Free MBA profile evaluation

[MBACrystalBall]

Hi sam2402,

//TARGET COURSE --EXECUTIVE MBA

Incorrect terminology. But let's move on.

//GMAT --APPEARING AUGUST -TARGET 700+

You might be cutting this too tight. Also, as your engineering performance hasn't exactly been in the top league, you'd need to score high on the GMAT. In such a situation, it's always good to wrap up the GMAT test formalities so there's enough time to re-take it (just in case things don't go as planned).

//JOB PROFILE
Working as senior cost controller in a leading construction firm in middle east.
:
promoted from cost engineer to senior cost engineer .currently handling a team of 5 people on project worth 640 million USD

Congrats for having dodged the super-strong software engineering pool.

//Leadership Quality

Wow! This is quite a story of hardship, persistence and success.

//3.)Started construction business in 2008 continue it till 2011 before handing it to subordinate because of inefficency to manage it from middle east

Though you have been working for 5 years in an accounting role, you'd need to dig back into your construction tycoon past, as this is what you want to do post MBA.

The good thing is, you were associated with the real estate industry (albeit on a part-time basis) till 2011. So you were never completely away from it.

IIMA PGPX would be tough as your work-ex is half their class average. But as you have other Indian schools in your basket, you'd be achieving a balance.

Good luck.

[akp81]

Qualification and academics - Decent. Bachelor of Engineering from SVCE (Madras University), Chennai in Mechanical Engineering. Graduated with 73.3%,
GMAT/CAT score – Yet to take if required
Work Experience – I have a total work experience of 8 years. I started off with Sundram Fasteners Autolec Division, Chennai as GET in Production. Though a trainee, I had to coordinate all the activities, right from material procurement, tools procurement to delivery. It gave a very good exposure to Shop floor activities and learn how a mechanical industry runs. But due to my interest in Design area, I made to switch to Infosys after just 11 months in Sundram Fasteners Autolec Division.
In Infosys, I am working with Aerospace practice for the past 7 years. We are involved in designing parts for latest generation Aircrafts using CAD tools.
Negatives from my end: Though I do a good job, I don’t have any certificate to prove that I am good at work. In Infosys, showcasing is very important and I very much failed to do it(I was not aware for a long time). With this, I don’t have any significant achievements to mention about.
Extra curricular activities: Very average
Career Goals: I have a good idea of how a mechanical industry operate from Shop floor engineer point of view. Now, I have good experience of how these parts are designed at Design Office.
In future, I want to learn how the industry operate as a single entity. For this, I want to get into Supply Chain management. Since my current work is too technical, I am unable to learn this area. In Infosys, they have a SAP practice, but you need a MBA to get into it.
My Question: Since I don’t have anything to showcase as significant achievement and also, my extra curricular activities being average, what is your say? I am interested in doing an MBA in India only. Is it possible for my profile to get an admit from a good college in India? I am 31 yrs old now

[MBACrystalBall]

Hi akp81,

//GMAT/CAT score – Yet to take if required

No escape there, buddy. You HAVE to take the GMAT if you want a shot at any of the decent MBA programs. Too late for CAT.

//Work Experience – I have a total work experience of 8 years.
:
In Infosys, I am working with Aerospace practice for the past 7 years. We are involved in designing parts for latest generation Aircrafts using CAD tools.

We helped out of your buddies from the same Aerospace practice to get into a top European school. You'll find his testimonial snippet on our website and the whole testimonial on our Facebook page.

The challenge with such a profile is that the Infy brand is too strongly associated with IT and software services. It can get tough to tell folks that you are in Infosys and not working on software projects.

//Though I do a good job, I don’t have any certificate to prove that I am good at work.

More than certificates, you'd be better off highlighting your interesting and unique experiences in essays. Your recommendations letters also become important, as they are the next best thing to official recognition.

//I am interested in doing an MBA in India only. Is it possible for my profile to get an admit from a good college in India? I am 31 yrs old now

If you enforce geographical constraints, you are making it tough to get good choices, sirji. IIM PGPX is the only good fit for you at this stage in India. If you can ease up on the geography bit, there are more options in the UK and Europe.

[hammerlock]

Hi

Got the reference of your site though GMAT Club. It seems that this site is quite a hit when it comes to Indian Applicants. Great job guys. Even i am one such candidate who needs help to apply to the B Schools of my choice. My current job and family responsibilities dont leave me with much time ( I have a 1 year old kid ). Also retaking GMAT dosent seem a likely possibility. So needed help from you guys on how to make it work this one time. So here goes...

