Hello Sameer,
I need some help in making a choice among the offers I have received from few universities.
My profile is
Personality
24/Male
Education
X - 76%
+1 & +2 - 91%
B.Tech Biotechnology - 72%
M.S. Biotechnology (US) - 3.45/4
GMAT - 710 (Q 49, V39, AWA 5.0)
Work Experience
9 months in R & D in biotech in US.
19 months till date in India as Manager (Operations) in family-operated insurance brokerage.
Extra - Curricular - Consistent since childhood but very limited
Present offers - Queen's, Rotman and HEC Paris.
I also got an offer to attend IESE assessment day, which is a final step before a formal offer. At least 75 % of the students who attend this session make through after this event. So, the dilemma begins HEC vs. IESE vs. Rotman..
my profile: 670/5/2.5 yrs in steel and clean power sector combined/good extracurriculars/10th 90%/12-78%/operations profile
Want to know my chances for the intake of 2012..Which schools should I target? Berkely Haas/IESE are these a possibility?
Sagar, B-schools see your profile in totality, including your undergrad GPA/GMAT score, work progression, career aspirations, the need for an MBA and your fit with the b-school. With the limited information you have given, it is difficult to comment any further. I would say that if you are able to write a strong application, then you would definately be in the race.
One aspect that you should improve upon is the GMAT score. Haas Berkeley's average GMAT is close to 715. Being an Indian male, it would be very competitive for you and a low GMAT score can definately hurt. Therefore, plan out a schedule at this time so that you get ample time to prepare for your GMAT and get it out of the way before you stat writing your applications close to mid- year.
Hope that helps,
MBA Decoder
Hi puys, I'm in dire need of your expert advice. I am just one of those Indian IT Male, having 4 years of experience in the IT industry. I am still stuck with the very basic question, Why MBA? I am not a hardcore techie/developer(I used to be, but not everyone gets good developer friendly projects in the Indian IT industry these days). However, post MBA, I would still prefer to work in the IT industry, most likely as a consultant. My point of concern is, I can join a B-school only in the year 2013. By that time, I'll have over 5 years of experience. Is it good to opt for IT or Operations(or similar) major after having 5+ years of experience? Would it make a significant difference to me financially? The reason I'm asking this is the fact that the salary package offered for these fields is not as lucrative as that in Finance or Marketing. Hence , paying off the education loan would not be that easy. I would request you advice me on the following :
1.) Is it a good time for me to go for MBA?
2.) I'm looking for one-year MBA programmes only, and ISB is what I would target.
3.) Would like your opinion on executive MBA(from IIMs and the like) and INSEAD, as I'm not quite sure if my profile is good enough for these courses.
Rover04,
Why MBA is something that you need to answer for your specific situation. Why one person does an MBA is very different from why some other person does it, as everyone's goals are different. Having said that, one common reason for doing MBA for everyone is that it providers you with the knowledge, the skills, the confidence and the network to reach your goals. For some goals MBA may not be the bridge needed, for instance a developer who wants to continue in that area or a scientist who wantes to continue pursuing research or an entrepreneur who is already putting his/her idea into practice. You need to evaluate the usefulness of MBA for YOUR OWN short and long term goals.
More specifically to your sub-questions:
1) Yes. A 5 year work experience provides you with a solid foundation of work experience to make the best of MBA education
2) That's a choice you are making
3) Executive MBA courses have weekend classes, so one needs to be located in the goegraphical proximity of the school or willing to travel. For your profile, I would suggest a full time MBA, as a big part of the MBA is the overall experience - as much of it is outside the class as is inside.... from our personal experience.
MBA Decoder
Hi Puys,I completed my Btech (computer science) in 2011 june and went for cat, expecting 80-90 %.now I have an offer in one MNC company.what should I do now?either one year job in SOFTWARE and then mba or next year mba(rejecting job offer) ,unable to decide and plz tell me difference between 1 year MBA and 2 years mba after 2 years job experience.
My track record
10th-90%(state board)
12th-83.1%(state board)
Btech-65.36%(in an average college)
Mat score :86.23%(composite score:65
I want to join in 6+ l package offered college(finance or any good one).Please suggest me friends.
pls reply me friends
ssk2crazy,
Always a good idea to get a taste of corporate world before doing MBA. At least you will know what you are going after and why. This conviction, when reflected in your essays... makes a compelling application.
