MBA Crystal Ball

Posted: **June 14th, 2016, 12:04 am**

BE in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. I am a co-founder of an angel funded start up in the electronic component distribution business. Associated with my company for 2 years now. 1 during graduation and 1 after graduation till date (Dont know if experience during graduation counts or not).

I work as a supply chain manager at my company and take care of supply chain/ purchase/ operations. Planning to pursue my masters, preferably abroad (will mention reasons later). I am stuck between MBA in supply chain management or MS in supply chain management. Bear in mind I have a 2 year gap in my academics and my grades aren't good at all.

Achievements - Won several business plan competitions, GK quiz competitions at college level, have a technical paper published, was a part time writer at an automobile website. Have conducted training programs and workshops all over my city and trained more than 1000 students till date as a part of my company work. Entrepreneurship experience is my strong point I believe.

Now the conundrum arises whether MS or MBA. Need your guidance. Bear in mind IIMs and other top institutes in India wont entertain me on account of my poor GPA. Hence planning to pursue abroad like mentioned earlier. So suggest me whether to opt for an MBA or MS.

I am open to countries like Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore etc apart from the likes of mainstream US and UK.

Please suggest me the appropriate course and the best institutes I can get.

Thanks

Posted: **June 15th, 2016, 4:41 pm**

scm wrote:BE in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering. I am a co-founder of an angel funded start up in the electronic component distribution business. Associated with my company for 2 years now. 1 during graduation and 1 after graduation till date (Dont know if experience during graduation counts or not).

<<snip>>

Please suggest me the appropriate course and the best institutes I can get.

Thanks

Consider the following points scm:

Startup experience can be really valuable and the fact that you are a co-founder can make for a good story. It will also be important to understand and elaborate on the value that you have added in SCM area to gain maximum mileage out of this. The graduation time experience is likely to be considered more an internship.
The question may not be of MBA vs MS. Not directly relevant, but read here. At this stage, it would be premature to look for GMAT based MBA programs and MS is likely to be the main/only option. MS is a very wide area and it will be best to do your independent research for identifying the right program. Here is how we can help for your MS application.
The grades and UG performance is important not just for Indian institutes but outside too. So make sure you have a clear explanation for the gap and how you've overcome those issues in the more recent past.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,

Posted: **June 17th, 2016, 3:17 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: mas-17

BTech (Electrical) from JNU
22 years, Lieutenent Colonel , Army Engineer, Executive Engineer/ Project Manager
GMAT 680( Q 49 V 34)
Full time one year MBA

I have read articles by Sameer and am impressed.
1. I want to do "Full time one year MBA" in 2017. My age at the time of joining such a course would be 45 +. Please suggest my chances for getting admission in colleges in US/Europe and India.
2. May i know the colleges i can target.
3. Should i try for a higher GMAT score. I may achieve a better score if i try.
4. What would be the expanses for such courses.

Thanks for the kind words.

As you'd know from our earlier, responses on this forum, we don't speculate on chances, since it doesn't help.

You'd already know that the age does put you at a disadvantage for full-time programs. There are options like IIMA PGPX and IMD that you could look at, but the difference would still be significant.

Though the GMAT score is on the lower side, I don't see that to be the primary hurdle. It's the bigger concern that Adcoms may have about how you'll fit in the class and what you will be able to do after graduation.

Focus on those aspects rather than chasing a 10-20 point higher GMAT.

Concentrate more on your overall positioning and the post-MBA goals. Not to mention that your essays/recos/interviews should not leave any room for error.

We've written here about the cost of MBA programs.

Good luck!

Posted: **June 22nd, 2016, 1:35 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: MWA-1234567

Nationality :: Pakistani
BS Electrical Engineering from School of Science & Engineering, Lahore
GRE 315 (Q167 V148) Date: Nov 2012
USA and Canada. Classes starting in Sept 2017

1. With a work experience of 3 years do you think I am a good candidate for top 20 US schools (Financial times Global MBA ratings) ?

2. My man target schools in US are Columbia, UC Berkeley, Northwestern,University of Michigan, Darthmouth, University if Virginna, Cornell,UCLA. While in Canada im planning to apply for U of T (Rottman) and University of Western Ontario:Richard Ivey. Out of all these, which schools do you think I have a good chance. I would really appreciate if you can comment on every school that I mentioned and also if you can list down any other schools that you think may be suitable for my profile.

3.I am a little concerned about my GRE score and CGPA (already mentioned above) . Can you please comment on it as well.

