Free MBA profile evaluation
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: July 29th, 2013, 1:03 pm
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by nikhilbhat07 » August 4th, 2013, 3:55 pm
Please consider this profile, as earlier i had missed few points.
I have been reading your blogs in https://www.mbacrystalball.com and have been
impressed by your valuable suggestions. I would request you to guide
me by giving your valuable inputs. I would be happy to work with your team in future for profile/ essays evaluation etc.
I am Nikhil Bhat from Mumbai having 4+ years of experience in
construction industry (Gammon India Limited) after my post-graduation
in construction management.
Age:28 Years
PGP in construction management: NICMAR : 9.25/10 ( 2nd in College,
winner of top ten scholarship instituted by college for two
consecutive years, Lead organizer - Placements and symposium at
college. )
B.E (Civil) : SJCE Mysore (VTU ) 74% (won 2nd prize in inter
university quiz competition for year 2004-05/06, Final year project won best project by Karnataka science council for science and technology and
was sponsored by the fund, technical coordinator, head and secretary
for national level symposium twice for consecutive years )
XII: 71 %
X:74%
Sectors worked : Infrastructure and real estate industry with experience in marine port/power sector.
Profiles : Project management role ( execution, planning, costing, contract management, coordination, closure)
Extracurricular activities/ social activities : 2004-06 : Involved in
organizing health camps for rural people for two consecutive years
along with team of doctors from Mysore. 2011-12 : Organized health
camps in Maharashtra rural areas with team of doctors.
Organised safety training/ educational/ medical camps to site labour staff at project site.
I have decent academic score both at graduate and post graduate level.
I will be taking GMAT in the fourth week of September. Choice of
college will depend on my GMAT score. As such I would wish to study in
any one of these reputed colleges- Wharton, LSB, MIT Sloan, INSEAD,
IIM A, ISB.
In my 4+ years of experience in construction industry, I have been
working on different functional/departments trying my cross functional
abilities right from site execution to preparing strategic business
models for my sector , financial analysis and statements for my
project. I would like to share my brief description of the experience
I have gained in my four years of experience, and why I have decided
that pursuing an MBA degree will give me a more holistic approach in
understanding the complexities in business environment and giving me
an additional skills to devise a strategy and tact to solve real world
business problems.
Point wise I would like to summarize the experience which I had gained
in this four years and why mba program is beneficial:
1.) Throughout my experience of 4+ years, I have been involved with
professionals of different profiles, background, age and different
sectors - bureaucrats, financial lenders for project, port
developers/operators, consultants- foreign, vendors/subcontractors- Foreign / Indian,and other contractors. Being involved in these long complicated supply chains, where the responsibility is to have a better coordination with each stakeholder for having better deliverables at each level, I need to understand and devise the strategy at each level of organization.Doing an MBA in strategy and consulting will help me to understand the minute intricacies at each step, strategise my approach accordingly. (I am not referring to client relationship management , but here getting involved with people of different echelon from different
sectors/organization )
2.) In my early years of work, I was involved in site execution
having responsibility of executing and constructing as per drawings
with optimum resource utilization, handling manpower, schedule and
cost. This experience further enhanced my interest to work in project
management function, where I was given responsibility of preparing
financial program with cash flow, profitability, procurement plan and
strategic model for marine SBU. I have been working on this profile
from last 3.5 years with significant cross functional roles as framing
contractual documents for vendors/ subcontractors, raising
claims-forensic analysis, MIS reports etc. I have been analysing myself
and my career from last couple of months, and have deduced that there
is gap or void between my career and my future goals, where I want
myself to be seen as a techo manager furnished with required skill sets
which will widen my gaze and outlook and at the same time grab this
valuable opportunity in construction industry (infrastructure and real
estate). I am aware that ISB has a fully-fledged and dedicated cell
to develop and train leaders or managers for infrastructure industry
with tie up with SREI ( I don't know whether my GMAT and other
credentials will serve the purpose)
3.) As a person having an experience in construction industry for
4+ years, I expect industry to grow at an exponential rate with
foreign investments in form of PE/VC , large Global MNC being
involved, globally renowned consultants being involved in preparing
feasibility reports, financial models , strategic models and more
importantly skill shortage in form of project management / strategic /
financial management / financial appraisal / consulting etc, this MBA
will get me more equipped to envisage / predict risks, prepare
financial models with detailed feasibility analysis, plot strategic
models and plans to have better deliverables and more importantly I
will have all the skills and knowledge to act and think as a techno
manager professional. Working with top management consultant, financial consultant or an engineering MNC will be my short term goal.
