Hi Jeremy,
I have M.Sc and PhD in Biochemistry from Australian -Tier 1 University with 1.5 years of predoctoral academic research experience and 3.6 years of postdoctoral academic/Industry research experience. Presently, I am working as a Senior Scientist in a Drug Discovery company in Bangalore, India. Prior to this I have worked in academic labs in US and Australia. I am interested in a career transition within life sciences/ bio-pharma industry from research to life sciences management or consulting, or VC. I planning to sit for the GMAT within next 2-3 months and then apply for MBA for next year 2010. During my postdoctoral experience, I have been managing a team of research assistants, carrying out independent projects. I have published 7 peer-reviewed articles in high impact international science journals and more than 10 various conference articles. I have received several scholarships and awards, I am an active member of various scientific professional organizations.
I have done some research about MBA schools providing specialized MBA degree for life scientist. I could locate few business schools:
1. Johnson school- Cornell accelerated MBA for Scientists and Engineers
2. University of Alabama's MBA for scientists (GMAT not required for PhD's)
3. Rady Business School UCSD-started in 2005-(GMAT not required for PhD's)
4. Carey Business School Johans Hopkin- Satrting this year (GMAT not required for PhD's)
-Please suggest me, Is it good to do specialized MBA like these to make a career change within the life sciences industry from research to management? Are these 1 year MBA are as good as two year traditional MBA?
-What about the reputation of above schools? Since UAB's tuition is very low and they don't need GMAT, it looks better to me? but I am not sure about the reputation of this school?
-Can you suggest any other business schools (outside US as well) offering MBA good for life scientist and has high impact ranking?
With my kind of profile what GMAT score I should get, if I plan to go for Top 10 schools?
-And last but not least Is it a good idea to do MBA after PhD when I have a secured job?
You feedback would help in deciding my career path.
With Regards,
Raj
Hey frnds nice work
Well I also have some questions regarding the mba from usa.
Well right now I am in my final year at iit kgp in electronics and electrical eng.
My gpa is 6.6/10 which is in lower 20% in the class.
I plan to do an mba from usa after working 3 years in india. I am planning to start a coaching institute in my hometown where no iit jee coaching is available by date. I hope to earn enough money to do an mba from abroad after 3 years and simultaniously I will be doing some community work by teaching the financially poor students without any fee.
I have cleared cfa level 1 exam. and hope to clear rest 2 levels in next 2 years.
Though I dont have any clear cut vision for my future career path by now but most probably it will be related to education management or finance..
Suppose I get a gmat score around 750 then which of the following schools can I get in to ?
1. Hbs
2. wharton
3. tuck
4. kellog
or ny school in top 10.
My question might look vague but still answering it would be a great help. 😃
Hello Jeremy,
Amar here (an Eager MBA applicant for Jan 2010 at USA)...
Sincere thanks in advance to look in and giving a bit of your valuable time and energy.
Brief Profile -:
Academics - BS (Biotech.) + PGDCA with GPA of 3.7/4.0,
Gmat Score - 680 + toefl - 110 , + 2.5 yrs of core techno-marketing & managerial work ex. + simultaneous venture in local financial trading firm,
Extra-Curriculars - Decent Community Service credits, Event Management (Political & Social), Campaigned with NGOs on several ocassions, participant of debate/speech/Quiz competitions during college & school times and winning few of e'm, Active Member of local youth club, etc.
Ok, now a Question well bound by decent fraction of million $$ boggling a poor kid for a while -:
Q. For which all top notch b- schools (or not much of a high-fliers but providing with rather decent scholarship eventually) can i apply for, with my profile ?
Q. if U may kindly list 'em out along with idea of financial aid scheme and how much the candidate like me can particularly bargain at which domain ??
Q. Fall '09 deadlines are almost gone, so the period i am aiming for my admission process (i.e Jan '10) is alright in a broad sense ???
