Ask MBA Crystal Ball

Hi,

Please help me

my profile

GMAT - 620 ( V 30, Q 45 )
M,31, Indian, Graduation in Business Admin
Experience - 10 years in Financial Services

I did one year program from IIM - Calcutta. The program named Executive program in business management is one year program, in which the candidate does not require to quit the job, the program is delivered on every saturday and sunday through satellite mode of lecture deliver ( full time on weekends ), and then the candidate has to attend the campus for 15 days.

Eligibility for the program is a normal test, interview ( i was not interviewed though ) , and min 5 years of leadership experience.

I started working at the age of 21, and did this program in 2007, when i was 26/27, the program did not make any value addition except the certificate from IIM.

The evaluation criteria were grades not marks in %, i am good at academics ( my undergrads are very strong ) , but since the program itself was not too serious, i also took it quiet leniently and my grades for this program are not as attractive as my grades for under graduation degree are.

Now, i am applying for international MBA program, i am not sure whether i should mention about this program done or not.

Benefits for mentioning the same

1) IIM's name carries a premium tag with it
2) This one year helps me to increase the number of years of education from 15 ( 10+2+3) to 16 years, since i did not do any masters.
3) My under grads are from very average university, so this stamp of IIM helps to highlight me as a candidate.

Points against mentioning the same in application

1) i have to prove why i need to do a management program third time e.g. first bachelors, then one year and then masters. ( defence could be that my one year program was not full time, and one both previous programs were not international in nature ) ( i am not applying to isb or local iim one year programs, my target programs are canandian and asian schools )

2) lower grades might make the adcom feel that i may not catch up with the rigor of the program ( i may defend this saying that since my compelling work schedules did not allow me to focus on study, i had lower grades, else my full time under grads are strong )

I am really confused, please help me to resolve this confusion

thanks

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Yes, I do know someone else who's doing the same course, for the same reasons (can't leave job, part-time option works best etc). But it has it's limitations.


I would disagree with all three, for the following reasons.

Premium tag: IIM offers too many courses. Not all of them have the same brand value. The specific program you've attended will overshadow the brand of institution. The certificate course makes it too easy for people to join (like you've shared, you didn't even have an interview).

Number of years: It won't add 1 year as it was a part-time course. But this is not so much of an issue, because many schools accept applicants with 15 years of education.

Average undergrad univ: Linked to point 1.


Considering you've taken pains to go through the process and the fact that it has added to your management knowledge, you should mention about the course. But don't expect it to turn the tide.

If you want to tackle the perception that you aren't strong academically, your best bet would be crack the GMAT. Then shortlist schools that are a good fit for your profile and put in the best possible apps that you can.
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Hi Sameer,

Thanks for your time and inputs.

My undergrads are good qualitatively, but my graduation is not from a big time university, and that is the reason i am worried about premium tag, and thought to mention the program.

Given your inputs, I think if i do mention the course of IIM , i will have not much to gain, but i loose on the front defending my age factor e.g. on being asked why mba now @ 31, i might give a reason that since i did not have any full time masters post graduation, i am looking for a full time program.

I am very positive about re-taking my gmat and i am quiet confident about 700 , but my concern is that i will be turning 32 in nov 2012, so it will be very difficult for me to get an admit with any of the US/Canadian b-schools ( this is my perception only ), so please guide me.

I got in touch with two other canadian schools ( both are among top 100 FT ) and they are very positive about my profile, but i am not sure what to do now ?

I know i have to take decision on this aspect , but do you think if i wait and apply next year i will have least chances with respect to acceptance at US/Canadian top schools ?

I have also PMed you for something

thanks again

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I competed an exec MBA type of a program from another IIM and I mentioned it in my application. Will share more about it when we talk.


You are already a little late for the top 2-year programs. Some lower ranked univs may accept you and may even give you a scholarship. But the bigger question is what do you want from the MBA.


Responded to your PM.
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Hi,
Can you please provide me a short feedback on my profile?
Here is a brief on my profile:
Automotive Product Engineer - 7 yrs work at at matriculation. Worked with Robert Bosch Gmbh, a

fortune 100 and world's leading automotive company for 5 yrs and at a Harman Becker Automotive for over a year and half. Interacted with teams in Apple, BMW, Volvo, Ford and Aha Mobile. I

am currently involved in the technical integration of a new company by Harman.
8 months of international work experience, and coordinating with teams across multiple time zones and mentoring

a team of 4. sufficient leadership experiences One of the youngest members in the team, but shared the responsibilities that are typically done at a higher experience level of 7 years. Acted as a

liaison between the teams in India and Germany.
GMAT - 710 ( 39V, 48Q 4.5 AWA )
GPA - 3.0 ( India Non IIT )

Post my MBA i look forward to work in the auto industry although in a different role.

My Short term goal after an MBA is to enter into the product management / operations management in the automotive industry and formulate the strategies for business development of the auto

companies in the BRIC countries.
In long term I look to rise to a senior management role like a chief strategy officer in the auto company and help identify the next growth avenues for the

company and push for auto industry consolidation


On the extra curricular I was associated with an NGO, teaching kids for 3 years and now I am establishing a CSR department in my new

company. I will be the representative of my company to the NGO. I am also a member of the Net Impact and take care of the Net at Work initiatives of the chapter.
I have also presented many

whitepapers and presentations on business strategy of auto companies in China and India
I splan to apply to UCLA, Ross, Haas, McCombs, USC Marshall, Rotman

Do you think I have a fair chance of making any to these schools? Do you think I should improve my GMAT score given that my profile resembles to the ubiquitous Indian IT Male?

Can somebody also evaluate US vs Canada scenario, given the fact that canada is much friendly in terms post employment prospects for international students.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.