Professional achievements : 1.) Was part of team which won the project
site the best ERP team in costing/execution and planning modules.
2.) Team leader with a team of four people handling planning,
controls,contracts and budgeting of three projects worth 650 Crores.
3.) Trainee : 2009, Assistant manager grade 2 : 2010, Assistant
manager grade 1-2012, Presently : Team leader.
4.) Member of team for implementation of Japanese system of management
that is 5S in project, and this implementation won us the 3rd prize in
country for implementation of 5S ( first time in construction industry). this management helped our project site reduce inventory by 50%, improve plant efficiency by 25% and better turnover and margin by 50% (YoY basis).
5.) First to implement monitoring reports in ERP for the present
project site, followed as a model for other project site across
company.
6.) Successfully completed project planning, scheduling, preparing financial statements, control mechanism/ implementation of MIS reports for three marine projects worth 1080 Crores in marine/port sectors-(Construction of coal berth augmentation project for tata power, Container terminal for MBPT, Intake and outfall for thermal power project for Hinduja Power company)
7.) Part of team which prepared financial claims amounting to 150 Crores for the project, which got approved by project lenders and client.
8.) Cross functional role : Along with project roles at site office, even coordinated 3000 Crores worth of project from head office ( many times was given opportunity by SBU head to be a project coordinator coordinating six projects - coordinating with vendors, internal departments etc)----- i dont know whether to add this or not.
9.) Involved with tendering and bidding for two projects worth 250 Crores.( project conception to budgeting for Beacons project at Mumbai and Mangalore port trust project ).
Short term goal : i have already discussed in my previous paragraphs ( how this mba can equip me with necessary skill sets, so that i can explore the vast opportunities available in construction industry and its long supply chain).
Long term goal : Planning to start a venture/firm which gives consultancy to construction, real estate industry in project management, finance and strategy. Along with this, encourage and finance young and budding entrepreneurs in green sectors/infrastructure sectors. Experience and knowledge i gain in long term can be utilised by me in teaching and sharing ideas to better research in project management in construction industry.
In construction industry, the schedule is not flexible and had to work
for 14-17 hrs including commuting time, as I stay in Mumbai. It is
hard to believe that even on Sundays I end up working on site barring
few Sundays. This hectic schedule which I think had made me to take
decision of quitting from my job and focus on applying for colleges.
Normally in construction industry except PSU's, especially people
working at sites/projects, working hours are 12-13 hours and for
minimum six days a week.
Will quitting from job have an adverse impact on applying for
colleges? I am well aware about the opportunist cost being involved
once I quit my job, but any other impact ?? I have requisite work
experience which is normally mentioned as 2+ years of experience and I
even assume that I will get required recommendations from my seniors
and supervisors.
Or else, i was planning to join my uncle who has his construction consultant business which gives consultancy to big construction firms in design, engineering and project management and along with this, work with team of doctors for organising health camps in mysore and rural places.(mite be joining during applying to colleges or after 3/5 month sabbatical).
PS : I had an year gap during my engineering due to health reasons ( i utilised that year to equip myself with additional skills - software skills needed for designing and estimation in construction industry.
worked along with my uncle for conducting health camps in Mysore )
Regards,
Nikhil Bhat
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 4th, 2013, 5:40 pm
Abhinomics wrote:
Hi MG
Thanks for your reply.