4. How important are the profiles of my referees ?

1. Though your experience is slightly on the lower side, you can surely try for US and Canadian bschools.

2. We don't talk about chances on the forum. Here's why:
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2011 ... 2%80%99ts/

But as a general opinion, I'd think many of the programs on the list would be tough targets specially because of the GRE score you are going in with.

3. Your concern is right. It is low for someone with an otherwise strong profile like yours. There are many things in your professional background that make you unique and competitive.

The other issue is that your score is 4 years old. Though it may be technically valid, having a more recent GMAT / GRE score would've helped you improve the odds a lot.

I've seen on your LinkedIn profile that you've been a Gold Medalist for Best Academic Performance. The GRE score doesn't conflicts with it.

Is there a possibility to re-take it and go higher?

4. The profile of your referees is important, but what's more important is how close they've worked with you, in what capacity and whether they can build a strong case for you in their letters of recommendation.

Posted: **June 23rd, 2016, 1:49 pm**

Ref ID= MWA-1234567
Hi !

Thank you Sameer for your detailed response. I am planning to re-take GRE as my score is on the lower side.As already mentioned in my previous detailed post that my last GRE score was 315 (Q167 V148) so I am trying to improve my total score to at least 320.Any thing more than that would require a miracle given my intense job routine.

Kindly address the following queries:

1. You have seen my Linkedin Profile. In the past 3 years I have worked in 3 different capacities across 3 different industries (including international experience) . On one side I can write tons about my diverse experience in various fields and industries but on the other side do you think this may appear as frequent job switching and may not work in my favor? (If you want I can resend you my Linkedin profile URL for reference)

2. I shared my tentative target schools list with you, out which you said some are tough schools to get in with my profile. Can you please comment on each of the following schools as to which are tough and which are not. I know guaging whether a given school is tough or not requires analysis on many levels but I just require your brief feedback on each one of them given your years of expereince with thousands of candidate profiles :
a) Columbia
b) UC Berkeley
c) Northwestern
d)University of Michigan
e) Dartmouth
f) University of Virginia
g) Cornell
h) UCLA
i) UC:Irvine
j) Rice
k) U of T : Rotman
l) University of Western Ontario : Richard Ivey

It would really mean a lot if you can comment on each school

Thank you in advance =)

Posted: **June 23rd, 2016, 5:08 pm**

mwaqasaziz wrote:Ref ID= MWA-1234567
1. ...In the past 3 years I have worked in 3 different capacities across 3 different industries (including international experience) . On one side I can write tons about my diverse experience in various fields and industries but on the other side do you think this may appear as frequent job switching and may not work in my favor?

2. I shared my tentative target schools list with you,
:
:
It would really mean a lot if you can comment on each school

I'm afraid the second point will be out of scope for what we can do on this forum. But I can surely address the first one.

Ideally, a simple career growth graph works best to show not only what you've achieved in those pre-MBA years, but also the commitment you've shown to a particular industry/company. As you have rightly guessed, it does become tougher to explain why you've had so many transitions in a short time frame.

I'm sure you had logical reasons for each switch. Ensure that the rationale comes across in your essays.

Try to think about the questions that may come up in the mind of a new person viewing your application. Answer them upfront, so their assumptions don't work against you.

Hope that helps.

Posted: **June 23rd, 2016, 8:52 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: SABY2016

Btech from West Bengal University of Technology in India
6.5 years currently as Team Lead
720 [Expected], 2018 class

1. I don't have a creme dela creme profile from premier colleges of India. I have studied in ordinary college in India, so is it difficult to get through good international colleges for an MBA. Actually my profile is very abundant, so there is a myth that these profiles does not make through good international colleges. Is this true ?

2. If I study in international colleges and plan to come back, can I get a good job in India also?

3. After reading this question you might think that I am a greedy person. I think I have done well in my career as of now and received good feedback from supervisors about my work. I draw around fifteen lac in hand salary as of now. I also want to do my MBA to climb the extra ladder and to be part in making/managing business decisions. I have plans to try my PGPX from IIM A,B,C or some low cost international colleges. After PGPX everyone does not get salary > 20 lakhs. Some of them don't get placed, some get low salary (and salary is consisted of variable pay where in hand salary can come low). So my concern is if after taking a bank loan of 25 lakhs if I don't get good salaried job(lesser than that time equivalent of current salary), then I might feel low on the financial side. I know money cannot judge education but to me it is one of most important factor. So I am confused in this. Can you please help me in some guidance ?

