Indian @ IMD MBA 2009 taking questions

Hi Addie,

I must admit that you have an interesting profile. You have an international work ex (though you havent mentioned the no. of countries) in agri commodities - this profile makes you quite distinct.

You mention good acads. Well now it depends on how good you can present yourself. 660 I must admit is not a "no argument" score for an Indian applicant, but should not stop a great application. Have you evaluated on improving on your GMAT score.

All the best
Regards
SJ.

Hi Shibu

Hope you remember me, I am bobby from Singapore. I will complete my 8 years of experience by Jan 2010. Last month I got promoted as department head here at GE Oil & Gas, heading a team of 90 people.

I have submitted my application on 1st August with same 660 GMAT score. I dont know what will be my chance with this score?

Unfortunately I could not sent my transcripts before deadline. I have sent my transcripts today on 4th August. My transcripts will reach there by 7th August. Will IMD consider my application for 1st August deadline or they will consider it for 1st Sep deadline.

Generally how long admission committee takes for first reply?

Bobby

just a small query !!

) will good essays, 730 GMAT score , good extra cc, 88% in engg, 4 years work exp(IT) , leadership roles taken, community service :thumbsup:! get me an interboo call :biggrin: !!

Hi Shibu,

Please let me know your thoughts on the following:

1. How easy/difficult is it for Indians to land a post-IMD job in the UK,Middle East, India or Singapore? What geographies do Indians typically target during their job search?
2. Do Indians experience a language barrier in non-english speaking European countries?
3. How much of a say do current students have in the admissions process? Are they involved in interviews?

Thanks...

Hi Shibu

I am planning to apply to IMD.

1) I was planning to apply for the sep 1 deadline : for the class starting January 2010, but I am wondering if it is a good idea applying so late, or should I wait for the feb 1 deadline for the class starting Jan 2011 ?
I am an indian IT male, one of the common demography. So your views will be helpful here.

2) Also, since I would need to apply for a scholarship to fund my studies, I had the following questions on scholarship :

a) What is the deadline for applying for scholarships for the class starting Jan 2010. Can I apply now ?
b) Did you apply for a scholarship, what is the procedure generally.

3) I registered for the online application, but it gives only one option : to apply for sep 1 deadline, for the class starting in Jan 2010. If I decide to apply for the feb 1 deadline for class starting Jan 2011, will I have to register again, or will the same login do ?


Thanks in advance !

Hey Shibu,

I have the same doubt as the previous post, on how advisable it is to apply now in the last round for Jan 2010 batch?

Also, I am an Indian from IT Background, in US. I have worked in India and US + have experience in working with European clients (Offshore). My academic record is excellent (Gold Medalist in Grad and Masters) although i have 7.5 yrs exp in IT Background. What would you suggest?

Also, Please note that Is there no way they can take telephonic Interview? I cannot leave US as I am on extension visa. If I leave US, I have to come back after a lot of effort. Do you think, then would understand?

Thanks,
Nikita

Hi Bobby

Congratulations on your promotions.

I dont think the transcripts reaching late should be a problem.

As for the time taken to revert on the status of your application - the website mentions 4 weeks and the college usually sticks to it.

Regards
SJ.

Hi Shibu

Hope you remember me, I am bobby from Singapore. I will complete my 8 years of experience by Jan 2010. Last month I got promoted as department head here at GE Oil & Gas, heading a team of 90 people.

I have submitted my application on 1st August with same 660 GMAT score. I dont know what will be my chance with this score?

Unfortunately I could not sent my transcripts before deadline. I have sent my transcripts today on 4th August. My transcripts will reach there by 7th August. Will IMD consider my application for 1st August deadline or they will consider it for 1st Sep deadline.

Generally how long admission committee takes for first reply?

