Hahahah = And then women cry about gender bias, Sorry i believe the person for the job or the seat should be considered. Regardless of the gender caste etc.

Hi everyone!

My name is Ruthie and I'm very glad to have found this thread. Your posts are very encouraging. Like some of you, I'm also an "older" b-school aspirant, though I am unmarried. I am planning to apply for Fall 2011 admission, but I have yet to take the GMAT. Best of luck to all in your studies and career!

Bathsheba, Most US top colleges have loan programs. So don't worry about financing the MBA, concentrate on getting admitted. If you apply this year, you will have at least 3 years of experience by the time you join which should be good enough for most schools.

-tw

hey thanks so much.. i appreciate your advice so much..
yup i need to be in touch with current students..
one more thing that i wanted to know was about the financial arrangements..is it really a very daunting task? don't non-US ( I am Indian) students get loans or aids? how do i arrange for the finances even if i get selected? i have no rich uncles..

Hello Bathsheba,

Its been a while since I was on these forums; I graduated Class of 09, and needless to say, work has been crazy!

I would say having at least 3-4 years of work experience is optimum (I had 5 when I got in); else you may feel lost in the class since you won't be able to contribute well.

That said, people do get in with 2 years of work-ex.. I'd say research each school, make your shortlist, see what the average age/work-ex is and take a decision accordingly.

Admissions will be competitive; and the application is judged as a whole, not as discrete statistics. Your level of self-awareness and passion will go a long way in determining your suitability for a school, not just the GMAT score.

I'd also suggest reaching out to current students in your target schools to get a better idea of the feel on campus.

Best,
Keya

hello keya... hope you are fine.. i am a newcomer at PG...came across your post and thought would write to you.
I am targeting MBA both from ISB and US schools. But I am totally clueless...
My profile:
GMAT 750
2 years work ex( till date)..
BTech in Chemical Engineering (CGPA 9.0/10)
I have certain extra-curricular activities ( Violin, Literature, painting)
and have been the Editor of my departmental technical magazine in University..
I wanted to know if I should apply for the schools now or is it that i hardly have any chance right now..
i dont have any idea abt US B-schools...

thanks yaar..i will surely check on these colleges..many thanks again

thanks for sharing the info LEO30, appreciate it.
Hope you get your "rite" time soon :)

best wishes,
Alty

Hi Keya,
I need some advice on pursuing MBA course. I am interested in doing MBA. I have an ECE BTECH backgroung with very good academics and 4 yrs of IT experience. I havnt started any preparation as of now. I am currently busy with kid and work but soon want to give an exam and get a MBA degree. please suggest some good MBA schools in US and also good schools to do online MBA course. how to start preparing for MBA ?

your advice will be very helpful to me.

Regards,
Neelima

Hi keya,

God Bless.

My profile follows:
Education: MCA
Acads: >80% throught from 10th to MCA(BSc, undergraduation, 68%)
WE: 1. 4.5 yrs now in a giant MNC with 1yr onsite exp
2. 1 yr exp in a family business
Planned GMAT date: Nov end
Extracurricular: decent
co-curricular - good
social responsibility : decent

Pls help me understand my prospects if I apply in the second round for US universities. Assuming my GMAT score to be something around 650, which are the colleges, where i am most likely to get into, considering the following factors:
1.Scholarship (expense)
2.Job prospects
3.ranking

Even if you dont find time to respond to my earlier question, request your inputs for my following question which is eating my head for a long time now. No one is able to give me a definite answer, not even the school websites.

I know you were an MCA and found a place in Booth but writing to you to have a clarity on
1) whether or not MCA is a recognized by US universities for pursuing MBA and
2) the colleges that do not recognise MCA for doing an MBA in US(assuming this list to be shorter).

P.S. This question might sound silly with MCA having >16 yrs of education. However I have seen in some online applications where BE and CA are listed but not MCA. I am working for a big MNC for the past>4 yrs with this degree, however its disheartening not to find MCA in the online applications :(

Awaiting your opinion...(hope u didn't sleep reading thru my queries)

Sincerely,
Ctrl+S (in a state to be Saved )

Hi alt+f4

Though the query is not addressed to me, still would like to comment on a particular issue, being from similar academics.. even I did my MCA from a prestigious college and was often wondering whether it will add to my advantage or disadvantage since MCA takes away whole 6 years right after +2 and still many companies consider it as good as any other technical under grad degree...!!

