Hi puys!
First I want to thank you all for the time and effort you put in PG, it has been of great help for me till now. I'm interested in pursuing an MBA starting from 2012 but will apply this fall in order to increase my chances.
My profile is:
M 25
4 yrs in Sales & Mkt
3 yrs in Finance & Accounting
Toefl 109
GMAT due somewhere in July (aiming for 680)
Average acads with BSc in Finance & Banks, MSc in PM and Certificate from CIMA UK.
EC - very good (6 yrs in NGO)
Management positions both in business and NGO
And now I'll get to the point. I'm interested only in European MBA's especially in UK, France and Spain. Until now three of them shine for me, Cranfield, HEC and Esade. What made me wonder is the lack of talks about ESADE even though it is very well ranked in FT, BW.... could some of you throw some light please? Also what is you take on choosing one of these? I'm interested in general management with a focus on mkt, customer care, retail.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks a lot, Sameer and MG. What I was really interested in finding out is what chances of getting scholarship do I have at this stage if I go for it.
At very late stages, getting an admission offer itself is a huge challenge.
So I wouldn't be too optimistic of getting free $$$ as well, unless you've done something at work or outside that really blows their mind.
So here's the deal:
- If you have the option, don't apply.
- If you apply, don't expect a schol
- If you get a seat from a top school and no schol, don't worry...just go and join.
- If you get a seat and schol, call us all for a party. (Please order nariyal paani for me, I don't booze.)
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Do you think that the situation I described in my first post in this thread is indeed difficult to assess?
I am getting tired of repeating this over and over again
PATIENCE!! Lots of the consultants here are volunteering their time. They are doing this for free which means they are taking time off from their day-to-day business to answer your queries. Do NOT expect a reply straightaway or even a day later. You cannot wait a couple of days?
If it has been longer than a week, PM me. Otherwise please wait. Or i will ban you for 2days.
Did you read the above before posting??
aarkay777 SaysDo you think that the situation I described in my first post in this thread is indeed difficult to assess?
Dear Newbie,This is international MBA section and you are asking about India B school.
Please ask your query here for quicker and better response- http://www.pagalguy.com/discussions/2010-which-b-schools-should-you-apply-to-25054445
And before you start posting your query Please have a look at Visual Guide and Search Guide of the forum. It will help you understand how the forum works and how can you find relevant threads for posting your query or for reading.
pallavi868 Sayswhich 1 is better itm navi mumbai or bimtech noida?
Hi,
Many many thanks to you guys for this thread... I will be starting my applications soon for MBA class of 2013 and wanted some clarification from the experts here...
I have worked for 16 months in the semiconductors industry (before a layoff) and 18 months in the financial services... I work with a boutique investment bank and got promoted from an analyst to associate (front-office) in 9 months :)....
However, there was an employment gap from Feb '09 to Oct'09 when the market had dried up and I decided to switch my career path.... Took CFA L2 exam in Jun '09 and cleared it... Got a full-time job only after my result in Aug '09.... Will this employment gap and my lay off will reflect negatively on my application??
Other details:
- GMAT-760/5.5 (Q-50 V-42) TOEFL-111
- B.Tech(EC)-72% 12th-87% 10th-91%
- Expected full-time work-ex in Jun'12 = 4 yrs (I will be 26 years old)
- Lot of extra-curriculars during college... Held positions in student organizations as well...
- Post college very little extra-curriculars
- I have taught CFA L1 and FRM students for over a year on Sundays... Enjoy teaching...
- Appearing for CFA L3 exam in June 2011
Your appraisal of my current application will be really insightful for my target b-school selection. Thanks.
Regards,
Kushal
P.S. I dream Columbia!! 😃
Hi
I am also planning to apply to B-schools abroad. The following is my profile:
Xth:72%
XIIth:75%
B.Tech: 62%
Gmat Score: 690(1st attempt, thinking of a 2nd attempt)
Work Experience: 24 months in the IT sector. Worked in Production assurance operations and tools management as an associate consultant.
Extra - Curricular: Played basketball , table tennis inter school & college, Organized events during college. Have done some volunteering for NGO as well.
Please suggest me b-schools abroad which match my profile. Quiet confused! help me...
Hi,
Many many thanks to you guys for this thread... I will be starting my applications soon for MBA class of 2013 and wanted some clarification from the experts here...
...
Regards,
Kushal
P.S. I dream Columbia!! :)
Hey, you have a really good chance at Columbia, Booth, NYU, Wharton and long shot at Harvard, Stanford. That gap in employment could kill you if you mention it. Just focus on your essays. Buy a MBA essay book from Amazon.com. Best of luck. The CFA L1, L2, L3 and the 760 GMAT is going to help you a lot. Also your Finance work ex, which means that you are not in the IT pool.