Bobby

Hi

You haven't elaborated on the extra cc and leadership aspects, however prima facie it seems you have a decent credentials. The 4 years of experience and experience in IT is the only possible weak spots. IMD candidates on an average have 8 years of experience. The Indian/Male/IT/Engg pool is ultra competitive. Differentiating yourself within this pool is very important.

Regards
SJ.

just a small query !!

) will good essays, 730 GMAT score , good extra cc, 88% in engg, 4 years work exp(IT) , leadership roles taken, community service :thumbsup:! get me an interboo call :biggrin: !!

Hi

To answer your queries:

The job search is as it is with any good MBA school. The equity of the college does make it easier though. There is no specific location where Indians end up. Indian IMD MBA alumni are all over Europe, NA and Asia. Europe is the most populated.

People with local language skills do have more opportunities. However, most corporate HQ work in English and as an IMD MBA if you get into a corporate role it should not be a prolem.

The current MBA students host you at lunch during your interview visit and they do give a feedback to the admission committee, I am not sure what purpose this serves.

Hope this helps

Regards
SJ.

Hi Shibu,

Please let me know your thoughts on the following:

1. How easy/difficult is it for Indians to land a post-IMD job in the UK,Middle East, India or Singapore? What geographies do Indians typically target during their job search?
2. Do Indians experience a language barrier in non-english speaking European countries?
3. How much of a say do current students have in the admissions process? Are they involved in interviews?

Thanks...

Hi Amit

The Sep deadline may be a bit tough. The answers would come by November. It takes about 2/3 months to get a Swiss student visa. You dont need to register again for the 2011 applications. But you will need to do the application again.

The deadline to apply for scholarships is 30th Sep. You will not be able to apply for it if you are accepted this year. Further details on scholarships are explained very clearly on the IMD website.

Regards
SJ.

Hi Shibu

I am planning to apply to IMD.

1) I was planning to apply for the sep 1 deadline : for the class starting January 2010, but I am wondering if it is a good idea applying so late, or should I wait for the feb 1 deadline for the class starting Jan 2011 ?
I am an indian IT male, one of the common demography. So your views will be helpful here.

2) Also, since I would need to apply for a scholarship to fund my studies, I had the following questions on scholarship :

a) What is the deadline for applying for scholarships for the class starting Jan 2010. Can I apply now ?
b) Did you apply for a scholarship, what is the procedure generally.

3) I registered for the online application, but it gives only one option : to apply for sep 1 deadline, for the class starting in Jan 2010. If I decide to apply for the feb 1 deadline for class starting Jan 2011, will I have to register again, or will the same login do ?


Thanks in advance !

Hi Nikita

On the question of sensibility of applying for the Sep deadline pls refer to the reply on the previous post.

Primafacie your candidature looks strong. Being in IT you must be aware that you would be put in very competitive and populated tool. Also you haven't mentioned any extra curricular activities or leadership experiences. These would be very important at IMD.

The IMD does not do a phone interview. I do not think they would make any exceptions. However you need to talk to them to get an official answer.

All the best
Regards
SJ.

Hey Shibu,

I have the same doubt as the previous post, on how advisable it is to apply now in the last round for Jan 2010 batch?

Also, I am an Indian from IT Background, in US. I have worked in India and US + have experience in working with European clients (Offshore). My academic record is excellent (Gold Medalist in Grad and Masters) although in IT Background. What would you suggest?

Also, Please note that Is there no way they can take telephonic Interview? I cannot leave US as I am on extension visa. If I leave US, I have to come back after a lot of effort. Do you think, then would understand?

Thanks,
Nikita

Hey Shibu,

and the classes start by Jan beginning - right? So, if then announce the result by November, I think there would be no way to get a Swiss Visa by Jan beginning?

Hi Amit

The Sep deadline may be a bit tough. The answers would come by November. It takes about 2/3 months to get a Swiss student visa. You dont need to register again for the 2011 applications. But you will need to do the application again.

The deadline to apply for scholarships is 30th Sep. You will not be able to apply for it if you are accepted this year. Further details on scholarships are explained very clearly on the IMD website.

