sbg25 wrote:
Hello everyone,
I need help regarding building up my profile for applying to business schools next year.
Background: I did BMM (Bachelor's of Mass Media) from Mumbai University, India. Started working immediately after that in a small media agency. I have total work experienc of 4 years, from which I have worked the last 1 & 1/2 years with GroupM as a Media Planner. While working, I also did a 2 year DL PGDBM - Marketing (Distance Learning - Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management - Marketing) from Welingkars institute, Mumbai, India. The grades arn't very good as I could not focus on studies while working.
I had to quit my job as I shifted to USA after getting married. I came here on a dependent visa so obivously I was not allowed to find work. I could not apply for business schools immediately after coming to USA as my husband is currently doing Phd and we decided to wait for him to graduate. He graduates early next year and I plan to apply to schools wherever we move for his job.
Now by the time I apply to schools next year, it would be a 3 year employment gap on my resume. I'll need to explain that in my application. I know there's still time for that, but I got time on my hand right now to build up a profile to explain that gap. I don't think I have a great education or work profile, so I doubt about my chances on getting in a good business school. Any suggestions on what can I do between now & next year early rounds to explain what I was doing during the employment gap. I have already considered volunteering for the local community. Also started preparing for gmat and plan to take the test in March 2016. What else will help my application look good? Any other things which will help me in my journey to get in a B school?
Thanks,
SG
Hi SG,
That's a tough situation. I don't claim to be an expert at all, but having around two years of experience researching different admissions tactics and processes, I'll throw in my two cents.
I would answer the questions that every program will ask you. Firstly, why have you decided to get an MBA? Once you answer that question, work backwards to prepare yourself to provide supporting evidence that you have done other things as well that align with your answer. Want an MBA to improve the community? Volunteer and do what you can now to help your local community. Want an MBA to move into a role doing x? Research and talk to people that do x so that you can provide concrete information about why you are passionate about doing x.
Also, I would ask yourself what you would bring to the program that adds value to the classroom and those around you.
After taking your GMAT, there may be other things that you can do to supplement your verbal and/or quant score.
You may also want to check out what the admissions consultants have to say in their forum on gmatclub.
Best of luck to you!