My question is :- 1.) I have been reading a lot about the economy in the US and I'm wondering if its a good idea to be at any of the above colleges ? Now I know that aiming for Top 20 would always be better than 20 to 40, but since I dont have such a great profile Im aiming at these colleges.
2.) Im specifically interested in Finance MBA leading to and 'Equity Analyst' or a Corporate Finance position. Can someone specifically provide me a list or point me towards a link which has the list of Top 30 Finance concentration MBA programs.
Hi Rohit,
I went through some of your previous posts before starting to answer this one. I realize that you have been focusing a lot on rankings. While they are good to start your b-school search, you can not entirely depend upon them.
You have a list of 20 b-schools, the next step is to visit each school's website, go through their programs and see which ones you like in terms of your specific learning needs (finance focus). If some program that you have keen interest in, does not figure in a ranking, doesn't matter, You add that into your research. All the current and known rankings have a different set of parameters, therefore the lists they generate will be different. Eventually, there are no ready made solutions and its your own list that will get you moving forward.
(As a u-turn to what I have just said: you can look at the US News Finance specialty rankings for another "list", for US based b-schools. However, let this be just your reference point).
To answer point 1- During the school selection stage: find out which b-schools can help you get the kind of job you are seeking- go through their employment and internship reports to form your opinions. During the MBA Program: If you utilize your time during the MBA effectively, then getting a job will be a lot easier. Stay focused, network well and look out for the right opportunities.
I had given CFA L1 in June 2011, but i did not pass and rather got band 6/10 dur to lack of preparation due to heavy office workload. I plan to give CFA L1 again later in June 2012. Can you please tell me if it would be a good idea to mention this failed attempt in my application? Pros-shows my interest in finance. Cons - i failed it.
Why don't you decide after your June 2012 results are out (will they be out before the application dates?). I would not bother putting this in the application, I am sure you would have other ways to show your interest in finance.
4.) Also do I need to give TOEFL for applying to bschools in US ? My schooling and engineering has been in English Language.
Check individual b-school requirements as they differ. You can also ask b-schools for a TOEFL waiver.
Im planning to give my GMAT on 26th August 2012, considering 1st October to be the R1 deadline for a few colleges I aim to apply for, do I have sufficient time ?
At most b-schools you can self report test scores...again talk to individual b-schools if you can submit your AWA later.
To sum up, get past the preliminary research, onto the real groundwork.
I would like to have your advice on my chances at some the best Colleges such as Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, ISB and NTU. Please suggest any other college i could target.
Focus: Strategy and Business consulting. Am also fine with Technology consulting to begin with but I want to diversify my options going forward.
WE: 1yr 11 months as on date with Business Intelligence team of Infosys.
Intl WE: Completed a consultancy internship in Spain for Multimedia products company in Spain for 3 months. The impact is the Company shortened its time to Indian market and is already operating here.
GMAT: 680/800 and 5.5/6 Engg: 8.2/10 12th: 82.22% 10th:92%
ECA: Have worked for an International Exchange program for 3 yrs in various capacities during graduation. Was the Chairman for India (highest position in the country) for a period of 1 yr. Represented India at global conference in Zurich. Was also invited to join the administrative think tank of Intl Exchange Program to form policies and resolve issues at Germany. As Chairman, I managed the entire operation of the organization with the help of a team of 50 volunteers. The International Board members of this Exchange Program provide consultation to various bodies of United Nations.
I am having 5.6 years of IT work ex including 1 yr of assignment abroad. While filling on the essays there are two section which needs to be filled in 200 words each. 1. Other achievements (except professional) 2. Extracurricular activities/Hobbies/Interests
Now i am getting confused what should i write in both these sections.
My achivements are : Tabala Visharad( Graduate in Classical) Carrom champion on Company project level I play cricket and got couple of awards like man of the match etc for college tournament. Oraginazor of cultural fest at college level which include big Celebraties and got certificates for the same. I have learnt karate and got black belt in it. I am passionate about music and i remix songs and play DJ using computer softwares but that upto our fried level only. Never tried to play in parties. I love swimimg, driving n trekking etc.
Please guide me on this. Any kind of help will be appreciated.
I would like to have your advice on my chances at some the best Colleges such as Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, ISB and NTU. Please suggest any other college i could target.
Focus: Strategy and Business consulting. Am also fine with Technology consulting to begin with but I want to diversify my options going forward.
WE: 1yr 11 months as on date with Business Intelligence team of Infosys.
