Please evaluate my MBA profile
Hello,
I have just graduated from undergrad and have a full time job starting in mid July in LA. I really want to go to a top MBA program and I think that I need to start building my profile early because of background. Any recommendations would be appreciated...
Here's my profile:
Education •Middle tier University of California (think UCSB, UCD, UCI)
•Started undergrad in Chemical Engineering, lacked interest got scattered bad grades, failed a couple classes, then switched to a business economics equivalent major and got a 3.86 major GPA. Very strong uptrend obviously, Cumulative GPA = 3.2. Also should mention that I graduated 4 years and 2 quarters..
•Studied abroad at London School of Economics, got a 4.0 GPA in 2 finance classes
•Also was vice president of the finance club, and active in another investment club
Work
•I've had a few legit internships, one at a pension fund and one at a broker
•Going to start full time in investment manager research
•Also pursing the CFA and possibly the CAIA
So I am wondering what I should be working on to get into a top 7 program..Any suggestions
I know I need a top gmat score which I plan on doing. But what about an alternate transcript? Leadership experience? Promotions? Volunteering?Anything will be helpful.
Thanks
just study your ass off for the GMAT or GRE (if you plan to take it in leu of the GMAT). thats the only thing that will really help you get into a top MBA at this point. your internships wont matter, only your job will at this point, and your going to have to log in some years before you can attend a program.
keep in mind that M7 schools are saturated with kids who graduated ivy league, nescac, top undergrads and/or have great work experience in starting their own businesses, working for elite non-profits/financial firms/consulting firms/f500 companies. you are really going to have to set yourself apart. its a fu*king blood bath out there...
Also, travel as much as possible or, better yet, go live in another country for a while. Ad comms get huge erections when they see international "fluff" on your app. Unless, you are a first or second gen. resident of the US and if that's the case sit back and relax, you're golden.
I guess I am a first generation American because one of my parents came from Europe to U.S. and I was raised in the lowest income city in california. I think that may help a little...
Do you think my chances for a rank 8-16 school are much more realistic given a high gmat score?
Can you expand on this? I was born in a poor central asian country and came here when I was 7. How much of a benefit is this and how can I milk this baby for all its worth?
It's huge, IMO. I would talk about that for sure. Make sure you throw in that you go back for a couple of months at a time and help out those poor people in some way or that you started a food/clothing program as a token of your appreciation to give back to that poor village for making you the clashdude that you are today. They'll eat it up. Oh, and don't forget a killer gmat score helps too.
Unfortunately, the low GPA in combination with a "mid-tier" undergrad is going to be a hurdle for you to overcome. I would recognize this, but don't stress because you can't change it.
Instead, focus on what's next. In my experience (M7, MBB post-MBA) the critical factors for you will be:
Thanks Yevad,
That sounds like some good advice. What do you think about becoming a leader in a Toastmasters type club? Or taking a leadership position in CFA society? What that help much?
Also any suggestions on how to volunteer abroad when you are working full time? Would you only be able to do that between jobs?
Thanks again
I do think both or either of those would be beneficial.
You're right that it might be difficult to do while working. I would say either try and get some international exposure through your company (if that's an option). Do they have an office in Hong Kong, for example? Find a reason to get them to send you there for a week or two.
Ideally, if you find yourself moving from one company to another (hopefully into a higher role) take 30-45 days between the two jobs and go volunteer for a non-profit or startup overseas. This for example, would be the holy grail of awesome to add to your MBA app (though it's 4-12 months):
http://www.kiva.org/fellows
Definitely need a high gmat score, like Yevad said. I would also focus on that background you mentioned. Leadership roles, start a little business, volunteer (a lot), etc...just show some initiative and that you juggle an extremely busy life/schedule.
Anyone have thoughts on an alternate transcript??
In molestiae porro quia sit. Nam enim sunt nulla neque ipsam. Quia tenetur est aspernatur similique enim aut maiores ipsa. Reiciendis et adipisci omnis aut amet qui similique. Ullam sed alias voluptates fugiat unde fuga officiis.
Aperiam fugiat voluptatem facilis id perspiciatis quo ipsa. Dolore qui praesentium quibusdam non magnam neque praesentium nesciunt. Omnis aliquid ipsam sapiente ex beatae nulla. Minus qui quisquam aliquam accusamus veritatis iure repellat deserunt.
Sint rerum est officia aut. Et vel minima qui harum sunt placeat aut. Dolore corrupti quam necessitatibus est debitis. Maxime et laboriosam ut ullam.
Voluptatem amet omnis alias ipsam. Iste earum dolores nam non odit. Autem sit minima qui id. Esse cumque blanditiis sunt consequatur rerum doloribus. Animi placeat aut et ipsum velit inventore ut. Adipisci officiis eaque voluptas perspiciatis consequatur et.
See All Comments - 100% Free
WSO depends on everyone being able to pitch in when they know something. Unlock with your email and get bonus: 6 financial modeling lessons free ($199 value)
or Unlock with your social account...