Hi
I recently got over with my GMAT and scored 750 ( 41V, 50Q, AWA-5.5).
Work-experience : 2 years (in an engineering consultancy)
GPA : 8.72/10 (B.E. in Electrical from a top ten engineering college)
Extra-curriculars : decent
I have few queries. Please provide some guidance..
1) I was going through a pagalguy forum when I read this:
In order to show an aptitude for management studies, you might want to consider taking an accounting, economics or corporate finance class. It is quite important that you get As in these courses to show not only that you have the aptitude but also that you have matured and take your academics quite seriously. This will enable you to make a strong statement about your competency for the coming studies.
What do you think..will taking an additional course help my application? If yes, what subject should i go for?
In addition, the post says - While you may not be able to control the end dates of the class, you will have to try to have these classes completed before the essay questions are released and August at the latest..which means I am left with just one and a half month. Please suggest whether I should go for something like this.
2) Will it be a good idea to hire an admissions consultant or should i work entirely on my own. I am planning to apply to few schools in the US in addition to NUS, NTU and ISB but can't decide which US univs i should apply to. A consultant might do me some help but he might be a wastage of time and money, at the same time. What's your opinion on this?
3) I am actively involved with the Toastmasters club in my office and am doing some good leadership and team roles with the club. I am involved in community service as well.
Now, I am planning to start a book club at my office and regularly host book discussions - to show that i took an initiative and led some activity that i had passion for (selfish motives 😃 ). How good does the idea sound? Will it be worth the effort vis-a-vis taking up an accounting/corporate finance course i mentioned above?
I understand that the two things are entirely different..just want you to weigh the options for me and suggest which one will help me more with regards to improving my profile.
Eagerly awaiting your response..
Hi Erin,
I am planning to apply to some top schools like LBS, Kelloggs etc. I need help to understand how my profile stands up against my peer competetion. Could you please evaluate my profile?
Age: 26
Sex: Male
Race: Indian
Academic backgroundwork experience
- Came second in high school among 400 students and and fifth in my state.
- graduated with distinction from a top ten engineering college with a computer science major.
- GMAT: 730 (Q49, V42)
1. Started my career with the best I-bank in business. After 1.5 years with the firm, I left it to work at a technology firm specialising in data warehousing tools. After about 1 year at that firm, I moved back to my original firm where I was offered a much better profile.
2. 2.5 years into my career, I was entruted with the responsibility of setting up a team of 5 with an outsourced vendor(Infosys) to work on a multi-year project to build a back office processing architecture.
3. I currently have 4 years of experience and am leading a team of 5 (incl 3 from Infosys) on delivering the above project.
4. Responsible for project management, resourcing, prioritization, and delivery
Recommendations - I am pretty sure I would get good recommendations.
Leadership role (at work) - yes
International exposure
1. Underwent the prestigious training program at my company's office in NY for 3 months.
2. Worked with a team of 5, which included a Pakistani, 1 Russian, 1 British and a Indian on building a Bond trading platform
3. Worked with an all Japanese team for 3 months in Tokyo on a critical project.
Extra-curricularIt would be great if you could point out the gaps in my profile.
- With leadership role(Community service) - Mobilised a team of volunteers from the firm to help CUPA build an animal shelter,
- gathered volunteers and raised resources to re-paint animal shelters at CUPA
- Founded a book review club during the time I worked at a data warehousing company which remains active todate..
- I am love travelling, especially trekking - I climbed to the top of Mt Fuji solo while I was in Japan, i have trekked around various places in Karnataka, Kerala. Planning a trip to Leh/Ladakh.
- Currently organising an Inter-office relay run to select 5 runners to represent the company in a marathon.
Thank you so much for all the help you have been providing potential applicants like me.
Regards
Hi -
Based on the information you provided, I don't think there seem to be many major gaps or anything that is noticeably lacking from your profile. You have strong academic and GMAT scores and appear to have interesting work experience with demonstrated leadership ability and international exposure. In addition, you also can point to involvement and leadership in the community.
Your challenge will be to creatively distinguish yourself from others who may have a similar demographic and professional background to your own. Telling your story in a way that highlights how you are different is always important! In addition, do make sure that your recommenders are prepared to write about the characteristics and strengths you want them to highlight. Sitting down with them to discuss why you would like to study for an MBA, the schools to which you are applying and why is helpful. You can also provide them with copies of your essays/resume.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Home
Blog: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Blog
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Hi Erin,
Thanks for a quick reply.
I definitely can improve my score and cross the 700 benchmark. Considering my profile, matched up with 700GMAT, what schools do you recommend? Please recommend some US schools as am having little hard time evaluating myself when it comes to US schools.
