Re: R2 worries
[#permalink]
28 Mar 2008, 07:55
I don't think I put my full profile on the forums, so these are my stats:
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I am 25 years old (turn 26 in Sept), and I am from Chile
BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University (with a minor in Business Management)
Graduated in 4 years (8 semesters)
2.77 GPA (Due to my third semester, which I had a death in the family the day before finals and I bombed. I had a 3.2 GPA my last 5 semesters, and I took no GPA boosting classes and had a very hard set of classes).
I also worked at a dining hall for 2 years (2nd and 3rd years).
My GMAT was a 680, with 47Q and 37V, and 5.5 AWA. I only took it once, back in October of 07. I did not take a special course or anything. I just bought a book (Princeton Review), and got a CD (Kaplan) to study, alongside downloadable practice tests. Since my work schedule was very demanding, I only studied maybe a couple of hours every Saturday and Sunday for 6 weeks or so leading up to the exam.
After graduating, I first worked freelance in Santiago, Chile while looking for a full-time position that was worthwhile. My freelance work was as a technology advisor. I would help companies, or sometimes singular clients, to pick out the hardware and software they needed, then put everything together, and finally teach them how to make the system work. Whether it was a personal PC, or a whole office infrastructure, I was there to offer guidance and support.
After a few months, I found a job at Marcaria.com, which is a company that is involved in legal services (domains, trademarks, patents) and had an e-business business model. I worked there for almost a year, and this was also in Santiago. I started out as an Accounts Manager, and was promoted eventually to Manager of the Domains Department.
I then moved on to a job offer from Coca-Cola, and moved out to a town 1300kms away (to Antofagasta, Chile), showing my willingness to relocate. I was hired as a Marketing Assistant at first, and was promoted to Marketing Manager for the Supermarket Segment eventually. I also took over the Product Manager for Water and Juice products while the job was vacant, so at one point I was doing both jobs at the same time. However, the job in the Supermarket Segment was my true job, and it was also higher in the corporate chain.
As a sidenote, I also did a marketing internship with Coca-Cola between my junior and senior years of college.
As for my extra-curriculars, I am often involved in sports, technology, and business. I love sports, I follow what is going on with all my teams (I am an all-Miami fan, Go Heat/Dolphins/Panthers/Marlins!), and also am usually part of the company soccer team, as well as being part of a soccer team with friends outside of work. As for technology, I am always on the loop about new techs out there, I keep myself up to date with most of the new software and hardware out there, and am involved still helping clients with their tech problems. Business-wise, I like to see what is going on worldwide, whether it be financial news, stocks, or sometimes political tie ins. In order to function in the business world, especially in international business, one has to be very informed.
I want to do an MBA in Finance, and possibly specialize in short and long term investments. However, if the program is flexible with its electives, I will try to branch out and learn about different aspects as well, such as international business and entrepreneurship.
As a personal note, I spent most of my life moving from place to place due to my dad's work (Exxon-Mobil). I have lived in:
Santiago, Chile 9 years (85-92, 05-07)
Antofagasta, Chile 3 years (92-94, 07-08)
Miami, Florida 4 years (83-85, 94-96)
Mexico City, Mexico 2 years (96-98)
Panama City, Panama 2 years (98-00)
San Juan, Puerto Rico 1.5 years (00-01)
West Lafayette, Indiana 4 years (Purdue, 01-05)
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So, basically, I think I am an OK candidate. I am not as elite as many people at these forums, and my GPA is a big detriment. However, I had very good essays (I think), and stellar recommendations. My profile can improve with more WE, and maybe with a better GMAT score (although I don't think its imperative to retake it).
So please, let me know how my profile fits with the places I applied to.
Thank you.