Note: I AM NOT A CONSULTANT.
Hi Rahul,
I like your post.
....
Good luck with the GMAT. Come back and share your score with us. If you need help along the way, happy to help.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Sameer,
Thanks a lot for your advice.
One follow up question: What are the loan/financing options for LBS and Said? Are you aware of any loan options that will cover the full tuition?
Regards,
Rahul
Hi Puys,
Thanks a lot for all the guidance. It is surely of great help.
I am in a unique and somewhat tricky situation and it would be great if some of you can throw some light on it.
I have done a 5 yrs integrated course in Engineering (IT)+MBA (Finance) from one of the well known B-school in India and working in an MNC i-bank for the past 2 yrs in Finance division.
A little more about my profile:
M/25
Xth: 84% CBSE
XIIth : 83% CBSE
Final CGPA : 3.1/4
Xtra curriculars at college (robotics at state level, organising fest/seminars, short films etc).
GMAT : have not yet taken, taking in June'11. took CAT this yr and scored 97 percentile. (I know this is not true measure but still thought might give some idea).
I would like to go for MBA in top 15 b'schools or M. Fin in lbs, princeton (could come out with these 2 univs. after my research).
Pls suggest if its a distant dream or is possible. I would ideally like to join next yr by when i will have 3 yrs of workex. My area of interest is ibanking/pe.
Also is it that going for a 2nd MBA from good school impossible and i should focus more towards M. Fin. Are there any other good schools offering M. Fin. (with not too much quant focus).
Thanks
I am in a unique situation and at my wits end. Would appreciate advice and Chanakya-Niti type strategies from the Gurus amongst you.
MY PROFILE:
:
:
All suggestions and brainstorms are welcome.
- Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this long post. More thanks for replying though.
Aarkay-ji pranaam,
Good to see someone closer to my age on the forum :-P
aarkay777 SaysChanakya-Niti type strategies
Am not into sophisticated and complicated nitis, so with your permission I'll try to keep it simple out here.
Let's jump into your questions.
aarkay777 Says1. Now that UK PSW has been canceled, does it make sense to still do an MBA from a good B-school in UK and then try for a job in Canada or USA? Or maybe apply for a Canadian PR as soon as I reach UK?
Absolutely does make sense to apply to top-schools, irrespective of visa issues anywhere in the world. You'll just need to address the what next part of it - funding, jobs, backup plan (the last one shouldn't be an issue as you are your own boss.
aarkay777 Says2. Does an MBA from a School ranked in top 100 in UK brighten my chance of a good job in Canada or USA?
Short answer...No. LBS/INSEAD/Oxbridge are more universal than the other UK brands. And even with those you are better off leveraging your geographical proximity. Some of my classmates
aarkay777 Says3. Or is it better to do MBA from a mid-level Canadian B-School and compete for a great job with people passing out from well ranked Canadian universities?
Why make things difficult for yourself? Why can't you raise your profile (read, GMAT) and apply to the best schools AND aim for great jobs? European schools won't have a high-brow approach to age.
aarkay777 Says4. Should I be looking at other destinations like Norway, Ireland, Belgium?
Sure, if you are aware of good schools there.
aarkay777 Says5. Am I going crazy and looking at the wrong end of the horse?
Two questions.
- Which end are you currently looking at?
- Are you sure it's a horse?
Don't worry. You aren't going crazy. All of us go through that phase of uncertainty and outright frustration. Gather mroe info and keep the discussion going with people who've been there done that.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
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.
Hope this helps
Cheers
-MG
MBA Crystalball Team
Thanks and apologies for a late reply. caught up in my gmat prep.
IT management - i want to move into business side client facing roles combined wth project management (not into sales as such). I may be able to do this even without an mba but i feel its really competitve out there in the IT field. evryone else is as good as you are, you really gotto make a diff with tht xtra cut for your CV to stand out.
And ofcourse mba does have other tangible benefits.
my current role does involve few project management activites and i have done business analyst roles in the past.
so i wanted to knw in the lineup to my admissions, woudl you advise to increase my EC's (have a decent ones till now) or work more on my profile(im really confused how i can do this, i cant get any role change now at work,may be some outside reading or certifications would help?) - i have talked to few seniors abt PMP certification but they say dnt do tht before u work as a full fledged PM -makes sense.
or may be just improve my writing skills for stellar essays 😁
or may be just concentrate on my gmat first.
I do sound totally confused.
Also I want an MBA from India/Asia coz thts whr i want to work post MBA(makes sense right? better study at a place whr u wat to work later on).