Thanks alot once again 😃
is this thread alive
Dear i'm having graduation in science with three year pattern. Can i still eligible for gmat?
Hi Jeremy. Have a query that has been nagging me for some time now. My work experience is on the lower side (2 years as of today) and I want to switch fields after my MBA (currently in merchandising exports switch to media/FMCG branding).However I am concerned that even if I get into a good MBA program (in Asia/Europe), I will not be able to get a creative job profile in an industry of my choice as recruiters would prefer candidates with more work experience in a related field.
I don't want to invest so much time/money in an MBA and end up in an industry/job I have no interest in.This is my biggest fear.
Will I be considered a fresher due to my unrelated work experience? Plus it is in a family business so will this go against me? Am quite worried about this.
Please advise urgently.
Hi Jeremy,
I'm an Engineering Graduate from 2006 batch.
Currently working in an IT firm with 2+ yrs of work exp.
Please suggest me the prospects of doing a MBA program or an Executive Management Program.
Hi puys, I have a question which may not be related to this thread but please Help me out with this question of mine... Its like, I ve done my B.E in Computer Science n now working in with Microsoft frm past 1 year..Now, I'm Planning to do my M.B.L (Master of Business Law) degree for 2yrs via correspondance n then pursue MBA...I m also working as a part time volunteer in an NGO.. So my Question here is tht, would my doing M.B.L degree be of any help in my MBA career or in getting me through the GD/PI of top B-schools?????? Also, would working with an NGO help me in any case???
Hi Jeremy,
Could you please provide an objective comparison of Institute de Empresa, Spain and HEC Paris listing the merits and demerits of both as well as how they stack up against the other European/US programs.
Warm Regards.
P.S - I have an admit with IE and an interview pending with HEC.
Hi Jeremy,
What are my chances for ISB hyderabad OrTOulouse MBA in Aerospace
GMAT 640
8years aerospace work experience.Managed people and technology
3 years in USA
GoodAcademic records
REgards
Sujith
Anyway, there are many excellent schools for investment management. Texas actually has one of the best as it has the largest student run fund by many millions of dollars. Cornell actually has a hedge fund that students run, which is entirely distinct among MBA programs. What you are asking me is, what is the strongest brand, not what is the best program? I would say that HBS is just marginally a stronger brand than Stanford and that Wharton is a close third. Is that really how you want to make your decision though?
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hi Jeremy,
Thnks for all the help here.
I have a few (but killer ones for me) queries.
I always thought that W is the best b school for a career in investment managemnt (thats my short term and long term goal...nd I am sure that wont chnge ever.....i have just joined a marquee investment managemnt firm...so the things r fitting well so far...i will have 8 months of work ex there before i join MBA).
However, recent visits to other forums and some discussions here and there have put me in a fix....according to most...H/S is wayyyyy ahead of W in every possible way.
I really would like ur perspective on that considering when I started applying I didnt even considered S thinking that Chicago was better for hard core finance based career.
Please advise....to put things straight nd honestly...i am only concerned about "placements and brand value"...thats the only meaning the word 'fit' has for me (i simply hate case studies but started my career as a consultant after cracking three rounds of case studies because the money was great and the brand value was amazing...and will join H (based on case study method) if given a chance!!)
Another doubt that is killing me...I didnt apply to W in R1 because I wanted to give all the time and importance (i was expecting a promotion...but recently changed my company..so that ways i am on track)...however, do u think R2 chances will be significantly lesser, specially this time when everyone is applying?
PS: I have been admitted to Chicago booth today nd have interviewed with H. I have finished my W and S apps...yet to submit as there is lot of time and wont mind tweaking my apps at the last moment to improve them.
