Ask Jeremy @ MBAMission.com - What it takes to get to the best global business school

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry.

I don’t think that your answer needs to revolve entirely around weaknesses; you could phrase your essay so that you are approaching your needs in a vacuum. For example, without saying that you are risk averse, you could say that you want to be more of a risk-taker. It is possible, but there is always an implied weakness. I take your point though and I will amend my piece on ISB shortly to clarify.

In terms of your cover letter, I would craft it as a formal letter and I would consider being very targeted in terms of a dream job, as it seems that a dream job could not be vaguely presented. I would need to see your letter to truly determine which path you should choose though.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by sumagar

Hi Jeremy,
I am IT Professional with about 3 years and 9 months of experience. I have already appeared for GMAT on the 12th of August and scored 760 on that. I am yet to receive my AWA score though.
I have a good academic record.
X 90 % (CBSE)
XII 88 % (CBSE)
BE 83.5 % (MNNIT Allahabad)

I am currently working with TCS and deputed to US for the last 15 months.
I had a few questions on the ISB essays.
For the essay on the cover letter, do I need to name the company and does it need to be in the standard format of a letter.

For the question on the changes, does it really have to be weaknesses or its any aspect that I would like to change.

I plan to submit my application in the first round. Please help me with these questions.

Thanks
Sumit

[arpits]

Hi Jeremy,

Need ur advice on this..

I have 4+ yrs of experience in HR and IT and by education an Electronics Engineer from Mumbai University.

Major experience has been in PeopleSoft consulting ranging from HRMS to Finance, mostly functional and primarily onsite(3+ years in USA and abt 2 months in Singapore). Currently working for an American Hospital in HR Dept as an Analyst.

Took my GMAT scored 670 .

Problem is I'm happy with my job, but I want to move back to consulting and relocate back to India. Keeping this in mind I was tagetting ISB, but the chances have become bleak with the GMAT score.

People have said that I might get into a good B School in US as in say top 25, but considering the wish of working in India, investment seems very high.

[maverick2k5]

Hi,
I am looking to do Wealth Management as a career. Currently looking at the top schools for finance. But i somehow cant find articles anywhere which would tell these are the best schools for this career. Would someone know which schools I should be looking at.
Currently the ones that I have found out are the ones, but these are the best ones.

• Chicago
• Columbia
• Kelloggs
• Wharton
• NYU - Stern

Would anyone want to add any other to the list. Cant exactly figure out what should the safety schools be for Finance programmes.

Any help will be really appreciated.
Thanks

[d_tayal2001]

Hi Jeremy Shinewald
I am Mr Dimple Tayal. I have got 640 score (Quant 50, Verbal 27, AWA 4.5) in GMAT and 263 in TOEFL. Presently i am working in Maruti from last 2 years after completing engineering (mechanical).
My work area is operations. I had a lot of extra curricular activities like member of various committes during college time, participated in cultural programs as well as sports too.
i want to apply in US . can you suggest me where all i should apply so that i have good chances of getting admission.
waiting for your reply
regards
Dimple

[rookie21]

Hello Jeremy,

I am studying final year in Bachelors of Commerce under the University of Madras. I would like to pursue my postgraduation in the USA. Here is a brief overview of my scores

Std 10th (CBSE) - 81%;
Std 12th (CBSE) - 84%; (School 3rd rank)
Degree (so far) - 75% (Class Topper)
GMAT not attempted yet


I am looking for a postgraduate degree, specialising in marketing. I do not have any work experience. My biggest worry is finding a job in the US after completing the degree. Many say it is difficult to find a job for a person without work experience. Could you advise me on this issue?

[hellojp]

Hi Jeremy,
Can You Please reply to my query as well? Thanks in Advance...

Jailendra

Originally Posted by hellojp

Hi Jeremy,
I would request you to please help me....