Regards
SJ.

Hi Shibu,
It is very nice of you to reply to the queries from all of us applicants who are interested in IMD.

I have been thinking about a foreign MBA and was seriously thinking about IMD and have a few queries.

Here is my brief profile.

Acads (X (CBSE)- 95.2% (Invitation from Indian President to watch Republic Day Parade), XII (CBSE)- 90% , B:Tech (E&C;) from a Top 30 Engg college in India - 83%, MBA (marketing)from FMS, Delhi University - 63%) - Distinction throughout acedemics

Work Experience - Started as a Programmer Analyst in Cognizant, left it for MBA from FMS, Delhi. After MBA worked as a Product manager (handling marketing,sales, tech and design)wellknown (#1) Internet Company and set up a UGC product which generated revenue pipeline worth Rs. 10 mliion in 2 years. Currently working with a Wharton incubated Startup in a very niche area as the Head of Product Management and Marketing. Also runs a tour agency, bed and breakfast in my homestate Kerala, which is generating revenues worth Rs.2 million from last year.- Total Work Experience (5 years (pre MBA - 2 post MBA - 3)

Extra Curriculars - Lot of Prizes for Debates, Elocutions etc. Well Known Quiz prizes representing school and college. Was very active in B School Fests and has won lot of marketing/strategy/IT case studies + competitions in IIM B, IIM C , IIM L , IIM K , IIM I, other top B Schools etc. Was an elected school captain, elected college senate member, elected to student body of FMS as President. Handling Leadership roles in my last two organisations handling teams of 15-20 odd people.

Community Service - Works with Childline and some other NGOs in my freetime for the last 10 years.

Married and has a small baby.

Futrure Goal - Get into marketing roles in any of the core technology firms or consulting roles in any of the big consults

I want to do a foreign MBA and that too from IMD . I have seen the prospectus and liked the course structure and I feel that I will enjoy doing an MBA from IMD vis a vis someother schools I was considering for 2012 admissions. So few of my questions


  1. What all are the items that I need to work on if I want to do an MBA from IMD, Lusanne.
  2. I have an MBA from FMS,Delhi (#6 in PG rankings)?. Does this hold against my candidature?.
  3. I dont have any international experience. I rejected three offers to go to US under various circumstances. How much weightage does International Experience have in front of Adcom?
  4. I am working with a startup now where I am a stakeholder. The prospectus and some PUY threads mentions that IMD prefers wellknown MNC names.Does this put me at a disadvantage?
  5. I have worked with techcompanies/ startups but not in IT roles. It is more of Product and Marketing roles. Will I be considered among the competitive IT pool vis a vis marketing pool.
  6. Anyother tips on how I should plan my candidature for 2012 admissions.:o

Thanks
Tweeter-er

Thanks Nothing1954 for the help. I had always thought that the key was in planning 2-3 years ahead .Have PMed you the details

hi Shibhu,

Which companies in the following sectors does IMD have strong ties with? Which ones amongst them recruit from campus on a regular basis?

1. Retail/Wholesale and Distribution
2. Logistics

From the placement report I gathered that DHL does recruit from campus. Do you know the number of MBA students it recruited last year?

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks....

Hi Shibu,

I actually have a question about a comment you made vis-a-vis IMD vs INSEAD. You mentioned that people who consider one school or the other have total opposite goals. Can you please elaborate on that? While I do see the differences between the 2 schools, I don't feel they're entirely opposites either. In fact, I am an admit to both IMD and INSEAD for Jan 2010 and am still debating where I want to go (I have to give my response to IMD by next week, so I'm running out of time!). From what I know, it's not unusual for people to apply to both IMD and INSEAD at the same time.