I apologize but I am unfamiliar with the exchange rates and the cost of living in India. Even during these tough economic times, there are schools that have generous loan programs and scholarships. There isnt one program in particular that I can predict that you will earn a scholarship. Unfortunately, you will have to go through the process and see what happens as schools obviously award scholarships at the end. The top schools have funds to give to candidates if they want the candidates badly enough.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hi Jeremy,
I am working professional from Pune. BE 2007 paas out... I wish to pursue masters in Business.... I have some good credentials on extra curricular activities all thru college life..... Currently working with a German Automotive MNC as Embedded software developer. Got Star performer award, had been onsite to a service provider's site and few more... I am from a middle class family....
I just want to know is it possible for me to earn (& save) money (in India) and pursue MBA from US? My current pay is around 3 lpa (INR)...Funds is a major issue for me which stops me from thinking of an international MBA.
Also, can you suggest some B Schools to get an out right funding so that it takes care of tution expenses and helps in VISA processing....
I apologize but our specialty is American and European schools. I just dont know enough about the Asian schools to advise.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hi Jeremy. Wanted ur opinion. How would you rank these Asian schools in order of preference (esp 4 marketing) and why?
Nanyang, SMU, AIM
Thanks.
You seem to have an excellent profile. There are very few doctors in the applicant pool and the fact that you have international experience should be an huge asset to you. I hope that you got your GMAT score up. If so, you should be able to find a home among the top MBA programs. It is very difficult to advise you as to which school you should apply to considering that you arent sure of your career goals. I just cant advise you on what career path would be right for you. Still, I do think that you should be a competitive candidate for top-ten schools because of your distinct experience.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hey Jeremy,
Here's my profile,
am based in India currently.
Xth standard : 86% (95)
xii th std : 82% (97)
M.B.B.S : 60% (04) ( from one of the top ten med colleges of India)
GMAT : 620 Q48 V 27.. PANICKED ON EXAM DAY I GUESS .. am appearing again this month end and am breaking 720 MARK consistently in mock tests.
*good academics and extra curricular activities in student life.
organized events, functions in college.
*was a member of student union.
closely associated with medico social programs at various levels right since my graduation started - till today.
work ex
*three years + in hospitals and nursing homes in India as a doctor or a resident medical officer.
*worked on a couple of government projects on anemia eradication n other stuff
*cleared USMLE exams and received Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), USA.
* Have a few months of experience as a clinical observer in some hospitals in USA.
* Am intensively involved in some social work projects in India.
* Am very ambitious and have a considerable leadership exp at job n outside.
Kindly, suggest me some business schools where my profile fits. (do i stand a chance in the ivy league?? (if I cross 700 on gmat))
I am open to career shift so wud consultancy or marketing be good for me?
I am not sure abt the career prospects of an MBA in healthcare .
Please suggest me the best schools where I can give a fair shot in North America Or Europe.
I will be in USA in FEB for an exam.
OPTIONAL QUES .. :angel:
How much difference does an MBA frm top 5 schools makes to ones career if compared with a 20 th ranked one .??
I've gained so much from your forum. Thank you so much.
C
With respect to your questions:
1) You dont have to worry about changing positions you just have to explain your reasoning and show a record of accomplishment in each position. As long as you are achieving/growing/leading, you should be fine.
2) You dont need proof or certificates that show that you have volunteered. The school will trust that you partook in the activities and some will verify this after they have accepted you, but it is not an inquisition. So, I would not worry about this just be truthful and you will be fine.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hello Jeremy,
I would like to apply in 2010 for MBA in Finance from TOP 15 B-schools of US or TOP 10 internationally (excluding US).
Request you to please evaluate my profile and determine how would my profile stand in face of stiff competition.
A run through my profile:
class X : 79%
class XII : 72.9%
B.E. (Mechanical) : 73.6% (From one of the Top 10 Tech Universities in India)
GMAT : 710/5
I am a mechanical Engineer by degree but I have 1.5 years of experience in IT sector working for one of the top 3 IT companies of India. I was made Configuration Team Leader (CTL) within 4 months of joining the company. As CTL I had the additional responsibility to act as ADMIN for Technologies used in my account.As an Assistant System Engineer I have had frequent interactions and presentations with Client. I have also offered on-site support to their system.