Thanks,
...kam
Hi -
In terms of figuring out the best schools for you, I would suggest thinking about your priorities regarding location (urban or rural), class size (300 or 900? or somewhere in the middle?, teaching method (lecture or case?) as well as any additional programs that may interest you (you mentioned the dual degree at MIT). This is a personal decision and collecting your thoughts on these types of issues will help direct you to the types of programs to which you might consider applying.
A score of 700 or above on the GMAT will help your application for all top tier programs in the US.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Home
Blog: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Blog
MBA Mission Insiders Guides: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Store
Free Consultation: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Free Consultation
Hi
I recently got over with my GMAT and scored 750 ( 41V, 50Q, AWA-5.5).
Work-experience : 2 years (in an engineering consultancy)
GPA : 8.72/10 (B.E. in Electrical from a top ten engineering college)
Extra-curriculars : decent
I have few queries. Please provide some guidance..
1) I was going through a pagalguy forum when I read this:
In order to show an aptitude for management studies, you might want to consider taking an accounting, economics or corporate finance class. It is quite important that you get As in these courses to show not only that you have the aptitude but also that you have matured and take your academics quite seriously. This will enable you to make a strong statement about your competency for the coming studies.
What do you think..will taking an additional course help my application? If yes, what subject should i go for?
In addition, the post says - While you may not be able to control the end dates of the class, you will have to try to have these classes completed before the essay questions are released and August at the latest..which means I am left with just one and a half month. Please suggest whether I should go for something like this.
2) Will it be a good idea to hire an admissions consultant or should i work entirely on my own. I am planning to apply to few schools in the US in addition to NUS, NTU and ISB but can't decide which US univs i should apply to. A consultant might do me some help but he might be a wastage of time and money, at the same time. What's your opinion on this?
3) I am actively involved with the Toastmasters club in my office and am doing some good leadership and team roles with the club. I am involved in community service as well.
Now, I am planning to start a book club at my office and regularly host book discussions - to show that i took an initiative and led some activity that i had passion for (selfish motives 😃 ). How good does the idea sound? Will it be worth the effort vis-a-vis taking up an accounting/corporate finance course i mentioned above?
I understand that the two things are entirely different..just want you to weigh the options for me and suggest which one will help me more with regards to improving my profile.
Eagerly awaiting your response..
Hi -
Given your strong score on the GMAT as well as what seems to be a solid academic record, the posting regarding taking additional classes might not be applicable to you. We tend to recommend this for students who are looking to overcome weak grades or GMAT scores and for those who have not had much previous exposure to quantitative coursework. Of course, taking a class will never hurt, but in your case, it sounds as though taking up the book club you mentioned and/or getting involved in other community service activities, particularly those where you might be able to gain further leadership experience, would be more beneficial to your candidacy.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Home
Blog: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Blog
MBA Mission Insiders Guides: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Store
Free Consultation: mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting Free Consultation
Hi Erin,
I have gone through this thread and really appreciate the guidance which you are providing us. Please help me also with your feedback.
I am 23 years old and took my GMAT last week and got a 720 ( Q 50, V 37 ) with an AWA score of 4. I am an Indian Electrical & Electronics engineer with CPA 7.15/10 from NIT Trichy (Top 10 -15 college in India ) as a Test Engineer with 23 months of experience (as of today) in the Technological division of the credit card business of a multi national bank.
I have certain e mails and certificates from my team members and leads in my company appreciating me for my dedication and hard work. I have also been congratulated for being a coordinator of various activities in the company.
I plan to apply in the Fall 2010 Season.
Please find the rest of my profile below.
Academics:
Class XII: 91%
Class X: 93%
Won 201 All India Rank in National Science Olympiad in 2003
My extra Curriculars are:
1. Participated in the 2009 Bangalore Marathon
2. Member of the CSR initiative of my company which took various initiatives
3. Was an executive member of NIT, Trichy for CRY (Child Rights and You, An NGO) from 2006-2007
4.Participated in an All India Engineering colleges survey which was published as a book. Wrote an article in that regarding Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
5. Member of public relations committee in an inter college festival
6. I love reading and have helped in updating the company library. I also like meditating (Alpha Mind Power Meditation). I have attended a one day workshop for it for which I have a certificate.
I am aiming for the US B schools ranked between 10-30 like the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and the University of Texas Austin. I am also targetting asian schools like NUS and NTU.
Kindly evaluate my profile and please provide suggestions.
Also advise whether an AWA rating of 4 in GMAT would affect my chances of admission in the top schools.
