This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with MBA applicant bloggers, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at the MBA application process. And now…introducing our anonymous blogger, RoadToMyMBA…
Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad? What is your current job?
RoadToMyMBA: Hi, I'm a 26 year old financial consultant from Brazil. I have a BA degree in international relations from a private university here in my city and I've also studied economics for 3 years in another university but did not obtain this second bachelor’s degree since I've put my registration as "on-hold."
I currently work for a Big 4 consulting firm in the corporate finance area. I work with valuation, M&A and long-term fundraising projects with companies of various sizes throughout Brazil. I've been working here for about 4 years and right now I'm a Senior Consultant.
Accepted: Where do you plan on applying to b-school?
RoadToMyMBA: I'm planning to apply exclusively to US MBA programs and right now I'm narrowing my choices, but they are between Tuck, Stern, Darden, Fuqua, McCombs, Kenan-Flagler and Kelley. I know it's a lot of options but it's a hard decision, especially for me that can't travel to the campus and to the best MBA events in USA. I'm doing my best to make the right choice.
Accepted: What attracts you to the U.S. programs, as opposed to other top schools in Europe or Asia?
RoadToMyMBA: When I was younger (15 years old to be precise) I had the opportunity to live in the USA for one year as a high school exchange student. Since then, I've thought to come back and live in the USA for a longer period.
Another important aspect is how well renowned the American universities are in business education. I'm looking forward to studying with some bright students and world-class faculty.
Accepted: What stage of the application process are you up to so far? What has been the most challenging step and how did you work to overcome it?
RoadToMyMBA: I'm pretty much in the beginning of my application. I truly believe that I will only be able to apply in the second round for all MBA programs I've chosen so far.
The most challenging step so far is the GMAT. I did my first GMAT test two weeks ago and scored a low 560. Right now I'm back to studies since I'm planning to retake the GMAT in mid-November.
Accepted: Do you plan on staying in your current industry post-MBA, or changing to a new field/career?
RoadToMyMBA: I would like to change my career to work in the financial sector, such as investment banking or private equity more precisely. Since I work as a corporate finance consultant, the change will not be very hard. At least that is what I think...
Accepted: Why did you decide to blog about your experience? What have you gained from the experience? What do you hope others will learn?
RoadToMyMBA: The main reason is to help others in the same situation as me (professionals coming from emerging countries that want to do a top notch MBA abroad and needing some help in the process).
The other reasons are to help improve my communication abilities in English and to make me relax a little bit during the whole process.
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You can read more about RoadToMyMBA’s b-school journey by checking out his blog, Road to My MBA. Thank you for sharing your story with us – we wish you loads of luck!
Related Resources:
• Which Schools are Good for PE/VC and VC-Backed Entrepreneurship
• MBA Applicant Blogger Interviews
• Financial Aid & Health Insurance for International Students
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This article originally appeared on the Accepted Admissions Consulting Blog, the official blog of Accepted.com.