My extra-curricular front is average at best and apart from sponsoring a child to take care of his education and well being and some voluntary teaching assignments on one to one basis, there is not much to add.
I intend to improve on that front in next 1.5 years.
Apart from these, I also volunteered for Teach India Initiative from Times Of India but was never asked to teach.
I am also a Level 1 candidate for CFA june'09 and I'm determined to clear till Level 2 before I join any B-school.
However I have some queries:
1) I intend to move back to Mechanical Engineering field mostly due to family reasons (I need to support them financially a bit which I am not able to do in my low salary in IT sector). It would also allow me to pursue my hobby (Shooting) which I had to abandon due to its high cost.
I would like to know how will it be viewed during the application process,i.e.,from Mech ->IT ->Mech?
2) Although I have helped several children in their education by gifting them books or paying their fees since my college days, I have never kept any record for the same and I don't have any proof in terms of Certificates to show for it (Gathering them was never an intention any way).
So how could I prove my involvement?
Apart from these, I would request you to suggest any other areas of improvement that you find is lacking in my profile.
Thanks.
You have a solid GMAT score. Your work experience seems strong but you were in an over-represented field. Fortunately, you transitioned out and the BizDev story should be one through which you can set yourself apart. I am not clear on your community activities, but the certificates are not that important your actions are.
I think that you can be quite competitive at Rochester, Iowa, Wash U, BU, IU and Notre Dame. It seems to me that CMU, Cornell and NYU would be stretches for you but certainly not unreasonable.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Dear Jeremy,
I would like to request your inputs on my profile and your suggestions on some of the schools i can look at.
Education: Completed Btech in Computer Science with 67 % in May 2008
GMAT Score : 710 ; 48 quant and 40 verbal
Toefl: 101
Workex:
One month summer training in NHPC (Natianal Hydroelectric Power Corporation) in Network Security in June06 (full time, During Summer vacation while I was in college)
Two months training in NIIT (in java) in 2007 (full time, During Summer vacation while I was in college)
Three months full time job in software support in a firm after Graduation from May to August 2008
Presently working in a leading Power company in Business Development Department
By August 2009 I would be having full time work-ex of 14 months after graduation and 3 months full time job training while studying.
Beside these some other activities are:
Founding member of Linux User Group (LUG) in JUIT (My college)
Won 2nd Prize in Make Bhai Make a movie making competition at college fest Le Fiestus06
Was a member of Event Management committee of college fest Le fiestus05
Won Gold Medal in Avantika International Talent Search Essay Competition in 2001
Secured a percentile score of 78.9 % Bright Career Scholastic Aptitude Test in 2001
Implemented a experimental project JUIT Online Radio Service in a team of four which aired for a month and had subscriber count of 200
Designed and Implemented final year project AXE-CSA(human Simulation) in team of four using QT framework in Linux. ( A+ grade in it)
Have taken a 2 month course in Combustion (video compositing and visual effects) in Picasso Centennial Canadian Animation College, Delhi.
Beside these I am having 2-3 community service certificates also.
And also I can get good LOR from my lecturer who was my final year project instructor and second from my reporting head in the present company.
Now colleges I am interested in are:
NYU (Stern)
Cornell University (Johnson)
Carnegie Mellon (Tepper)
Notre Dame
UNC - Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
Boston University
Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Washington University (Olin)
University of Iowa (Tippie)
Rochester (Simon)
CMU Tepper
Can u please suggest me in which business schools I have chances of getting in for August 09 and also which other schools would you suggest me apart from the given above
Thanks![]()
Regards,
Priyesh Khunteta
We have actually developed a free personal statement document to help candidates with this question: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hi...
I guess every application has this question built into its essays some way or the other... And from whatever research I have done, it is a very important question that most adcoms use to differentiate their candidates with...