Following is my profile - -
Age- 29
Indian Male
Academic
Xth -92.71 (stood 14th in merit in my university/board)
Xth 84.33
BE Mechanical 60.12 (average of 4 years)
GMAT 650 - Verbal 31(61%) and Quant 48(86%)
AWA 3.5
Work Ex
7.5 yrs with two top notch Automotive OEMs in India.
Exposure in diverse fields such as - Part & Vendor Development, Warranty analysis, Quality Systems, Shop floor audits(Engine, Paint, Weld and Press shops),Mass Inspection, Exporting of Automobiles, Functioning of Ports & PDI Centres etc.
Worked with Japenese at work place.
Currently Dy Manager and In Charge of Quality Assurance related activities at 2 ports Exporting Automobiles all over the world.(More than 1 lac vehs per annum)
Personal life
Completely self made personality.
Rise from lower middle class back ground.
All in all a great success considering the back ground but still a long way to go in life and dwarf in front of the SMARTests !!
Extracurricular
*A good poet.Has composed around 30+ good poems in my mothertongue and plans to lauch a stage prograppme for the same.(Won a district level portry contest)
* Plays Tabla (passed 2 exams conducted by an Indian university)
My Questions -
1) what are my chances at Harvard,Stanford,Insead
2) which 5 colleges will you refer considering my profile ?
Thanks Our generation is really lucky to get access to everything on the earth!!!
Hi Erin
My profile is as follows
(Canadian Permanent Resident)
710 gmat
2 yrs Work Ex by fall 2010( Switched Industries and both years in Canada)
Decent Extra Curriculars
Undergrad PEC Chandigarh India(53% ) one of the most prestigious engineering institutes in India
Applied to 3 schools for fall 2009- which proved to be a killer season- and was dinged by all.
What do you reckon my odds of acceptance are(going purely by numbers ) for the following schools.
1.Tepper school of business( received an email from school encouraging me to apply and school waived my application fee)
2.Notre Dame MBA (mendoza)Re-applying( received an email from school encouraging me to apply and school waived my application fee)
3. Simon Rochester School of Business. ( received an email from school encouraging me to apply and school waived my application fee)
Want to work as a consultant for some of the financial giants but wrote a compelling Career goal essay last yr for B school applications on how Operations Management was my calling.I have manufacturing background and currently working at a small manufacturing firm( does that matter) Hence concluded that operations management sounds more logical than expressing a desire to make a career switch to finance/consulting/i banking/strategy and thus sound like someone who is just trying to ride the wave.
Please bear in mind that I do intend to get into operations management if things dont workout for me in the fnancial sector post my MBA.TO put it simply a career in Operations management is my contingency plan
I am giving the CFA level 1 this year (dec 2009) to demonstrate to the adcoms that i am capable of undertaking the rigorous course - work at these schools and also to address their concerns about my undergrad GPA.
Will clearing the CFA help to distinguish my candidacy
If I appeared for the CFA and still kept my career goals essay from last years APPLICATIONS(minor tweaking would ofcourse be involved to include recent accomplishments) expressing my interest in operations management Post my MBA ........would the admissions committee interpret it as me being Disingenuous and thus reject my application.
OR
Could they see it as an endeavour I have undertaken to illustrate to them my mental acuity to undertake coursework at these schools and mitigate my GPA as well as compensate for any weak componenets of my application.
Thanks in advance
AM
Hi Erin,
I have gone through this thread and really appreciate the guidance which you are providing us. Please help me also with your feedback.
I am 23 years old and took my GMAT last week and got a 720 ( Q 50, V 37 ) with an AWA score of 4. I am an Indian Electrical & Electronics engineer with CPA 7.15/10 from NIT Trichy (Top 10 -15 college in India ) as a Test Engineer with 23 months of experience (as of today) in the Technological division of the credit card business of a multi national bank.
I have certain e mails and certificates from my team members and leads in my company appreciating me for my dedication and hard work. I have also been congratulated for being a coordinator of various activities in the company.
I plan to apply in the Fall 2010 Season.
Please find the rest of my profile below.
Academics:
Class XII: 91%
Class X: 93%
Won 201 All India Rank in National Science Olympiad in 2003
My extra Curriculars are:
1. Participated in the 2009 Bangalore Marathon
2. Member of the CSR initiative of my company which took various initiatives
3. Was an executive member of NIT, Trichy for CRY (Child Rights and You, An NGO) from 2006-2007
4.Participated in an All India Engineering colleges survey which was published as a book. Wrote an article in that regarding Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
5. Member of public relations committee in an inter college festival
6. I love reading and have helped in updating the company library. I also like meditating (Alpha Mind Power Meditation). I have attended a one day workshop for it for which I have a certificate.