If my post makes any sense to all the experts, I would be really happy to see a reply 😃
AlexandrKox Sayscould some of you throw some light please
Throwing light (and camera and action) as requested sir.
AlexandrKox SaysUntil now three of them shine for me, Cranfield, HEC and Esade. What made me wonder is the lack of talks about ESADE even though it is very well ranked in FT, BW.... Also what is you take on choosing one of these? I'm interested in general management with a focus on mkt, customer care, retail.
Warning: Generalisation coming up around the bend --> American schools like being in the limelight. European schools chup chaap apna kaam karke patli gali se nikal jaate hain. Apna apna style hai!
ESADE is a good school. Ditto for HEC and Cranfield. For general managment any of these should be ok. For logistics/supply chain, Cranfield would be the best (but you don't have those focus areas in your list).
As far as marketing roles are concerned, depending on the job description (customer care comes close to the point I'm going to make), you might want to check how important local langugage skills are. With Cranfield that's not going to be a problem.
- Sameer
FAQ (5 marks question) - What is MBA Crystal Ball
Aarkay-ji pranaam,
Good to see someone closer to my age on the forum :-P
...
Don't worry. You aren't going crazy. All of us go through that phase of uncertainty and outright frustration. Gather mroe info and keep the discussion going with people who've been there done that.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
------------
The proverbial reference to the horse signified a look at what the stars had in store for me. The Centaur is the symbol for Sagittarians like me and the Centaur is a half-horse half-man with his arrow aimed at the stars. Capische?
Thanks for your time and on-the-dot answers.
Having been a restless achiever, and while I was waiting for some good inputs like yours, I decided to use Google and the result is the reason for my below advice to fellow inquisitors. Hope PG moderators see this in positive light and as helpful guidance to this wonderful community.
While the answers in these forums are admirable in zest and intention, alternate professional approaches may be considered.
For example, the correct solution for my unique dilemma was a full-time EMBA from a great B-school in the country I plan to work in (and of-course there were some more refinements). After posting my query here, I discovered the optimal solution by taking a "free" 30-minute consultation from experts at mbaexchange.com, , Stacy Blackman website, mbamission.com, accepted.com (this one is not too good in my opinion) etc. Have decided to to hire one of them for the remaining process. My advice is to ask on discussion forums but before making a career decision try to consult and hire a professional. Hate to say this but consultants in the target country are much more professional and responsive than those in our country.
Thanks and my blessings to the younger career growth aspirants.
Hey Aarkay, I meant that in a lighter vein (one of the ways we try to diffuse the stress and the tense ambience around threads like these). I know what you had in mind when you said that. Wasn't actually expecting a clarification :-)aarkay777 SaysThe proverbial reference to the horse signified a look at what the stars had in store for me. The Centaur is the symbol for Sagittarians like me and the Centaur is a half-horse half-man with his arrow aimed at the stars. Capische?
Hope PG moderators see this in positive light and as helpful guidance to this wonderful community.Of course they do, aarkay. PG is a forum for diverse views and as long as the mods don't suspect foul play, all views are welcome.
while I was waiting for some good inputs like yours, I decided to use Google and the result is the reason for my below advice to fellow inquisitorsThat was a good approach. Most newbie candidates are not aware of the practices prevalent in the industry or the huge difference in the background/quality of the people involved in doling out the consulting advice. I'm glad you've done your homework before taking a decision.
the correct solution for my unique dilemma was a full-time EMBAHappy to see that you found out what works for you. But unfortunately, there's no single 'correct' solution to such situations. One that the candidate finds convincing after considering the pros and cons of all other options available, by default, becomes the correct solution.
In fact, for many, the correct option may lie in not pursuing the MBA degree at all. I've discouraged a fair share of guys to drop their MBA plans and consider other (non-academic) alternatives.
While the answers in these forums are admirable in zest and intention, alternate professional approaches may be considered.True. A forum can never replace the interaction that happens over the phone. So like you've said, as an initial step, it makes sense to judge a team by their responses, but before making a decision, always helps to personally interact with the team you plan to engage.
The 'Ask Consultant XYZ' kinda threads are a common feature on international discussion forums, where many (not all) consultants follow a largely unwritten code of (professional and ethical) conduct. If PG wanted, they could've opened the doors to every Tom, Digvijay and Harishankar, but it's taken several years to launch this thread. Why?
Unfortunately, too many 'consultants', 'experts' and GMAT companies have tried abusing the forum since it was launched. A huge majority lose steam after a few pseudo helpful queries or get banned from the forums. Check this out.
Hate to say this but consultants in the target country are much more professional and responsive than those in our country.Hate to say this, but despite my patriotic fervour, to a larger extent I'd agree with you on this. In the US, MBA admissions consulting is a legit full-time profession and it attracts high-quality guys.