Age: 28
Acads: X - 78%
XII - 76%
Under Grad: Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Sc and Engg) 74%
RGTU Madhya Pradesh
Post Graduation: PGDM K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management
Studies and Research Mumbai (68%)

Have been a a consistant allrounder during my school, college and Post graduation. Have captained and played Soccer at school, district and state level. Active participation in debate and dramatics both during my school and college tenure. During my post graduation my summer project was awarded the best summer project of the year in my college and was adjudged as amonst the top 5 summer projects in the country under the best summer project competition by Institute of Management Consultants of India. Subsequently i was offered a pre placement offer by the company for which i worked during my summers.I was the admissions coordinator for Somaiya during the first year.

GMAT Score: 670 (Q 47, V 35)

Work Experience:

Jan 2012 - Present: Employed as a Senior Relationship Manager Energy Practice with Marsh Mc Lennan India. Responsible for broking and risk consulting for energy clients (oil and gas) for Marsh India. Manage Direct Insurance and Reinsurance Placement deals for Onshore and Offshore risks. Managing a team of 3 currently.

Feb 2011- Jan 2012: Business Analyst with iGATE Patni Computer Systems for the Insurance and Healthcare domain. Responsible for Bid Management, Insurance Domain Expertise, Go To Market Strategy Prepration and proposal submission for new business.

March 2008 - Feb 2011: Engaged as a Management Trainee and subsequently as a Assistant Manager and Relationship Manager with Marsh India. Acted as a broking and risk consulting specialist for Indian Multinationals for property / casualty and liability lines of business. Top performer in the team. Was fast tracked for promotions and received 2 consecutive promotions in 3 year and was slated for 3rd just when i left the organization. Responsibilities included contract analysis, due diligence, Insurance Solution structuring and placement in Indian and abroad through Indian and International markets. Managed a team of 2 Assitant Managers under me.

Additional Qualifications:
1) Authorized Insurance Broker (IRDA)
2) Licentiate in General Insurance (Insurance Institute of
India)
3) Certified Hardware Engineer

Some other salient features of my application:
1) Consistent performer and allrounder in School. Was the Head of the student governing body and recipient of various awards both in sports and academice during my school days.
2) Was responsible for new revenue generation of USD 120,000 during my second year with Marsh India and a total contribution of USD 450,000 which was roughly 60% of the team revenue.
3) Cooking and Travel Enthusiast.

Career Goals:
Though i already have an management degree from an Indian School which figures amongst the top 20 B Schools in the country, i have realized that the most important learning for an MBA is global exposure and the real learning happens through interaction and not teaching alone. During my previous MBA i did not have either the global exposure nor was i experienced enough to appreciate the relevancy of the concepts. However my management education allowed me to enter into the arena of financial services which would otherwise not have been possible. Four year's down the line when i look back at the learnings which were imparted i am able to make the connect to certain extent. However i have also realized that constant invigoration of education is an essential element to success. And today at this stage i have the pefect opportunity to blend my experience and learning with various other students from different parts of the world to achieve what i always aimed for, i.e the global exposure with a world class education. Post this MBA i would be looking to make a shift into the Strategy consulting as it would allow me leverage my risk management experience and the cutting edge education and use it appropriately.

My Queries are:
1) I want to apply for the top programs. However is my GMAT Score a big deterrent. How can i overcome this problem?
2) I was initially in favor of 1 year programs only, however most of these are based on Europe and the current job situation of Europe it not very encouraging.
3) Your reviews by other prospective students have encouraged me a lot. Would it be possible for me to take your guidance at length and how?
4) What are your views on my profile? I have no geographic constraints in terms of applying, but i just want to be assured that i get a well paying job post my MBA otherwise it defeats the purpose of this entire exercise as i have a decent paying job currently.

[vanishingnerd]

Hi MBA Crystal Ball,

Thanks for taking up the initiative, I would be applying to BSchools this fall. I would appreciate any candid review or remarks you may have on my candidacy. I will not bog you down with details but only mention the value points here.

- Your qualifications: degree, academic performance
B.Tech: NIT, Computer Science, 7.8
Summer Intern at a prestigious research laboratory (in Europe for 3 months)
Convener and Head of Annual Tech-fest (Team:350 members); Also held the leadership of the club organizing the all-round activities and the fest.


- GMAT score: quant/verbal break-up, AWA
No GMAT, gave GRE instead: 1450/1600 (V95%,Q88%)

- Work-experience: Industry, role, number of years
2009-2010 - (Project Engineer) - Paris, France
Worked almost 1.5 years on multi-million European R&D for a Research Lab in Paris. During this time, I worked on techno-economics of implementing Energy efficiency directives laid the my European Commission on French Telecom Operators and Vendors.