I am aiming for the US B schools ranked between 10-30 like the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and the University of Texas Austin. I am also targetting asian schools like NUS and NTU.
Kindly evaluate my profile and please provide suggestions.
Also advise whether an AWA rating of 4 in GMAT would affect my chances of admission in the top schools.
Hi -
It sounds like you have solid academics, GMAT scores and extracurriculars. Your challenge will be to distinguish yourself from other candidates with similar backgrounds to your own by highlighting the unique aspects of your profile (i.e. the CSR initiative and Trichy for CRY) as well as your professional leadership ability and skills through your essays. With strong essays and the solid GMAT score, this will help to offset the weaker AWA score.
The list of schools you provided seem reasonable - we always recommend the clients apply to a well balanced selection of programs.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
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Following is my profile - -
Age- 29
Indian Male
Academic
Xth -92.71 (stood 14th in merit in my university/board)
Xth 84.33
BE Mechanical 60.12 (average of 4 years)
GMAT 650 - Verbal 31(61%) and Quant 48(86%)
AWA 3.5
Work Ex
7.5 yrs with two top notch Automotive OEMs in India.
Exposure in diverse fields such as - Part & Vendor Development, Warranty analysis, Quality Systems, Shop floor audits(Engine, Paint, Weld and Press shops),Mass Inspection, Exporting of Automobiles, Functioning of Ports & PDI Centres etc.
Worked with Japenese at work place.
Currently Dy Manager and In Charge of Quality Assurance related activities at 2 ports Exporting Automobiles all over the world.(More than 1 lac vehs per annum)
Personal life
Completely self made personality.
Rise from lower middle class back ground.
All in all a great success considering the back ground but still a long way to go in life and dwarf in front of the SMARTests !!
Extracurricular
*A good poet.Has composed around 30+ good poems in my mothertongue and plans to lauch a stage prograppme for the same.(Won a district level portry contest)
* Plays Tabla (passed 2 exams conducted by an Indian university)
My Questions -
1) what are my chances at Harvard,Stanford,Insead
2) which 5 colleges will you refer considering my profile ?
Thanks Our generation is really lucky to get access to everything on the earth!!!
Hello -
Sounds as though you have some interesting professional experience and you must be quite the poet!
Regarding your question about HBS and Stanford, while your academic marks are strong, your GMAT score will likely be a hurdle for those programs...have you taken the test more than once? Might you consider retaking the test? In addition, with 8+ years of experience by Fall 2010, you will pushing the upward edge of the age profile for these programs. INSEAD's average age/years work experience is a bit higher, but you still may want to consider trying to retake the GMAT to strengthen your profile (if you believe you can improve your score).
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
MBA Mission Essay Analysis
As schools release their essay questions, we offer tips on how to approach each question. Here's the analysis for Dartmouth University (Tuck):
Dartmouth University (Tuck) Essay Analysis, 2009-2010
July 24th, 2009 | Posted in MBA Essay Analysis, Blogroll
After connecting with the Tuck admissions office, we can confirm that their essays will not change this year. Our essay analysis follows
1. Why is an MBA a critical next step toward your short- and long-term career goals? Why is Tuck the best MBA program for you? (If you are applying for a joint or dual degree, please explain how the additional degree will contribute to those goals.)
Because Personal Statements are similar from one application to the next, we have produced the "MBA Mission Personal Statement Guide." We offer this guide to candidates free of charge, via our online store. Please feel free to download your copy today.
For additional information on the Tuck experience, please consult the MBA Mission Insider's Guide series.
2. Tuck defines leadership as "inspiring others to strive and enabling them to accomplish great things." We believe great things and great leadership can be accomplished in pursuit of business and societal goals. Describe a time when you exercised such leadership. Discuss the challenges you faced and the results you achieved. What characteristics helped you to be effective, and what areas do you feel you need to develop in order to be a better leader?
Tuck puts its own spin on leadership in that it asks for a time when you not only led, but "inspired." Further, Tuck adds to this question, which in essence appeared last year, by asking you to identify an example where you had broader "business and societal goals" in mind. So, you may be concerned that you need to discuss a very specific experience, but you should keep in mind that virtually any successful leadership experience satisfies these demands.
Inspiration need not be found only in rousing speeches. It is entirely possible to inspire others through action, creative thought, persistence, etc. So, as long as you were leading others and they were motivated to follow, you have inspired. What is most important is that you capture how you inspired others and show evidence that they were indeed inspired.
With respect to "business and societal goals," most accomplishments have broad implications. If you helped a firm sustain itself or grow, then it serves both the firm and society. Candidates need not be concerned that they must address a social issue directly; your actions can have indirect benefits - benefits that will require creativity to express.
