I'm looking to develop a game plan for attending business school in 2 or 3 years so thought I'd ask around here to see what I should be doing now to position myself as a good candidate come application time.
Background
- 24 years old
- Bachelor's degree in Business from a no-name south-east European university (not the best grades, 3.5 on a 5.0 scale)
- Dean's award from said University, 2nd in the national group case study competition
- President of a major student association
- Internship in big 4 (1 year)
- Analyst in back-office role in top BB (9months) - eastern Europe
- Networked into an IB internship with a European boutique (deal size avg 30m EUR), received and accepted full time offer - western Europe (France/Germany)
- CFA Level 2 candidate
I would like to attend a M7 business school in the US, and come in as an associate at a top BB. I haven't yet taken the GMAT and plan to do so once I complete the CFA (a bit tough working in IB).
Considering my background, what should I focus on in the next two years to be a good candidate for a top business school that could land me in IB in the US? Should I take up some kind of volunteering (work around the CFA), focus on the GMAT, something else? Do I even stand a chance considering I have bad grades, no top university name and working as an IB analyst in a no name boutique?
Absolutely take up volunteering. Anything that can give you an edge or more of a personality. GMAT doesn’t need 2 years of focus, you can crank that out in a couple of months honestly.
Ace the gmat, think mid-700s. Finish the CFA Do some amazing ECs that will differentiate you from everyone else. You really want to stand out from all the other ‘finance’ applicants.
Echo on the importance of having an edge through volunteering or giving back.
Here are a few suggestions:
1) yes do get a solid GMAT score 720+ is preferred for the M7. 2) You had leadership roles college, try to assume some now on and off the job. I know it isn't easy.
Given the fact that south eastern Europe isn't over-represented in bschool, that you will have passed your CFA by the time you apply, and that your work experience is international in nature, I think they will overlook the undergrad grades if you also come in with a competitive GMAT and well-executed applications.
Please see:
5 As for Your Low GPA Prep for B-School: A 4 year Guide
To answer your last question, yes.
Best, Linda
Thank you, very helpful! Could you please expand on your 2nd point? I was thinking to join Amnesty International, or another big charity-type institution once I finish level 2, which will leave me 1 year of volunteering experience at the time of application. Do you think that will be sufficient?
Also, joining this type of institution as a member and staying only a member doesn't necessarily qualify as leadership, right? Should I then look to join a smaller charity where I could assume more responsibility early on, even at the expense of "brand name"?
Good questions!
"Joining" an organization of any size is not the same as "taking a leadership role." Leadership implies an assumption of responsibility. That could be serving on a board or organizing an event or taking charge of a fundraising or awareness campaign. Usually it involves other people too.
Brand name is virtually irrelevant in this context. Far more important from an admissions perspective is your ability to have an impact. So you could join Amnesty Int'l and lead a membership or awareness campaign in your office (theoretically) or whatever group you identify with. Or you could try a smaller organization where the likelihood of your being able to have an impact would be greater. But it's impact and contribution that you seek to make, not having a brand associated with your name.
Best, Linda
Understood. Thank you very much!
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