Here are my comments:
<<snip>>
3) Please tell me for IITs. If a school states the teofl condition as the medium of instruction at the college should be English. For IITs it's english, but they don't mention this in website. What to do in that case? What did you do? or others as I assume many were from IITs. Do I need to give any proof?
<<snip>>
Although one more question I had. I have a dual degree but I don't know how to put this info on b-schools application. I am not able to find any provision. What did you do, as you yourself were dual? What years should I put as graduation and as post graduation; dual degrees received two separate degrees at same time. I am confused on this one.
Abhinomics,
The golden rule is, when in doubt, ask the adcom. In most cases, a transcript in English suffices, but if in doubt, drop a quick mail to adcom to clarify.
For the degree dilemma, mention your btech and mtech as separate degrees with same passing years. Most online forms should allow that - and u can mention in remarks that it was a dual degree. If no provision, go back to the golden rule
Cheers,
Re: Help evaluating my profile
Post by mcb_mg » August 5th, 2013, 4:27 pm
sudhanshujang wrote:Hello,
I`m sudhanshu. I was reading a lot of profiles and I admit that my profile is not as great as a lot of folks here.
1) Profile
Age : 26 Yrs
10th : 88% CBSE
12th : 79 % CBSE
<<snip>>
2) I am looking forward to build a good network with other entrepreneurs whom i might meet or know about from the college.
3) I am also considering investment in potential business in country i plan to go.
4) I want to consider both the sides of the coin and not make a decision in haste and regret spending time/money.
Some colleges i`m considering : IE Spain, Rotoman (canada) , Some IVY league but not HBS,Stanford, LBS .
<<snip>>
Thanks,
Sudhanshu
Sudhanshu,
You seem to have a really interesting and glamorous profile. Why do you berate yourself - the idea of forums like these is not to judge yourself but try to think on a more absolute basis (if there is one). Philosophy aside, here are a few specific points to note:
- The number of years of work-ex is not clear from your post. So difficult to place you and understand the profile.
- Though entrepreneurship usually matures a person and is usually looked favorably by bschools, but in your case this will need some explanation. You seem to have done a variety of things and the connect between them is not evident. So you'll need to explain that clearly through your essays
- Without an expected GMAT score and other profile details, it is again tough to see the fit with the schools you have listed out there. Regarding your specific query, there is usually not a dearth of experiences in any entrepreneurial venture to exhibit leadership - so I think that should be the lesser of your worries. From getting licenses for your business, to convincing foreign partners to raising capital - all these aspects are likely to have some or the other aspect of leadership
Cheers,
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 5th, 2013, 4:33 pm
abcsonal wrote:Hi MCB,
I am an undergrad in India and applying to US schools for Fall 2014. My profile is undersigned. Let me know if you need more details.
I recently applied to RSM, Netherlands and got an interview call as well. And that's when I got my 1st reality check!
So my concern is primarily Why Me and why Now essays? I currently fail to show shining star in my profile. Its like being an Average Jane in all aspects! And Why now? All I have is Gyaan. Lots of it! No factual stuff.
Thanks,
Sonal
Academics:
<<snip>>
Social work:
- Have done a lot but without certificates. Just doesn't seem right to do it for certificates only! (teaching kids, women, visiting centers for kids suffering with AIDS and old age homes)
Dear Sonal,
Thanks for your honest post. The essence of this forum is to try and explain the various facets of your profile and how they are likely to be looked on by an adcom. The question of Why MBA is a more basic one and one that is already assumed to have been answered by now. From your post, its not clear as to why u got the wake up call after getting an interview call - that's supposed to be a good thing isnt it?
If you are at the Why MBA point, I would suggest you check out Sameer's Book here and then also check out our MBA MAP offering here. These should help you get started.
In terms of your profile, I see there's some pretty good stuff out there. So am sure once you know the reason for an MBA, you'll do well.