3. Discuss the most difficult constructive criticism or feedback you have received. How did you address it? What have you learned from it?
As you consider the criticism that you have received, you should be cautious and ensure that you are not inadvertently displaying behavior that is inconsistent with Tuck's values. An embellished example of what not to do follows: "My boss criticized my laziness." By displaying laziness, you are undermining your candidacy, because Tuck tries to recruit highly motivated students. Another misguided approach would be to offer a false critique - a negative that is actually a positive: "My boss told me that I work too hard and need to relax and take a vacation; it was hard to hear that" These answers are transparent and only annoy the Admissions Committees.
When dealing with a critique of your abilities or character, it is important to approach the matter at hand in a straightforward way. The emphasis should be on accepting and remedying the problem. Clearly, with the word "constructive" in the question, you are asked to identify a time when someone took care and sought to help you improve; you need to show that you responded with the effort and thought necessary to "correct" the problem.
4. Tuck seeks candidates of various backgrounds who can bring new perspectives to our community. How will your unique personal history, values, and/or life experiences contribute to the culture at Tuck?
Essay four is quite broad; within "personal history, values, and/or life experiences," there is a great deal of range. So, it is permissible for you to develop one or two significant themes, drawing from your life experiences, and then relate them back to the Tuck experience. This is an opportunity for you not only to display your unique attributes but also to thoughtfully and subtly imply just how well you know the school. By showing true awareness of your connection with Tuck, you will complete the essay portion of your application on a very compelling note.
hi jeremy...
i have certain doubts in my mind and it wil be really great if u will help me out..i am doin my graduation from delhi university and my course is b.com(hons)..i hav completed my 2 nd year...i wanted to g.m.a.t but before dat i hav certain doubts regarding universities and work experience required??/..
is work experience mandatory for universities in uk???coz i no in us it required dat a student shuld hav atleast worked for 2 years...
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for sharing your valuable time in guide MBA aspirants.First of all I am extremely sorry for such long post.
I am looking forward to do MBA in Marketing (some electives in entrepreneurship) from European colleges.
Reasons for European B Schools:1 year programs plus Post MBA goal to move into Hospitality and Tourism Sector.
I personally feel that Europe will provide me many more opportunities for post MBA placement in T&H; industry compared to opportunities provided by US MBA courses.
I will request you to help me in selection of European B schools taking my post MBA goals into consideration.
My Profile:
Age: 28
GMAT: 660 (Q 50 ,V 29,Awaiting AWA score)- This was second attempt, first attempt was close to 2 years back and I scored 620 in it with 4.5 AWA
Degree:B.Tech (Information Technology) from non IIT/NIT's
Score : 75% (Not sure for GPA conversion)
Experience: 5 Years exp (Will be close to 6 years by Sep 2010) at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Duration of different Roles Played:
1. Innovation Lab - Telecom (As a Business Analyst) (India) - 2 years
2. Business Development for Enterprise Innovation Lab (UK)- 2 years
3. Presales for European Equipment Vendor customer (India) - 0.5 years
4. Innovation Lab - Telecom (As Developer) - 0.5 years
Details of role played:
- Started Telecom Innovation Lab for TCS in Chennai, India
- Started Enterprise Innovation Lab for TCS in UK
- Relationship Building with key European customers/alliance partners of TCS
- Business Case creation for new telecom services such as Unified Communication, Virtual IT,Next Gen Mobile Payment,Virtual Value Add Service,Innovative Mobile Advertisement based Solutions
- Promoted Telecom as Horizontal Model by sharing Innovative Telecom offerings to other domains such as Insurance and Retail to create niche innovative offerings in respective domains.
- Have been working closely with Emerging Technologies such as Web2.0 and creating customer driven prototypes and GTM strategies.
- Experience in starting Strategic Growth Engines such as Innovation Lab (Started 2 labs - one in Chennai and second in UK)
I wish to do MBA in Marketing and want to move out of IT.
Post MBA- Short term goals:Move into Hospitality Sector using my marketing degree.
Post MBA - Long term goals:Start my own tour company in India promoting Rural Tourism.Also, the business model of this company will be such that it favours establishment of another company that will focus on improvement of living condition of rural people by providing opportunities/trainings to do work as local guide etc,thus,providing them with additional source of money.
Colleges I selected but would like to take your feedback:
1. INSEAD : entrepreneurship focus,Alumni network,Many Alumni present in tourism and hospitality sector so help in terms of business knowledge.
My concern: Low GMAT.
2. HEC: Luxury Brand focus so will help in gaining insight to market exclusive niche products.
3. Essec MBA full time (Not MBA in Hospitality Management) - Not looking for Hospitality management as it is 2 years course plus I dont have background in Hospitality Industry so plan to enter the industry using my marketing degree.