Intl WE: Completed a consultancy internship in Spain for Multimedia products company in Spain for 3 months. The impact is the Company shortened its time to Indian market and is already operating here.
GMAT: 680/800 and 5.5/6 Engg: 8.2/10 12th: 82.22% 10th:92%
ECA: Have worked for an International Exchange program for 3 yrs in various capacities during graduation. Was the Chairman for India (highest position in the country) for a period of 1 yr. Represented India at global conference in Zurich. Was also invited to join the administrative think tank of Intl Exchange Program to form policies and resolve issues at Germany. As Chairman, I managed the entire operation of the organization with the help of a team of 50 volunteers. The International Board members of this Exchange Program provide consultation to various bodies of United Nations.
FrontRunner,
I thought I will give my opinion as well :)
Stanford, INSEAD and Wharton are extremely competitive b-schools and its a challenge for anybody to get in there. Some qualities that will help you there are: leadership, intellectual capabilities, ability to take initiation and innovate, a global mindset and very focused career goals. In regards with your career goals " also fine with technology consulting" will have to change to a definite answer. "also fine" will not work in the essays.
You have not mentioned about your work experience, so its hard to comment there. But your GMAT scores are a little less for these programs, where the class average GMAT is around 710- 720. You also belong to a competitive demographic pool, so its advantageous to be on the higher side of the GMAT spectrum of a b-school.
Your experience at the International Exchange program sounds very interesting and you can definitely talk about it in the essays to 1. demonstrate your international exposure 2. to talk about a similar contribution at the b-school (if their exchange programs are student led).
Thanks for your response. I am open to feedback from any consultant in this forum. :)
Goals: What I meant is I have an open mind with respect to domain of consulting. Being from a technology background it would be difficult to convince employers that i could excel in general or financial consulting. So my aim (post-MBA) was to join a consulting firm and gradually move towards general (business) or financial consulting. By all means 'also fine' will not be part of my essays. I wanted your opinion as to which are the colleges to which firms like BCG, Bain& Company, Booz etc visit regularly without fail. Most of the top 20 B-Schools list BCG as one of its recruiters but definitely from BCG point of view there would be few must visits and few optionals.
WE post graduation: For close to 2 years I have been working in the Business Intelligence domain. The interesting part is, my job requires me to have a good understanding of the business in order to develop business reports for Mid and senior level executives. I am intending to use this as a differentiator in my app.
GMAT Scores: I agree my GMAT Score is below the median scores. On the same note I am about 10-20 points short and kind of hoping that other parts of my profile make it up for this. I am not sure how this will pan out but at this moment i do not want to shift my focus back to exam prep.
Schools: how suited is my profile for ISB, NTU or Rotterdam ? Indian IT Male is a tough pool any day but then the prohibitive cost and aura of top schools make most applicant shy away. And moreover it is a chance that I am taking. If I lose no hard feelings. 😃
I have a GMAT score of 730 with good academics, an energy engineer from NIT Bhopal, 1 year experience in a manufacturing PSU, community service and other extracuricular activities. I am aiming for MBA schools in or outside india which accept GMAT score and experience of or less than 2 years. I got an admit from Rotterdam institute of management, Erasmus University, NL. Is it really worth it to go there for a masters in general management, which is a pre-experience course? Should I wait and consider institutes lke SP Jain Dubai (2012 batch) for a Global masters in business (also a pre-exp. masters which started an year back) or ISB Hyderabad for 2013 session?
Which other schools do you consider worth applying to esp. in India, US or Australia? Placements and reputation of the school are my priorities.
I need you help to evaluate my profile and advise me on my target schools.
2.8 years of experience (3.8 years at matriculation) working for an analytics based consultancy in pharma space (could be considered a KPO). Highest rating in all my appraisals and involved in many initiatives with high visibility. Can get good reco from my manager and ex-manager. Gmat 770 AW 5 IR 8 Integrated B.Tech & M.Tech from IIT in Mechanical Engg. (8.1/10) Extra-curricular Nothing much here. Biking (have gone to Ladakh on bike) photography and dramatics (in college) Community work - involved with the philanthropy wing of the organization for 2.8 years; 5 months of full-time experience in NGO teaching underprivileged children.
Post-MBA Goal: I would like to move over to strategic consultancy from analytics.
