Hi I have 4 year exp in IT industry working as a support subject mater expert and development team lead. I want to switch to finance.
Following are my academic details: 10th - 86 % 12th - 83 % B.E IT - 63 % Recos - Ok Extra Curricular - Average Communication - Good
I have appeared for CFA Level 1 in June 2009, results awaited. I am yet to take GMAT. I am looking at MBA Finance/ MS Finance degrees.
Looking at my less exp and non-finance field and not so great extra-curricular, I am ready to settle for not-the-best college. Also, I have some financial constraints, so I am looking at 1-year courses and at upcoming regions like Asia, Aus/NZ, and Europe (Europe minus UK) since these regions are relatively cheaper compared to US/ Canada/ UK. I will prefer to get into college asap, next fall rather than wait.
I have just started doing feasibility study of colleges, so my current knowledge is poor. Considering three scenarios of me getting GMAT scores of 650/700/750, please guide.
Hi -
Just to clarify, are you asking for recommendations for schools to which you should apply under the three GMAT scenarios? Also, it sounds like your preference is a one year program in Asia, Aus/NZ and Europe? We tend to have more expertise in US 2 year and part-time programs as well as with international programs like INSEAD, IMD, Cambridge, Oxford and LBS.
>>Higher Secondary Certificate (H.S.C.) Grade - 82% >>Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C.) Grade 85.68% >>Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) Electronics Grade - 59.3% >>Advanced Diploma in Computing - 68% >>Just completed :- Diploma in Marketing Management (Distance Learning) Grade 81% >>Currently Pursuing: Diploma in Financial Management (Part Time)
The college grades, especially the B.E are not good. Although that was not the best time of my life. Since the age of 15, I have lived alone with my younger brothers, until I finished my undergrad and left the town for good. I had to handle household work, take care of younger brothers and do a part time job.
Professional Experience :- 9 yrs in Technology consulting. My last job was as a Solution Analyst with a UK based firm in Singapore for 3.5 yrs. Solution Analyst role involves 20% solution designing with the help of the soltuion architect, and remaining time with the sales and marketing team listening to and convincing the clients.
few clients: AHA, Barclays, EDS, ATO, Samsung
Countries visited in professional capacity- Australia, Brazil, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Singapore, UK, US, Taiwan
Since 1.5 yrs I have been helping my father set up a Automatic Stone Crusher business & lay the foundation for wine cultivation by building vineyards in the village. This is still in the process.
Extracurricular Until the age of 23:- >>Spent atleast 2-3 hrs per week at the orphanage teaching them art, craft and music. >> Performed Yoga and volunteered as Yoga trainer for 2 years >> Volunteered in school and college with the standard event organization, cycling competition >> I have spent all vacations with my parents in the village, growing and selling vegetables.
Since the age 24:- >> Continued with yoga, provided guidance to 100's on health care, Meditation. Volunteer work for "Art of Living" >> Regular participation in Charity Marathon/ Walkathon/ Vertical Marathon. Visits to the Old age homes and the Orphanage.
Questions:- 1- Am I too old for full time MBA? 2- I wanted to use my consulting experience and getting in to Strategic Sales & marketing. I am certainly doing MBA to reach a leadership position. At later stage I plan to get into entrepreneurship. 3- What are the right colleges for me? My dream college has always been Wharton, LBS, Kellogg, MIT. Please advise. 4- My GPA is good for all the exams except for engineering which is way below average. However Pune universities are very tough.
Please advise. Many Thanks Manee
Hi Manee,
To answer your question regarding age - In terms of the number of years of work experience you have, you are at the older end of the range and some schools might consider you a better fit for a part-time MBA. With that said, there are some students who are admitted to full time MBA programs with 8-10 (or even more) years of work experience. For the schools in which you are interested, you should check the range of years of work experience in addition to the average number of years of work experience and see where you fall.
If you fall on the upper end of the age range, you could address why you chose to wait to apply to business school and why you feel this is the right time for you to go. Perhaps the professional opportunities before you were such that you were not ready to give them up. In addition, it will also be important to present a clear career vision and explain how an MBA from XYZ school will supplement your existing skills and experience in a way that will help you achieve your professional goals. This is important for all candidates but in the case of older applicants may receive more scrutiny from AdCom.
