@Sachin Kudva

hello... my 10th and 12th % is 80+ and BE Mech. agg. is 74.6 %. Currently M working in Siemens as an Executive Eng. in Manufacturing- Production. I hav a keen interest in doing MBA from a reputed colg. like NMIMS or so...Kindly suggest more colgs. sutied to my profile and how shal i proceed fwd with the preparations....Wanna join nyhow by 2014 aug. thank u

Hi Sachin,

You have decent academics and work experience in reputed company, have you taken CAT/GMAT? and also let me know your total work experience. Also do some brainstorming about your career aspirations post MBA, which sector you want to get into? based on these I can suggest you some good b-schools. Let me know if you have any questions...

@titan_space

I am planning to take GMAT next year....Do top Indian B-schools(IIMs) accept GMAT scores for regular programmes other than executive prgrms ???#fresher

Hey found this link it might be useful for you

http://www.mba.com/landingpages/india/study-in-india/gmat-accepting-schools.aspx let me know if you have any questions

@gmatrakesh

Hi,

I am rakesh. I have a gmat score of 700(q-50,v-34). I am 3 years experienced as of now in mobile and social game industry. i have done by graduation from Bits-pilani. i have average extra curricular activities and decent acads .

10th -87.4 cbse

12th -91.1

engg - 7.21 (bits)

Please suggest me viable schools for me to apply.

Hi Rakesh,

You have good GMAT and average work experience, with this you can apply to ISB, SP Jain, Greatlakes and you have fair chances @top US, UK and Asian b-schools provided you should focus more on your application essays/recommendations and building your profile. You are in the right stage of your career and most of the b-schools look for 3-7 years of work experience. I f you want to evaluate your profile then please PM your contact details for further discussion on your application

@F0rbidd3n

@askrohan @mba-help Hi, I am a typical IT Engineer aspiring for MBA .My profile Xth : 78% , XIIth : 64% (both from State Board), B.Tech (2010) : 84.7% (nothing so great in extracurricular)Total work ex till dare: previously

Hi @F0rbidd3n ,

Interesting profile, you have fair chances @ISB, just focus more on getting 700+ GMAT and put a strong case through your application essays/recommendations, Let me know if you have any questions.

@SuperHornet

I am planning to give GMAT this year for ISB. Had a few doubts: 1) Can a person get the full loan for the 20 L that ISB charges? Does this figure of 20 L cover the living and boarding expenses?

Haven't heard of anyone getting more than 5 lakhs, 10 lakhs is a rarity. However, the b-school does have some full scholls, but you have to be absolutely outstanding to get them.

Check this link out for your other questions:

Programme Expenses | Fees and Financing | PGP | Indian School of Business (ISB)

@SuperHornet

2) With the batch size increasing dramatically to ~700+, will it be safe bet for a middle class guy to take such a huge risk of a 20 L loan?

btw, its upward of 23L. Depends on your dreams and aspirations and your risk taking capacity. If it means a lot to you to do study at ISB, you will make it happen for yourself - if you realize most of the upwardly mobile Indians are from the middle class.

@SuperHornet

3) With a low experience of 2yrs. by ISB standards (avg:5) will it be possible for me to secure a job in one of the big strategy consulting firms ?

Depends on the quality of your experience and how well you are able to present it to the adcom. Work hard on your application and it might just work in your favor. Score above 740 in the GMAT

@SuperHornet

4) What is the criteria for getting a need based scholarship if my family income is below 5L ? 5) Could you please evaluate my profile:10th: 86.8% 12th: 81.8% B.Tech (VIT): 8.82 CGPA Work Ex: currently 11 months in Deloitte USI as a software testerExtra-curricular: Decent-Good ; was part of debate-quiz team of college and school, participated in various other events in my college

Please check the link I have given you to know more about the need based scholl. Your work profile is a lot like that of other IT applicants - so really work hard on submitting an application that brings out your real personality, rather than sounding like just another IT applicant.

