Hi all, I am current 2010 MBA student at Simon Graduate School of Business. I would be happy to answer any questions that current prospective students might have regarding the school, admission procedures, faculty, strengths etc. Best of luck …
Hi all,
I am current 2010 MBA student at Simon Graduate School of Business. I would be happy to answer any questions that current prospective students might have regarding the school, admission procedures, faculty, strengths etc.
Best of luck with your application season
Regards
SimonMBA2010
Hi all,
I am current 2010 MBA student at Simon Graduate School of Business. I would be happy to answer any questions that current prospective students might have regarding the school, admission procedures, faculty, strengths etc.
Best of luck with your application season
Regards
SimonMBA2010
Hey simon admit ... very nice initiative ,..
here goes my profile ..
Iam 26, Indian , a Chartered Accountant and a Cost Accountant( Equivalent to CIMA) ( passed both in First attempt) by profession, having around 50 months of post qualification experience till now excluding my articleship from PWC of 3 years . During my interaction with few adcoms @ kellogg, Chicago and LBS,they confirmed me that my articleship is also considered as work experience , taking my total work experienceto 7.5 yrs.
I am also a certified assesor by CII ( confederation of indian industries) and a certified treasury manager by catalyst consulting group.
I have scheduled my Gmat in dec 08. and confident of scoring 700+
Work exp
My work experience varied from treasury and forex, financial planning and Analysis, derivatives to product control and ranging from manufacturing companies like GE to TOP I banks like Deutsche bank .Currently i am working with HSBC India in their Investment banking Division and managing a team of 10 people and have substantial leadership experience both in terms of managing teams and decision making . In my previous role job as management trainee with one of Indias Top Business houses, i was managing forex worth 400 million dollars. I used to independently take calls on long/short while managing funds of the company .I was also successful in making around 2,00,000 dollars during chinesse currency revaluation ( renminbi) in 2005 -06 for the company. Apart from the regular Investment banking emphasis in my current role, I was also given an opportunity to lead a project -15 member team on risk management for one of our associate group companies.
I have around 8 months of international work experience ranging from whole of Europe to New york- mostly in migration of processes from Finland, Germany, London, New York , Madrid, Austria to India. Role involved dealing with people of different culture making it an experience&learning; in itself and was unique in terms of making people at those locations believe that transition is not taking their jobs but making the whole job more easier and better in terms of quality and quantity .
Extra curricular/Community service
- Was a school leader and college leader.
-Represented my school and college in inter college cricket .
- Stated a group called "Mavericks" consisting of all F1 fans in our city . i was the one of the guys who started it in 2000 and we still have it .
- Helped our office staff to effectively use the paper.
- I am a core member of our society committee which helps in the day 2 day management of things in our apartments
- Moderator at one of biggest GMAT forums/ website.
- Started a small investment fund in my undergrad college with classmates and used to mange the funds of the students of my college. educate them on the pros n cons of investing in stock market and how it works.
Community service
- Worked with an NGO - sponsored by our company, during the Tsunami ( nagapatanam ).Stayed there for a month on site and was actively involved in relief work.
- Stated a group in our locality to help people understand the effective and efficient usage of water and helped in putting through a rain water harvesting plant in the locality.
- Currently Working with underpriveleged children for their rehabilitation.
- Also working with my companys NGO that works towards helping underpriveleged children in their education.
- Part of Teach for India campaign .
Post MBA goals.
I want to get into front end Investment banking/PE/hedge funds,work in M&A; .
I have always been in Treasury/forex/Derivatives and with I banks . As u know front end Investent banking jobs are very very little in India and that too with global player i dont think we have any. An MBA from a top tier US B school will help me move further in that direction.
Do you think me not being from typical IT background applicant from India and my experience as a chartered accountant is also different in the sense that i am not into typical CA field of Auditing and taxation will be add to my advantage.
Looking frwd to ur reply soon.
regds
Sudhir
Hi Sudhir,
I really enjoyed reading your profile / workex. You have got a wonderful profile. Start working on your stories that bridge your workex, short term goal and long term goal. It would be better if you take GMAT before Dec. and apply in second round. I mean, the whole application process takes long time and requires lot of brainstorming. You can make your application stand out if you do not have typical "IT Indian profile". Don't worry, It will not work against you.
Hope I answered your question, if not, please make your query specific.
Best of luck
SimonMBA2010
Hi,
Thanks for your Initiative.
