Choose the right schools in USA, Europe and Asia
[#permalink]
24 Mar 2015, 10:26
Hi Everybody! Here's a look at my profile - I have a few questions, I was hoping for help with.
1) Basic demographic info: 31 year old, M, Asian American
2) Educational Background:
Econ major at UC San Diego
GPA: 2.75/4.0 (my biggest concern)
GMAT: 660 (1st attempt), plan to take another one in Mid-June
3) Work experience:
Currently working at banking industry as Credit Analyst/Underwriter in San Diego – it’s medium-sized, Fortune 500 in California as a full time.
Owned and running the online based business, recently opened store in California and plan to open another in Asia region.
For last 4 years – Credit Analyst/Portfolio Management Officer role in banking industry – uses commercial credit underwriting skills to analyze and assess requests primarily for larger exposure (up to $1 billion business revenues) commercial customers. Performs financial analysis and makes recommendations on new and existing credits and exposures. **I was at the small community bank in 2 years and moved to one of the big banks in US and worked there 2 and half years.
Current role – Credit Analyst/Underwriter role – review, approve, and process applications which are acceptable in relation to underwriting guidelines, responsible for effective and efficient negotiation/communication with agency force within teams geographically assigned and responsible for demonstrated understanding of all commercial products, pricing and coverage.
Cofounded the retail online business in 2013 –online business that compete effectively with big chain stores in its market, recently opened store in Southern California and will open another in Asia region
4) Extracurricular:
In undergrad, led non-profit organization partnered with ITCHYS as project manager, undertook special projects as needed, including coordinating and facilitating special events, researched and wrote grant proposals, worked with team and external partners to organize the various components required to initiate and execute a successful project.
Led team of 10 groups to go abroad did building & construction projects on summer vacation for four years.
Post-undergrad, involve in non-profit organization as office administration manager/team-lead; main goal is plan, direct, coordinate and support to suffice the needs for business operations for the purpose of implementing improvements within the organization. I volunteer at VITA every year to assist low-income people to file tax returns, a 10K runner and enjoy play tennis
5) Short/Long term goals:
To understand different parts of the business to become a more effective business owner as general manager.
In short term, I have interested in working as corporate finance and/or strategy consulting
In long term, is to expand my own business
^ Is that too vague?
Now would be the best time to venture East or International to experience a different lifestyle/culture.
6) Schools:
In terms of schools, this is what I've identified as my criteria:
* Non-competitive, collaborative culture
* Strong programs in Entrepreneurship, Consulting and Finance
* Ties to firms in the US and International especially in Asia
* Close to major cities, but not in the heart of the city
I haven’t decided any BS schools: (any recommendation??)
My questions:
* I really want to end up somewhere that is going to be a good fit for my personal interests and goals. What are some good strategies to determine what will be a good fit?
* What are my chances at the more ultra-elite schools listed?