My name is Nigel Rowe. I am looking to pursue an MBA from the UK for which i had a few queries in mind.
Before asking any questions here's a bit about myself. I have completed my Bachelors Degree In Engineering and i am currently working with Capgemini Consulting India Pvt Ltd (Mumbai). I have been working for the past 30 months.
I have some questions in mind and I would like your opinion on them.
1) After my 1 year of Study i will look forward to work in the UK for atleast a few more years. But in the event that i fail to get a job there, then does the UK MBA degree have value in India? Will i get a good job here? Considering my UK degree and past work experience.
2) I heard the universities don't offer campus placements there. So could you give me the names of some of the reputed organizations there to whom i can plan to apply for a job to once my study is completed?
3) How can i find a part time job there? Do i have to go there and then find one or can i apply from here only before leaving?
4) How is the job situation in the UK? Would i stand a good chance to get a job there after 1 year (say in September 2010)?
5) How is the University of Lincoln and the Roehampton University for an MBA degree?
Well these are few questions i could think of. I'd be grateful if someone could help me out even with a few of these.
Thanks a lot. Cheers.
- Nigel Rowe.
Hi Nigel,
It would be very difficult for me to gauge exactly how "valuable" your degree would be in India. However, as is the case with MBA programs across the globe, some schools in the UK tend to have more international cache then others. LBS and Said would be two examples of UK schools that would likely garner more international attention. You could also take a look at sources like Business Week or the FT which profile international programs.
Regarding your questions about who you should contact for employment both full and part-time, I am not sure that I can properly answer this question as (1) you did not specify the type(s) of job in which you are interested and (2) this would not be our area of expertise. What I can recommend, however, is that you look at the employment profiles for the most recent graduating class for each school in which you are interested. This report would provide information about the types of companies as well as the specific corporations that tend to hire MBAs from each institution.
Unfortunately, it is pretty difficult to say what the job market will look like in 2010. Some experts argue that the worst of the global slowdown is behind us, while others expect a sluggish economy for a few more years.
Yes, I am asking which b schools should i apply with my profile and the three scenarios. u can let me know from the US schools and international programs in international programs like INSEAD, IMD, Cambridge, Oxford and LBS.
It would be very difficult for me to gauge exactly how "valuable" your degree would be in India. However, as is the case with MBA programs across the globe, some schools in the UK tend to have more international cache then others. LBS and Said would be two examples of UK schools that would likely garner more international attention. You could also take a look at sources like Business Week or the FT which profile international programs.
Regarding your questions about who you should contact for employment both full and part-time, I am not sure that I can properly answer this question as (1) you did not specify the type(s) of job in which you are interested and (2) this would not be our area of expertise. What I can recommend, however, is that you look at the employment profiles for the most recent graduating class for each school in which you are interested. This report would provide information about the types of companies as well as the specific corporations that tend to hire MBAs from each institution.
Unfortunately, it is pretty difficult to say what the job market will look like in 2010. Some experts argue that the worst of the global slowdown is behind us, while others expect a sluggish economy for a few more years.
I'll definitely check out the latest batches graduating form the universities i have applied to. That should give me an idea of the employment opportunities and the organizations that recruit MBA graduates.
As far as the part time job goes, well i actually didn't have anything particular in mind when i wrote my first post. I guess anything will do for me, right from say a book-keepers job to perhaps a data entry operator (as an example). I'll need this job to help me pay out my additional living expenses in the UK. I've been searching on the internet for such part time jobs and i have found a few job search sites that have helped me.
I know it is difficult to gauge how the market will turn out in a years time. Its pretty dynamic. I appreciate your advice though. I'll also seek others opinions.
This should suffice for now. If i do have anything else in mind I'll drop in a post.