To clarify my doubts the best way out was to talk to some of the top colleges directly, I have contacted Booth, Cranfield, Wharton, Yale, Duke and IMD in this regard and to my relief they were well aware of MCA as a typical software related course in India...so here I would like to quote some of the replies:

My query:

1) I have completed my Bachelor and Master Degrees in Computer Applications from a reputed technical colleges in India and now working with , India. How does your college assess my Masters Degree while considering my application since it reduces the years of work experience from my profile?

Chicago-Booth:

Many applicants have advanced degrees. Chicago Booth's flexible curriculum allows you to build on your existing knowledge and choose more rigorous courses, rather than repeating what you have already mastered. In evaluating candidates, we seek those who show a strong desire for the Chicago Booth educational experience, so be sure to explain your reason for earning an additional degree in your application essays.

MIT Sloan:

Neither a Master's degree nor full-time work experience is a requirement for
applying to our MBA Program. There are certainly no penalties for applicants
who have a Master's degree and less experience than our average (which is 4 - 5
years).

Apart from these two colleges.. every other college mentioned that they are quite familiar with the MCA course and they take into consideration that its a 3 years course unlike other Post Grads!!

So altogether, MCA is well recognized in US universities at the same time I couldnt figure out any college that wont consider MCAs.

Hi keya,

God Bless.

My profile follows:
Education: MCA
Acads: >80% throught from 10th to MCA(BSc, undergraduation, 68%)
WE: 1. 4.5 yrs now in a giant MNC with 1yr onsite exp
2. 1 yr exp in a family business
Planned GMAT date: Nov end
Extracurricular: decent
co-curricular - good
social responsibility : decent

Pls help me understand my prospects if I apply in the second round for US universities. Assuming my GMAT score to be something around 650, which are the colleges, where i am most likely to get into, considering the following factors:
1.Scholarship (expense)
2.Job prospects
3.ranking

Even if you dont find time to respond to my earlier question, request your inputs for my following question which is eating my head for a long time now. No one is able to give me a definite answer, not even the school websites.

I know you were an MCA and found a place in Booth but writing to you to have a clarity on
1) whether or not MCA is a recognized by US universities for pursuing MBA and
2) the colleges that do not recognise MCA for doing an MBA in US(assuming this list to be shorter).

P.S. This question might sound silly with MCA having >16 yrs of education. However I have seen in some online applications where BE and CA are listed but not MCA. I am working for a big MNC for the past>4 yrs with this degree, however its disheartening not to find MCA in the online applications :(

Awaiting your opinion...(hope u didnt sleep reading thru my queries)

Sincerely,
Ctrl+S (in a state to be Saved )

hi,
Nice to see this thread largely being run by women.

I am 28, working as an IT project manager , total of 7+ years of work experience, approx 2 yrs onsite exp

Xth - 86%
XIIth - 91%
B.tech - 80%

I have attempted gmat twice with very depressing score of 620 both times. My last attempt was a month back. So currently I am not thinking of attempting GMAT again.

Due to personal reasons I am more inclined to go in for a 1-yr MBA and applied to IIMA this yr but didnot receive a call(as anticipated with this low score..was just trying my luck).

Extra curriculars are ok.

Could someone suggest if there are any b-schools where possibly I have a chance with this score?

thanks

Hi...!!

GMAT is not the only one factor that decides your application...!! At the same time.... 620.... it makes u well eligible for any Business school.. most of the colleges don't have any lower bound to GMAT.. it just makes a part of the weightage.... there are quite a good number of colleges in Europe (considering 1 yr MBA) which would welcome you for your WE... decent acads...international experience (considering on site abroad).. rest a lot depends on your recos... and essays.... I don find any reason to disappoint just cos of low GMAT.... and btw even in a colleges with very high avg GMAT... there are guys with GMAT as low as 580-600....!! It's your overall profile that makes a complete application...!!

