Hi there. Happy to weigh in, but whether you want to start your MBA now or postpone it is an intensely personal decision, and I certainly don't know all the factors that you are considering.
It does sound like a great position you found and you've had some exciting accomplishments there. That would definitely strengthen your profile and differentiate from IT applicants. I don't think that alone is enough to raise you up to top 10 US competitiveness level though. Your GPA / GMAT stats are low, and the GPA you can't change, so you'd have to put in a ton of effort on GMAT (750+ score). If that happens, I think there may be some top 5-15 schools where you could have a shot, but I think the very top ones are always going to be tough with your GPA, non-IIT background.
So I guess if you can raise your GMAT, that plus the new work experience, would definitely put you in competition for higher ranked schools, I'm just not sure how high, and whether that difference is worth it to you.
One last thought -- is deferring your start date at the Canadian school an option? They aren't granted very frequently, but might be worth asking since your status has changed since you first applied.
Good luck!
Kate
b2bt
Profile - Male/Indian/ ex-IT
GMAT - 680
Work ex - 5 years
GPA - 60/100
Thanks for taking out time for this.
In July this year, I got waitlisted for an MBA program at top Canadian b-school (think Rotman, Queens, Ivey) and left my job. However, I was admitted in the Jan 17 program, so I took a freelance job at a company thinking it will be a great value-add by the time I joined college. I ended up taking some major responsibilities as my boss, a duke alumni, was quite impressed with me and I formed a good rapport with him.
In my current role, I majorly engage with startups in IoT field and I almost know the overall IoT landscape in India.
I also deal with the India heads of companies like BOSCH, Cisco, Intel, etc. I'm involved in certain key IT/IoT events in India.The organization is one of most recognized trade body across the globe. We recently worked on sending 10 Indian IoT startups to Japan, a fully funded trip by our organization to showcase their products. Earlier this year we did a similar gig for sending startups to Silicon Valley. I think my profile is unique as I have worked with startups, enterprises, and government working towards IoT industry and I have some deep insights on how IoT is going to transform businesses.
Although, my past has been pretty average - graduated from Mumbai University with average GPA, worked for two years at an MNC as an engineer, tried my hands at a startup, and worked at a non-profit.
Let's say if I stay back for a year or two at this company and gave a better shot at GMAT, do you think I will have a chance to target top 10 US b-schools?
I believe my pros would be deep knowledge about IoT Industry, which is relatively new; frequent interaction with some of the top executives; overall broader role in the company; and exposure to foreign clients.
Or would it better to go ahead and do my MBA right now?