Dear Erin/Jeremy I am looking for one year MBA (2010) from global good ranking B-School with scholarship offer. My profile is: GMAT: Have to appear soon. B.Tech. (from 'non IIT/ NIT' college): 76% with HONOURS. XII: 79.4% X: 74% Indian IT : 3.1 yrs of work exp in IT-TELECOM SECTOR currently, all working with VERIZON. Extra Curriculars: Starting from my schooling till my job i have done the following: 1. I have played lots of sports till school level have certificates for - Hockey, Handball, Basket ball and athletics. I m also a Painting competition winner and have Quiz certificates. 2. In graduation:- I have been part of Stage committee and organizing committee of college. I have done very well in Athletics - 100meters gold medalist, long jump, triple jump winner. Cricket team - vice captain. 3. In job:- I have played corporate cricket for my company in the city. An active member of social work society. 4. I personally have a passion for writing, I m a freelance writer. I have 4-5 actively running blogs. I write for some websites also. I have a passion for clicking photographs. With all these extracurricular, should I put everything starting from the school till now in my application?? How I need to justify myself for each one of them, do I need references for it?? Leadership Positions: Module Lead in the project, Event Organizer (in college), Cricket team vice-captain, House captain in school. International Exposure: I have been to VERIZON US for 3 months. I have worked in the onshore-offshore work model throughout and been in interaction to US clients. I want to do a 1 year MBA and settle abroad. Could you suggest the B Schools where I have good chances to get scholarship and where I should apply? Which one year B Schools give scholarship to good percentage of students? Thanks for your time and attention.
I am looking for one year MBA (2010) from global good ranking B-School with scholarship offer.
My profile is: GMAT: 730 B.Tech. (from 'non IIT/ NIT' college): 74% XII: 75% X: 84.4%
Indian IT female: 3 yrs of work exp in SAP-BI from Satyam Computer Services. Extra Curriculars: Very Good (Sports, Dance) Leadership Positions: Team Leader(IT), Event Organizer (in college), Choreographer, Secretary and Class representative (in school ) Voluntary Services: Decent Internships: Decent (in Communication area) No International Exposure (though extensively interacted with clients of 15 European countries)
I am looking for a career shift in non finance domain and preferably will come back to India within one year after completion of program. My budget is maximum 30-32 lacs(after taking loans) therefore I have restricted myself to one year MBAs.
Could you suggest the B Schools where I have good chances to get scholarship and where I should apply?Which one/two year B Schools give scholarship to good percentage of students? I can also opt for 2 year MBA program if the expenses are within this budget.
Hi I have 4 year exp in IT industry working as a support subject mater expert and development team lead. I want to switch to finance.
Following are my academic details: 10th - 86 % 12th - 83 % B.E IT - 63 % Recos - Ok Extra Curricular - Average Communication - Good
I have appeared for CFA Level 1 in June 2009, results awaited. I am yet to take GMAT. I am looking at MBA Finance/ MS Finance degrees.
Looking at my less exp and non-finance field and not so great extra-curricular, I am ready to settle for not-the-best college. Also, I have some financial constraints, so I am looking at 1-year courses and at upcoming regions like Asia, Aus/NZ, and Europe (Europe minus UK) since these regions are relatively cheaper compared to US/ Canada/ UK. I will prefer to get into college asap, next fall rather than wait.
I have just started doing feasibility study of colleges, so my current knowledge is poor. Considering three scenarios of me getting GMAT scores of 650/700/750, please guide.
Hi -
Regarding the GMAT scenarios, as you may know, a score of 700 with an 80th percentile in Q/V is the benchmark for success. With that said, a score of 750 or above will not guarantee admission nor is a score of 650 or below insurmountable.
Not having finance experience in and of itself should not be an issue. However, in our recent conversations with Admissions Directors, they have indicated that in this challenging hiring environment "career switchers" should thoroughly explain why they are looking to make a switch and discuss what steps they have taken to familiarize themselves with their targeted industry (speaking with professionals, career shadowing, etc.).
In your case, with average extracurriculars, it will be important for you to demonstrate professional leadership ability and experience. I would also suggest that you speak with your recommenders and discuss your goals as well as the personal strengths that you want them to highlight.
Lastly, it is quite challenging to recommend which programs you should target with the limited information provided ... In addition, it is important to find schools that match your preferences regarding local (urban or college town, large or small class size, lecture or case based teaching). I would recommend that you take a look at the Business Week and FT ranking lists as well as individual school websites to familiarize yourself with some of the programs.