Anyway.. colleges to consider... no doubt.. lot many good colleges....

Cass: (Avg GMAT around 640) A very reputed and quality MBA.. especially if you wish to stay back in UK post MBA..!!


Ashridge: Requires minimum of 5 yrs WE.. so u fullfil that.. at the same time.. minimum GMAT 550... don't assume anything on the basis of its GMAT ... one of the most matured classes.. and higherst avg salary offered in any business school across the world...!!

Warwick, Leeds... Henley.. Chk with these colleges.. they are worth an MBA.. and good brands in UK..!!

Hope it helps...!!

riya_vr,
I think you have a very different profile from most women who are from IT. That will definitely be a plus for you. Your hockey experience also brings a lot of diversity.
Try to get a good GMAT score and your app would be very competitive.

-TWM

Arora1234,
I think you can look at schools that have median GMAT scores at around 630-640. You will find many such schools. Don't be disheartened.

-TMB

i am woman mba aspirant 2009. I have done masters in physics from calcutta university and currently engaged in community services . i have a very average academic profile compared to the people here so my target is not the ivy league b schools but the second level ones

hi,
Nice to see this thread largely being run by women.

I am 28, working as an IT project manager , total of 7+ years of work experience, approx 2 yrs onsite exp

Xth - 86%
XIIth - 91%
B.tech - 80%

I have attempted gmat twice with very depressing score of 620 both times. My last attempt was a month back. So currently I am not thinking of attempting GMAT again.

Due to personal reasons I am more inclined to go in for a 1-yr MBA and applied to IIMA this yr but didnot receive a call(as anticipated with this low score..was just trying my luck).

Extra curriculars are ok.

Could someone suggest if there are any b-schools where possibly I have a chance with this score?

thanks

hi,
Nice to see this thread largely being run by women.

I am 28, working as an IT project manager , total of 7+ years of work experience, approx 2 yrs onsite exp

Xth - 86%
XIIth - 91%
B.tech - 80%

I have attempted gmat twice with very depressing score of 620 both times. My last attempt was a month back. So currently I am not thinking of attempting GMAT again.

Due to personal reasons I am more inclined to go in for a 1-yr MBA and applied to IIMA this yr but didnot receive a call(as anticipated with this low score..was just trying my luck).

Extra curriculars are ok.

Could someone suggest if there are any b-schools where possibly I have a chance with this score?

thanks

Deviation from the topic. But was curious and thought this was best place to post. Wasn't a sister community called www.pagalgirl.com started a couple of years back?

Hey ladies,I have my gmat in october end and still not confident about math(medical background).I did kaplan math so far .Any suggestions ?

Hi keya,
I'm atishree(23), with three yrs of exp in IT , active kid in school (debates, song, dance etc- interschool level), good academics background, won college level baccalaureate awards, played taekwondo upto national level, stint in other things like vocal background artist in radio, though haven't learn't music(instrumental or so), in social activites (company specific & teachIndia both)....m looking for an MBA in US(preferably real good school)....how should i go about it.Scholarships is the first thing i would require...family not very financially strong.Please guide.


Regards
Atishree

I have been a national hockey player... played hockey for around 7 yrs...
Thinking of applying to ISB this time in R2....

You should be in good company then-- Viren Rasquinha's in Class of 2010

Hi,

M really glad to see a dedicated thread.... :).

I'm a Mechanical Engg.... Have 3+ experience in automobile sector... supply chain specifically...
Acads as below.

Xth - 90%
XIIth - 72%
B.E. - 73%

Taking GMAT in Nov. I have been a national hockey player... played hockey for around 7 yrs... and i think extracurriculars are ok... which includes music and event management things in school & college....

Thinking of applying to ISB this time in R2....

Pl gimme some idea if the profile looks favourable for application...

Hi Geekforu,

You have a good profile. I guess your choice of schools will depend upon where you would like to work post-MBA. If you want to work in US then apply to those schools and if in India then nothing beats ISB and IIMs.

