British Applicant Seeking Advice
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Updated on: 17 Aug 2010, 03:25
Hi,
I'm 30 years old, British (US permanent resident) prospective applicant for a full-time MBA starting Fall 2011. I was hoping to get your inputs on my questions below. I come from international relations/government/NGO fields and I plan to develop a career in Strategy Consulting after my MBA.
Profile
- Over 8 years experience in private and public sectors as a highly motivated strategic planner, problem solver, communicator, and stakeholder manager.
- A proven track record of lobbying, advocacy, government relations and facilitating non-governmental organization as well as overseas communications, political marketing, managing staff and successfully forming collaborative partnerships.
- Significant experience in dealing with high profile decision makers, executives and leaders.
Specialities
Political Development, International Relations, International Development, Corporate Partnerships & Coalition Building, Organizational Transitions, Lobbying, Non-Government to Government Advocacy and Communications, Public Polling, Grant Management, Project Management, Media Production, Media Campaigns, Media Relations, and Communication Strategies.
International Exposure
Worked, lived and studied in the US, Europe and the Middle East.
Languages
English (native), Arabic (fluent) and French (intermediate).
Experience
- After graduation I worked as an economic researcher in the UNDP based in the Middle East. I developed deep and strong understanding of the social, economical and political structure of the region.
- Project Administrator in the European Commission based in Brussels. I was part of a team responsible for planning, implementing and managing infrastructure projects in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
- Lobbyist for a political organisation based in Europe. Few years later I was promoted from Head of European Relations to Director of International Relations. During these years I met presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, MPs, MEPs, Senators, Congressmen, and other key decision makers in Europe and the US.
- Executive Director for a London based Communication company. I was responsible for multi-million media projects ranging from market research, strategy consultancy in the media field to planning and launching TV channels.
- Recently, Director of Strategic Research and Communication at a reputable, Washington DC based, international development organisation.
Education
MSc with Merit in Managing Information Technology (with focus on politics) (UK university)
BSc (Hons) in Business Management & Economics (From a no. 1 university in a Middle Eastern country; GPA equivalent to 3.5)
Extra Curricular Activities
- After I did my undergrad degree in the Middle East I developed a great passion for freedoms and human rights issues. I became a member of Amnesty International and managed to raise $200k of donations for a human rights charity in the ME. I drafted proposals, applied to various funders, negotiated different implementation plans and put an evaluation criteria and process. I was elected to the Executive Board of that charity responsible for international liaison and fundraising.
- Professional Judo player; member of British Judo Association, achieved a European gold medal in a Judo competition at the age of 21.
Questions about my MBA
1- I am planning to set my GMAT before the end of this year. My target is 700+ score. I know this is a daft question, but taken into consideration my background, what is the realistic margin I should consider safe to get through to my priority schools?
2- My priority schools are HBS, Wharton, Stanford, Booth, Kellogg and Tuck. Is this realistic or should I add few safety options like Anderson and Johnson?
3- I plan to work in the US after my MBA hence my choice of a US business school. Do you think it would be wise to apply also to a European school considering my background, or will a US school find me attractive as I will certainly add a different value and bring a different perspective to their class?
4- I was initially going to do my undergrad degree at the University of London, but changed my mind later and went to study in the Middle East to master the language, learn the culture and become an expert on the market there (which was certainly very rewarding throughout my career path!) Do you think that being a graduate from a Middle Eastern university will affect my application badly or vice-versa?
5- What business school would mostly appreciate my background and previous work experience?
Thank you for your time and effort.
Regards,
Sam
Originally posted by
SamUK on 15 Aug 2010, 00:21.
Last edited by
SamUK on 17 Aug 2010, 03:25, edited 1 time in total.