Namita, MBA Decoder

I am planning to give GMAT this year for ISB. Had a few doubts:
1) Can a person get the full loan for the 20 L that ISB charges? Does this figure of 20 L cover the living and boarding expenses?
2) With the batch size increasing dramatically to ~700+, will it be safe bet for a middle class guy to take such a huge risk of a 20 L loan?
3) With a low experience of 2yrs. by ISB standards (avg:5) will it be possible for me to secure a job in one of the big strategy consulting firms ?
4) What is the criteria for getting a need based scholarship if my family income is below 5L ? 5) Could you please evaluate my profile:
10th: 86.8% 12th: 81.8% B.Tech (VIT): 8.82 CGPA
Work Ex: currently 11 months in Deloitte USI as a software tester
Extra-curricular: Decent-Good ; was part of debate-quiz team of college and school, participated in various other events in my college

@ashblack007

What would be the average GMAT score and minimum Work EX for ISB ??

Average GMAT for class of 2013 was 710 and GMAT range of 80% of the class was between 670-750, minimum work experience is 2 years, also ISB is offering deferred admission for people with less than 2 years of work experience. Let me know more about your profile so that I can evaluate and brief you about the options available.

I have started gmat prep this very month only, can anybody tell me how to manage time in daily prep,,also tell me about scholarships in good colleges and how to get them...i have low budget and any institute or agents required for follow up with colleges.

@anirudha1708

Hi Guys

Looking to get a basic evaluation of my profile, here's a brief summary;

BA (Honours) Mathematics from Hansraj College, Delhi University (55%)

GMAT - 760 (Verbal - 45, 99 %ile, Quant - 49, 83 %ile)

Great score

@anirudha1708

Extra curricular: I did a lot of debating in college - some of it at an international level. Have several accomplishments as a debater and an adjudicator, and in my final year I was one of the few student judges in a debate organized by the Culture Council of Delhi University. I presided over the debating society of my college, a role that involved the organisation of an international debating tournament. I've played drums for a local New Delhi band as well, we've won numerous competitions in Delhi and were one of the fifteen shortlisted bands throughout India by the Rock Street Journal. I've been involved in the organisation of fests in my college, and was a part of school cricket, basketball and football teams.

very interesting. Use this effectively in the applications (essays)

@anirudha1708

Work experience: Three years, with a consulting firm based in Mumbai. My firm deals with risk management for banks, and I've worked on projects overseas for about two years out of the three.

Overseas experience is always appreciated

@anirudha1708

In terms of positions of responsibility, I've executed two foreign projects as a one-man team over the past year and a half. My work's involved both, predictive modelling and business analysis - I've looked at portfolios and developed risk rating systems for new applicants in line with business strategy, observable default trends, regulatory guidelines etc.

I hope you have other instances of working in teams/ leading a team - if you have led teams in your extra curricular activities, then you must bring this out in the essays.

@anirudha1708

Any direction in terms of target schools would be helpful. I'd like to end up in strategy consulting post an MBA, but I'm very open to switching my line of work. My key concerns are - Do I have enough workex to apply right away? Secondly, I'm aware of my grad score being fairly low, how much is this going to affect my chances with the best schools? Thirdly, is the lower Quant percentile going to be an issue?

I think you are pretty alright on the GMAT and a good GMAT score should help in some controlling some of the GPA damage. Is there a real reason for earning a low percentage? If yes, you should address it through the optional essay.

applying with 3 years of work experience is an optimum time, although I hope the quality of your experience and the career progression has been good. Eventually its not the numbers of years at work, but the roles and responsibilities you had that would add to your profile.

@anirudha1708

I've sent my scores to INSEAD, ISB, SMU, IE and Booth so far, any other suggestions, and any feedback in terms of what's a comfortable base and what's a reach would be greatly appreciated.

You can consider some other b-schools like kellogg, Darden, Cornell, Tuck & Duke. Just wondering why you selected SMU?

@anirudha1708

Thanks in anticipation!

Hope this helps.

