dragoneyes wrote:
Hi.
I would like to have some input about my profile. I have a couple of concerns listed below. Is my target schools realistic? Is there something I can leverage? What areas can I improve on?
PERSONAL
Age 30
Male
Cambodian-American
EDUCATION/EXAMS
GMAT 690 (Q51,V31, AWA 5.5, IR 6).
GPA 3.25 at a top public IVY (i.e. Berkeley, Michigan, Virginia), BS Chemical biology
MS in Chemistry at a a top chemistry grad program.
Advanced Studies in Technology Transfer
WORK EXPERIENCE
- 5 years as a research scientist at NCI. I am a federal contractor who works for the NCI (if it makes a difference.).
- My laboratory does preclinical analysis of advanced cancer-fighting nanotechnologies. My laboratory works with academic laboratories, federal government laboratories, small biotechnology companies, and pharmaceutical companies. For that reason, my laboratory is unique.
- Attending scientific conferences to solicit new partnerships for my laboratory.
- won awards (one individual, two part of a team).
- some hands-on experience with business development
- mentored college students / high schools, helped them get into graduate school/undergraduate college
EXTRACURRICULAR
- consistent amount of extracurricular activities in college and during my career, but no strong leadership positions in those activities.
- mentorship of middle school students.
GOALS
Short-term goal: join a biotechnology startup or join a business development officer of a biotechnology /pharmaceutical company
Long-term goal: start a consulting firm advising scientist who want to start a company.
TARGET SCHOOL
Berkeley Haas, UCLA Anderson, USC Marshall, Georgetown McDonough, Maryland Smith.
I would like to either remain in Maryland, where I am working currently, or come back to California, where I am from. My interest is in a entrepreneur focused study.
Concerns:
- My last 2 years of my undergraduate GPA is lower than my first 2 years of my undergraduate GPA. I have no Ds or Fs.
- I have a quant-verbal split on my GMAT score. Recently, I have taken writing courses at a community college to improve my communication abilities. In addition I have 3 publications in scientific journals.
- I have no promotions at my current employment, but I had increasing responsibilities. The lack of promotions can be blamed on stagnant federal and NIH budget. Plus, I feel my company does have clear promotion structure. A PhD helps in regards to getting a better job position in my company.
Thanks.
Hey dude!
I think you have a really interesting profile. You come from a good background, and from a unique applicant pool. You have pretty good grades from what I understand is a top Non Ivy league school.
What I think is that a lot will depend on your story. Which is the case for a lot of folks who are coming from a non-business background, as you are. Meaning besides your scientific knowledge and abilities, what makes you think that you would be good at bus dev? Why does it interest you? Have you had any experiences which would make it easier for you to get this bus dev job you are looking? What natural qualities do you have that are good for business development? Do you have any leadership experience? This logic of your career goals will be really important for you to have the best chances.
I think your school list is a good one. You have a mix of tougher schools and less tough ones, and if you aim for them all, I think you should have a shot to get in, and move to the next step in your career.
Best,
JF
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16 Dec 2013, 15:56
