pdenton92000 wrote:
I am preparing to begin the application process and am hoping you could comment on my profile. Specifically, I would like to know how realistic my target schools are and if I should consider apply to different schools. Also, any tips on how to improve my resume would be much appreciated? Thank you in advance for your time and comments.
I will be 29 years old in September of 2012.
Undergrad:
- Univ of South Dakota, GPA = 3.0, Majored in Finance
- Involved in many extra-curicular activities: finance club, two investments clubs, Football Scholarship
GMAT:
680 (47Q 36V) (planning to re-take)
Work Exp:
1. 6 Months as a broker at a brokerage firm
2. 5 years, as a bank examiner (most of my experience deals is in capital markets at some of the largest banks in US) - Have leadership experience through leading bank examinations of 10+ co-workers, I have also spent a lot of time working with troubled banks, I have a portfolio of banks that I am tasked with knowing everything about, I mentor co-workers, and acting as my office's capital markets liason.
Certs:
1. Passed Level 1 of the CFA, will take Level 2 next month and hopefully level 3 next June before I would potentially start school.
2. Previouly held series 7 and 63 licenses
EC Since Undergrad:
- Mentor new employees at work
- Habitat for Humanity
- Spend a lot of time Volunteering at area races; Full/Half Marathons, 5/10ks, ect...
Potential Career Paths: Investment Banking or Corporate Finance
Target Schools:
1) UVA Darden, 2) UM Ross, 3) UNC Kenan-Flagler
Darden is my target school because I really like the case method and would prefer a smaller community to a larger one.
In my opinion, my biggest weakness is my GPA/GMAT. I am planning to begin preparing to re-take the GMAT in June (unless you feel my current gmat is sufficient.) I feel the strength of my application is in my work experience. I don't think many applicants would have similar work experience. Additionally, in the case method setting, I would be able to play devils advocate to I-bankers and others in the financial arena. Or at least, thats how I was planning on selling myself.
thanks,
pdenton92000
pdenton92000,
I think your analysis of your strengths and
weaknessesis right on. I also agree that raising your
GMAT is important if you want to have a serious chance at
UVAand top IB companies.
Why don't we discuss school choice and
MBA application strategy again after you retake the GMAT? A 700+ GMAT could make a difference.
Best,
Linda