Dear Erin/Jeremy I am looking for one year MBA (2010) from global good ranking B-School with scholarship offer. My profile is: GMAT: Have to appear soon. B.Tech. (from 'non IIT/ NIT' college): 76% with HONOURS. XII: 79.4% X: 74% Indian IT : 3.1 yrs of work exp in IT-TELECOM SECTOR currently, all working with VERIZON. Extra Curriculars: Starting from my schooling till my job i have done the following: 1. I have played lots of sports till school level have certificates for - Hockey, Handball, Basket ball and athletics. I m also a Painting competition winner and have Quiz certificates. 2. In graduation:- I have been part of Stage committee and organizing committee of college. I have done very well in Athletics - 100meters gold medalist, long jump, triple jump winner. Cricket team - vice captain. 3. In job:- I have played corporate cricket for my company in the city. An active member of social work society. 4. I personally have a passion for writing, I m a freelance writer. I have 4-5 actively running blogs. I write for some websites also. I have a passion for clicking photographs. With all these extracurricular, should I put everything starting from the school till now in my application?? How I need to justify myself for each one of them, do I need references for it?? Leadership Positions: Module Lead in the project, Event Organizer (in college), Cricket team vice-captain, House captain in school. International Exposure: I have been to VERIZON US for 3 months. I have worked in the onshore-offshore work model throughout and been in interaction to US clients. I want to do a 1 year MBA and settle abroad. Could you suggest the B Schools where I have good chances to get scholarship and where I should apply? Which one year B Schools give scholarship to good percentage of students? Thanks for your time and attention.
Hi -
As part of the application, most schools will ask you to list (and briefly describe) your extracurricular activities starting with your undergraduate institution. You can include those activities when/where asked. I would not necessarily go back further than that in your history.
You are unlikely to need proof or or justify your activities with references; with that said, most applications will ask for the number of hours and some description of your involvement and the type of organization.
In terms of essays, should you decide to write about any of these extracurriculars, I would focus on the post undergraduate or more recent activities.
Regarding your question about the schools to which you should apply and the likelihood of scholarships, we do not really have expertise or significant experience in helping students with 1 year MBA programs. My apologies....
I am looking for one year MBA (2010) from global good ranking B-School with scholarship offer.
My profile is: GMAT: 730 B.Tech. (from 'non IIT/ NIT' college): 74% XII: 75% X: 84.4%
Indian IT female: 3 yrs of work exp in SAP-BI from Satyam Computer Services. Extra Curriculars: Very Good (Sports, Dance) Leadership Positions: Team Leader(IT), Event Organizer (in college), Choreographer, Secretary and Class representative (in school ) Voluntary Services: Decent Internships: Decent (in Communication area) No International Exposure (though extensively interacted with clients of 15 European countries)
I am looking for a career shift in non finance domain and preferably will come back to India within one year after completion of program. My budget is maximum 30-32 lacs(after taking loans) therefore I have restricted myself to one year MBAs.
Could you suggest the B Schools where I have good chances to get scholarship and where I should apply?Which one/two year B Schools give scholarship to good percentage of students? I can also opt for 2 year MBA program if the expenses are within this budget.
Thanks for your time and attention.
Hi
At MBA Mission, we have more expertise and experience with two-year programs
Regarding, top-tier two-year programs, most schools have a variety of scholarships and grants available for students. Some of these funds are need-based while others are merit-based. In addition, in many cases, applicants are automatically considered for some of these awards when they apply. With that said, there are many tuition awards that require separate applications. I would suggest that you take a look at the Websites for the schools in which you are interested the Financial Aid area(s) should have detailed information about the types of scholarships available.
One other thing I would note from your posting you mentioned that you dont have international exposure but have interacted extensively with many European clients. Dont underestimate this piece of your professional work. International experience does not require travel or living/working abroad. Your interactions with clients from other countries can provide important insights and lessons without ever having left India!
Thanks for all the interesting insights you have shared on this forum. I am planning to apply to top US b-schools and wanted to share my profile with you to get an broad perspective before I finalize my list.
GMAT: 720, AWA: 5.5 Education: BA(H) Economics (from India's elite liberal arts college); MA Economics. Age: 29 Work experience (current): 3.5 Work experience at the time of joining b-school: 4.5 Current company: Big 4 Job function: strategy and economic research Extra cirriculars activity: Average Future career aspiration: (1) consulting or (2) strategy or general management role in industry High School: International school in Japan + I.B. Diploma
Based on my profile can you tell me what are my chances at Wharton, Sloan and Kellog. Any other schools I should look at ?
