Rizzo wrote:
Hi Paul,
I took the GMAT recently and am planning to apply for b-schools for 2007. I'm still in the process of figuring out what schools I'd have a good shot in and would appreciate your seasoned opinion. (I've previously posted my profile on another channel, so hope you don't mind that it's ad verbatim.)
GMAT: 770 (Q49, V47)
Academic Background:
-Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from a Canadian University, GPA: 3.6/3.7, graduated with honours.
-CFA Charterholder
-Diploma in Accounting
Work History:
-After graduation, worked a year at a Canadian money management firm at the administrative side, doing fund valuation, trade clearances, etc.
-Moved to the sell-side as an assistant equity analyst for two years, covering major consumer goods companies.
-Then moved back to the same money management firm to take on investment analysis of corporate bonds (less than a year).
-Have a gap of several months preparing to move to China and getting parents' house renovated.
-Am now in China and am responsible for marketing-related projects at a startup high-tech firm (yes, quite unrelated to my prior career area). I generate most of the copywriting and marketing material, including graphics, by learning on the way.
Personal/Extracurricular:
-fluent in English, advanced-level Mandarin (HSK level 7), intermediate-level Tagalog
-am ethnic Chinese born in the Philippines who moved to Canada at an early age, and after graduation and 5 years of work picked up and moved to China to learn the language/lifestyle and work at the same time.
-used to play organized basketball on a weekly basis for several years.
-am supporting a friend through college (this is not "extracurricular" per se but is a big motivator and reason for being on my part.
Recommendations:
-My current boss and former supervisor will write my letters of recommendation. Although they know me well, neither is a very strong writer, though.
MBA Program Targets:
-International Business Program that leads to managerial position at a multinational operating in the Asia-Pacific region. or
-Finance Program that leads to buy-side (money management) analysis and portfolio management.
-Geography is not an issue
In summary, I am aware that my academics are decent. My work experience is a bit scattered, however, as career progression is unclear and don't have much in the leadership department, though I have managed to learn and grow with each job. My extracurriculars are not impressive either.
Rizzo,
You have an interesting and somewhat impressive profile with good numbers and, as you noted, some negatives (you got them right). Still, I think you can aim relatively high, if you make the most of the leadership you do have, of your unusual personal/cultural background, of your experiences in China, and of helping your friend through college. For the finance goal I recommend Wharton, Chicago, Stern, Columbia, and MIT with some backups such as perhaps Duke, Michigan, or Yale. For your international management path I recommend Wharton, Chicago, and MIT (again), Haas, UCLA, perhaps Virginia as a backup.
Good luck,
close
10 Nov 2006, 19:18