My profile:
Age: 28
Sex: Male
Nationality: Indian
Education: I’ve done a 4 yr Engineering degree in Computer Science with 74% marks. Gold Medalist in Final Year
GMAT:740 (quant-51, verbal-40)

IT Work Ex- About 6 yrs (Last 4 years in Tata Consultancy Services with 1 year in USA, 1 Year in LG Soft India). Currently working as Project Manager (handling a team of 35 people) - seven projects of TCS for ICICI Prudential , Mumbai

Achievements:
 2nd Prize in Wellness & Fitness Challenge Competition at Deluxe Corporation , Minneapolis
 Certificate of Recognition for TACTiCS (Technical Architect Configuration at TCS, Hyderabad)
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Annual Appraisal in April 2004
 Rated 5 on the scale of 5 in Confirmation rating in December 2003
 Star of the Month Award from TCS Mumbai in September 2003
 Got Best Performer Award in German Language Course in ITP Training of TCS in Trivandrum
 Got Best Employee Award in LG Soft India for Period Jan 2002 – Jun 2002
 Gold Medallist In Engineering College for the Best Student
 Active Participant in Annual Program “ZEST” in SRMS Engineering College
 Runner Up in Software Competition in Annual College Program “ZEST” in 1999
 Runner Up in Dance Competition in Annual College Program “ZEST” in 1997
 Grade A Certificate in MS Visual Basic Course in SRMS Engineering College, Bareilly
 Successfully led the College Cricket Team for three consecutive years.

Community work:
 Member of the Disaster Management Group for TCS – mainly involved in blood donations to the victims and also visiting the affected people at regular intervals during any disaster like recent Mumbai train bomb blasts.
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the under Privileged Children (fisherman community at Colaba)
 Volunteer for the TCS Teaching team for the Blind Children at Tardeo School.


I want to pursue my MBA in finance.

I have shortlisted following schools:

Wharton (Round 1)
Chicago (Round 1)
LBS (Round 1)
Harvard (Round 2)
Yale (Round 1)
Insead (Round 1)
University of Michigan (Round 2)
Darden (Round 1)
ISB (Round 2)

Can you please suggest that where all i have a good chance of admission with decent scholarship? Do I need to add more safe bets to the above list?

Thanks in advance....

[sanjeev florida]

Hey Jeremy,
I just have a quick question.
My GMAT is 750 (Q49,V42). But my AWA is 4.5. Will this be a problem for my chances in the top 15 univs?

Thanks,
Sanjeev

[MBA Mission]

Avina,

I will respond to your questions one-by-one:

1. Given that I have performed diverse roles, would my professional background that be viewed as negative by adcomms of B schools? From experience, I know most recruiters have viewed my profile as positive or negative depending on the role (but mostly positive)

Considering your communications background, I am sure that you can “nuance” or “spin” your story positively. The Admissions Committees are not demanding that every single step in your career be part of a b-school trajectory; they want to understand the logic of your decisions and know that b-school is a vital part of your future.

2. As I am currently in a role where I am stagnating, should I consider a job change? Or will too many job changes also be viewed negatively? Would better performance and career path balance the frequent job changes? I don’t see how staying on in this role will help me.

This is a very difficult question to answer. Generally, my recommendation is to follow the path that is most logical to you professionally and personally, because it will enable you to be the most content in your job and achieve the most. If you are unhappy, you will be unmotivated and this will be reflected in a lack of promotions, strong references, etc. Still, I would need to know a lot more about you personally; switching jobs is not something that I can advise someone to do after reading a brief profile, so take what I have written with a grain of salt.

3. I am working towards strengthening my profile. This includes working really hard at the GMAT and doing a Diploma In Financial Management to ramp up quant ability and offset the bad UG grade. Also plan to do an online calculus course from a US University. Is this the right approach or is there something else I should be doing? I am willing to do whatever it takes and even delay applying (by 2 -3 years) till I build a strong profile.

This path seems very comprehensive and logical.

With my current profile I am realistic enough to know that I won’t get into the US Top 10. Is my goal of 15 to 30 realistic?

I think that it will be difficult for you to challenge for a spot in a top-ten school. You have a differentiated professional background and are an international female, both of which are appealing, but you have weak grades and no extras. While it is certainly not impossible, it is unlikely. You might reach for one, but keep your remaining options in the 15-25 range open.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by gitano

Dear Jeremy,


Have been reading this thread in detail and have found them most helpful.

My Profile in Brief:
Age: 29, Female


GMAT: Currently preparing for it. Am confident of getting 680 but will aim for 700


Academics: School topper. BA Political Science - First Class (60%) Quite bad. Did a Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism Management from MumbaiUniversity.