Namita, MBA Decoder

@amitkurian911

Hey I have completed by BE computer science and would like to do higher studies in Marketing . I have 3 years of work experience and got a 7 in IELTS . Please suggest me colleges where I can Apply in British Columbia (Canada ) . IT would be great if u could suggest me Universities in Vancouver. I am studying for GMAT but would like to go to Canada asap without my GMAT scores .... Your valuable suggestion would be of great help ... thanks

Sauder School of Business, BC -

Beedie School of Business - Simon Fraser University

you will need GMAT for both

Namita, MBA Decoder

Hi Guys

Looking to get a basic evaluation of my profile, here's a brief summary;

Xth 89%

XII 88%

BA (Honours) Mathematics from Hansraj College, Delhi University (55%)

GMAT - 760 (Verbal - 45, 99 %ile, Quant - 49, 83 %ile)

Extra curricular: I did a lot of debating in college - some of it at an international level. Have several accomplishments as a debater and an adjudicator, and in my final year I was one of the few student judges in a debate organized by the Culture Council of Delhi University. I presided over the debating society of my college, a role that involved the organisation of an international debating tournament. I've played drums for a local New Delhi band as well, we've won numerous competitions in Delhi and were one of the fifteen shortlisted bands throughout India by the Rock Street Journal. I've been involved in the organisation of fests in my college, and was a part of school cricket, basketball and football teams.

Work experience: Three years, with a consulting firm based in Mumbai. My firm deals with risk management for banks, and I've worked on projects overseas for about two years out of the three. In terms of positions of responsibility, I've executed two foreign projects as a one-man team over the past year and a half. My work's involved both, predictive modelling and business analysis - I've looked at portfolios and developed risk rating systems for new applicants in line with business strategy, observable default trends, regulatory guidelines etc.

Any direction in terms of target schools would be helpful. I'd like to end up in strategy consulting post an MBA, but I'm very open to switching my line of work. My key concerns are - Do I have enough workex to apply right away? Secondly, I'm aware of my grad score being fairly low, how much is this going to affect my chances with the best schools? Thirdly, is the lower Quant percentile going to be an issue?

I've sent my scores to INSEAD, ISB, SMU, IE and Booth so far, any other suggestions, and any feedback in terms of what's a comfortable base and what's a reach would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in anticipation!

@mba-help

Hi,Thanks for your detailed post. You are on the right track about your post MBA career goals. However, I want to point out one thing to you: An MBA, other than studying the curriculum would also help you in identifying the right career choices for you. SOme b-schools have very strong career advancement teams and they will help you define and refine your career goals, as soon as you ae into the program.In my opinion, you should look out for b-schools that are focused on core courses like general management, leadership and strategy - such at Tuck, Duke, Michigan Ross, Carnegie Mellon's Tepper, Darden (if you like the case method), Indiana University's Kelley and UNC Kenan Flagler.

With 8 years of work exp. under your belt you have already built a certain skill set which will not make you suitable for functions such as HR. Instead capitalize on your key strengths and interests and think of building your career around those.

Management consulting companies recruit for their IT strategy groups, so that can be a viable option for you. Like you have mentioned, a BD role is a fit for you. OR you may want to explore product management.

Namita, MBA Decoder.

@mba-help

Hey I have completed by BE computer science and would like to do higher studies in Marketing . I have 3 years of work experience and got a 7 in IELTS . Please suggest me colleges where I can Apply in British Columbia (Canada ) . IT would be great if u could suggest me Universities in Vancouver. I am studying for GMAT but would like to go to Canada asap without my GMAT scores .... Your valuable suggestion would be of great help ... thanks

@reviliant

Hello Consultants, Needed your opinion in certain scenarios.What do you think of the job market in Singapore for an MBA grad from NUS,NTU or SMU and how reputed are these schools in comparison to our sadda IIM/ISB/SPJ

If you get an MBA from the 3 schools mentioned in Singapore and you do well in the program - both academically and in terms of networking the job scenario is optimistic in Asia. The pay scale and growth opportunities are also very favorable. The trick is to excel in the program. In India, ISB especially enjoys a great premium in the job market. As an ISB alum myself, i get e-mails daily about existing job opportunities due the ISB alumni network. Your choice should be 1)NUS, 2)ISB 3) NTU/ SMU 4) IIM 5) SP. Jain. I recommend the Singapor schools e as the global experience is also valuable and learning in that environment will add a unique skill to your resume