4. IMD,Switzerland
Looking forward to hear your evaluation of my profile. Also, your recommendation for colleges that will help me move into Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
Thanks and Regards,
Abhishek Seth
Hi Jeremy, Thanks for your help!
hi jeremy...
i have certain doubts in my mind and it wil be really great if u will help me out..i am doin my graduation from delhi university and my course is b.com(hons)..i hav completed my 2 nd year...i wanted to g.m.a.t but before dat i hav certain doubts regarding universities and work experience required??/..
is work experience mandatory for universities in uk???coz i no in us it required dat a student shuld hav atleast worked for 2 years...
Hi - most students at top business school programs in both the US and UK have some prior work experience, but there are some exceptions. In addition, some schools will accept students out of university, contingent on them completing two years of professional work before they begin MBA coursework.
If you look at the class profiles for these highly ranked programs across the globe, you will see that the average years work experience ranges from 3-5+ depending on the school. You can always still take the GMAT while you are in school as the score is good for five years.
I hope this helps,
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for sharing your valuable time in guide MBA aspirants.First of all I am extremely sorry for such long post.
I am looking forward to do MBA in Marketing (some electives in entrepreneurship) from European colleges.
Reasons for European B Schools:1 year programs plus Post MBA goal to move into Hospitality and Tourism Sector.
I personally feel that Europe will provide me many more opportunities for post MBA placement in T&H; industry compared to opportunities provided by US MBA courses.
I will request you to help me in selection of European B schools taking my post MBA goals into consideration.
My Profile:
Age: 28
GMAT: 660 (Q 50 ,V 29,Awaiting AWA score)- This was second attempt, first attempt was close to 2 years back and I scored 620 in it with 4.5 AWA
Degree:B.Tech (Information Technology) from non IIT/NIT's
Score : 75% (Not sure for GPA conversion)
Experience: 5 Years exp (Will be close to 6 years by Sep 2010) at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Duration of different Roles Played:
1. Innovation Lab - Telecom (As a Business Analyst) (India) - 2 years
2. Business Development for Enterprise Innovation Lab (UK)- 2 years
3. Presales for European Equipment Vendor customer (India) - 0.5 years
4. Innovation Lab - Telecom (As Developer) - 0.5 years
Details of role played:Post MBA:
- Started Telecom Innovation Lab for TCS in Chennai, India
- Started Enterprise Innovation Lab for TCS in UK
- Relationship Building with key European customers/alliance partners of TCS
- Business Case creation for new telecom services such as Unified Communication, Virtual IT,Next Gen Mobile Payment,Virtual Value Add Service,Innovative Mobile Advertisement based Solutions
- Promoted Telecom as Horizontal Model by sharing Innovative Telecom offerings to other domains such as Insurance and Retail to create niche innovative offerings in respective domains.
- Have been working closely with Emerging Technologies such as Web2.0 and creating customer driven prototypes and GTM strategies.
- Experience in starting Strategic Growth Engines such as Innovation Lab (Started 2 labs - one in Chennai and second in UK)
I wish to do MBA in Marketing and want to move out of IT.
Post MBA- Short term goals:Move into Hospitality Sector using my marketing degree.
Post MBA - Long term goals:Start my own tour company in India promoting Rural Tourism.Also, the business model of this company will be such that it favours establishment of another company that will focus on improvement of living condition of rural people by providing opportunities/trainings to do work as local guide etc,thus,providing them with additional source of money.
Colleges I selected but would like to take your feedback:
1. INSEAD : entrepreneurship focus,Alumni network,Many Alumni present in tourism and hospitality sector so help in terms of business knowledge.
My concern: Low GMAT.
2. HEC: Luxury Brand focus so will help in gaining insight to market exclusive niche products.
3. Essec MBA full time (Not MBA in Hospitality Management) - Not looking for Hospitality management as it is 2 years course plus I dont have background in Hospitality Industry so plan to enter the industry using my marketing degree.
4. IMD,Switzerland
Looking forward to hear your evaluation of my profile. Also, your recommendation for colleges that will help me move into Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
Thanks and Regards,
Abhishek Seth
Hi -
Your career vision sounds interesting! During my time in business school, I travelled to India and we visited the rural hometown of one of my classmates - it was an amazing experience.
Regarding your questions about other European programs that will help you move into tourism, this is difficult for me to answer as we tend to have more familiarity with the 2-year programs in the US. With that said, you are correct in that your GMAT score is a bit low for INSEAD and IMD. We always recommend that our clients apply to a balanced list of schools - some which may be considered stretch programs and others which are more realistic. I would also suggest reaching out to current students and alumni from these target programs to hear about their experiences in school as it relates to their work in hospitality/tourism.
