Sharath,
Since you have only 2 years experience why are you aiming for a 1 year MBA? My advice is to look for a full 2 year program.
Secondly if you are looking at "abroad" then most of the programs in US are 2 years, and you are left with only 1 year courses in Europe. Even there for the top schools such as IMD, INSEAD you would need more experience.
Take GMAT as soon as possible and in parallel research on the top schools. You can go through any MBA rankings and work backwards (i.e. check their website, average GMAT scores, application deadlines, profiles etc).
Since you have only 2 years experience why are you aiming for a 1 year MBA? My advice is to look for a full 2 year program.
Secondly if you are looking at "abroad" then most of the programs in US are 2 years, and you are left with only 1 year courses in Europe. Even there for the top schools such as IMD, INSEAD you would need more experience.
Take GMAT as soon as possible and in parallel research on the top schools. You can go through any MBA rankings and work backwards (i.e. check their website, average GMAT scores, application deadlines, profiles etc).
HTH,
Arun
Arun - CrackVerbal
Thanks Arun for the prompt response. Could you please advise on the 1 year courses in India as well.
How Indian Percentage system in acadmics converted into USA Gpa system?
My bet is not to do it. Most schools in the US are aware of the Indian academic system and will grade you objectively. Speaking from their side, they too face the challenge due to various discrepancies in the way in which marks are given (relative grading v/s absolute grading, leniency of marks awarded, toughness of course/test etc).
Ask the school and they should tell you what to do.
First of all thanks to all the experts patiently taking up queries here.
I am an IT professional with 5yrs workex (by Jun 2011). 10th:88% 12th: 92% (AP State Board) Graduaton(Engg): 76% Age:26 have been in IT even before my final yr results were out :lookround: I love it, no qualms.
Brief profile update (i guess to anwer my query it is imp to knw abt me)
1) Have started off as a developer,progressed into ML and PL (i do have some good acheivemnts to talk abt in these roles - was made a PL wth just 2 1/2yrs work ex and I did perform well). 2)I was also involved in the requiremnt gathering and business analysis role for a maharashtra govt prj.
3)Have been part of the PMO team for a telecom major for abt an year now, looking into the Change management activities. 4)Also involved as quality facilitator for various projects. 5)ITIL certified.
Im preparing for gmat at the moment and have it scheduled for may.
Why MBA? I want to pursue MBA in IT management and am speifically looking at colleges which offer the same. I do want to come bck to IT after MBA(if possible to the same organisation).
Now comes my query. Can you please advise me how realistic my thoughts are? not abt getting an admission to an XYZ college but i wanted to know how clear do i sound in my goals to an expert's point of view (atleast on paper)? With considerable work ex, I m not looking for a profile change but to build upon the base i already have.
Also,considerign that i do have time (targetting 2012) on hand, how can i stregthen my profile?Im looking to get a PMP certi once im done wth my gmat. any advice?
First of all thanks to all the experts patiently taking up queries here.
I am an IT professional with 5yrs workex (by Jun 2011). 10th:88% 12th: 92% (AP State Board) Graduaton(Engg): 76% Age:26 have been in IT even before my final yr results were out :lookround: I love it, no qualms.
Brief profile update (i guess to anwer my query it is imp to knw abt me)
1) Have started off as a developer,progressed into ML and PL (i do have some good acheivemnts to talk abt in these roles - was made a PL wth just 2 1/2yrs work ex and I did perform well). 2)I was also involved in the requiremnt gathering and business analysis role for a maharashtra govt prj.
3)Have been part of the PMO team for a telecom major for abt an year now, looking into the Change management activities. 4)Also involved as quality facilitator for various projects. 5)ITIL certified.
Im preparing for gmat at the moment and have it scheduled for may.
Why MBA? I want to pursue MBA in IT management and am speifically looking at colleges which offer the same. I do want to come bck to IT after MBA(if possible to the same organisation).
Now comes my query. Can you please advise me how realistic my thoughts are? not abt getting an admission to an XYZ college but i wanted to know how clear do i sound in my goals to an expert's point of view (atleast on paper)? With considerable work ex, I m not looking for a profile change but to build upon the base i already have.
Also,considerign that i do have time (targetting 2012) on hand, how can i stregthen my profile?Im looking to get a PMP certi once im done wth my gmat. any advice?
Thanks for time,
Avanika,
"IT Management" is still a very broad term - it could mean business development/sales or it could mean finance/other functional management. You need to think of which area in IT management interests you and also consider the logical next function based on your current work-ex.
Once you have this clarity - which I am sure you can get, given the fact that you are in an IT company - you need to evaluate your profile and gaps if any.
Just wrote my MBA last weekend. Screwed up English eventually and ended up getting 710. I have presently 5.5 yrs exp in IT and will be having 6+ by the time applications start for 2012. Acads are good, not excellent (B.E. in undergraduation). Do i have a chance at ISB and NUS?
More abt my work ex- 3.5 yrs @ TCS, since then @ IBM. Exceptional ratings (if that will be considered) and i can actually show managerial and business analyst types experience there.
Co-curriculars - I do free-lancing for a Kolkata based sports website. Articles and photography. Apart from that some stuffs in school and college, but nothing grt
Just wrote my MBA last weekend. Screwed up English eventually and ended up getting 710. I have presently 5.5 yrs exp in IT and will be having 6+ by the time applications start for 2012. Acads are good, not excellent (B.E. in undergraduation). Do i have a chance at ISB and NUS?
More abt my work ex- 3.5 yrs @ TCS, since then @ IBM. Exceptional ratings (if that will be considered) and i can actually show managerial and business analyst types experience there.
Co-curriculars - I do free-lancing for a Kolkata based sports website. Articles and photography. Apart from that some stuffs in school and college, but nothing grt
1. 710 is not bad at all so don't worry. If you feel there was an anomaly on the day of the test and that you can smash a 750+ on any other day - only then would I advice to take it again.
2. From what you have given its hard to make predictions but you are certainly competitive for most schools. You are already aware of your disadvantaged demographic profile so you will have to work on that in your essays by highlighting your other accomplishments.
3. If exceptional ratings can be backed by title changes it will be wonderful. So if you can show that you got faster promotions than your peer group. So if you can show in 6 years you had say 4 promotions S/W Engineer -> Sr.S/W Engineer -> Team Lead -> Project Lead -> Project Manager then I would be impressed else ratings along cannot be shown in the application.
. But after approx. 3 years I want a change. So thought about many options and MBA seems to be the answer.