Hi all

I am IT male with 3 years of WE , i am aiming for 2 years MBA from good uni , and have GMAT score of 700

Xth 81%

XII 80%

Extra Curricular - Poor

Please suggest schools that i can apply for which have good Post MBA jobs

@gauravherefor

Hello,

My Profile :PMP certified project manager working in Indian IT company. Got more than 8 yrs of exp in IT industry and out of that, around 4 yrs abroad. Now I feel that I have hit the ceiling and want to go higher in corporate ladder. Lately, I was looking out other options for me and here are the results of my research :

Post MBA roles in IT Industry:

Business analyst -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Pre-sales -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of roleIT consultant -- Since last 8 years in consulting; therefore, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Business development Manager - After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Post MBA roles in other areas/Industry:

HR -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Marketing -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Sales -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Positions in Industry --- Would not fit as not having degree/exp. in core Engg. fields

Management consulting --- Would be fit for my profile

Business strategy -- Would be fit for my profile

Business development Manager in companies Abroad -- Would be fit for my profile

Query :

Is there any other role/area that was missed and would be suitable for my profile. Looking for Post MBA areas where I can use of my last 8 years of exp. Please feel free to provide your comments.

Hi,Thanks for your detailed post. You are on the right track about your post MBA career goals. However, I want to point out one thing to you: An MBA, other than studying the curriculum would also help you in identifying the right career choices for you. SOme b-schools have very strong career advancement teams and they will help you define and refine your career goals, as soon as you ae into the program.In my opinion, you should look out for b-schools that are focused on core courses like general management, leadership and strategy - such at Tuck, Duke, Michigan Ross, Carnegie Mellon's Tepper, Darden (if you like the case method), Indiana University's Kelley and UNC Kenan Flagler.

With 8 years of work exp. under your belt you have already built a certain skill set which will not make you suitable for functions such as HR. Instead capitalize on your key strengths and interests and think of building your career around those.

Management consulting companies recruit for their IT strategy groups, so that can be a viable option for you. Like you have mentioned, a BD role is a fit for you. OR you may want to explore product management.

Namita, MBA Decoder.

Hello,

My Profile :PMP certified project manager working in Indian IT company. Got more than 8 yrs of exp in IT industry and out of that, around 4 yrs abroad. Now I feel that I have hit the ceiling and want to go higher in corporate ladder. Lately, I was looking out other options for me and here are the results of my research :

Options Available :

MS/Msc/MIM courses -- a bit older for these courses

MFE - does not suit my profile

MBA - Option left

Preferable MBA location -- Abroad (Class diversity, better work culture)

College - still exploring

Purpose of MBA : Don't know which field/role would be best for me, but want to explore what options are available for me.

Post MBA roles in IT Industry:

Business analyst -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Pre-sales -- After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

IT consultant -- Since last 8 years in consulting; therefore, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Business development Manager - After 8 years exp in IT, MBA is not required to get this type of role

Post MBA roles in other areas/Industry:

HR -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Marketing -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Sales -- would not fit as Companies Abroad prefer Local Candidates

Positions in Industry --- Would not fit as not having degree/exp. in core Engg. fields

Management consulting --- Would be fit for my profile

Business strategy -- Would be fit for my profile

Business development Manager in companies Abroad -- Would be fit for my profile

Query :

Is there any other role/area that was missed and would be suitable for my profile. Looking for Post MBA areas where I can use of my last 8 years of exp. Please feel free to provide your comments.

Hi ,

I am preparing for Gmat on my own and am confused about the universities i shd apply to and the correct time to take the exam. Right now I am targetting August or September..but have not picked a slot yet.

I want to go for an MBA in media and advertising.My acads are:

10th : 81% 12th : 66% Btech: 64%

EC : not great...sketching,painting and music as a hobby..and few school level sports crtfcts.

WorkEx: Test engineer in an IT MNC from past 3yrs6months.