2010-Present - (Economist) - Brussels, Belgium
Building on my previous role of techno-economics, I joined a Flemish innovation and consulting firm in Brussels. Now I lead tasks and work packages on 4 projects worth more than €10M. As an Economist, I have had the opportunity to work at the intersection of Technology, Markets and Policy.

- Major achievements at work and outside
Youngest and only Asian at Work. Lots of opportunity for cross-cultural exchange - from preaching importance of cows and cricket in Indian religion to learning various subtle nuances of European Work ethics and values.

Authored 14 publications (and counting) in major business reviews, magazines, and journals. Also my Chapter in a book was published a month ago.

Founded NGO-support organization in brussels, currently serving two large NGOs when free or on weekends.

Aiming for Yelper Elite, trying to map my experiences travelling across europe

- Career goals

L/T: To return home to start my own venture in Hi_tech industry but for that I need proper backing interms of network, know-how and resources. To do this I need a BSchool and in
S/T: A job in Hi-tech startup firm as product/operation manager. I want to understand the challenges and bottlenecks that a startup usually encounters.


My target schools are:
1. Kellogg
2. Tuck
3. Yale
4. Not Decided
5. Not Decided

Please let me know what do you think? Any comments or suggestions are most welcome.

[Trymba316]

Hi Sameer..I could use your help here please!!

Now that the admissions for the various colleges have started I have got back to work on the MBA goal ...

I am currently working on my admission process for MBA...The colleges I am trying for in 2013 are

1.) ISB
2.) XLRI
3.) IIM Lucknow
4.) Rotterdam
5.) Melbourne University
6.) IIM Indore
7.) IIM Bangalore

Can you please have a quick look at my job profile, academics and GMAT score to advise where I would be best suited to apply? I would want to continue in IT consulting/project management post my MBA so would prefer to stick to the IT sector...

My work-profile is as below

2005 - 2006: Developer in Wipro Technologies
2006-2008: Analyst in Wipro Technologies
2008-2010: Technical Lead in Wipro Technologies
2010-2011: Technical Lead in TCS
2011-2012: Project Manager in TCS

My academics

10th: 71% in ICSE
12th: 95% in Commerce
Degree: BSc(Computer, Math and Statistics): 92% aggregate for 3 years; 2nd rank and Gold Medalist in the University;
MS in Software Engineering from BITS Pilani(While working with Wipro through an Integrated Course): 8.91 CGPA

GMAT Score: 730 (Q: 49 and V: 41)

My first preference would be ISB but I am unsure of how their selection process would be..can you please shed some pointers and advise on how I go about the admission process?? Also, it would be great if you could share experiences from other members during the prep process...

Thanks

[MBACrystalBall]

Hi hammerlock,

//It seems that this site is quite a hit when it comes to Indian Applicants. Great job guys.

Shukriya, hammer-ji!

//Age: 28
Post Graduation: PGDM K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management
Studies and Research Mumbai (68%)
GMAT Score: 670 (Q 47, V 35)
Jan 2012 - Present: Employed as a Senior Relationship Manager Energy Practice with Marsh Mc Lennan India.
:

A higher GMAT would've been great as you already have an unusual background. So the only big challenge would've been the 'Why second MBA' question. Now, things get just a little more tougher.

//i would be looking to make a shift into the Strategy consulting as it would allow me leverage my risk management experience.

How will you leverage your risk management background in strategy consulting?

//1) I want to apply for the top programs. However is my GMAT Score a big deterrent. How can i overcome this problem?

Easy fix would've been improve the score. Keen to know why you can't, as there's enough time left for applications work to start.

//2) I was initially in favor of 1 year programs only, however most of these are based on Europe and the current job situation of Europe it not very encouraging.

You should still keep that option open. Job hunt is going to be painful irrespective of where you go.

//3) Your reviews by other prospective students have encouraged me a lot. Would it be possible for me to take your guidance at length and how?

Of course, bro. MBA MAP is the answer. During the evaluation process, I will wear the Admission Officer's hat and beat the crap out of your story to see how well you can defend it.

But despite playing the devil's advocate in the first half, remember that we are on the same team. So, we work together in the counselling phase to see what can be fixed and how.

//4) What are your views on my profile? I have no geographic constraints in terms of applying, but i just want to be assured that i get a well paying job post my MBA otherwise it defeats the purpose of this entire exercise as i have a decent paying job currently.

No one can guarantee that 'well paying job' part. You can only smoothen the ride by going in with practical expectations and a lot of legwork after you get in.