Well I have applied for the R2.
Just a brief about me
GMAT 650
Work Ex - 6 years in Financial services as Head of Private Client Group with a broking Firm and managing 11 professionals.
Undergrad - Weak
Extra Curriculars - Decent
Masters in Management Studies ( Finance Specialization)
What do you think of my chances?Also after submitting the application do I need to follow up with the Adcom?
Thanking You in advance.
Hi,
I cannot comment on your chances of getting an admit. As you must be aware, this year, the no. of applications going to increase significantly from abroad and US too, partly due to current recession. Many would like to ride the recession by enrolling in programs such as MBA.
The competition is tougher even in 15+ ranked schools. The chances of getting an admit in these schools are better if you have 700+ GMAT. Among all the Indians in this school, no one has less than 700 GMAT score. I do not know other aspects of your application, but if you have worked well on your application, the chances are good. Apply to one or two more safe schools.
I don't think contacting adcom for follow up will be of any help.... they are really busy in application season .... wait for their response ..... if they do not come up with anything by due date, you can shoot them an email ....
Will be glad to answer if you have further questions ....
best of luck
SimonMBA2010
Hi,
Can u please provide some DOs and DONTs for the interview? Can you share your interview experience with us?
TIA
Amit
1.Hi. I'd like to know how Simon is for marketing (Ive heard about its reputation for Finance).
2. My profile is :
GMAT: 710
Acads: Good
Extra currics: Very good
Work ex: 2 n a half years(by next September)
I have also got an application fee waiver from them as a "Priority Candidate" or something.
3. Also is TOEFL required for Simon if medium of instruction in college has been English
4. Is R2 over? When is the deadline?
Please let me know
2. My profile is :
GMAT: 710
Acads: Good
Extra currics: Very good
Work ex: 2 n a half years(by next September)
I have also got an application fee waiver from them as a "Priority Candidate" or something.
3. Also is TOEFL required for Simon if medium of instruction in college has been English
4. Is R2 over? When is the deadline?
Please let me know
Hi,
Simon is good in Finance ..... no doubt. The problem with Marketing is applicable to all b-schools. For Marketing Jobs, US companies prefer domestic students to international students. Considering this fact, Marketing is not bad in Simon. Also, the school is trying hard to gain presence in "Pricing".
GMAT 700+ is a definite + for 15+ ranked schools. Work hard on ur essays. Simon has an 'early leader program' for young applicants. Find details on the website. Simon does not have problem in taking the students with less work experience.
You can get TOEFL waiver easily. Shoot an email to adcom or mention the same in additional essay.
You can find out deadline for R2 in the website easily.
Best of luck with your application.
SimonMBA2010
Hi,
Can u please provide some DOs and DONTs for the interview? Can you share your interview experience with us?
TIA
Amit
Hi,
You can get tons of advice on this topic. From my personal experience, I can suggest following .....
1) The interview is primarily meant to check your English communication skill and whether you are the same person who submitted the application and wrote the essays.
2) Can you contribute in the class room discussions, team assignments etc.
3) Keep the interview as a conversation. US b-schools' interview are quite different from what we normally face in India. Sound as authentic and comfortable as possible.
4) In case of alumni interview, if alumni want you to be as one of his classmates ..... you did better in the interview.
5) Show enthusiasm and passion
...... Interview is the easiest part of the application if you don't stress yourself. .... you have to talk about yourself..... is it that difficult? !!!
Best of luck
SimonMBA2010
Hello,
I attended interview from Simon B-school on 11th Nov. The interview went fine.
Could you please let me know how long it usually takes before the school releases the decision?
Getting a little gittery since it's two weeks past. Will it be appropriate if I give the ad-com a call? If so who should I call?
Appreciate your response
Darwin
Hi SimonMBA 2010
- You said in ur earlier post that 15+ skools r possible with 700+ GMAT. Are you talking about US or internationally(like Europe etc)and in either case can you name some skools where there are chances with 2.5 years work ex (By Sept 09) (Thatz my main concern) and that too for marketing?
- Where does Simon stand compared to other skools (FT rank 47). What are realistic chances of skools like Emory, Darden, Duke, Cornell with my profile (posted earlier)?