-TWM

hi,
Nice to see a thread encouraging women to pursue their MBA. I am 23, working as a software engineer in QA, total of 2 years of experience,

Xth - 80.4%
XIIth - 96.06%
B.E - CGPA 8.99/10

I will be giving GMAT this October. Extra curriculars are ok. I have a doubt. Would some kind of a certificate or letter be required as a proof for extra curriculars at the time of admission ? I have many extra curricular activites to my credit but I dont have any certificates for them. Also please suggest which B schools can I apply if I get a GMAT score b/w 690 - 730, for my profile ?

hello all,

I just happened to come across this thread; and am happy we have all women thread, coz yes there may/will be some different angles to a woman's application/aspirations.

A brief insight into my profile.
B.E. (68%),
GMAT 710
Will have 4 yrs experience by fall 2010, in business research.

I have some personal limitations for a 2yr MBA, so 1yr MBA is the only option for me, that preferably from Europe (than ISB, NUS etc.)

Somehow, looking at the profiles (with 8-10 yrs exp.) of ppl who have posted here, I feel like a kid in the sea of aspirants with such amazing profiles.

Since Keya (with 770):o is already GMAT related queries, I would stay away from that area.

Some ppl asking questions on ISB vs. US or..vs. Singapore..
The answer is simple, if you want to work in US, go for a US b-school, if you want to work in India, ISB/IIMA..etc are best bets. Never look at global rankings to compare b-schools, look the location specific rankings, (and of course, it goes without saying that rankings shouldnt be followed blindly, but only used as a reference).

Also, some people are who are interested in 1-yr MBA, http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/03/best-business-schools-09-leadership-careers-nonus1yr_slide_2.html

Cheers
Dido

Hi

I am a qualitative market researcher with 2 years of work experience. I graduated in 2003 from St. Stephen's College, Delhi with a B.A. (Hons.) degree and then attended the London School of Economics and Political Science for my MSc degree. I am scheduled to do my GMAT in September and am interested in US universities as well as ISB. I also intend to appear for CAT this year for the first time.


While I do think that ideally, there should be no difference between men and women when it comes to being an MBA aspirant, it is pretty obvious that women are in the minority here. I would be happy so see if this thread helps ambitious women like all of us. :)

Cheers!

Thanks for your reply Tina.

I am planning to app for NUS also . But I have many concerns.

1.Can anyone temme about the loan process for Indians?

2. I have absolutely no idea about MBA life in singapore; are there any parttime jobs available for MBA student(women) there ???

3.If there is anybody on this thread who is planning to apply for fall 2010 or anybody who has applied to NUS, please ping me!!

Thanks to all of you for this exclusive thread for us!! Keep rocking!!:clap:

hey rashmi1804, catching up on posts quite late - i know a current NUS student due to graduate in dec this year. if you need any specific info, let me know.

I guess I want the best of both worlds! Will making this abrupt change make me an 'unviable' candidate for an MBA?
Post MBA: not sure! Will depend on the journey up to the MBA I guess! Currently I am working in strategy consulting, so I might revert back to that.

Thanks!!

Thts better :D

now if you are planning for 2011 applications.. at the same time.. interested for a post grads in Mass comm or journalism.. doesnt sounds practical at all.. isn't it...??:-P

So... either postpone your application... considering you already have a bit of WE.. go ahead with journalism... try for some top college... and choose a job of your interest there after..... if later at that time you feel like going ahead for MBA as second masters .. go for GMAT.... never "unviable" ..!!

Another option.. continue with your current job...once u have a decent WE.. apply for GMAT (2011 as mentioned)... go for an MBA...later when you are in job... u can take journalism... or mass comm.. as an interest.. try to shift to similar industry.. or decide at that time...!!

All together.. rather thn mixing "best of both world's".. go one at a time... and decide for the other when u are done with the former..!!

hope it helps....!!

I guess I want the best of both worlds! Will making this abrupt change make me an 'unviable' candidate for an MBA?
Post MBA: not sure! Will depend on the journey up to the MBA I guess! Currently I am working in strategy consulting, so I might revert back to that.

Thanks!!

Hi Ladies!