"Why this school"
I guess on broad disciplines it is easier to classify schools. For instance if I want to take a finance centric curriculum, Id go to Wharton, Chicago or Stern. But within these schools, how does one distinguish one program from the other.
For instance I am applying to Sloan and my essays are clearly oriented towards a career in IB. How do I stress on the fact that Sloan is the right program for me... In other words... "Why Sloan"???
Any inputs????
I will address your questions one by one:
1) Given my profile, what colleges would be within reach. Will it be realistic aiming for top 8-15 colleges in US?
You mention that you are looking for one year programs. There are no one year programs within the top-15, with the exception of Kellogg, but I dont think that you are eligible. Nonetheless, I do think that you have a lot to offer. Your one-year hiatus will not be a problem as it is easily explained. If you can bring some coherence to your story, as there are a lot of moving parts (athletics, reiki, poetry, etc.) and can do well on the GMAT, as an international female candidate with interesting life experiences, I think you could find a home amid top-15 schools.
2) If I pick up a sport now, say Tennis, and teach kids about the game or something similar, would that be a good add on to my profile?
Yes this wont necessarily be decisive, but it wont be a negative. It will only be positive.
3) What can I do to add on to my profile? I am expecting to get back to work by July this year. Should I get back to work, add on more experience for a year and then give the top B schools a shot(in 2010), or should I apply in 2009?
We have an extensive series on long term planning (http://www.mbamission.com/blog/category/long-term-mba-planning). There is no right amount of time at work it is quality of experience not time.
4) If I apply and dont get through in 2009, would my reapplication be looked upon favaorably, in 2010, by the same B schools?
If you dont get in, then you will not be penalized. If anything, it will be an indication of your interest in the school.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Dear Jeremy,
I would like to request your inputs on my profile and your suggestions on some of the schools i can look at. I am a 28 year old Indian female.
Educational Background:
1.) B.E. Electronics & Communication.(2000-2004)
Overall percentage in 8 Semesters :77.4% (Was among the top 10 in my batch).
2) 12th standard: 83%
3)10th standard: 87.3%
Professional Background:
1.) Infosys Technologies Ltd-1.5 years.
Was working for Cisco(client) through Infosys and had ample client interaction. Was into testing, scripting and testbed installations.
2.) Juniper Networks - 1.5 years.
Took care of testing an entire feature set before it was released to customers and also mentoring new recruits in my domain.
I had suggested a few changes in the way we were doing things, and they were well received and implemented too.
I had also managed other people in absence of the manager and should be able to get good recommendations from my manager there.
Other professional experiences:
1.) 2 month training experience at Tata Iron and Steel company.
2) I am CCNA certified(94%) and CCNP certified in one domain(100%). Planning to do the rest soon.
Extracurriculars + Recent activities:
1) Scored 70 % in the All India USO (United School Organizations of India) examination
2) Represented School in Football. Participated and won a number of prizes in Long jump, Shuttle Relay, 100m races, Debates and Extempore.
3) Have received certificates and prizes for academic excellence, from fourth standard onwards. Got an award for Proficiency in Hindi in 1998 and Proficiency in Biology in 2000.
4) Was an active member of a few clubs at school.
5) Participated in the River Rafting camp organized by Ms Bachendri Pal.(1st Indian woman to climb Mt Everest)
6)Participated in the Reiki camps and did Reiki 1st degree certification in 1999.
7)Participated in Students-Scientists Interaction Programme organized by KSCST(Karnataka State Council for Science and Technology), in collegeI am passionate about dancing and had learnt Kathak in school and did some dance courses while working too.
9)Used to write poems in school and had a few articles and poems published too(I am not sure if I still have those magazines with me, as proof though)
Test Scores:
GMAT - Will be taking it soon and am hoping for a score of around 700.
