Advice on my profile
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02 Jul 2012, 11:23
I have a year left to obtain my Spanish bachelor that will be valid throughout Europe (expected date to be obtained: June 2013). So I have a year to improve my CV as much as I can to be accepted in a top European school.
1) Basic demographic info: 22, female, Spanish
2) Educational Background: 3 year Business Administration Degree by University of Valencia, obtained as well a Dutch bachelor of HBO level in International Management and Law (Saxion Hogeschool), because my Spanish studies were accepted there as such (HBO is not considered university: need to further my studies to access a master). GPA of 7.8/10 for these studies. Still preparing for GMAT. No TOEFL or IETSL either.
3) Work experience: had a small internship of two months as part of my graduation project, but it was my family's company so I don't really have experience.
4) Extracurriculars: In my second university year I heped the university with several activities as teacher for a day to visiting highschool classes. I also did a special semester course in sustainability, Cradle to Cradle and the factory of the future by Utrecht University.
5) Short/Long term goals: I aim to enter in Erasmus Rotterdam, I would prefer the CEMS course, but I would need to be fluent at three languages (I currecntly speak native: Spanish, fluent: English, Catalonian, basic: Chinese, Dutch, though I do ot think they'd count Catalonian as a valid language for admission). I want to study in a master that is international focused, and that will give me the opportunity to specalize in consulting in the long term. Also, I am short on cash so I chose this university as it has a reputation, yet it is only 1800 euro per year for EU students.
Since I have until January to apply, I wonder what can I do with my free time (I will have only evening lessons). I have considered several options:
1. Do an internship in consulting. See if I really like it. They say it is tough work but enriching. I think it will help a profile like mine with no work experience.
2. Do voluntary work with the Red Cross: I have no many group activities or other hobbies to report, and I would like to do this anyway.
3. Take a language course of a language that would be easier for me as a Spanish speaker: French. It is almost impossible that I attain a high enough level, but perhaps it is worth a try. Should I go for intensive and really try to get into CEMS? Or is it just impossible?
4. Other courses, perhaps online 30 hours courses about specific areas of management, like cost accounting. I could do it in Valencia univesity which is nearby me.
I hope you can give me advice on what would make my profile stronger. Application deadline closes in January for CEMS, or March for the other programmes, so I would need to have improved my profile by then.
Thank you and sorry for the long post.