But for many candidates, engaging international consultants at dollar rates isn't economical and many reluctantly start drifting towards the affordable (mass market?) options available back home.
So this thread is an initiative to go beyond the general peer-to-peer advice that is prevalent on the other PG threads and invite a select few professional consultants to provide authentic and credible advice (of course, with all the limitations associated with discussion forums).
Do let us know your thoughts and feedback. It'll help us improve what we are trying to do here.
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
I have worked for 16 months in the semiconductors industry (before a layoff) and 18 months in the financial services... I work with a boutique investment bank and got promoted from an analyst to associate (front-office) in 9 months :)....
:
... Will this employment gap and my lay off will reflect negatively on my application??
Kushal
Kushal,
I appreciate your frank post. Be open about it with Adcoms too. If you've been given the short end of the stick due to circumstances that were not in your control (recession), it isn't a shortcoming on your part.
So rather than trying to spin it in order to reduce the sting, be objective and honest about it. You can use the optional essay to do so (but be careful about what and how you present this situation). How you reacted to that situation is important. And I think you did pretty well.
You could've wallowed in self-pity and gone into depression. Use your application to highlight your strength and maturity in adversity.
You've used the time productively to upgrade your skills that your future (current?) employers will find useful. We don't know the details of what your current job entails. If you've been able to use some of the CFA fundas in your existing role, nothing like it, as you can directly link the benefits of your sabbatical.
Plus the quick 9-month promotion also tells an impressive tale about how your employer has recognised and rewarded your potential.
Shake off the negativity and go into the application season with a bindaas attitude. Columbia, watch out!
- Sameer
MBA Crystal Ball
Hi!
I have been admitted into HEC Business School for September 2011 and IE Business School for November 2011 and now am really torn about where to go!!
All this while I was aiming at HEC, thinking I had a slim chance of getting through (my GMAT was below their average) but I guess my application reached out to them. IE is has a higher worldwide ranking than HEC in the FT rankings, it's in the top 10 and that's why now I'm thoroughly and genuinely confused.
Do you have any inputs on what my criteria for selecting between these two should be? Also any inputs on which one I should choose out of the two? I want to specialise and make a career in Marketing and already have 3 years plus experience in Sales
I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks a lot
HI,,,,,,,,,,,,,Frnd.....I need some guidance....I am a B.Tech in Electronics...and am intersted to work in finance sector...I did five certifications --------
1.Capital Market,dealers module
2.Derivative Market Dealers Module
3.Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
4.AMFI-Mutual Fund Advisors Module
5.Security Operation And Risk management
NCFM....Would these certification fetch me a job that would suit to my profile as an mba (finance ) aspirant......I left ...my job for the sake of it......But,now, I have a offer from accenture ......I am confused..
....Wat wud u suggest shud i join accenture or continue my serach for a finance job..........Hope u will help me to find way out...ease my journey to IIM...Thanks frnd in advance......
Thanks and apologies for a late reply. caught up in my gmat prep.
IT management - i want to move into business side client facing roles combined wth project management (not into sales as such). I may be able to do this even without an mba but i feel its really competitve out there in the IT field. evryone else is as good as you are, you really gotto make a diff with tht xtra cut for your CV to stand out.
And ofcourse mba does have other tangible benefits.
my current role does involve few project management activites and i have done business analyst roles in the past.
so i wanted to knw in the lineup to my admissions, woudl you advise to increase my EC's (have a decent ones till now) or work more on my profile(im really confused how i can do this, i cant get any role change now at work,may be some outside reading or certifications would help?) - i have talked to few seniors abt PMP certification but they say dnt do tht before u work as a full fledged PM -makes sense.
or may be just improve my writing skills for stellar essays 😁
or may be just concentrate on my gmat first.
I do sound totally confused.
Also I want an MBA from India/Asia coz thts whr i want to work post MBA(makes sense right? better study at a place whr u wat to work later on).
If my post makes any sense to all the experts, I would be really happy to see a reply :)
Avanika,
No, your post aint confused. Unfortunately one has to focus on almost all the elements you mention above.
- You need good ECs as well as stellar work-ex. What'll work best is if you can manage a few big projects as well as keep induling on the EC side. I wouldnt recommend aiming for a profile change as it is neither required not in line with your post-MBA aspiration
- You absolutely need the right writing skills. So doesnt harm to hone those :)
- A good GMAT score, specially for Indian schools, is a must. And that is almost the beginning of the long process towards an MBA
Cheers!
- MG
MBA Crystal Ball
i want to join automobile company
which trade in mba will be best suited for me??
profile btech comp sc
2 years work ex IT