I am planning to apply for MBA this year. I have a couple of questions:
1) What is considered international exposure by schools? Is it that a person has to be physically present in a different country and only that is considered as international exposure? Or is it so that working in a virtual team, with people from different countries also considered as International exposure? I report to a person of different nationality who sits in a different country and there is continuous interaction on daily basis with him as well as other collegues. Can this balance the fact that I have not physically worked in a different country?
2) What are the career opportunities after doing an MBA in general management? What type of roles will be offered?
Could you suggest me some schools and my chances in the ones I have mentioned. My profile is as below: 1) Basic demographic info:
Age : 25 years Gender Male Nationality : Indian
2) Educational Background:
Completed my Graduation from a Manipal University in 2006 with a Bachelors of Engineering Degree in Electronics and Communication. Had a CGPA of 4.0/4.0 GMAT score : 750 (M:50, V:41) Was associated with a few Clubs during Graduation. Have a couple of Internal Paper presentations during graduation.
3) Work experience:
Working as a Design Engineer in Freescale Semiconductors. Current Work Experience of 3 years with an expected Promotion this year. Have a couple of certificates of Recognition for my work during the past 3 years. Have had regular Interaction with Team Members all over the Globe.
4) Extracurriculars:
Not very strong in this area of the application. Was associated with a few Clubs during graduation with limited role. Not a very active member.
5) Short/Long term goals:
I want to work outside (i.e outside India) for around 3-5 years after my MBA and then come back and settle in India. Not interested in Settling outside India.
6) Schools:
Financing my MBA is a very important criteria for choosing a School. I would prefer to have a 100% scholarship in a top 50 school rather than no scholarship in the Top 20.
I had shortlisted a few schools but will like to know schools among the Top 50 will be good with high scholarship. A few shortlisted schools are:
Ohio State University : Fisher Michigan State University : Board Nanyang Business School Emory Darden Manchester Lanchester
It will be great if you could suggest me some schools which can provide a good scholarship for my profile.
Hi Jeremy,Can u elaborate on the parameters on which Indians Information technology people with workex of 4 years are judged and considered worthy of such aid/student loans/scholarships.On what grounds are the student loans given?Do colleges have tie ups with credit institutions ? Another questions is that as fas as extracurriculars is concerned,are they judged on awards or is participation also given weightage
Hi -
Most MBA programs offer some tuition scholarships or grants based on merit and/or need. By this, I mean funds which would not require repayment. The criteria for such awards differ based on the type of grant -- some are very specific in terms of the backgrounds or interests of eligible individuals, while others are more general.
Regarding loans, most US programs also offer a student loan program. Historically, the schools had relationships with banks to provide these private loans to international students. The credit crisis of 2008 created some problems for the student loan market; however some schools have been working to reinstate these loan programs. With that said, I am not a student loan expert, so I would suggest that you contact the Financial Aid Departments for each of the schools in which you are interested to ask any specific questions you may have.
To address your question about extracurriculars, Admissions Committees are looking for involvement and well as leadership within your service activities. Receiving "awards" is not necessarily important - what counts is showing that, through your involvement, you have been able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Thanks for all the interesting insights you have shared on this forum. I am planning to apply to top US b-schools and wanted to share my profile with you to get an broad perspective before I finalize my list.
GMAT: 720, AWA: 5.5 Education: BA(H) Economics (from India's elite liberal arts college); MA Economics. Age: 29 Work experience (current): 3.5 Work experience at the time of joining b-school: 4.5 Current company: Big 4 Job function: strategy and economic research Extra cirriculars activity: Average Future career aspiration: (1) consulting or (2) strategy or general management role in industry High School: International school in Japan + I.B. Diploma
Based on my profile can you tell me what are my chances at Wharton, Sloan and Kellog. Any other schools I should look at ?
Thanks.
Hi -
Thanks for the inquiry. It sounds like you have a solid academic background and your GMAT score is very respectable as well.
It is hard to gauge your chances at specific schools with such limited information but in terms of things to think about...
