cmns18 wrote:
Paul,
I am planning on applying round 2 to a number of MBA programs. Because of time and financial constraints, I don't want to apply to more than 5 or so schools.
Background (Info will be for Sept 07)
White American
Age: 25
College: Calvin College -Grand Rapids, MI
GPA: 3.95
Major: Political Science International Relations Concentration
Minors: Economics, Third World Development Studies
Additional note: Coauthored a published paper with a professor when I was in college about the impact of African states on HIV/AIDS politics
GMAT: 710
Experience:3 years as a Major Donor Program Coordinator at small-medium size international relief and development organization. I have moved up from contract employee to Donor Assistant to current position. I am responsible for proposal writing and management along with managing a portfolio of donors that give about $500,000 a year. I also have had the opportunity to serve on a country evaluation team where we evaulated the strategic goals of the country's work.
Goal of getting MBA: My current job is rewarding but I am looking to make a bit of a career switch out of fundraising into corporate strategy with a specific interest in CSR and sustainable business. I hope to draw a link from my work with an organization that is looking to improve the lives of individuals around the world to my goal of working for a business that values not only profits but its impacts on communities and the environment. I also hope to gain skills that will one day allow me to reenter the non-profit arena in a upper managment position.
Extracurricular: Mentoring for 2 years with YMCA
Spent past year and half working to start a young professionals group at my church. Have learned alot about leadership and staying committed to this idea despite other leaders falling away or not wanting to commit. Now that the group is established, I am working to continue to add additional members to the group and plan functions.
Schools
Northwestern (dream school)
Michigan
Duke
North Carolina
Cornell
Notre Dame
Possibly others-still working on researching schools with strong strategy and CSR programs
Other comments
I realize that I am on the low end of the experience/age range. However, I have little room for growth in my current job other than working overseas which isn't a possibility for my wife and I right now. I want to continue the general trend of my work (as in impacting lives of others) but switch to a more dynamic business environment.
How does my profile stack up? Do my goals seem clear enough? Are their other schools that I should consider?
Thank you in advance for your time.
cmns18,
I would not discourage you from applying to any of the schools you listed. Your GMAT is good enough and despite your age you have an interesting and unusual profile. Even your community work seems a bit out of the ordinary. You have an excellent chance at Notre Dame, a good chance at Cornell, North Carolina, and Duke, a decent chance at Michigan, and a possible chance at Kellogg because of your social impact profile. In terms of other schools, it appears based on your list that you have consulted Beyond Grey Pinstripes' Top 30 ranking. You might add Darden and GWU to your list; you have a decent shot at both of them.
Good luck,
close
27 Nov 2006, 10:41