My apologies for not being able to provide much more insight but this is not our area of expertise.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
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Hi Jeremy,
Thanks in advance for your help!
My profile-
Education: Masters in Management (Marketing Splz)
WE: 10 years
GMAT- 710
Job profile: have been working in the field of sales and marketing support, qualitative secondary research, competitive intelligence
Post MBA goals: Marketing Strategy, Consulting role
I have applied and secured admissions in
1) Henley Management College, UK (secured,Tuition+Living-~53K USD)
2) St. Gallen, Switzerland (secured,Tuition+Living-~60K USD)
3) Amsterdam Business School, Netherlands (secured,Tuition+Living-~40K USD)
4) Michael Smurfit Business School, Ireland (secured,Tuition+Living-~40K USD)
5) Warwick (application pending, Tuition+Living-~53K USD)
I have provided the investment cost as I am also concerned about ROI for the above schools.
My questions:
Which one of the above is the best in terms of education and post-MBA prospects considering my post-MBA goals? Is it better to do MBA in UK/Ireland as I know only English and no other foreign language?
Thanks !
Hi -
Thanks for the inquiry. We tend to have more experience/expertise with 2 year US programs as well as some international programs like INSEAD, LBS, etc. With that said, it is quite difficult to calculate the ROI for any school as it is a lifetime investment. Regarding the language issue, I would suggest contacting each school's admission office to discuss this with them. Presumably, they know your language abilities from your application, but reaching out to ask for their thoughts could be helpful.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
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Thanks Jeremy for your feedback. I am confident about INSEAD as I have read of many entrepreneurs in hospitality industry coming out of INSEAD. My source has been Dare magazine. For IMD,it is bit tricky because not many companies in hospitality sector come. My interest was just because Swiss Hospitality/Tourism market is mature so experience in the geography would have helped. Will try to speak to Alumni's for more details.
Thanks,
Abhishek
Hi -
Your career vision sounds interesting! During my time in business school, I travelled to India and we visited the rural hometown of one of my classmates - it was an amazing experience.
Regarding your questions about other European programs that will help you move into tourism, this is difficult for me to answer as we tend to have more familiarity with the 2-year programs in the US. With that said, you are correct in that your GMAT score is a bit low for INSEAD and IMD. We always recommend that our clients apply to a balanced list of schools - some which may be considered stretch programs and others which are more realistic. I would also suggest reaching out to current students and alumni from these target programs to hear about their experiences in school as it relates to their work in hospitality/tourism.
My apologies for not being able to provide much more insight but this is not our area of expertise.
Regards,
Erin
Erin Schuhmacher, MBA
Senior Consultant
Our Mission is Your Mission
mbaMission
mbaMission - Boutique MBA Admissions Consulting | Home
646-485-8844
Skype: MBA Mission
Read the mbaMission Insider's Guides (8 individual school titles)
Visit the mbaMission Blog
Follow mbaMission on Twitter
Hi Jeremy,
First of all, thanks in advance, you are really doing a great job helping out prospective MBA students with thier application related queries.
I am also planning to apply to b-schools this year, my profile is as below:
Education: engineering from IIT, CGPA- 7.1/10
SSC: 93.09% 2nd rank in state board.
HSC: 68.15% (drop b/c of JEE preparation)
WE: 5 years by Aug 2010
GMAT- 720 (41, 48, 6)
Job profile: have been working as consultant in e-gov, IT strategy and process improvement domains in big4 consulting firms
Extra-curricular- not strong however working on a initiative though it is still in early phase. Have been editor of newsletters etc. at my prev. organization.
Post MBA goals: General management, would prefer getting into rotational leadership developmetn programs or corporate strategy group in industry
As of now I am planning to apply to following schools in
1. ISB
2. London Business School
3. Kellogg
4. Tuck
5. Hass
6. Darden
7. Ross
8. Yale
9. Emory
My questions:
A. Is my choice of schools correct, are there any other schools to which I should apply in addition to these. Would appreciate if you can give ur comments schools wise
B. Will I fall in typital IT professional category, my profile may sound like IT professional, though I hardly know much about IT, involved totally on business side.
C. As I don't have significant leadership experience outside work, will it effect my overall application to these schools. If yes, how should I overcome this. Is it okay to show in application that I will be looking at improving my participation in extra-cul and community services during the course of program??
Thanks once again.