I know based on what I have mentioned my profile doesnt stand out, and to add to my woe, I have been unemployed for a year now-I am in US on H4(dependent visa) with my husband. Couldnt get a H1b in 2008(it was a lottery systemand my appln wasnt picked up in the lottery) and had a year wasted. Am applying for the same this year too, and would be appearing for my GMAT and a few career related certifications in the meanwhile.
I am joining a voulnteer program as a CASA(Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteer. All CASA volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.
I am also planning to tutor adult learners around my area, starting Jan.
I am looking for a 1 year MBA program, to basically put my career on a fastrack.
That's about it. I would really appreciate if you could help me with the following queries:
1) Given my profile, what colleges would be within reach. Will it be realistic aiming for top 8-15 colleges in US?
2) If I pick up a sport now, say Tennis, and teach kids about the game or something similar, would that be a good add on to my profile?
3) What can I do to add on to my profile? I am expecting to get back to work by July this year. Should I get back to work, add on more experience for a year and then give the top B schools a shot(in 2010), or should I apply in 2009?
4) If I apply and dont get through in 2009, would my reapplication be looked upon favaorably, in 2010, by the same B schools?
Since I will not be employed till May, I can take up various activities. I would really appreciate any guidance from you.
Thanks you for your time! Looking forward to your reply.
I cant say that in my many years in this business that I have ever met someone who is a Tiger Conservation group Member. This seems like a great place to start if you have been passionately engaged in the organization. Your GMAT is solid. Your grades are great. Your work experience seems to be differentiable, due to your customer and international experience. While you may not be screaming HBS, you should still be able to compete in the top-8-15.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Hi Jeremy,
Saw your comments on several profiles and hence thought I would post mine as well.
GMAT - 730/5
I am M.Tech (VLSI) from IIT (GPA - 8.9) and have currently 3 years work ex from a reputed semiconductor company.
BTech/BE - 83% (Top 5 in university)
XII - 85%
X - 96% (Top 10 in State)
I am working in a Wireless Company (Non IT) and into Chip Design. I have significantly contributed at my workplace and worked abroad for 8 months (7 months US, 1 month China). I have had exposure to full product cycle and would like to focus on Product marketing. I am now leading a team of 2 and responsible for current design. Interacted and traveled to several customer sites to resolve issues and good relations.
I am looking for all options available to apply for next year.
Other achievements
Wildlife conservationist - Active worker and member of several Wildlife conservation units. Tiger conservation group member. Wildlife photographer. Leading the wildlife campaign at workplace.
Tour organizer - Organizer of all tours at college and at workplace.
Program Coordinator - Coordinator of cultural programs at college.
Gold medalist in academics. Won several awards and scholarships.
Travel to wildlife parks in South India. WWF member and activist.
Please comment on my chances of doing an MBA from a top 10 Bschool from US.
American schools are unlikely to accept someone who has an MBA already. I would shy away from that option. You dont necessarily need to earn an MS either, unless of course you want to and think it will be beneficial to your career. Your best bet is to simply excel at what you do. Professional excellence will always impress.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission
www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
hi this is dipanjan sen and i have a question for jeremy as well as PG seniors in this forum.
profile BTech 6.5 CGPA Mech engg NIT Jalandhar
12th 68% Punjab State Board
10th 86% CBSE
Currently employed in an automobile company.
i have little extra currics to speak of.
now my ULTIMATE GOAL is to get an mba from a top 20 US b-school and since i am from the services background family fortune is not an option. also i am not very pro to the idea of taking a huge educational loan.
now i have two career paths in mind to help me build my profile in terms of suitable work experience required to full advantage of the MBA degree.
1. to do an MS(which is again a bit tough as i dont have any considerable undergraduate research work to show, scoring high in GRE is the only way i guess) then work for some time in the US and then after 4-6 yrs of work ex apply to b school
2. to an mba here in india now. work for some time either here or abroad and gain manegerial work experience and then go for a second mba from a top US college but i have heard that b schools in US schools are not very keen towards granting admission to people who have already done an MBA
so can u please help me out from this situation.