Just read this thread, and thought I'd say hello! I'm an MBA aspirant, but not for 2010. Earlier, I had thought I might apply for 2011, but the schools I'm interested in (INSEAD, LBS) have high work experience requirements and I think I need some life experiences too before I can become a true 'candidate'!

My profile: I'm 21, v.good academics/extra-curr/leadership throughout school and uni, living in Sydney (quite an ABCD) , working in a large management consulting firm. I'm currently pursuing my CA and will complete it at the end of next year.

I guess what I want your opinion on, and why I joined PagalGuy is - I am extremely interested in Development Journalism (its like my 'when I grow up I want to be' career) and would love to pursue a postgrad in the print journalism field so that I can at least try my hand at it. I'd love to work with and write about the social entrepreneurial/microfinance/development fabric of Indian and other South-East Asian communities and so am thinking of applying to some Indian Mass-Comm schools to work in this field for a few years (while I'm young and my mother's marraige hints are subtle haha!!)

So: will this detract from my MBA application and likelihood to get into my dream school? I'm not asking this because I'm shallow or anything - I just know that eventually, I may want to come back to consulting (I love my job!) in one way or another - be it through public sector/planning/policy or industry. Additionally, I'd really like to experience an MBA at a prestigious institute - work and study with diverse and bright individuals and alumni etc.

Perhaps this has all been me rambling and achieving nothing - haha! But, regardless, I'd love to hear any thoughts!!!

Cheers!
V

Seems like you are more interested for "development journalism" as a career.. and a reputed "MBA" for an experience.. and as a long term career goal...!!

Do you want to join an Indian mass comminication school for work or for studies and what kind of job will you find in an Indian Mass comm school...??

What are your post MBA objectives ? The present WE to an extent, decide the kind of job you can find after an MBA..!!

Hi Ladies!

Just read this thread, and thought I'd say hello! I'm an MBA aspirant, but not for 2010. Earlier, I had thought I might apply for 2011, but the schools I'm interested in (INSEAD, LBS) have high work experience requirements and I think I need some life experiences too before I can become a true 'candidate'!

My profile: I'm 21, v.good academics/extra-curr/leadership throughout school and uni, living in Sydney (quite an ABCD) , working in a large management consulting firm. I'm currently pursuing my CA and will complete it at the end of next year.

I guess what I want your opinion on, and why I joined PagalGuy is - I am extremely interested in Development Journalism (its like my 'when I grow up I want to be' career) and would love to pursue a postgrad in the print journalism field so that I can at least try my hand at it. I'd love to work with and write about the social entrepreneurial/microfinance/development fabric of Indian and other South-East Asian communities and so am thinking of applying to some Indian Mass-Comm schools to work in this field for a few years (while I'm young and my mother's marraige hints are subtle haha!!)

So: will this detract from my MBA application and likelihood to get into my dream school? I'm not asking this because I'm shallow or anything - I just know that eventually, I may want to come back to consulting (I love my job!) in one way or another - be it through public sector/planning/policy or industry. Additionally, I'd really like to experience an MBA at a prestigious institute - work and study with diverse and bright individuals and alumni etc.

Perhaps this has all been me rambling and achieving nothing - haha! But, regardless, I'd love to hear any thoughts!!!

Cheers!
V

Thanks for replying Keya, Yes I meant Soka Gakkai. Are you a member as well? I am involved in SGI activites. Can it be part of my profile ? Good to know you are a Thapar alumni, I have friends from that college. My husband is from Patiala as well.

Can you give me some tips on building my profile on some extra-curricular activites also. I used to participate alot in painting while at school but have not pursued anything else on that. I have interest in learning dance forms and joined SDIPA (shamak davar institute) for beginners level. performed once at the end of course and that;s all I like photography also but have not done anything remarkable on that front too. So you can say, I have interest in 2-3 things but have not done anything remarkable in those areas...

Vani

Vani,

Apologies for the late reply. Yes, the Soka Gakkai activities can very well be mentioned in your essays; actually in my opinion, its the way you talk about what you have learnt from your experiences that counts more than the experiences themselves. It's not so much about all the extra-curriculars you may have done or not done; if you can take one experience and show how it has changed the way you think and act, and how that has a bearing on you as a person and your career ahead... that's all you need to do.