You are just getting started in your career. Don't even think about 1 year or 2 year MBA. Think of why MBA first and then aim for the best school that you think you can target to meet your goals. That should be your approach.
MBA Decoder
I finished my graduation and joined a good IT Firm in June 2011.
My profile:
X: 72.6
XII: 74.3
BTech (I.T.) :8.14/10 (VIT)
Ex curr: Average, includes management of various events at college level.
Gmat : planned to give in march and expecting 720.
I have few queries for consultants here.
1. I am working in a good IT Firm in development domain, which basicaaly deals with technology. But i want to established myself in Business domain. To make my profile stronger for getting admit in good mba college, Should i go for change in domain ? ( As most of college need 2+ years exper, So i have time to resettle myself to new vertical, if required?)
2. I am an ISB Aspirant, So I look fwd to get few tips to mould my career profile for time of test.
3. I also want to have some idea about International MBA.
Thanks in advance...
Hiiiii
i need some advice:
My profile is-
SSC-93.4%
HSC-71.4%
B.TECH, NIT-9.26/10(CGPA),
Work ex-2.5 yrs.
I am presently working in a metal and mining industry in project area like plant erection and commissioning.
But i want to do MBA from ISB,Hyd, preferably in Finance domain.
Please advice will this profile and work ex can fetch me a call or what can i do to make my profile better?
Got placed in a local M.E.P. construction company in Dubai(U.A.E), but i never joined there because the sector was heavily hit by recession and did not show pospects for growth or good pay either. Moreover I dont want to be in this industry ever again.
Currently managing family owned Rubber Pipe Manufacturing Plant & Govt. Trading business with my father. (both small scale)
I am interested in applying for MSc. in Management/M.S. in Engineering Management in US or Europe but only in top 10-15 repute schools like LSE, Cornell, Northwest etc.
Despicable, you have missed out an earlier post by me. Can you give better understanding on why you are keen on a MiM degree or an MSc.?
I think that your decision to study should be based on a need. How will doing any of these two courses at this time help you address a need in your career? What do you intend to do after this course gets over? If you are to join back the family business, will the skills and knowledge gained through these courses help you take it to another level?
Alternatively, you could think of getting some work experience at this stage - maybe work for a two -three years, and then go straight for an MBA degree. The knowledge and skills you gain on the job will be an invaluable experience and will make an MBA a few years later all the more wothwhile.
MBA Decoder
Hello Sameer,
I need some help in making a choice among the offers I have received from few universities.
24/Male, B.Tech Biotechnology - 72%, M.S. Biotechnology (US) - 3.45/4
GMAT - 710 (Q 49, V39, AWA 5.0)
:
Present offers - Queen's, Rotman and HEC Paris.
Yo Mac,
Congratulations on the multiple offers. Give your age and work-ex, my first choice would be Rotman. HEC is a strong brand, but it's a shorter program. The same would apply to ESADE on duration part. I'd keep Queen as the last option.
A 2 year program will give you more time to learn, socialise, build networks and experiment with internships. One year programs work better for folks who've got more experience and are very focussed in terms of what they want from the program.
Hope that helps.
- Sameer
Founder | MBA Crystal Ball
My profile is-
SSC-93.4%
HSC-71.4%
B.TECH, NIT-9.26/10(CGPA),
Work ex-2.5 yrs.
I am presently working in a metal and mining industry in project area like plant erection and commissioning.
But i want to do MBA from ISB,Hyd, preferably in Finance domain.
Please advice will this profile and work ex can fetch me a call or what can i do to make my profile better?
Vaibjha, B-schools do not take all students belonging to a few specific profiles only. They take a class that has representations from different functions, industries & geographies (among other things).
Keeping this in mind, you should definately apply to ISB. Other factors that will be considered are : a good GMAT score and GPA (that you already have), career progression, clarity in your career goals and a good idea on how ISB can help you achieve your career goals.
So, if you want to move over to the finance domain, its okay. But there has to be a logical reason to this - maybe some exposure to finance at work, which got you interested in this field. B-schools typically do not like career goals which are based on fantasy (I like this field, because I like it! kinds). So, if your work profile allows for it, you could build up on your finance related skills and knowledge and build up on this while writing your essays.
Hope that helps.
Namita at MBA Decoder.