MBA MISSION ESSAY ANALYSIS
As schools release their essay questions, we offer tips on how to approach each question. Here's the analysis for University of Virginia (Darden):
University of Virginia (Darden) Essay Analysis, 2009-2010
July 29th, 2009 | Posted in MBA Essay Analysis, Blogroll
For the 2009-2010 application season, Darden has reduced the number of essay questions on its MBA application from three to just two, though the total word count remains the same at 1,000. The small number of questions means that applicants will need to exercise tighter focus to ensure that all the relevant points are included.
How have the changes in the global economy over the last 18 months affected you and your plan for the future? (400 words)
Darden's Admissions Committee undoubtedly recognizes that a higher than usual proportion of applicants this year will most likely have grappled with the issue-or at least the specter-of layoffs, unemployment or underemployment, and is responding with this head-on question. Getting the topic out into the open this way allows such applicants to address this element of their candidacies right off the bat. Most MBA admissions personnel with whom mbaMission has spoken recently have stated that what they are most curious about learning about unemployed or laid-off candidates is what the applicant has been doing to further his/her personal or professional growth in the meantime, so this is certainly a topic that should not be overlooked.
Of course, this question is not only relevant for candidates who have had to face losing their jobs, but is also a key topic for aspiring MBAs who are considering careers in the finance industry. Those applicants should explain how and why the changes in this industry have influenced their short- and/or long-term goals and their interest in or passion for the field. Those applicants who have been fortunate enough to avoid an interruption in their career thus far and do not plan to pursue a finance-related track should still have significant things to say about how their perception of the business world may have altered over the past year and a half.
All candidates may want to consider addressing the ethics angle, given that unethical behavior (e.g., predatory lending) has received much of the blame for the economic downturn. This in turn should lead in to how what one has seen and learned will play a part in what kind of leader the applicant will be in his/her career going forward. This point is particularly relevant with respect to Darden, because of the school's long-held and intense focus on ethics in business. Ultimately, applicants should take care not to focus too exclusively on the lessons learned and gloss over the "plans for the future" aspect of the question. The school wants to know how you will put your takeaways to good use going forward, which to some degree will also reveal how you will likely apply and benefit from the skills you will learn at Business School.
What will you contribute to an MBA program and what are your personal and professional expectations of the program you attend? (600 words)
At first glance, this question sounds rather overarching and general, and indeed, the Admissions Committee seems to be asking for candidates' broad ideas on these points by using the phrases "an MBA program" and "the program you attend" rather than referring to Darden's program in particular. However, the veiled follow-up question is surely "how did these lead you to choose Darden?" This is an obvious opportunity for candidates to highlight their unique qualities, experiences and abilities and to do so within the context of what makes Darden unique as well, so applicants should take the time to research-if they have not already done so-the standout characteristics of the school's MBA program, such as the case method, the focus on general management, Learning Teams, etc.
For the second part of the question, applicants should consider their short- and long-term goals and why they need, in light of their past personal and professional experiences, from an MBA education and school that will enable them to attain these goals. Again, these needs should ideally connect to specific aspects and resources of the Darden program for this essay response to be most effective. In essence, this question is a kind of Personal Statement, so applicants may find consulting our "mbaMission Personal Statement Guide" helpful in brainstorming. We offer this guide to candidates free of charge, via our online store. Please feel free to download your copy today.
Hello Jeremy,
Thanks for taking some time to answer the queries in this forum. May I kindly request you a quick profile evaluation and rate my chances of an admit for Fall 2010 ?
Here is a snapshot of my profile.
1. B.E Computer Sc & Engg from India - Non IIT/Non REC/Non BITS with an aggregate of 75%. Our university topper is around 93%.
2. GMAT - 720.
3. Work Experience - 7 years with THE top IT company in the world as an Enterprise IT Architect. Progressive work experience and stellar career progression. Transferred to the US branch 2 years back to support customers in this geography.
Recommendation letters from a VP and director.
4. Essays - in good shape so far.
5. EC - No social/NGO work - but good record in sports.
I had the following institutions in mind
1. MIT
2. Wharton
3. Haas Berkeley
4. GSB Chicago.
I do not want to go anywhere outside the top 10 list since I consider it a risky investment - given what I have to sacrifice in this economy - a stable job, good career progression and good money.
But on the other side, I am not sure if I stand even a fighting chance at these prestigious institutions - given their penchant for stellar academic record (mine's only above average, not stellar) and young blood from the IIT/NIT/BITS Pilani.
If you would guide me on my chances at these universities, you will help me save about a thousand bucks on the application forms, an emotional saga and lots of time. I would just go fill my application for a Fall admit to a Part time MBA at the nearby Boston University / Boston College (yeah, they are still accepting apps for Fall 09) and everyone lives happily ever after.
Once again, thanks for your time in advance.
-regards
Anand