Will you be able to show an upward trajectory during your time at "Big 4"? Can you point to specific leadership experiences/skills? You mentioned your extracurricular/community involvement is average - the schools you have listed will be looking for meaningful involvement so this 'could' be a weaker piece of your candidacy.
We always recommend that our clients build a balanced list of schools to which they apply. Along those lines, the three schools you mentioned are top 10 programs, so you could think about adding other programs which tend to be somewhat less competitive to balance our your list.
I am planning to apply for MBA this year. I have a couple of questions:
1) What is considered international exposure by schools? Is it that a person has to be physically present in a different country and only that is considered as international exposure? Or is it so that working in a virtual team, with people from different countries also considered as International exposure? I report to a person of different nationality who sits in a different country and there is continuous interaction on daily basis with him as well as other collegues. Can this balance the fact that I have not physically worked in a different country?
2) What are the career opportunities after doing an MBA in general management? What type of roles will be offered?
Hi -
Great question regarding international exposure -- Your thoughts pertaining to working with individuals from different countries/regions who have different cultural backgrounds are on track. So, no, you do not have to physically work in a foreign country to have international experience. The fact that you report to someone who is of a different nationality and interact daily with a diverse set of colleagues can provide you with equally meaningful international exposure (compared to an individual who relocated abroad for work.)
The career opportunities available to MBA's with a general management major or specialization are diverse as general management skills can be applied in a variety of roles and industries - operations, marketing/brand management, consulting, etc. I don't mean to be vague but truth be told, general management is a very broad field and the skill set can be applied across most professions.
Hey Erin/Jeremy, First of all a big salute to you on behalf of whole India:-).You are really doing a great job.We all really appreciate it and really respect your kind work.Thank You.:cheerio:
My profile is as follows:-
Name-Ankit Age - 22years Sex - Male Nationality - Indian Work experience- 3.5 years finance background(by the time I enroll for MBA in US univ. in 2011)
a> MS Finance, ICFAI University, India. b> Bachelor Of Commerce (Honors) , Calcutta University,India-->(65%) c> CFA ,ICFAI University (Fully Completed:p)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:-
I am Director in our family business of Export and Import.We have our own fully registered private limited company.Before I joined my business,we used to deal only with China.We used to import crockery items,electronic items,spare parts for industrial use,dinner sets and lots of other consumer products from china and also exported Iron ore to China.Since my joining I have taken full responsibility of this division.My job description cover up all functions required for successful management of a business.It consists of slecting the types of products to be imported into the country ,touring 4-5 major chinese cities where manufacturing are primarily carried out,negotiating with the exporters for the payment terms and price of the product,arranging finance through interaction with bank managers,importing the consignment and then the most important part of marketing and selling it not only in our state but across teh whole country.So,have to regularly visit dealers in other cities and even in samll towns for marketing the product and cementing a long term relationship with the dealers for regular sale of our products.We also export iron ore fines to china ,dealing mainly with banks ,shipping companies and big manufacturing companies in China.We have relatively over a short period of time have started selling our consumer products under our own brands. Few months after my joining,I took the initiative of expanding my business.Hence,we reached out to other countries such as Indonesia,Thailand,Malaysia and Banglasdesh.We both import and export agricultural products to these countries.Hence,our company has been dealing with all major East and South East Asian Countries.I feel proud to say that our company is one of the biggest importer and exporter in East India.I also have good experience of interacting and dealing with international customers and managing cordial professional relationship with them. Thus,I lead and am responsible right from importing goods to financing through banks to distributing and marketing them under our brand name.Same thing applies for the exporting goods.Since I am from finance background,I personally use my skills to hedge our company from the current extremely volatile exchange rate market since our business is greatly effected by it.Thus,have to track the past and prospective deviations in exchange rate market too, so as to hedge the company transactions from its adverse effect as much as possible.
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:-
AM VOLUNTEER,LIFE TERM MEMBER AND ACTIVELY ASSOCAITED WITH RED CROSS INDIA.
VOLUNTEER AT MOTHER TERESA'S MISSIONARY OF CHARITY.I REGULARLY VISIT THE PLACE AND MEET OLD AND AGED PEOPLE.OCCASSIONALY I PROVIDE THEM WITH MEDICINES & CLOTHES,SPECIALLY DURING WINTER.ALSO ON SPECIAL OCCASSIONS SUCH AS FESTIVALS, I TAKE THE INITIATIVE OF FREE LUNCH TO THEM.