Kindly suggest some b schools and a target score considering three months of prep.Also please suggest steps to improve my extra crclrs.

@sri1290

my profile :-10th-79.2712th-86.67u.g- 76.5i am a 2012 passout. is there any chances of making into mba from top 20 b schools in abroad. i don't have work experience. i am yet to give gmat and toefl/ielts.

Hi,

B- schools outside India typically prefer candidates with some work experience. This especially applies to the ones in USA. However, in Europe, there is a concept of pre-experience MBA and the course is generally known as MiM or Masters in Management. You can target such courses. Have a look at the rankings for these courses in Financial Times- there website publishes MBA rankings that are very well known in the industry.

Namita, MBA Decoder

@reachmaya

Hi Ankit,710+ GMAT score & 3 yrs. of work experience will strengthen your chances in ISB and NUS. Whereas, if you are targeting INSEAD and NTU, I would suggest to have at least 4 yrs. of work experience. Some international exposure would surely be advantageous while applying in INSEAD. BestMaya

Hi Maya,

I have around 6 years of exp (1 yr int experience) with Accenture as BA, do you suggest me to apply to NUS,NTU with a gmat 640?

Hi,

I have 42 months of work ex in the IT sector. 78% in icse... isc 59.8%(horrible score..considering all the subjects) .. B.Tech 7.33 CGPA... am planning to sit for GMAT in September..what colleges do I have a relevant chance of getting admission into? I have herd a score above 650 is a somewhat good score to get into a standard colleges in India and abroad..is that true?
I am in dire need for any information as I have none..any information will be really helpful.
Thanks in advance.

@atush

I am preparing for CAT and Other Indian B-School exams...in Nov I will complete 3 years of experience, I'm in dilemma about writing GMAT before CAT and apply in R1, because I need to change my career path from IT..

Atul, many applicants take both the GMAT and the CAT in one year. However, I think you need to act fast because both tests will need different preparation.

I did not understand your query here - changing your career path from IT does not have much to do with the GMAT/ CAT scores. Instead you need to make a list of b-schools you would be applying to. You can then decide to take GMAT/ CAT depending upon what the b-school requires.

@atush

.If I delay for next year then I will have 4 years of experience with average profile.Is it possible to complete MBA abroad within 25 Lakh with aid or scholarships.I am ready to take sabbatical leave in wipro and can join again post MBA.I am ready to put efforts but I am not sure what to do in this situation.

There are many US MBAs that will give you scholarship and a chance to take up paid assistant-ship in your second year.

I am not sure why you would want to take a sabbatical from Wipro, unless they are sponsoring your MBA. The reason people do an MBA is to change their industry/ company/ function, and you have mentioned that you want to change the industry. However, getting back to Wipro in a higher, post MBA role is an option, though you may want to earn in $$$ for a couple of years, to pay off your b-school debt.

Namita, MBA Decoder

I am preparing for CAT and Other Indian B-School exams...in Nov I will complete 3 years of experience, I'm in dilemma about writing GMAT before CAT and apply in R1, because I need to change my career path from IT...If I delay for next year then I will have 4 years of experience with average profile.Is it possible to complete MBA abroad within 25 Lakh with aid or scholarships.I am ready to take sabbatical leave in wipro and can join again post MBA.I am ready to put efforts but I am not sure what to do in this situation.

@ankit_000

My profile is as follows

10-87

12-67.4

Btech-67.2

LOADS of national level certificates in quizzes and robotics,founded 2 clubs in college.

Cycle of hope and conjecture starts now.i'm hoping to crack SBI PO and simultaneously try for CFA..So if i join SBI ,then after CFA i would get an appropriate profile(not any customer banking profiles..or i may join anodr firm after CFA level 1 or 2 hopefully)How many years of work ex will make me a good prospect for ISB,NTU,NUS,INSEAD type schools(or any top 50-70 US/International b-school)??i have scored 95+ in CAT and XAT since past 2 years,so am confident of cracking GMAT with a good score.What sort of GMAT score will make my profile better,750-780 at the least??(i always get waitlisted post gd-pi's,yet 2 convert a b school in top 25 in india in 2 attempts)

Hi Ankit,

710+ GMAT score & 3 yrs. of work experience will strengthen your chances in ISB and NUS. Whereas, if you are targeting INSEAD and NTU, I would suggest to have at least 4 yrs. of work experience. Some international exposure would surely be advantageous while applying in INSEAD.