I am targeting Chicago Booth, Duke Fuqua, NYU Stern and INSEAD. Could you let me if my work-ex would be consistent with my target schools. Also, what could be the other schools in US that I could target. Also should I try to lookout for a better job (with a better brand name) to increase my chances of getting into better schools?
Would you not agree that Fees in Asian & Canadian colleges is less and returns more, not only in terms of high probability of landing in a job but also in having a good ROI?
I'd agree with the 'fees less' part. The 'returns more' is open to debate.
The probability of landing a job is dependent on many other factors. State of the economy is a prime factor. There are others such as your pre-MBA skills, strength of the MBA brand, your post-MBA plans, your networking skills, and luck.
I am pursuing bachelors of business economics from Delhi university. My graduation will end in April 2013. I am confused between doing MBA from India or msc from abroad
Extracurricular activities- Founded a startup last year, a marketing platform for companies Targetting students. The operations shut down this year due to dispute between cofounders Associate member of aiesec- participation in social ventures, hosting international interns
I had been a bright and creative student but screwed up since tenth. I had been diagnosed with ADHD. Till now, I wanted to startup after my graduation but now I plan to do a post graduation which gives me a job security with a minimum salary of 1 lakh per month at least. So that I can freely startup without my parents worrying up.
I am confused between cat and GMAT as there is less time in cat. Also I am not sure if my profile suits a good b school abroad. Please suggest me something. Is there someway I can improve my profile or should I stick my guns to Indian schools only. I am aiming at global sp Jain? I am good in quants, verbal and gk as my Bbs ranking shows.
I wanted your opinion as to which are the colleges to which firms like BCG, Bain& Company, Booz etc visit regularly without fail. Most of the top 20 B-Schools list BCG as one of its recruiters but definitely from BCG point of view there would be few must visits and few optionals.
Well, it is definitely the top 15- 20 US b-schools as you have rightly pointed out, the sure shots being HBS, Wharton, Stanford, Kellogg, Duke, Columbia, Darden and Tuck (look at the BW rankings career data) Add INSEAD and LBS in Europe.
GMAT Scores:
I agree my GMAT Score is below the median scores. On the same note I am about 10-20 points short and kind of hoping that other parts of my profile make it up for this. I am not sure how this will pan out but at this moment i do not want to shift my focus back to exam prep.
If you are targeting the schools listed above, then any kind of advantage will make a difference, including 10- 20 extra points on GMAT. But the requirement for an otherwise spectacular application would still remain unchanged
Schools: how suited is my profile for ISB, NTU or Rotterdam ? Indian IT Male is a tough pool any day but then the prohibitive cost and aura of top schools make most applicant shy away. And moreover it is a chance that I am taking. If I lose no hard feelings. 😃
I need you help to evaluate my profile and advise me on my target schools.
2.8 years of experience (3.8 years at matriculation) working for an analytics based consultancy in pharma space (could be considered a KPO). Highest rating in all my appraisals and involved in many initiatives with high visibility. Can get good reco from my manager and ex-manager. Gmat 770 AW 5 IR 8
Post-MBA Goal: I would like to move over to strategic consultancy from analytics.
It is not about the consistency between work-ex and target schools, rather the consistency between your work-ex and goals post MBA - that is important. Your application needs to bring out a logical and well thought out and well researched linkage between 1) what you are doing right now 2) what you want to do post MBA and 3) how an MBA from 'that' school will strengthen your capabilities to enable you to do 2).
The target schools you mentioned are all top tier schools with strong abilities in Strategic Consulting. So, you won't go wrong with them.
Another part of the question (even though you haven't articulated it explicitly) is - whether the story of moving from Analytics to strategy consulting makes sense. I believe so, given the fact that with increasing information overload, most organizations are relying on sophisticated analytics as a basis for strategic decision making. I suggest you look at IBM's website and read through their latest thought leadership in this area, one of which is IBM CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) study. It is being suggested that in next few years CMOs will spend more on Analytics than CIOs, who have been the traditional IT buyers. My point is, that well researched and fact supported goals in your application will differentiate you from the rest who may be writing some wishful thinking, whereas you will be talking the industry language.
I am targeting Chicago Booth, Duke Fuqua, NYU Stern and INSEAD. Could you let me if my work-ex would be consistent with my target schools. Also, what could be the other schools in US that I could target. Also should I try to lookout for a better job (with a better brand name) to increase my chances of getting into better schools?
It is less about the company name and more about the role that you are in and the growth is able to demonstrate that matters in an application. Focus on your roles and responsibilities and growth opportunities.