1. I am working in a good IT Firm in development domain, which basicaaly deals with technology. But i want to established myself in Business domain. To make my profile stronger for getting admit in good mba college, Should i go for change in domain ? ( As most of college need 2+ years exper, So i have time to resettle myself to new vertical, if required?)
Most people get into the MBA to help them make this career transition from a technology to a business focus. You are not required to make this domain change as a preperation to do an MBA course.
2. I am an ISB Aspirant, So I look fwd to get few tips to mould my career profile for time of test.
B-schools are not looking for molded personalities...just keep doing good work at your organization and make a positive impact in what you do. That should be sufficient.
3. I also want to have some idea about International MBA.
You can check out the various b-school related threads on PG- these are very informative.
All the best,
Namita at MBA Decoder
Hello,
Some help needed in taking a decision.
I have secured admits for the FT MBA at Brandeis IBS (Waltham, Boston) and William & Mary's Mason School of Business(Williamsburg, Virginia). I am a bit confused as which one to opt for, as I am convinced of the program structure and curriculum of both.
Also I have interviewed with Schulich School of Business(York Univ, Toronto), George Washington(Washington DC) and Bentley University(Waltham, Boston)
Please help me with the 2 offers in hand and the other 3 also(if I manage to get into any/all of them). My inclination is towards Finance.
Thanks a lot!
Cheers!
First of all, i would like to say a big THANKS to the the PG team and the consultants helping us all out here.
I have a few very specific queries, but before that, a little about myself and my profile:
SSC- 72%
HSC- 78%
BPharm - 61%
(All percentages rounded down to nearest integers)
Working in a Investment Management firm as an Investor Relationship Manager since i passed in june 2010. My job profile involved managing the clients and generating new leads for the firm. I am currently tasked with Planning and execution of Starting the firms Operations in China. (We are a small firm with AUM ~ 10million , growing at a good pace nonetheless:) )
I have worked for an NGO and helped teach kids for a year from June'09-May'10
I have authored a national level research publication, in the process of receiving a patent in my name(research conducted at UG level, the juniors finished the research a month back). Won a few research competitions here and there.
CFA Level I passed.
I plan to give gmat in may 2012 to apply for round 1 for fal'13 admissions.
It has been my dream to work in core finance and now that i have seen how it works from up close, i want to learn from the best and to work with the best. I feel an MBA in Finance from a good school is my key for achieving that dream. I got my CAT results today and have a few IIM calls, i dont think i would even appear for the interview.
I have a year gap in my final year in BPharm because i failed in the last subject of the last exam of the grad course.(Personal reasons) As, you can see, that brought down my graduation percentage a lot and has created a years gap in my academic history, which i filled by working at a NGO and fulfilling my social duties.
I have two questions:
1- I know it is unrealistic to dream of an ivy after bad academics but i am going to go ahead and dare do that. Lets face it, i want to be a hedge fund manager and i cant achieve that dream by passing out from an IIM (How many major hedge fund managers do you see who are IIM pass-outs, other than in India), i need that ivy tag to help me with my career to get where i want to. I am incapable of making that rational judgement (bad for a future fund manager right;) ) of whether i should give up on my IVY League MBA dreams or focus on it and work and maybe change my profile a bit or add something to it before i apply in October? I would like your earnest opinions from the experiences you have had going through thousands of profiles.
2- If not the IVY league, which other top schools should i consider or should i wait another year and apply for the ivies next year?
Thank you for your time 😃
Hello,
My name is Anuraag Khandelwal. I completed my B.Tech in June 2011 and I have been working in an engg MNC for about 7 months now. My board marks are good and my graduation marks are decent. I was thinking of giving my GMAT in April this year. Do you think it is a good idea for me to start applying by August after completing 12 months of work ex. Will my profile be considered? Also, how does one manage the exorbitant expenditure of studying MBA abroad. Will I get a loan that will cover my expenses?
Hi,
GMAT:740 (85% Quants, 92% Verbal)
Academics: B. Tech. IIT, 2005 passout. CGPA - 5.2/10. Organised few events and worked for NGO for 2 years.
Work Ex - 6.5 yrs now (7.5 yrs by 2012 end when I plan to go for MBA). Working for financial services and managing a team of 35 analysts directly (5 of them based at another country). Good global exposure and can get good recommendations from Director and Managing Director levels of Global Investment Banks.
I would like to for 1 yr MBA in 2013. Do you have any recommendations for colleges?
Europe is not looking good so would it be advisable to go for B schools in Spain?