Cheers,
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 5th, 2013, 4:42 pm
raghu wrote:Please try to analyse my profile and its suitability for ISB, Hyderabad PGP MBA. I am looking to reenter the IT industry in a better role. An MBA will be needed for me to improve my managerial skills and also because I took an off from job around 1.5 years back to pursue my dream of getting into civil services. Will I be in the race with this profile or should I look for other colleges or career options.
I avoided the names of my employer/clients for obvious reasons. Please let me know if you need further information.
<<snip>>
Will the break in my career affect my prospects of securing admission? And should I be honest in revealing to colleges that I spent the last 1.5 years studying for civil services and did nothing apart from that?
Thanks in advance.
Dear Raghu,
As mentioned elsewhere on this forum, at MCB we believe in complete honesty and ethics - that permeates in not only our relationship with our clients but also in the advice and guidance we provide. From that respect, we'd never recommend making stuff up for the sake of an application. In the larger equation of life, that is a very petty thing to do and something you'll regret for the rest of your life even if you succeed in the short run.
Here are a few things to bear in mind in addition to the above point:
- There are people who have a break in their profile. That is not a deal breaker. The deal breaker is if you yourself regret that break. If on the other hand you are confident that you did the right thing and put in your efforts to achieve a dream - and faltered in the process - then so be it. An honest acceptance of that, plus the learning you had in the process, will be a good story in itself.
- It looks like you've had a good run in the IT space. So getting back may not be a bad idea. But do keep in mind that MBA application is not a full time job - so using that as a pretext for not working now that u seemed to have shelved your civil services plan, may not go down well. You may want to start looking for a job and applying at the same time. At least from your post, it isnt clear if you are currently employed or not.
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 5th, 2013, 4:53 pm
nikhilbhat07 wrote:Hi Sameer,
Please consider this profile, as earlier i had missed few points.
I have been reading your blogs in https://www.mbacrystalball.com and have been
impressed by your valuable suggestions. I would request you to guide
me by giving your valuable inputs. I would be happy to work with your team in future for profile/ essays evaluation etc.
I am Nikhil Bhat from Mumbai having 4+ years of experience in
construction industry (Gammon India Limited) after my post-graduation
in construction management.
<<snip>>
Short term goal : i have already discussed in my previous paragraphs ( how this mba can equip me with necessary skill sets, so that i can explore the vast opportunities available in construction industry and its long supply chain).
Long term goal : Planning to start a venture/firm which gives consultancy to construction, real estate industry in project management, finance and strategy. Along with this, encourage and finance young and budding entrepreneurs in green sectors/infrastructure sectors. Experience and knowledge i gain in long term can be utilised by me in teaching and sharing ideas to better research in project management in construction industry.
In construction industry, the schedule is not flexible and had to work
for 14-17 hrs including commuting time, as I stay in Mumbai. It is
hard to believe that even on Sundays I end up working on site barring
few Sundays. This hectic schedule which I think had made me to take
decision of quitting from my job and focus on applying for colleges.
Normally in construction industry except PSU's, especially people
working at sites/projects, working hours are 12-13 hours and for
minimum six days a week.
<<snip>>
Regards,
Nikhil Bhat
Dear Nikhil,
Thanks for the detailed post - took a while to go through. Here are a few things to consider basis what I could make out from your post:
- As mentioned in the reply just before this one, MBA Application can rarely be justified as a full time occupation. People with more work hr weeks than yours manage to put in a application so please desist from the temptation of making this a full time job. If for whatever reasons you are not successful, than the downside could be worse than having to justify this during the adcom interviews
- You should bear in mind that construction industry has limited opportunities for MBA grads - so research well in terms of what kind of companies and what 'specific' roles within those companies you can target. Just hand-waving in terms of trying to understand more about business would be tough to justify
- Health related gaps are easiset to explain - its usually not your fault if some bacteria or virus or another illness takes a liking for you.