Hope that helps!
Keya

Keya,

I had a question for you. What career choices do I have with 10+ years of experience in Software product companies. I was searching and I could find - IT consulting, Strategy and Industry (Hi-Tech). I am not sure if I really understand the job functions of each. You are going into Consulting. Is it going to be IT ?
Thanks a lot for your help.
-TMW

TMW,

What career choices you have ahead depends as much on what you want out of your career ahead as it depends on the transferable skills that you bring from your previous job. Say that there is an aspect of your present job that you like, yet you would want to do something different going forward. Does your present experience give you any skill sets that are useful in the job you want? If yes, what more do you need to succeed at the your dream job? Does an MBA help you fill that gap? If yes, then the MBA should put you on a strong footing to get that job you have wanted. Incidentally, that is exactly what they are looking for in your application essays when they ask 'Why MBA?'

To understand the job functions, take a look at Vault.com and other related websites.

To answer your question about my own career..My MBA was my second masters. My first was an MCA and I did 5 years of IT consulting before B-School; what I really wanted to do was Strategy, but IT related. My years of IT consulting gave me a good idea about the way projects are implemented, what pitfalls exist, and some idea of what may work or not and what technologies are out there. Those were my transferable skills. The MBA helped me fill in the gap... I'll be working with a major Strategy Consulting firm, but in their IT Strategy Function.
To put it in another way, before B-School, my work was about answering "How can this business requirement be implemented in this IT system?".... Now I work on "How can the IT systems enable the business and help solve its problems?"

Best
Keya

sreesajeev,
I sent you a PM.

-TM

How about Oxford and Cambridge? They are one year programmes; if you are ok about jobs in Singapore, then you can also consider also NUS, NTU and SMU in Singapore. Total cost is some where between ISB/IIMA-PGPX and INSEAD.
Kellogg, Cornell and Emory also have 1-year accelerated MBA porgrammes. Costs may be similar to that of INSEAD.

Thanks a lot Nothing1954 for the inputs.

I think my research is not good enough reg US/UK schools. I was mainly looking at Asian schools...as I am looking for career options mainly in Asia (India/Singapore/...).
I think the schools that you suggested are all internationally acclaimed schools, so international placements will not be a problem at all. Will do more research, thanks again....

Do you have any suggestions about my first query?

How about Oxford and Cambridge? They are one year programmes; if you are ok about jobs in Singapore, then you can also consider also NUS, NTU and SMU in Singapore. Total cost is some where between ISB/IIMA-PGPX and INSEAD.
Kellogg, Cornell and Emory also have 1-year accelerated MBA porgrammes. Costs may be similar to that of INSEAD.

Hi targetmba_w,

I am delighted to see a similar profile, in terms of personal matters.... I am also the proud mother of a 1.5+ yr old litl one and planning to do an MBA :). I am also into the race for 2010-2011 batch.

This is my profile.
- GMAT score is 690 (Q 50 - 94%, V 34 - 69%, AWA 6.0 - 87%).
- Academics - MS(Software Engg-BITS) - 8.12/10, BTech EEE - 81.2%, 12th - 93%, 10th 94%.
- Overall exp of 7 yrs (8 yrs by next year) in IT, handling various responsibilties, currently leading a team of 30 members.
- PMP certified, Insurance LOMA Certified, Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certified and handle an additional role as Six Sigma Consultant in my BU.
- Decent extra curriculars, community involvement through Corporate Social Responsibiltiy cell.

1) Post-MBA, I would like to move to Strategy/Consulting. And when I say this, I have to admit that I am not so clear about the various strategy roles in companies. If someone can throw some light on this, it would be really helpful. I am more interested in moving to Tech or Software product companies. I presume, I can use my six sigma knowledge to promote innovation in strategy roles.

2) Also, I can afford to only 1 year MBAs. (you know I will have to take my son to school after that :))
I am mainly looking for INSEAD, ISB, IIML, IIMA. Any other application suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
S.

