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I am an Indian Male working as an analyst at one of US top banks. Below are the particulars of my profile:
Undergrad: BTech from Tier3 college (8.7 CGPA - Though it is below 9, I was in top 5%. scoring was stringent there) I was the placement coordinator and founding member of Startup and Innovation club. I did one industrial training at a major steel plant focused on production facilities. I did a paid summer internship at a startup. And I did a research internship at IIT Kgp. I also completed a BTech research paper at my university.
Work Exp: 5 years I had 1 promotion and expecting one by mid next year. I have been active in engagement events and CSR. I am also leading and representing the larger team at site level for CSR activities. Recently I participated in an AI event in which I owned a booth to showcase the suite of AI products recently developed in my organization.
International: I have visited Singapore and Indonesia. Not directly for business but had the cultural exposure. I have worked for the US market and alongside US clients and counterparts.
My target schools are HEC Paris, LBS and Insead and I have plans to apply for the Fall 2026 intake. I have affinity towards European schools because of lesser course time and expenses. Also they have a better acceptance rate.
I know I am from an overly represented pool. Should I consider retaking the GMAT? I got 685, 695, 675, 665, 675, 675 respectively in official mocks before the actual test. I was hoping at least a 685, but!
Please feel free to share your comments, thoughts, criticisms and suggestions. Any form of my profile evaluation and suggestions on next steps will be greatly helpful.
To simplify my questions: 1. For which top schools I have a good chance with my current score(European preferable, but across the globe)? 2. Any chances of scholarship? It is much needed for me to pursue an MBA. 3. Does the current score seem fine or is it highly suggested to have a retake? 4. If I send the score to a school now, will the same be available for next year applications and/or re-applications?
Hi @tec , I hope you are doing well! Your strong GPA (8.66/10, top 10%) and 4 years of work experience in finance, including a promotion and CSR leadership roles, are valuable assets. However, your GMAT Focus score of 665 is decent for your target schools like INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris,( Indian male in finance, it will be a highly competitive pool.) While European schools like ESADE and ESMT may be more achievable with your current score. However, your overall profile will play a huge role. You will need to bring out stories that will stand out among the applicants in the pool. Business school values leadership and you will need to exhibit the same in your applications. You shall focus on your leadership skills in CSR and research experience and highlight it strategically in your applications. Overall, you have a good profile and do have a chance at T10 EU and T15 US schools. What’s going to matter most is how you connect the dots and present impactful stories to the AdComs. Regarding the application fee waivers and their applicability for the 2026 intake, the best way is to check with school’s adcoms via email.
We would like to know more about your profile, discussing more details, will help us identify if you can pull out good stories from your experience.
Hey @tec, some schools allow applicants to update their application with a new GMAT/ GRE score after the deadline and application submission. However, this can be a task and some schools may not even consider late updates. The best way would be to check the TnCs first directly from the school adcom via email. Before that you shall take a look at the application requiremetns section of the target school. Good luck!
Yes, GMAT scores are valid for up to 5 years from the test date, so if you send your score now, it will be available for your 2026 application cycle as well. You can use the same score in subsequent years if you re-apply or if you decide to apply to multiple rounds. Retro Bowl College
@ speedstars GMAT results are accessible for your 2026 application cycle if you submit them now, as they are valid for up to five years after the exam date.
You have a solid and well-rounded profile — strong academics despite a Tier-3 college, meaningful leadership in CSR and innovation initiatives, and valuable exposure to global markets. Those will definitely help you stand out, especially for European schools that value professional maturity and international mindset.
Regarding your questions:
Target schools: With your current profile, you should be competitive for programs like HEC Paris, ESSEC, ESADE, Rotterdam School of Management, and possibly LBS MiM/MBA (though LBS and INSEAD are quite GMAT-sensitive). Your work experience and leadership roles align well with HEC and ESADE’s emphasis on well-rounded professionals.
Scholarships: Many European schools offer partial merit-based scholarships for strong candidates who demonstrate leadership and impact. A higher GMAT (typically 700+) can improve your scholarship odds, especially at HEC and LBS.
GMAT retake: Since your mock scores were consistently around 670–690, a retake could be worthwhile. With a bit more focused prep, you may comfortably cross the 700 mark, which will strengthen your chances for both admission and scholarships.
Score validity: GMAT scores remain valid for 5 years, so yes — you can use the same score for next year’s intake or future reapplications.
As someone who got into HEC Paris, I (Hemal) http://www.linkedin.com/in/naikhemal can say that your overall profile aligns well with what HEC looks for — maturity, leadership, and international exposure. I’d be happy to share a few insights from my experience about how to best position your story and strengthen your application strategy for European schools.
Would you like to connect so we can share a few tips on how I approached my HEC application?
Technology Analyst with 5 years of experience in enterprise application development and production support across banking and education domains. Proven track record in leading L3 support, driving system stability, and delivering business-critical solutions using .NET technologies. Recognized for rapid career progression, strong stakeholder management, and leadership in team execution. Passionate about translating technical capabilities into business impact and scalable solutions.
