MBA applicants from India with a Marketing job in a startup based in the healthcare industry aren’t many. In fact, considerably lesser than the techies who dominate the competition – in numbers, if not in any other way.
That’s a good thing for marketing applicants, as it can help them in the differentiation department. This advantage gets set off with other challenges. A Marketing or sales job can mean very different things when it comes to teamwork, management skills and leadership exposure. This makes it tough for such candidates to answer the typical MBA essay questions.
Rohit Hora tackled these hurdles well and got into the enviable situation where he could choose between the best MBA programs in Canada & India.
How I reached the Rotman vs ISB (Canada vs India) decision stage
by Rohit Hora
I was bitten by the international MBA bug during my college days. I took my first attempt at GMAT then (not doing so well though).
A few of my friends went for an MBA immediately post B.Tech, however, I didn’t know why I needed an MBA then. Moreover, international B Schools required a work ex of at least 2 years.
Why I chose to work in Startup Marketing job
I have been working with a Healthcare startup for close to 4 years now in a business development role. Choosing a healthcare startup to work with allowed me to have a diverse experience of different verticals of the business ranging from direct sales to marketing to finance.
I also got an opportunity to start the operations of the company in Mumbai and launch a product. I had always liked connecting to more people and learning from their experiences. A Sales role allowed me to meet new people, expand my network and yes to travel India and abroad.
Though working in an ambiguous environment taught me a lot however, what I realized over time that my approach and thought process would develop if I choose to do an MBA.
I wanted to improve on the way I make decisions, my understanding of finances and have an innovative problem-solving approach. Gaining these skills would help me be more efficient at a marketing role in a Healthcare company.
I have been procrastinating on retaking my GMAT and one fine day, I just started with my preparation. Doing ‘just fine’ on the GMAT, I was out to search for someone who could evaluate my chances of getting into a good B-School.
Selecting MBA Consultants who weren’t just grammar checkers
I contacted close to 13 MBA admissions counsellors. Most of them responded, a few did not. By this time I had a brief idea and a hope that I can make it big.
Initially, MBA Crystal Ball was busy to accommodate me. This gave me some idea that these guys really work on their candidates and asked me to follow up in two weeks. Knowing the importance of ‘follow up’ and I was fortunate to be finally getting space in their schedule.
I chose MBA MAP + 5 school applications help (I should have just chosen 3 :p), yes I thought I would be applying to at least 7-8 universities.
After the MAP session was done with Sameer Bhai I didn’t know what I had gained out of it but as I proceeded I realized how important MAP was, It had built up the base for the entire application process, not only helping me write better essays but also made the B-School shortlisting much easier. I got a very realistic picture of my profile.
As they rightly mention on their website that the first draft of essay could be completely taken down by Manish Gupta (MG), that’s what happened. MG was as honest and blunt as possible.
Don’t resist, let it happen. It gave me a kick to do better on my essays. The telephonic conversation with MG have been very motivating and always gave me hope that ‘yes, I can do it’.
Moreover, I haven’t seen a more responsive person than MG. MG’s approach towards your essays not only gave me a clear strategy towards your applications but I could also orient my thought process in many other things. He’s clear, he’s direct and he’s punctual.
I had some idea why I wanted to do an MBA right now but discussions with Sameer Bhai and MG gave it a clear perspective. I could now clearly answer those tough questions ‘Why MBA? And Why NOW?’.
A lot of people I spoke to before starting the application process didn’t give me a very positive picture about MBA admission counsellors and named them as ‘grammar checkers’, my experience with MCB has been very satisfying and total ‘paisa vasool’.
MG also helped me gaze into the picture about job markets in US and Canada and how things could be in long term if I choose our desi-favourite ISB. Best thing what I like about MG is he doesn’t spoon-feed you; he’ll help you evolve during the process.
You’ll eventually start asking the right questions to alumni and Admission committee officers. The entire process and research gave me an idea where I might land up post my MBA. I am marketer and would like to continue to be one with a healthcare company post my MBA.
Due to a lack of formal management knowledge my approach at work has been ‘hit and try’, acquiring various new skills at a B School would help me become more efficacious at work place.
Out of the 3 schools I chose to apply in R1 I had interview calls from 2 – ISB and Rotman.
The interview preparation with MG got me to a stage where I was almost prepared for all the questions the interviewer asked. I got an admit from my dream school – Rotman School of Management – with a surprise of $5,000 scholarship (not too significant, but scholarships always make you happy).
I ended this journey of applications here with Canada being my preferred place. My work and life goals are totally in sync with what I have achieved with the help of MCB.
MBA Application Tips
Now, for all the brave souls out there preparing for MBA applications, my advice would be:
1. GMAT is not the ‘only’ deciding factor in your applications. Your essays, recos and interview matter equally and for the later 3 you have MCB.
2. Give your applications the time it demands. Equal efforts will be required from your side, an admission councellor will guide you and make things more presentable but eventually it has to be your research and hard work.
3. It’s ok not to have all the answers when you are starting the process. Believe in yourself and your admissions guide and you two can make it happen.
