Background:Orientation: US - White
Work Exp: 7 Years
Age – 31
GMAT:1st GMAT: 530 (Q35 V27) Took the GMAT in 2012. At the time, I was content with where I was at so I barely studied. Obviously, it is reflected in my score which I am none too proud of
Taking the GMAT again on August 16th, fully prepared for the last 2 – 3 months and shooting for 660 – 680 (fingers crossed).
Education: Undergrad: Small state school in Vermont, BS in Business Management with a marketing concentration GPA a measly 2.7
Post Grad- Summer program at Univ. of International Relations in Beijing, China (2006)
HSK Level III Certified (Mandarin Proficiency language exam)
Work Experience: Previous (2008 – early 2013):In 2008 I had the opportunity to move to China to work in sports marketing. Initially I was working on the operations team helping to coordinate and setup tennis camps all over the country, while developing Mandarin language skills. By 2010 I was promoted to a managerial role in sponsorship and client service, being given the responsibility to manage the company’s largest sponsorship account with a fortune 100 worth nearly $3 million per year.
In 2012, I felt the urge to branch out. I got involved in an early stage, education based, startup teaching Mandarin to expats living in Beijing. Working under the title of business development manager I was a key component of a small team that took the company from an online platform to a reputable provider of 1-on-1 in person Mandarin instruction in Beijing, Shanghai & Hong Kong.
I left the company in 2013 to come back to the US. Bringing me to…
Current (1 year): For the past year I have been working in marketing in the food and beverage industry. I am responsible building and managing local marketing plans for 155 restaurants within the brand. My work involves coordination with Regional Vice Presidents to identify priority restaurants where General Managers and District Managers need develop stronger marketing in our to build transactions. I am also responsible for training General Managers on all the brand’s local marketing ‘best practices’ and developing/managing in-house marketing collateral.
Applying for 2015 fall intake
Schools:
• Reach:
o McDonough
o Rice
• Target: This is where I need help. I am realistic regarding my chances of being admitted to my reach schools. But I would be grateful to get feedback on what schools are likely to take a good look at my profile
• Fall Back: Any suggestions welcome
Geographically speaking I would be looking between three areas: Boston (currently living here), Houston (possibility of moving here for wife’s post grad career, hence Rice) or California (again, possibly moving here for wife’s post grad career).
Post MBA Goal: I would like to strengthen my management skills while being able to focus more on strategy, hopefully leading to a leadership role in marketing with an international organization. I am not necessarily using an MBA as a career change, more of a way to open up opportunities in other industries that otherwise would not be available.
I appreciate any and all suggestions!
Thanks so much!