- You have a fairly aggressive school list out there. So a good GMAT score wouldnt hurt at all - so all guns blazing there. That coupled with solid essays explaining your non-obvious career profile should make for a compelling application
Cheers,
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by ssn28 » August 5th, 2013, 10:04 pm
But with that school list, ma'am (thanks for humoring me), GMAT is likely to have been one of the important factor. Add to that the fact that I guess you did not have any entrepreneurial experience in your last outing?
So the advise would be to improve that score. If that is a mirage not worth chasing, then put in a strong application, explaining your experience as well as spread your risks better.
Helps?
Cheers,
Dear MG,
Thank you very much good Sir! That definitely did help.
Yes I did not have any entrepreneurial experience in my last outing.
At the risk of stating the obvious, my goal has always been to get into one of the top B-schools in US or India. I want the superior peer group that comes with it just as much as the brand name, more so because I plan to come back home after working for 1-2 years if I do end up going to the US.
But yes I will spread my risks better and plan to make use of your MBA MAP offering to help me do that. However, if I were to apply with my current score of 660, just off the top of your head, can you please name a school or two that you would suggest? I understand this might be too much to ask but I want to figure if a higher GMAT is a "mirage worth chasing" considering my goal.
Best,
ssn28
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 6th, 2013, 2:59 pm
ssn28 wrote: Dear MG,
Thank you very much good Sir! That definitely did help.
<<snip>>
But yes I will spread my risks better and plan to make use of your MBA MAP offering to help me do that. However, if I were to apply with my current score of 660, just off the top of your head, can you please name a school or two that you would suggest? I understand this might be too much to ask but I want to figure if a higher GMAT is a "mirage worth chasing" considering my goal.
Best,
ssn28
ssn28, glad you found the interaction useful. At the risk of repeating myself for the umpteenth time, the school selection is premature to mention on the basis of limited forum interactions. We consider that aspect of 'crystal ball' gazing as a fairly evolved art and I urge you to study the MBA MAP offering to that end.
Happy hunting till then.
Cheers,
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by palls20 » August 7th, 2013, 1:04 pm
Gender : Female
GMAT1 : 650(Q45,V35)
GMAT2 : 710(Q49,V38)
Nationality : Indian
Academics -
Class 10 : 89%
Class 12 : 95%
B.E(Mechanical) & M.Sc(Mathematics) : 7.81/10
Graduate from BITS Pilani, Pilani campus
Work experience -
First job : SUN Microsystems for 1.5 yrs as Member Technical Staff
Second job : ORACLE India for 6+ yrs now as Project Lead
Total work ex : 8 yrs
Extra curriculars -
Performed couple of dance shows at office and in the city and won awards.
Part of couple of volunteer activities at office
Chief event organizer in the team
Professional achievements -
Developed some new features with high quality independently.
Received many client appreciations
Part of major product family releases
Lead a team of 3 people and mentor for 2 people
Expectation after MBA -
As I have been in the IT industry for last 8 years and my current job involves interacting with customers globally, I would like to do an MBA to understand customer requirements better and provide better solution to them in terms of product satisfaction. Basically I am looking for a Product Management or Consultant kind of role.
I am interested to apply to Indian/Asian schools. Based on my profile, can you please suggest what schools I can target?
Thanks much.
Re: Free MBA profile evaluation
Post by mcb_mg » August 7th, 2013, 6:19 pm
palls20 wrote:Personal -
Gender : Female
GMAT1 : 650(Q45,V35)
GMAT2 : 710(Q49,V38)
Nationality : Indian
<<snip>>
Thanks much.
Dear palls20,
I noticed that you've post very similar query on 5-6 different forums here. It is not a good idea because there is risk of you ending up more confused than before with so many inputs.
On a high level, suggesting school names is a bit beyond the scope of this thread.
In terms of profile, you should think of how does your current experience connect with your post-MBA goals; you should be able to defend why after 8 years have you decided now to do an MBA.
You do seem to have some interesting ECs which could be a good addition to the essays.
Cheers,