Best
Maya

@mba-help

Thanks for writing in with this query - its an important one!

Many professionals do a second MBA. As a matter of fact MBA Decoder's co-founder, Sachin did a second MBA from LBS (Sloan Fellow) 10 years after the first one.

You don't have to wait that long, but 4-5 years would be a good enough gap. My reasons for saying this are as follows:

1. You have just completed one MBA. It will be difficult to justify a second one on the heels of the first, in your application.

2. You can make use of knowledge and tools you have acquired at FMS at your present job, and retool yourself a few years later. If you want to change your career at that point, the second MBA will help you do that.

3. On-the-job experience will make the 2nd MBA more valuable. I guess the FMS MBA would have involved more theoretical learning if you were just out of college.

4. You would have earned some money (and hopefully saved it as well) in 4-5 years to finance the 2nd MBA.

As the GMAT is valid for 5 years, and your next MBA plans are not all that set right now, it may not make sense to take it now, lest it expires by the time you actually start applying.

Just one more doubt...As per my profile which clgs can i expect to get thru 4-5 yrs down the line at decent GMAT score?

@CATophilia

I have already done MBA from FMS, Delhi in Marketing and have been placed in Vodafone India in S&M; profile. However I am thinking of doing another MBA (1 yr preferably) from ivy b-schools abroad. So just wanted a suggestion whether it's worth or not to further boost my career with fatter pay package.

If yes, then whether I should try to first gain some work x of 4-5 yrs or should I take GMAT straight away?

My profile:

7 months work x in TCS

Thanks for writing in with this query - its an important one!

Many professionals do a second MBA. As a matter of fact MBA Decoder's co-founder, Sachin did a second MBA from LBS (Sloan Fellow) 10 years after the first one.

You don't have to wait that long, but 4-5 years would be a good enough gap. My reasons for saying this are as follows:

1. You have just completed one MBA. It will be difficult to justify a second one on the heels of the first, in your application.

2. You can make use of knowledge and tools you have acquired at FMS at your present job, and retool yourself a few years later. If you want to change your career at that point, the second MBA will help you do that.

3. On-the-job experience will make the 2nd MBA more valuable. I guess the FMS MBA would have involved more theoretical learning if you were just out of college.

4. You would have earned some money (and hopefully saved it as well) in 4-5 years to finance the 2nd MBA.

As the GMAT is valid for 5 years, and your next MBA plans are not all that set right now, it may not make sense to take it now, lest it expires by the time you actually start applying.

Namita, MBA Decoder

@priyesh.rk

Hi,

I had taken the GMAT a couple of days back & got a 660(Q-47, V-34). This was my second attempt.

Below is my profile:

Work-ex : 6 years. (would complete 7 years by June 2014)

International work ex : 1 year (United Kingdom)

Currently working as Team Lead in a Leading IT company, managing a team of 8 resources.

Can any one of you please suggest what are my chances in good b-schools in India & abroad?

Do i stand a chance to get admission in the lesser known(new) IIM's or other good b-schools in India?

Priyesh, You work experience of 7 years is substantial for you to showcase your leadership capabilities- a trait that all b-schools look for in their applicants. And you are leading a team, my assumption is that you have interesting leadership and team situations to talk about, the kinds that will make an impact on the admissions teams.

However, the GMAT score is a big blotch. You are going to be competing with candidates who have 700+ GMAT scores, which puts you at an obvious disdvantage at the outset. Was the GMAT low in the second try because of factors that can be corrected? If so, I would urge you to retake it. A good GMAT will help you to apply to a larger range of b-schools that accept the GMAT score, which are also the higher ranking ones.

Namita, MBA Decoder