4. Network with as many people as possible, based on all the information make your own decisions.
I am extremely thankful to MCB for being a great support system during this tough journey. For any one willing to have a discussion regarding the process and my experience, please feel free to reach out to me.
Also read:
– Top MBA programs in Canada
– Masters Degree in Healthcare
– Healthcare professional (MBBS Neurologist) joins Cambridge Judge for an MBA
– Careers in Healthcare Management
Hello Sir,
I am currently studying BMS 6th Semester and I am really lost as to what I should do next considering the fact that I wanted to go abroad to study but all the deadlines are passed and I haven’t even decided for a date in GRE and TOEFL. I wanted to do a Master of Science in Business Analysis in US. I went to a counselor who told me my grades were not up to the mark, she also mentioned that since I have 15 years of education there is less chances and I will have to pay 204$ more during sending of applications because some universities provide 8 to 9 months of training for 15 years education students. Please provide guidance with my problem. So to complete 16 years of education I am considering MCOM and a side of working on my work experience as I have none and complete my GRE and TOEFL. But will the 2 year work experience and MCOM course help me in the future? Does it strengthen my RESUME for the future. MCOM basically has more or less the same syllabus as BMS and my 16 years of education will also be fulfilled. So should I do it or can you provide me with any alternatives that will help me rectify my mistakes. I am also thinking of internships on the side.
Hi Palak,
I understand you wish to pursue MS in Business Analytics from US. Following steps can help you gauge a better understanding on the admission requirements and analyse if will be the right fit for that program:
1. I’ll take example of a school that offers this program- NYU-Stern. Go on to their official website.
http://www.stern.nyu.edu/programs-admissions/global-degrees/business-analytics
2. Check the program requirements. GMAT/GRE etc..
3. For questions like 15 or 16 year of eduction, it can either be mentioned on website or else you may directly contact the admissions team. Their email address should be mentioned on website.
4. Start connecting to current students and recent Alumni to know more about the program. Evaluate the job prospects post the program. You may find few students/Alumni on website and others on LinkedIn.
5. After you know the requirements, set your plan according to the deadlines and take relevant exams.
6. Get in touch with admission consultants, if needed.
Hi, I am a computer scneice engg. working with a NY based MNC, financila major, as a software engineer.. I am in a dilemma regarding MBA or MS compter sc. As one is my technical field which i love and the other is the filed i want to get into for faster and better career growth. I am very ambitious and i will suffocate with a mediocre career. I took the GMAT without any serious preparation as I wasn’t sure of joinin an MBA program and i secured 710 in GMAT. I have excellent academic records and was the batch topper at my engineering college. Can you please provide me with some pointers?
Adriana, the choice between the two has to really come after a thorough soul searching. If you like the tech field and have less than 2 years of experience, MS might be a more prudent choice though.
Hello manish,
I read your posts and it was really inspiring and overwhelming for each and every student in this world. Anyway, I am looking forward for some positive suggestions from you as I am bit worried regarding my PhD admissions in US & Canada. I am a M.tech biotech pass out student and I have already published one of my research paper on aero microbiology. But I want to pursue my PhD on food microbiology. And recently I contacted to some professors of US universities (Ohio state university, California state university & San diego state university), but I didn’t got any response as its been three weeks till now. I want to go through a scholarship and by this side i am preparing for my GRE exams as well but I haven’t sat for exam till now. So what must I do to overcome this problem.? Or what steps I really need to take.! its making me tensed and I don’t know how to start or to know where am I going wrong !
Ipsita,
Not getting a response is not uncommon. Reach out to other professors, send a gentle reminder and also try to connect with the adcoms. For PhD, it is super important that you try and establish at least some sort of connect with the school/program; especially since you are seeking a stream change here.
Hi
My name is Rama Krishna.
I had completed my bachelors in Electrical and Electronics engineering and i am interested in doing MBA in Aviation Management in Canada.
Would you be able to suggest me what all are required to be done for an admission in any University that offers Aviation Management and also regarding any scholarships that are offered for a student.
Thanks
Rama, I am not really aware of any good/reputed courses in that field. So go ahead with your independent research. If you find something good, please share for others too.
Hello ,
I am a Microbiology post graduate (M.Sc Med. Microbiology) with a total job experience of 4+ years in my field. I am interested to go for an MBA in healthcare abroad (Canada, Germany or UK). Could you pls tell me the cutoff of GMAT score i should target? I have a low GRE score which is of no use. I am planning to take the IELTS as well. Please guide.
Rituparna,
When it comes to GMAT, higher the better is the mantra. Even so, check out the GMAT averages of the schools you are targeting and aim for 20-30 points above it to steer clear of the harm’s way.
dear i am doing my MBBS , later i want to do MBA in Health care industry/ pharma how i should proceed , what are best colleges to perform MBA
This will be useful to read Lalitha: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2017/06/23/best-mba-healthcare/
i am a MBBS Doctor with 3 year work experience. I would like to know what job profiles i can have other than hospital management or healthcare professional after MBA??
The job profile will depend on both your career interests as well as evidence of transferable skills Varun. So if you have a specific career interest, think about what skills are needed for that and how you will showcase that to prospective recruiters. Then decide if an MBA will give some of those skills – don’t rely only an MBA to get you there.