HAVE TAKEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BEARING FULL EDUCATION EXPENSES OF A GIRL STUDYING IN A NGO IN RAJASTHAN,INDIA TILL SHE COMPLETES HER SCHOOL.
DONATED GENEROUSLY TO CHINA'S EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND IN 2005(DONT REM. EXACT YR).ALSO RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE FROM FOREIGN MINISTER OF CHINA.
AM VERY FOND OF PLAYING PIANO AND PAINTING RIGHT FROM AGE 5.I ALSO PROVIDE DRAWING CLASSES ONLY ON SUNDAYS TO NEIGHBOURHOOD CHILDREN.
I LOVE ADVENTURE .HAVE WENT TO BHUTAN & GANGTOK FOR TREKKING AND TO DARJEELIG FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING.
Sir,i think I have given you a short summary of my background.I am only interested in 2 ye full time MBA from US specialising in finance.I will be highly obliged if you could answer my following query.
Q1>I am the Director and my father is the Managing Director of our Company.Since,he is a family member,ADCOM will not prefer his recommendations.I really dont know whom to ask for recommendations as I dont have any external boss or supervisor.If you were in ADCOM,who would you be looking to write recommendation for a candidate like me?
Q2>I have completed Indian CFA from ICFAI UNIVERSITY.How do you and probably ADCOM of american universities view it.Will INDIAN CFA along with MS Finance and B.COM (Honors) helpful in my application review?
Q3> I got 65% in B.Com,Calcutta University.In this university,beleive me,it is considered a really good score.The topper scored around 71% But if you convert it in GPA term,it comes to approx.2.5 which is very poor.But it is then not reflective of my actual achievement.So please advice what should I do??Should I cover this point in any additional essay or should I leave it for the US university to convert as my univ. does not convert any score into GPA.Moreover,in my official under graduation marksheet I have been awarded Grade-1,the max. that my univ can offer .Please advice.
Q4>I completed my Indian Cfa along with my graduation as at that time I had the univ. had this rule.So I earned CFA early in my life .Also joined the business and excelled in it at management level.But at the time of application i.e, next yr my age eill be 23.Do u think my young age irrespective of my achievements be a drawback?
Q5>Sir,if you were to point out weaknesses in my profile on which I should capitalise in order to strengthen my profile,then what will they be??
Q6>Lastly Sir,will be very thankful to you if you could list out Universities from TOP US 20 that according to you may be "STRETCH" and "REACH" for me. Any further suggestion will be highly appreciated. Words are not enough to praise your kind work.I can selflessly say that even I cannot do what you are doing here.Keep up the good work. Sir,whenever you are free,please respond to my query.Looking forward to your reply.
Yours Sincerely, Ankit:p
Hi Ankit
Sounds like you have quite the interesting professional background! You have also a lot of questions 😛 I will try to answer them in order asked
1) Regarding your recommendations might you consider asking a peer and/or colleague from the company to serve as a recommender? You could also consider asking an executive from one of your customers, manufacturers, shipping companies or finance groups/banks to serve as a recommender. You can also use the Optional Essay question to discuss and explain your situation regarding why you chose those recommenders 2) Regarding your educational background, the Admissions Committee(s) have familiarity with schools across the globe. It is not necessary to have post-graduate degrees but this will certainly not hurt your application. Further, your strong marks will show that you are capable of handling the academic rigor of an MBA program. 3) The Admissions Committee(s) will do their best to convert grading systems and this is something they are very familiar with with that said, you might consider calling the schools in which you are interested and asking them about your situation. Further, if you feel strongly that you would like to explain further, this is also something you could consider explaining in the Optional Essay. 4) Regarding your age I am a bit confused on this as it sounds as though you finished your schooling at quite a young age but have 3.5 years of professional experience. With that said, some schools tend to prefer students with more years of experience (and thus a bit older) while other programs have begun to favor younger students. Almost categorically, there are no strict rules regarding age and # of years experience.
5) And 6)
Based on the limited information provided, it sounds as though you have a compelling academic and professional background as well as interesting community service involvement. We always recommend that our clients build a balanced list of schools to which they apply.