Basically one big difference that I perceive (and it's purely subjective) is this: INSEAD feels like a place where a lot of people with very varied experience go (consultants, bankers, but also athletes, pilots, what have you) in order to give their career a new start. IMD, on the other hand, feels like a place where very accomplished people go in order to get the last boost they need to move from middle - upper management towards top management. It feels less like a place where people may discover whole new interests and be able to pursue a completely new path. Not that it's a bad thing, but it feels like IMD is more for people who absolutely know what they want, and INSEAD leaves some doors open for exploration. What's your take on this? Am I completely off?

I know both schools are excellent and I can't really make a bad decision, but I'm still debating the pros and cons of both.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hello Twitter

You have a good resume. To answer your specific queries ..

Your first question is very general, however there is no formulaic strategy. At IMD each case is treated individually. However the prime focus would be on intellectual capability, motivation and dedication. There needs to be a demonstrated excellence on these parameters. You need to be sure that you have tangible experiences to show these elements.

A previous MBA is not a disqualifier. Many students in the class are doing there second MBAs. However international experience is appreciated. Your decision to let go opportunity to work abroad will need to be explained.

No IMD does not have any predisposition to MNCs. We have an equal mix of big brand names and innovative start ups in our CVs. The primary focus would be on past success and future potential of individuals. Excellence is mandatory, where you show it is not important.

Being in the IT pool does not disqualify you. It is what you bring with your personality and experience into the class that matters. Not being from the ultra competitive IT pool helps you to differentiate easier.

Tip: Understand you motivations, find the school that matches you. Remember it is a marriage. The most beautiful people do not necessarily make the best spouses.

All the best.

Regards
SJ

Goal

Pls refer to the placement report for sectoral companies coming on campus.

Most companies recruit 1 -2 candidates from IMD. Remember we are a small class of 90 students only.

I am not sure whether DHL came to campus last year. It could be a student who found a job in DHL through off campus effort.

Regards
SJ.

Muggles,

First of all congrats on your admits.

The class profile of the two institutes will clearly tell you the difference between the students who are in these schools. IMD with an average experience of 8 years positions itself as an MBA+ for well experienced executives. This is not to say that the class does not have
Of course when one says that the colleges are different, they are subjective in their interpretation. You are able to give a good stereotype of IMD & INSEAD candidates. However you are not entirely correct when you say people coming to IMD are exactly sure of where they want to go. IMD is an exploratory experience and 50% of the class do change their careers. Quite a few of them firm their career interests towards the end of the program.

You have to be very careful about the school you choose. I am still of the opinion that these schools are for different people. Your objectives need to marry the offer the school brings. It does not change the fact that both of them are great schools

All the best
Regards
SJ.
[
QUOTE=MrMuggles;1654154]Hi Shibu,

I actually have a question about a comment you made vis-a-vis IMD vs INSEAD. You mentioned that people who consider one school or the other have total opposite goals. Can you please elaborate on that? While I do see the differences between the 2 schools, I don't feel they're entirely opposites either. In fact, I am an admit to both IMD and INSEAD for Jan 2010 and am still debating where I want to go (I have to give my response to IMD by next week, so I'm running out of time!). From what I know, it's not unusual for people to apply to both IMD and INSEAD at the same time.

Basically one big difference that I perceive (and it's purely subjective) is this: INSEAD feels like a place where a lot of people with very varied experience go (consultants, bankers, but also athletes, pilots, what have you) in order to give their career a new start. IMD, on the other hand, feels like a place where very accomplished people go in order to get the last boost they need to move from middle - upper management towards top management. It feels less like a place where people may discover whole new interests and be able to pursue a completely new path. Not that it's a bad thing, but it feels like IMD is more for people who absolutely know what they want, and INSEAD leaves some doors open for exploration. What's your take on this? Am I completely off?

I know both schools are excellent and I can't really make a bad decision, but I'm still debating the pros and cons of both.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi Shibu
I have recieved an interview offer for next week.
Do you have any suggesstions on how to prepare for the case and the presentation?
Regards,