Hi kingme:
I am having a great day! Ditto and thanks for the warm fuzzy. Now if I could only find an emoticon to go with that feeling ....
One of the first things that I do when I read posts directed at me or an unnamed "Expert" is to look for the original poster's goals.
I am often disappointed in my quest. While I sure that you get the point, I will state it for the record – you have to tell me what your goals are.
This is why – because the MBA is a bridge to
somewhere. I know you stated that you wanted an MBA in finance (I know this because I actually read through your whole post looking for some semblance of goals.) Just as I was confused about what you want to do with your MBA, I am just as confused with why an applicant with a more technical and non-profit background would want to make the transition to finance. I am sure that you have your own reasons, but that does not matter - ironically. What does matter is that you need to articulate a reason why this is a good path in both your post to me (of course), and more importantly you need to make some sort of convincing case to admissions committee (eventually.)
Part of making a convincing case to any missions committee is to understand the context in which you will exist as an applicant. What I mean is this - you are going to be competing against a lot of other applicants who also want to move in the finance direction. However, the ones that understand the admissions game will understand that they should indeed have prior finance experience. They will be the competitive ones, and not you.
Bottom line -
change your story bro. Apply to an EU program where you veteran status (age 31) will be viewed as an asset. Talk about bringing technology to non-profits as a consultant for a larger firm with a practice that specializes in this.
I hope this helps.
Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti
kingme wrote:
Dear Experts,
I hope you are having a great day! I took my GMAT 1 week back and scored a 690.
Please advise me, based on my GMAT score and profile, on the following;
Which schools should I be targeting? I prefer North American schools but please advise other options too.
What are the areas that i should work on further?
Financial assistance/Scholarships is a must for me. Please advise on this too.
Will my age be a big factor?
About myself: Bangladeshi Male /31 years / Around 80 months’ industry experience
GMAT: 690 (Quant: 49, verbal 35, AWA yet to receive. TOEFL-have not appeared yet.
GPA/school: I hold a first class degree in Bachelor of Science (Computer Science & Engineering) from the University of Dhaka. It is the top university of the country. But I’m not sure how this result (first class 44th position in a pool of 75 students) translates to the GPA.
Target schools: Please advise.
Professional background:
Total WE: 7 years
WE-1: BBC Media Action (Formerly world service trust) a Non Profit Organization.
Duration: 1 year as Project Manager (Senior Manager Grade). Worked in different projects at both home and abroad. Currently working in a project to reach 25 million people of Bangladesh and improve their economic conditions. Also working in health and environment improvement projects. Leading a team and recently acted head of department.
WE-3: Grameenphone (Largest telecom operator in Bangladesh with a 35 million subscriber base) of Telenor group (No. 6 Telecom operator in the world)
Duration: 4 years, last position was Manager Product development, Technology division. Launched numerous innovative products, worked in different projects as project manager (saved 1.3 million in a project with a innovative solution which didn't cost a penny to the company)
WE-2: Grameenphone IT (Largest IT Company of Bangladesh)
Duration: 2 years, last position was Project Manager (Specialist), Commercial division. Worked in different technology projects both at home and abroad. In one of the projects there was a situation where the project was in dire straits and the Fortune 500 vendor failed to deliver. It was a prestige issue to the company and I stepped in (sounds familiar? ) and took the challenge. It's was an extremely tough situation as my reputation, job and the company reputation hinged on the project. The project came out successful, with exact deliverables and perfect timing.
Work experience/visits in countries: UK, India, and Malaysia.
Know 3 languages.
Community Service:
I’m involved with an organization that funds the poor but meritorious students for further studies. These students are chosen from the reports of national news papers and patronized till the undergrad admission. I have so far patronized 2 two students with the funding and necessary mentorship.
Extracurricular Activities:
Guitarist and front man of a band. Have one mixed album and 3 music videos aired in national television.
Organized the first Technology Transfer conference in Bangladesh. The participants came from 12 different countries.
Captain of undergrad department cricket B team.
Composed the Company theme song for previous company.
Published numerous poems in school, college, university publications.
I’m a Oracle Certified Professional
Area of interest: I am interested in pursuing a MBA in Finance.
Thanks a lot for all the help in advance!
_________________
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