- Is it true adcoms encourage female applicants? (Cz that wud work in my favour if true)
- Is it realistic to apply to Simon after 2 rounds are already over? What are the chances in this round? (After early action and round 1)
Hi,
We are having thanksgiving recess here. Wait for couple of days and call them on Thursday or so. You will definitely hear something soon. They will complete the formalities for R1 before Christmas vacation.
All the best
SimonMBA2010
hi i received an application waiver from Rochester
dont know why and on what basis. i haven't reported my scores.
neways
plannin to apply for session jan 2010
Hi Simon MBA2010. Wanted to know:
1. The Simon MBA is supposed to be rigorously quantitative. Is this true only for finance or for marketing also? (Since I am looking at a marketing specialization)
Unfortunately quant has never really been my strenght. Does this mean I should refrain from applying or is the curriculum do-able?
2. I work in a family firm (as I am mentioning in my essays etc)which i plan to return to eventually. Does this fact automatically exclude me from campus placements etc and are corporates open to looking at candidates with family business experience? (I plan to work for arnd 2 years before returning to India)
Also do Simon students who are relative freshers (in terms of work ex) get jobs? Or do the jobs go only to people with prior work ex?
Would appreciate it if you could reply soon. Thanks.
hi i received an application waiver from Rochester
dont know why and on what basis. i haven't reported my scores.
neways
plannin to apply for session jan 2010
Hi all,
I was busy with my finals. Sorry for being off-line so long.
wrt getting application fee waiver, they get to know the scores from GMASS service that we opt, knowingly or unknowingly, during our GMAT exam.
Best
Simon MBA 2010
Hi Simon MBA2010. Wanted to know:
1. The Simon MBA is supposed to be rigorously quantitative. Is this true only for finance or for marketing also? (Since I am looking at a marketing specialization)
Unfortunately quant has never really been my strenght. Does this mean I should refrain from applying or is the curriculum do-able?
2. I work in a family firm (as I am mentioning in my essays etc)which i plan to return to eventually. Does this fact automatically exclude me from campus placements etc and are corporates open to looking at candidates with family business experience? (I plan to work for arnd 2 years before returning to India)
Also do Simon students who are relative freshers (in terms of work ex) get jobs? Or do the jobs go only to people with prior work ex?
Would appreciate it if you could reply soon. Thanks.
Hi,
1) Don't worry about course being rigorous or quantitative. At most, you may have to work harder. The quality of education should be one of the criteria in deciding your target schools. Basically, first year core courses are rigorous, hence it does not really matter which concentration you are following
2) You running your own business does not really matter. But you are not going to tell this to recruiter who wants to invest in you for long run. I mean do not mention your plan which can go negative.
3) Length of work ex does not really matter much. Simon has 'early leader' program through which candidates without work ex get good placements.
HTH
Best
Simon MBA 2010
Hi guys,
First of all, thank you to the current Simon student for taking time to answer questions from the prospective students.
I have been admitted to the full time MBA program at Simon for fall 09. Received the admitted student package the day after Christmas via fedex. No financial aid/scholarships. No email communications, etc.
I am awaiting my NYU, Duke & Darden results as well. Here is a brief overview of my profile:
GMAT 700
GPA 3.4
WE IT Consulting in the insurance sector 4.5 years (4 yrs international Australia, Malaysia, currently in USA)
Goals Career switcher to finance (Risk management)
A question for the current student
I am a bit concerned about the brand name and image of Simon, especially after the most recent rankings where it did not make the top 30 US programs and was listed alphabetically in the list of 2nd tier programs. I obviously agree that rankings are not the criteria to make such a big decision but it definitely is a good indicator. Having said that, Simon definitely beats the Darden and Duke programs as far the finance specialization is concerned. I dont want to start a comparison debate here just trying to put forward my dilemma here J
Ok here are my questions
What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses (more important) of the program?
Has the CDC taken any additional steps to help students get internships/full time jobs?
Do you see the collaborative spirit and camaraderie among students?
Are the faculty members easily accessible after hours?
Given the harsh winter, do you have enough outdoor activities?
Are the student clubs active?
Where do students usually stay on campus/off campus?
Thank you very much!!
Hello,
My application is still under review.Also would like to know whether I need to schedule a telephonic interview or the adcom will contact me if I am selected.I am a R1 applicant.
Thanks in advance
Send a brief email to the adcom....
On the website, I can see that one needs to enter a code to schedule a telephonic interview... have you received one? if not, you might just need to wait until they send a decision....
either way, you can always send a polite query to the adcom....
g'luck!