Director
Joined: 12 Sep 2011
Posts: 892
Given Kudos: 114
Concentration: Finance, Finance
Re: Just Graduated: Long term plan for an Elite MBA School?!
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31 Dec 2011, 13:06
Well the fact that you're looking so far into your future, shows that you already have a few characteristics of what it takes to get into a top 10 Bschool.
Now, I must say that it sounds like you have a strong profile. Something that will really help you put together a strong application. There are a few aspects you should concentrate on:
Your company:
I would definitely legitimize your online company as much as possible, because it sounds like you are less of an entreprenuer, but more of site administator. So you have a few websites, that drive traffic, and you get some advertising money. This is not a good story. If you could manage to create a website and business name, entity, clients, etc... you could really knock it out of the park with this one! I don't think it would take a ton of work to legitimize the appearance of the company while still just collecting income. This way you can really have something to talk about in your essays and resume. On your resume, I would put "Founder/CEO/Owner (whatever you like best) of XXXX, LLC" and explain what work and initiatives you use to get the company rolling. The more legit it looks, and the more you've put into it to show its legit, the more you'll have to discuss.
Your Work Experience:
So even though what you're doing isn't as prestigious as an Ibanker, it does sound like what you're doing is somewhat nontraditional which can help in its own respect. I would work on trying to get promotions, take on special projects, and create situations where you can bring on some type of leadership. Showing leadership and strong job growth is always beneficial. You don't have to be a manager to create leadership experience, but instead you can "shape" the projects your working on, or take leadership type initiatives. For instance, look for improvements in processes, see if you can take on some new project or work without being asked. Something like this would definitely help boost your application.
Extracurriculars:
I would recommend that you get online and look around your city for volunteer opportunties, or community business groups. Do you have a desired industry? Join one of those industries networking groups, and eventually try to take a position if possible. A lot of times there are "Young Leadership Societies" or groups like this, where you could be a member for a couple years, and maybe even get a board position. This initiative on your part would help round you out. Also, see if you can do a volunteer activity or two every few months, just to make sure that you have a few things to add. These are a few ideas of ways to round out your app.
GMAT:
So as much as some people try to downplay this aspect of your application, we all know that it's very important. The long term study plan never seems to be the most promising way to study for this test. It would be smart of you to familiarize yourself with the test, question types, and topics you will need to cover... but studying for 2 years wouldn't be the best idea. I would recommend that you wait until the year before you plan on applying. At that point you should do a 3-4 month intesive study period. Its hard to give you a study plan, b/c who knows what the test will look like that point. But come back, and start your studying however you see fit. Throw down a top score!
After you've done all this, I think you will be the type of applicant a top business school would love to have! Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.