Work Experience: Started out with a year in a travel agency. Realised early on that I was not suited to working in the travel & tourism industry. The dotcom boom in the late 90s helped me find a foothold in web content. I enjoyed the work, as I am a naturally gifted writer with very good written and communication skills

2yrs as a tech journalist followed by 2 years handling Tech PR at a worldwide PR agency. Did extremely well with quite a few successes. Moved to an operational communication role in a telecom company for a year. Quit as I there was no growth path in the particular role. Moving into a totally different role (i.e. operations) would have meant losing out on my major USP – communication. But performed well and had a huge impact on the organisation.

Currently Manager Corporate Communication in an Indian textile and apparel company (wrong career decision!). Not much opportunity for growth here too as corporate communication in this organisation is more ‘service provider’ role than a proactive image management role. Have some international exposure through International PR, work with our JV partners in Europe. But have never worked overseas

Total Experience: 7 Years (6 years in communication)

Community service: Volunteer occasionally for health camps etc but not on a regular basis

Interests: Skiing and adventure sports, painting, play the piano and the guitar


Languages: Can speak French and learning Spanish

Goals: Marketing and Brand Management. Hope to work overseas for a few years before returning to India.

Universities: Top 15 – 25 US schools, Mid-tier schools in UK and Europe in Fall 2008 or 2009

Would appreciate it if you could help me with the following:

1. Given that I have performed diverse roles, would my professional background that be viewed as negative by adcomms of B schools? From experience, I know most recruiters have viewed my profile as positive or negative depending on the role (but mostly positive)
2. As I am currently in a role where I am stagnating, should I consider a job change? Or will too many job changes also be viewed negatively? Would better performance and career path balance the frequent job changes? I don’t see how staying on in this role will help me.
3. I am working towards strengthening my profile. This includes working really hard at the GMAT and doing a Diploma In Financial Management to ramp up quant ability and offset the bad UG grade. Also plan to do an online calculus course from a US University. Is this the right approach or is there something else I should be doing? I am willing to do whatever it takes and even delay applying (by 2 -3 years) till I build a strong profile.

With my current profile I am realistic enough to know that I won’t get into the US Top 10. Is my goal of 15 to 30 realistic?

Look forward to your response!!

Avina

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your inquiry and for your words of encouragement.

In your cover letter, you will need to show your qualifications for your dream job so you will have the opportunity to discuss your past. You won’t be able to go into detail, but you should certainly identify your professional merits and, of course, try to present them in the most positive light. It is a challenge, as you have a lot more to do in those three hundred words, but it can be done and indeed will be done by many.

The key in this question will be to make your professional accomplishments active, so that you are not stating facts, but are using them as part of a continuum:

Good: “As I managed an alternative energy project generation project for General Electric, I not only developed financial and managerial skills – supervising a team of eight and a budget of $11MM, but I also saw a meaningful future in clean power… ”

Bad: “I worked for two years at General Electric. There, I managed a team of eight and an $11MM budget for an alternative energy project. Then, I transferred to United Technologies. I…”

You are not providing a biography – you are providing active reasoning for how and why you have certain goals. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by righty

Hi Jeremy,

First of all.. Hats off to your patience while answering the queries... You are doing an amazing job... You certainly saved many of us from committing blunders in our essays...

I had a query related to an ISB essays I have quoted above.
I was not able to figure out whether and how the CV be included in 300 words, as the question mentioned 'accompanying your CV'.

I mailed the Adcoms at ISB and got a prompt response:

------------------------------------------------
Dear Patron,

You just need to write a covering letter and not the CV itself.

Regards,

Srinath
Manager - Admissions & Financial Aid

------------------------------------------------

My question now to you will be: How important do you think it is to incorporate the salient feature of your CV in the essays, given the word limit is just 300 words? Schools in US generally ask to upload your CV separately.... But there is no place in the ISB app for your CV...

Should I try and squeeze the prominant part of my CV into the essays, or should I somehow expect my recommenders to write about it?

Thanks for your help,
Righty

[MBA Mission]

Thank you for your post.

I got a bit carried away with your question about the essay and forgot to add that there definitely is a place for your resume as they need to understand the sequence of events in your life.

Sincerely,
Jeremy Shinewald
MBA Mission

www.mbamission.com
646-485-8844
Skype: MBAMission

Originally Posted by righty

Just to update... I found a mention of '2 copies of resume' at the below mentioned link:

http://www.isb.edu/pgp/visit/admissi...plirequire.htm