Hi planetcadillac,
In addition to the two schools you mentioned, you may want to consider University of Texas at Austin for its Center of Customer Insight and Marketing Solutions, and also University of Wisconsin-Madison for the A.C. Nielsen Center for Marketing Research and the Center for Brand & Product Management.
Your GRE and GPA may be slightly lower than the average at these schools, but you’re making up for it with your management/leadership experience.
You’re correct in that your biggest challenge is clearly articulating your next career goals. It is very important for older applicants to explain why they want to get an MBA at this point, why they need an MBA to achieve their post –MBA career goals, and to show that they will get a lot of value out of the MBA program. This may be an area that would be helpful for you to engage an admissions consultant to tell your story well. You should express what you hope to achieve through the MBA program, and how you can contribute to the business schools and to your community.
Recently I responded to another older applicant who was concerned with his age. I like older applicants because they can bring a lot of insight to classroom discussions and the business school community.
Best of luck to you, and we’re happy to offer you a complimentary consultation if you are interested.
Christine Lin
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planetcadillac wrote:
AGE: 35
WORK EXPERIENCE: 14+ YEARS (SAME COMPANY)
INDUSTRY: AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & SUPPLIES
MANAGEMENT ROLE: SENIOR COMMERCIAL SALES MANAGER
UNDERGRADUATE: UNC ECONOMICS 3.14
GRE: 317 (~660 GMAT EQUIV)
I will be applying to a full-time program as it is my desire to switch from my current sales/product management role in the automotive industry into an analytical marketing function. I interested in programs that are particular strong in marketing with a strong marketing recruiting reputation. I have a strong management background with up to 15 reports, extensive leadership roles in extracirricular activities, and extensive domestic and international travel. I feel that my biggest challenge is clearly articulating my next career goals although I have a pretty good idea of that in my head. I suppose I am a mix of usual (white male) and unusual (a bit older, non-traditional industry experience) I am confident I can present myself as a unique candidate. I originally planned on pursuing an MBA four years ago, however with the onset of the recession I decided to stay and see my business through the economic times. I have spent the bulk of my life living and working in North Carolina, and while I intent to apply to Kenan-Flagler as well as Duke, I am putting serious consideration into school on the East and West Coast.
Thank you in advance,
_________________
Christine Lin | Marvel Admissions
http://marveladmissions.com/ | Marvel Admissions Blog
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