Thanks a lot in advance!
Hi
I am planning to give GMAT in 2013, Presently have 2.5 years work ex and by that time it will be around 3.5 years. Problem is I am presently working in merchant navy as a second officer and I don't know considering my background which mba will be better for me. I have scanned and searched and found lot of people like me having admits in bschools like ISB but I'm not sure which profile they opted for. Your help will be highly appreciated. I am looking for a career change so need it properly planned beforehand.
Thanx in advance.:D
duplicate post
Hello,
My name is Anuraag Khandelwal. I completed my B.Tech in June 2011 and I have been working in an engg MNC for about 7 months now. My board marks are good and my graduation marks are decent. I was thinking of giving my GMAT in April this year. Do you think it is a good idea for me to start applying by August after completing 12 months of work ex. Will my profile be considered? Also, how does one manage the exorbitant expenditure of studying MBA abroad. Will I get a loan that will cover my expenses?
Hi, Its not clear from your post about where you intend studying. If you take CAT, you can not apply to MBA colleges outside India - they require a GMAT or GRE and preferably a work experience of 2 or more years.
CAT is applicable for Indian B-schools (other than the IIMs, you can check which others accept CAT scores), and typically most Indian b-schools do not require work experience, unless you are applying to the executive education MBA programs.
Hope this clears the scene,
MBA Decoder
GMAT:740 (85% Quants, 92% Verbal)
Mohit, great score. You would definately need it to rub off some of the undergrad score challenge.
Good global exposure and can get good recommendations from Director and Managing Director levels of Global Investment Banks.
While the global exposure will help I can not comment on the recommendations from the Directors and MD of 'global' banks- it depends on whether you worked with them and they observed you from close quarters.
I would like to for 1 yr MBA in 2013. Do you have any recommendations for colleges?
Europe is not looking good so would it be advisable to go for B schools in Spain?
With 7 years of work experience, a one year MBA should be apt for you, specially if you want to stay in finance industry. By the time you graduate from b-school, it would be 2014-15. It would be hard to predict the recruitments at that time, in the roles/companies that you would be targeting. But I would approach this in two ways:
1. don't look out for regional b-schools that may be well known just in that country. An internationally known b-school (for e.g. IMD/ INSEAD) would offer you more opportunities, even if the market is bad.
2. You could still get employed by a company visiting campus, for one of their global positions/ offices. End of the day, its a lot about networking and making it work out for yourself.
Namita at MBA Decoder
I am planning to give GMAT in 2013, Presently have 2.5 years work ex and by that time it will be around 3.5 years. Problem is I am presently working in merchant navy as a second officer and I don't know considering my background which mba will be better for me. I have scanned and searched and found lot of people like me having admits in bschools like ISB but I'm not sure which profile they opted for. Your help will be highly appreciated. I am looking for a career change so need it properly planned beforehand.
Ankit, there are many enviable personality traits attached to a merchant navy role- capacity for hard work, working in tough terrains and tough conditions, risk taking capability, agility of mind, and the advantage of international travel.
These skills are desirable in a whole lot of post MBA jobs, such as IB, consulting and jobs in the industry. Additionally leadership development programs in large corporates will also be interested in the skills you bring to the table.
So while, you have time before you apply, look out for opportunites at work where you can demonstrate leadership, take initiative and make an impact on your project. Solid work experience can give you good stories to talk about in your application, and once you get into an MBA program, you would get the chance to explore multiple job possibilities.
Namita at MBA Decoder
Hi there first of all terrific work being done here ....now i am actually kinda confused about applying to IIM B and IIM L for the PGP course, as they are the only ones i think who give weight-age to different sections of a profile when compared to all the other IIM's, as i will apply thru the NRI category my GMAT score is too low, so it would be really helpful if u go through my profile and suggest me if i should apply or will it just be waste of cash, now here goes.....
X & XII (CBSE)---82% frm kuwait
Grads---6.7/10 (BE Mech, frm a Dubai coll)
GMAT-610(Q-47, V-25)
A lot of extra curricular activities, even organising many events in college.
wrk ex- 26 months, currently working in Kuwait as a design engg
i am gonna give gmat again but by that time i would have missed the deadline....so i was just curious that do i stand a chance fr a call frm IIMB with this profile, as i know the profile isnt the best, but would be helpful to know different views on it, coz you never know......thnx in advance and would seriously love the help.