Another part of the question (even though you haven't articulated it explicitly) is - whether the story of moving from Analytics to strategy consulting makes sense...... will differentiate you from the rest who may be writing some wishful thinking, whereas you will be talking the industry language.
Thank you Namita. I went through the IBM website and found some really interesting stuff. This could be a good starting point for my application essays. I think I should focus on blending analytics with consulting to shape a distinctive (yet achievable) career path.
While answering my query, you did not consider the community service aspect of my profile. However, I feel a strong urge to highlight the community work in my essays as it is something seen in very good light by adcoms.
Should I give substantial weightage to the community work in my essays only if it blends with my career goals or can i use atleast one essay to showcase my altruistic side even if it is not directly aligned with my career aspirations?
While answering my query, you did not consider the community service aspect of my profile. However, I feel a strong urge to highlight the community work in my essays as it is something seen in very good light by adcoms.
Funemployed,
I did indeed forget to talk about your community service, which seems quite long term and therefore very believable. However, I think you should talk about it in the essays if you feel strongly about the work you have done, not because it will look good to present to the adcom.
I was trulty impressed about the biking to Ladakh- having seen the tough terrain myself (there may be a possibility that we crossed paths ;)). You must include the biking experience in your application as well. B-schools like Wharton have a program called Leadership Venture - groups of students go to difficult terrains to perform an activity, like a mountaineering trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. The idea is for you to test/ enhance your leadership and team building skills under difficult circumstances. Do you have any such instances during the biking trip to Ladakh where your resistance/ leadership skills were tested? It could be part of your essay stories.
I did indeed forget to talk about your community service, which seems quite long term and therefore very believable. However, I think you should talk about it in the essays if you feel strongly about the work you have done, not because it will look good to present to the adcom.
Thanks again Namita. I indeed feel strongly for the cause of education for underprivileged. However, post mba, i would like to pursue a corporate role (to pay off the gigantic debt!) and not a role with an NGO. So i am falling short of ideas to weave community involvement into my long term career goals to make a consistent application.
For the biking part, there could be a few examples of teamwork (and leadership) i can use from the trip. Thanks for the hint 😉
Thanks again Namita. I indeed feel strongly for the cause of education for underprivileged. However, post mba, i would like to pursue a corporate role (to pay off the gigantic debt!) and not a role with an NGO. So i am falling short of ideas to weave community involvement into my long term career goals to make a consistent application.
For the biking part, there could be a few examples of teamwork (and leadership) i can use from the trip. Thanks for the hint ;)
I would think of it as a big mistake if you try to force fit your NGO experience into your career goals. Your extra mural activities showcase another facet of your personality. You are engaging in them because you care to make a difference outside the circumference of your work. You may continue to do these when you have a corporate role, but you may not want to do them fulltime. This is alright, so don't mix the two stories up, else it will dilute the effect of both. One way to make the NGO experience relevant is by talking about your commitment to the Net Impact Chapter/ other volunteering activities of the b-schools you apply to. Most schools ask the question- how will you contribute to the community of.....this is where your experience can fit in.
Query about Master of Finance from LBS. This being a short term course of 10 months appx, does it make significant impact on career growth?? Moreover student profiles of current class reveals that only 10% of class was from industry (i.e. ppl apart from financial services n consulting), I am a Chartered Accountant working with a big PSU, independently handling finance/accounts of a large project site, about 4 years of work ex ; Will it make sense, pursuing MF, if i wish to make transition into financial service industry??? also, are recruiters (on campus) regular for this course?? can you compare post qualification career growth w.r.t MBA? Other insight will be valuable.
After going through the entire blog, I felt compelled enough to put forward my case.
I have graduated from NIT with a CGP of 8.55 in 2010 and was then employed with an automobile MNC in their RnD wing. However, after seeing the technical side of things was interested to shift to the commercial/ management side of things. Hence, appeared for CAT and managed to get a seat at one of the IITs for pursuing MBA 2012-14 batch. Consequently, I have resigned from my job and waiting for the classes to begin. But, I strongly believe that this might not be the very best of opportunities and so planning to apply for some good US B schools right this year for 2013-15 session. I gave GMAT last week and scored 750 (had prepared for cat). I doubt if there had been any such cases of students leaving a school midway for some better school. Furthermore, I have already left my job so might be a couple of months before I can bag another one €“ this in case u advise to leave IIT this year and work before applying.
) i can use from the trip. Thanks for the hint 😉