I am planning for INSEAD Sep 2010 - July 2011. As of now, no plans for US MBAs, as most of them are 2 yr courses (as far as I know), and time is a big constraint for me. And distance too..
I am planning to start with my applications for PGPX, ISB, IPMX and INSEAD. Where all are you planning to apply?

sreesajeev,

I think you have a great profile. You have excellent academics. Which round are you applying to? Are you considering US MBAs too?


-T

BUBBL,
You have a great profile. Try and get a decent GMAT score. Any thing in the range of 700+ is good for all the top B-schools.
I think B-schools will love your profile. They are so keen to have Indian students who are not from the IT industry and technology/ Engineering background.

A lawyer, and a woman and with such diverse ECs and community based activism will stand you out among the crowd.

You should really aim for the best of the best.
If you manage to get 700+ GMAT score, I would strongly recommend Harvard and Stanford ; even if the score is some what close to 700, you still have a very good chance.

Many B-schools now-a-days are looking for younger applicants. surely Harvard and Stanford will look through your application very very carefully even if you apply for the 2010 fall. In case they feel that your work experience is a bit short, they might even give you a defered admit.
By the way Harvard has admitted about 150 (15% of admits) students with just 2 years work experience.
So, don't go by the general advice that one must have 4 to 5 years of experience to be a competitive applicant- That is true for many cases but not for all!
Many schools have special schemes for the early applicants with nil or less experience.
I suggest that you target the top 10 schools(preferably top-5) and look for the early applicant programmes and apply if possible this year itself; in case you are not ready just now, then surely next year (for the 2011 Fall admit).
2 years experience is sufficient for an exceptional applicant who stands out otherwise in terms of her profile.
Just work on your GMAT and try and get as high a score as you can.
If you are a NLSIU student, you will surely get 720+ GMAT score; focus a little more on the quant preparation.
Mean while learn about the B-schools and the programmes from their websites and from PG posts. It takes time to digest and understand the differences between schools and your fit, given your profile etc.

I wish you best of luck.

hello all ,
this is my first post , i am keen on an MBA from the best school i can manage. i am a human rights and business lawyer graduating from a reputed national law school . i will have 13 months of work ex if i apply for 2o10 admissions. i will be taking the GMAT in september. please advice . extremely URGENT
profile - decent academics
extra-curriculars-plenty , nearly 15 written papers in business laws, trade laws , economics, env law, criminal law etc. working on a documentary on domestic violence,won essay competitions, joined and involved in college level organisations gender and human rights based, intl law based , legal aid in villages, worked with prisoners health issues.in remote areas .
job - litigation for high court /supreme court lawyer -commercial as well as civil matters. 10 internships - interned with top law firms and supreme court lawyers during college

Hello,
Please search the forum for "GMAT preparation materials" and "schools in India GMAT" and you should be able to get an answer to your queries.
US schools prefer candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience. You will have to visit each school's website to get the complete picture.

-TMW

Hi targetmba_w,

I am delighted to see a similar profile, in terms of personal matters.... I am also the proud mother of a 1.5+ yr old litl one and planning to do an MBA :). I am also into the race for 2010-2011 batch.

This is my profile.
- GMAT score is 690 (Q 50 - 94%, V 34 - 69%, AWA 6.0 - 87%).
- Academics - MS(Software Engg-BITS) - 8.12/10, BTech EEE - 81.2%, 12th - 93%, 10th 94%.
- Overall exp of 7 yrs (8 yrs by next year) in IT, handling various responsibilties, currently leading a team of 30 members.
- PMP certified, Insurance LOMA Certified, Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certified and handle an additional role as Six Sigma Consultant in my BU.
- Decent extra curriculars, community involvement through Corporate Social Responsibiltiy cell.

1) Post-MBA, I would like to move to Strategy/Consulting. And when I say this, I have to admit that I am not so clear about the various strategy roles in companies. If someone can throw some light on this, it would be really helpful. I am more interested in moving to Tech or Software product companies. I presume, I can use my six sigma knowledge to promote innovation in strategy roles.

2) Also, I can afford to only 1 year MBAs. (you know I will have to take my son to school after that :))
I am mainly looking for INSEAD, ISB, IIML, IIMA. Any other application suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
S.