As a Risk Manager, you'd appreciate it when I say an international MBA journey is all about Risk mitigation rather than risk elimination.

[MBACrystalBall]

Hi vanishingnerd,

//GMAT score: quant/verbal break-up, AWA
No GMAT, gave GRE instead: 1450/1600 (V95%,Q88%)

Is this because you applied for MS programs and have a GRE score? Any plans to take GMAT over the coming months?

//Work experience

In your former (Project Engineer) and current (Economist) roles, was it an individual role or was this team work?

// Authored 14 publications (and counting) in major business reviews, magazines, and journals. Also my Chapter in a book was published a month ago.

The extra-curriculars also give a flavour of working independently. So more curious to know how much of the work (within office and outside) involves bigger teams.

//A job in Hi-tech startup firm as product/operation manager. I want to understand the challenges and bottlenecks that a startup usually encounters.

Would this be a big shift from what you are doing right now?

//Please let me know what do you think? Any comments or suggestions are most welcome.

If you are wondering why you are getting more questions than answers, here's the reason.

Your profile is unlike most who post here, and the perception I'm getting is that the current role may start appearing like it's one guy working in a silo while all other applicants will focus on teams, business etc [and the 'nerd' in your user ID isn't helping ]. So trying to understand it better.

[vanishingnerd]

Hi Sameer,

Not a nerd, no not at all. But let me clarify a few questions you asked:

//GMAT score: quant/verbal break-up, AWA
No GMAT, gave GRE instead: 1450/1600 (V95%,Q88%)

Is this because you applied for MS programs and have a GRE score? Any plans to take GMAT over the coming months?

Gave GRE in 2009 for MS, applied but never went, found a better job in Europe Instead.

//Work experience

In your former (Project Engineer) and current (Economist) roles, was it an individual role or was this team work?

// Authored 14 publications (and counting) in major business reviews, magazines, and journals. Also my Chapter in a book was published a month ago.

All the projects I work(ed) are large-scale open innovation projects where partners from several industries, research centers and policy makers participate together. I mostly lead the business and economic aspects of the project along with my colleagues, but I personally responsible for the editorship and management of deliverables/publications resulting from our collective work. (very strong team culture)

The extra-curriculars also give a flavour of working independently. So more curious to know how much of the work (within office and outside) involves bigger teams.

Outside office, I worked with teams from NGOs to streamline their work flow by organizing brainstorming sessions, objectively evaluating their L/T, S/T goals and re-shaping the document management system (backups, dropboxes etc)

//A job in Hi-tech startup firm as product/operation manager. I want to understand the challenges and bottlenecks that a startup usually encounters.

Would this be a big shift from what you are doing right now?
Yes, in many ways, now I work with start-ups and SMEs but still I have a limited knowledge of their operation; though I valuate their products and create their market entry strategy, I have very little exposure of actually operating/developing a product in such an environment.

//Please let me know what do you think? Any comments or suggestions are most welcome.

If you are wondering why you are getting more questions than answers, here's the reason.

Your profile is unlike most who post here, and the perception I'm getting is that the current role may start appearing like it's one guy working in a silo while all other applicants will focus on teams, business etc [and the 'nerd' in your user ID isn't helping ]. So trying to understand it better.
[/quote]

You're right, I failed to give you an entire picture. How about now?

[bchinna]

ACADEMICS : GMAT- 720 , QA-49 , Verbal-38 , AWA-5.
Engineering in Information Technology - 72%
Stood in the top 0.5% in graduate exam EAMCET.
Stood among the top 250 in nation wide exam for Manipal University.
Topper of my school in 10th board exams.


JOB EXPERIENCE - working for deloitte. will finish one year this june , so will finish 2 years before leaving for MBA (if i get a seat). Job role-business technology analyst in SAP-ABAP.

LOOKING FOR : A career shift, so that i can get into banking or investment management. This is why i hope to finish an MBA so early.

Other Activities: I was an athlete before having a foot injury in teh form of plantar fascitis. I was a mid-distance runner. Stood 3rd in the state-level competetion for women under 20.
-Avid Swimmer,and yoga enthusiast. I take yoga classes in my community.
-A member of the toast masters club.
-Won many debates in school.

QUESTIONS:

Will I be able to apply for the floowing universities?

1) Purdue
2) University of Florida, Gainsville
3) University of Illinois, Champagne
4) Tepper
5) Cornell

Will the Engineering Management course stand as a good bet for the following universities?

1) Cornell
2) Columbia

I plan to develop my essays according to the course i choose. Can you please give an advice on this matter.