4. I have international experience for 11 months(travelled to same country back to back with 3 month business visa for 4 times). Will this experience count as an international experience for me ?

5. I have changed 4 companies in span of 6.5 years. Salary improvement was also a reason. So are these change of companies creating a black mark on my profile for consistency?

6. I am not able to judge my self on which subject I will do MBA on. I think I can do marketing, sales, consulting if I get the proper platform. So before doing MBA do I have to take a stand or decide on this? or while doing MBA I can decide ?

Wow, that's quite a mouthful! Let's dig right in.

1. For IT professionals applying to MBA programs, any little bit that helps them stand out helps. Academics is one of those criteria.

2. We wrote about the value of an international MBA in India. Here's the link: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2016 ... mba-india/

3. You are not being greedy at all. Having your financial well-being in mind is a mature thing to do. And let's be honest, no one is heading into an MBA program purely for the education (though it may very well be a prime reason).

The downsides you list are very real. There are no certainties in life after MBA. You will have to weigh the pros and cons based on what's important to you and then take a call.

4. Yes, that will be considered as international experience.

5. You are making me re-think on your 'I am greedy' statement

On a serious note, jumping for salary so often will not reflect well. Since you mentioned that it wasn't the only reason, make sure you talk about the other motivators too.

6. Yes to both. You will have to take a stand now. And you will have the option to move into any space that you find interesting.

Posted: **June 30th, 2016, 3:38 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: JC-KOL9490

B.Tech in Mining from NIT Rourkela
1 year in operations in Mining Industry & 3 years,Technical Services Engineer, Team Lead
GMAT 660 (Q49 V31) Test date May 2016

In my first attempt , I secured 660 in GMAT ( Q49 and V31). I plan to improve my scores from this level. I wish to start with my application process immediately so that I am ready for submissions by R1. In parallel, I would retake the GMAT to improve my scores

1. Given my profile and my inclination to stick to consultancy, what are the schools I should target

2. Once shortlisted, How do I approach the application process for the schools. My criteria for school selection -
a) strong base in consultancy
b) Do not want to take a huge financial risk ( ROI point of view)
c)Medium Class Size
d) diversity ( Global Outlook)
e) Location to suit the right employment opportunities in my area of interest i.e. consultancy ( energy consultant to be more specific)

3. I have serious time constraints in my current job. I wish to take a wholehearted retest to improve my scores. To what extent,Can I stretch my exam dates and still be in time for R1

1. Will paste our standard response on why we can't suggest bschools here:
https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2011 ... 2%80%99ts/

2. Consulting is a common target for many applicants. Consulting Firms also look at GMAT scores, so going in with a low score will be a serious disadvantage, specially for the top tier bschools.

Niche consulting like energy will have lesser competition, but the opportunities will also be limited.

Either ways, since consultng is such a brand-oriented career, the need to have a strong brand becomes more important.

You're probably putting yourself in a tight spot by trying to get both pedigree and RoI.

The diversity element is more or less similar at most good schools in the US. European bschools have more regional diversity in comparison.

3. As long as you submit the GMAT dates before the deadline, Adcoms won't have an issue. See if you can talk to your manager and get some time off for studies.

Posted: **July 5th, 2016, 3:08 pm**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

BTech in Mechanical Engg
7.5 years , currently senior consultant in Oracle financial Consultant

1. I have break in my degree due to personal constraints, does this affect my application
2.i m preparing GMAT and my exam in August, if my score is in between 650-680 does this score affects the application
3. I m looking for 1 year mba program, what are the other. Program suits my profile
4. I am looking at around the budget max of 35 lakhs for my mba, Could you please suggest university

1. Yes, it does affect the application. This should help: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2011 ... eer-break/

2. The score will be lower than what Adcoms expect from Indian applicants.

3. One year MBA is a good choice, for your experience.

4. The budget would be too less for most good international bschools. You'd be limited to Indian options.

Posted: **July 10th, 2016, 11:31 am**

Profile details sourced from our Profile Evaluation database.

Reference ID: MNKBansal89

B.E. in Mechatronics
4 years 8 Months, Tech Lead, Data Science
GMAT 680 (Q48 V34 AW6 IR8) , India/Asia for classes

Do non professional activities like sports, creative endeavors help in the admission process?
Does being a manager in my current job profile help/dissuade my MBA application ?

Non-professional activities can surely help, if you position them well i.e. they support your main storyline, rather than overshadow it.

Being a manager is an advantage, since you have already been exposed to many concepts that would be covered in bschool. And you have an idea of where you lack. Excellent fodder for essays.

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