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AMAN_9608
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Career Advice for Prospective MBA Applicant 31 May 2018, 23:06
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Hi
I'm a recently graduated engineer from India (Tier 1 Non-IIT college). I've gotten a job as a consultant at a Big 4 firm. I'm pretty sure that 3-4 years down the line, i'll be applying for MBA programs abroad (M7 Schools + INSEAD + LBS + Uni of Toronto)
What advice could you give me on how to grow in my job during this period, and more importantly, should i pursue orthodox extra-curricular activities or try something offbeat?
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ABatExpertsGlobal
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Career Advice for Prospective MBA Applicant 01 Jun 2018, 04:14
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AMAN_9608
Hi
I'm a recently graduated engineer from India (Tier 1 Non-IIT college). I've gotten a job as a consultant at a Big 4 firm. I'm pretty sure that 3-4 years down the line, i'll be applying for MBA programs abroad (M7 Schools + INSEAD + LBS + Uni of Toronto)
What advice could you give me on how to grow in my job during this period, and more importantly, should i pursue orthodox extra-curricular activities or try something offbeat?
Regards
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Hi AMAN_9608,

Thanks for posting here and congratulations on the job! :-)

This is definitely a good time to be building your profile and good that you are thinking about the same already. Here are a few things you should focus on:

- At work, keep performing in your role; look for avenues that allow you take up leadership roles - while you may not be formally managing a team, do put your hand up for anything that allows you to showcase a sense of ownership. Needless to say, ensure you're delivering at work and building a strong rapport with your immediate manager and teammates. The Admissions Committee places a huge emphasis on an individual's managerial potential and this is how you may build the same up. To add to this, be on the lookout for assignments that may give you international exposure (INSEAD in particular places immense emphasis on this) and cross-cultural experiences. Of course, with time, work towards promotions and growth :-)

- On the extra-curricular front, look out for something you are passionate about rather than volunteer at a number of places. In fact, beyond mere volunteering, see if you can take up a leadership role even beyond the workplace. You could even look at something like Toastmasters or some other professional club depending on what exists in your vicinity and suits your schedules. In case you choose to work for an NGO, ensure you can speak of an impact :-)

- The GMAT prep, of course, goes without saying. Considering you are targetting M7, ensure you look upwards of a 760, considering you will be a part of an overrepresented pool.

- Network with students from your target schools as that will give you an idea of how each of the school fits in with your post-MBA goals.

- Do remember to take breathers :-) The process can be a bit overwhelming at times but don't burn yourself out just yet :-)

All the best!
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AMAN_9608
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Career Advice for Prospective MBA Applicant 01 Jun 2018, 10:14
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Hi
So regarding the extra-curricular activities section, do you think that mentioning the typical NGO, public speaking activities might sound a bit boring (Since all we hear is to make our profile as unique as possible)? I love cooking, so would it be safe to pursue that and mention it?
Also, how much of a disadvantage is it not being from a Big 3 firm?
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Career Advice for Prospective MBA Applicant 04 Jun 2018, 05:06
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AMAN_9608
Hi
So regarding the extra-curricular activities section, do you think that mentioning the typical NGO, public speaking activities might sound a bit boring (Since all we hear is to make our profile as unique as possible)? I love cooking, so would it be safe to pursue that and mention it?
Also, how much of a disadvantage is it not being from a Big 3 firm?
Regards
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Hi AMAN_9608,

Please find our responses below:

- Frankly, it is not about 'being boring'. We mean NGO experience is great. However, rather than being a volunteer, try taking up a leadership role within the NGO and having an impact :-) Cooking, though, doesn't say much at all and will honestly not have any impact. Yes, the idea is to be unique but the idea is also to be involved in meaningful work and making a mark in whatever you do - conventional or unconventional.
- There is no disadvantage as such even if you are from a Big 3 Firm. At this point, let us focus on how we can make the most of our situation, whatever it may be :-)

All the best!
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Saraluck9090
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Career Advice for Prospective MBA Applicant 20 Jun 2018, 21:21
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Congratulation for your job..