mad wrote:
Thanks Jon! That was very helpful indeed. Considering I already have a PGDM (equivalent to an MBA) from among India's top 15 colleges, do you think this could work against me in my applications? Just found out that applicants who already have an MBA arent welcome at Duke and Tuck so my list of target schools just became a little thinner
As for my career goals, in addition to captaining the cricket team & writing for a sports website, I'm also working in the analytics division of Intel where I provide consulting to the senior leadership and facilitate structured data driven decisions in areas of revenue, expenses, headcount & go-to-market strategies. I now want to leverage this background and analytics expertise to search for ways to use the unprecedented mountains of data sports orgs are stockpiling and design solutions that could give them a competitive edge. Also, I intend to help teams predict the needs and wants of fans (hearing the voice of their customers) and deliver their targeted content with laser precision by analyzing social media data to profile fans and enhance their experiences.
For the challenges you mentioned,
1) While I do work for a Tech giant, I work on the financial and strategic part of the business which I'm going to emphasize in my essays. Will that be a differentiator from a very competitive pool? My previous work-ex was in the supply chain side which I intend to bring out as well. (Clutching onto straws here!)
2) I do have a UG degree from among the top NITs - with a decent GPA
(the unfulfilled IIT dream still cuts as a dagger through the heart though!)
3) Will need to work on a "wow" factor. Cant think of anything yet
Of late, I've been mulling over the idea of going for an MS in Business Analytics as opposed to a full-time MBA (still undecided) as this appears to align more with my current work-ex and long term goals (not to mention the prohibitive costs of a full-time MBA!). Can you please advise?
Some of the top MSBA programs I have shortlisted are: North Carolina, Arizona, CMU and NYU. Can you please suggest some programs that would seem to be a good fit for my profile?
Thanks a lot for your help
Hey there,
So with an Indian "MBA", first of all, let's say it's not an MBA (I mean the degree even has a different name!), but you are also right, that it would be a good idea to "Explain" why you need an MBA (i.e. what will an MBA offer you that the Indian diploma never could?)
1) For sure. And no, it's not clutching at straws.. it's really important - how you select to present yourself. And yes, it helps.
2) Whoopee!
3) If you don't have it in a single story, two other options might be a) an assemblage of stories b) just really good writing. A lot of times these can be as effective as a "wow".
I think your list is off to a good start. You maaaay want to check if Duke really considers a PDGM to be an MBA (Write them a letter asking them, and telling them how different the degrees are
You might add UCLA. Aaaaand don't entirely neglect the Top 10. You should have 2 "Challenge" schools on your list. I dont have any specific recommendations (just cause they are all great), but choose whichever appeal to you.
Best,
Jon