Skills
Languages & Frameworks: .NET, VB.NET, Angular, SQL Tools: Azure DevOps, JIRA, Confluence, Jenkins, Dollar Universe Other Skills: Application Development, System Migration, Agile Methodology
Professional Experience
Infosys Ltd. – Technology Analyst (2024-Current) Client: Open University | Application: ETMA • Leading L3 production support and maintenance for the ETMA application, ensuring system stability and high availability across business-critical processes • Owning incident management, RCA, and permanent fixes for recurring production issues, significantly reducing repeat failures • Monitoring and troubleshooting scheduled ETMA batch jobs, resolving aborted runs, delays, and performance bottlenecks • Designing, developing, and deploying hotfixes and patches using .NET/C# and Azure DevOps, ensuring timely defect resolution in production • Driving VLE–ETMA system integration, including development, end-to-end testing, production validation, and post-go-live monitoring • Acting as technical lead for a 3-member team, assigning tasks, reviewing code, tracking progress, and mentoring junior engineers • Serving as the primary technical interface to Business Analysts and stakeholders, gathering requirements, analyzing enhancements, and aligning delivery plans • Managing release approvals, code reviews, WSR reporting, and deployment coordination across environments • Conducting stakeholder demos for enhancements and changes prior to production rollout • Creating and maintaining knowledge base documentation, process flows, deployment notes, and job monitoring guides to ensure support continuity
Infosys Ltd. – Senior Systems Engineer → Systems Engineer (2021-2024) Client: HSBC | Application: MyPEAP
• Provided L3 application support for the MyPEAP web application, handling P1/P2 production incidents in a high-availability banking environment • Investigated complex production issues, performed root cause analysis, and delivered permanent solutions to eliminate recurring defects • Enhanced system stability and user experience through proactive fixes, performance tuning, and deployment improvements • Developed and maintained application enhancements and bug fixes using C#/.NET and SQL, based on evolving business requirements • Played a key role in application migration activities, including development testing, UAT, production validation, and data verification • Supported deployment activities, access control management, and post-release validation to ensure smooth production rollouts • Managed incidents, enhancements, and change requests using JIRA, following Agile sprint workflows • Coordinated with business teams for client communication, requirement clarification, and application training • Handled recurring monthly and annual data processing activities, including validation, reporting, and documentation
Education
B. Tech – Electronics and Communication Engineering BML Munjal University | Gurgaon, India | 2020 - 6.05 CGPA
Intermediate - 91.5% SSC - 9.3 CGPA
Key Achievements • Recipient of Infosys Insta Award (2024) for delivering exceptional support on production requests, demonstrating strong client engagement and professional stakeholder handling • Recipient of Infosys Insta Award (2022) for taking end-to-end ownership of critical production incidents and ensuring timely resolution in high-pressure situations • Fast-track promotions: Progressed from Systems Engineer → Senior Systems Engineer → Technology Analyst within ~4 years • Recognized as a High Performing Candidate (HPF) during training, resulting in early deployment to a live client project
Leadership & Extracurricular Activities Corporate Volunteering – Infosys • Organized and volunteered in flagship corporate events including award ceremonies and sports tournaments • Led CSR focused on environmental awareness • Promoted waste segregation (wet & dry) practices • Conducted awareness sessions on environmental sustainability • Recognized by organization for impactful contributions Community Impact • Extended CSR initiatives beyond workplace into local community and village • Educated school children on environmental practices and sustainability • Actively encouraged volunteering and awareness among youth Sports • Represented college in basketball • Won multiple leagues including Hero’s Challenge, Banyan League
I'm a finance professional with a B.Com Hons in Accounting and Finance from JAIN University, currently based in Bengaluru. I've worked in Private Equity Intelligence at Gain.Pro researching 300 plus companies across emerging markets, Revenue Operations at Scrut Automation optimizing deal pipelines, and analytics roles at Honeywell. I'm deeply interested in equity research, private equity, and M and A work, with a specific focus on Indian specialty chemicals and mid-cap companies. I build financial models, conduct investment thesis research, and use data tools like Excel, Power BI, and SQL to drive analytical insights.
I am a commercially minded, purpose-driven professional with two years of Big Four experience at KPMG UK, where I am pursuing the ACA qualification having completed the CFAB, alongside a 2:1 Hons BSc in Economics from Queen Mary University of London with first-class performance across my first two years. My professional foundation spans financial analysis, risk assessment, audit methodology, and regulatory compliance, complemented by a strong entrepreneurial track record as the founder and CEO of Killer Bear Apparel, an independent, socially conscious fashion brand I built from concept to operation, managing product design, supply chain, pricing strategy, and e-commerce end to end. I am a McKinsey Forward Programme alumnus and have demonstrated genuine consulting aptitude by advancing to the quarter-finals of KPMG’s national Next Generation Voice pitching competition, presenting strategic recommendations on sustainability, monetisation, and market expansion to Partners and Directors. Beyond my core career, I finished in the top 10 out of over 5,600 teams in the national Student Investor Challenge, secured second place in the Queen Mary Qnector Business Competition, placed 7th internationally in the Greenpower F24+ electric racing competition, and led a data consulting project using NLP and Python for a live client brief. I have held multiple leadership positions including Peer Representative and CSR Captain at KPMG, Vice President of the Queen Mary Economics Society, and have volunteered consistently across men’s mental health, youth mentorship, and charitable causes. I am now targeting a top seven US MBA programme as the launchpad for a career in management consulting at McKinsey, Bain, or BCG.
Planning to apply for the ISB PGP in Round 1 and would appreciate a profile evaluation.
Academic Background:
10th: 84% 12th: 54% B.Tech in Electrical Engineering: 8.75 CGPA
Work Experience:
Nearly 3 years of experience in renewable energy operations and monitoring Currently working at a leading global professional services company managing renewable energy operations for international utility-scale assets Experience across utility-scale solar and wind projects with exposure to more than 3 GWp assets Worked on SCADA monitoring, performance analytics, KPI tracking, downtime analysis, and operational reporting Handling real-time troubleshooting coordination with field engineers and site teams Led shift-level coordination during critical operational issues to minimize downtime and improve response efficiency Mentored new team members on monitoring processes and reporting workflows Collaborated with multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams for operational improvement initiatives Contributed to process optimization and operational analytics activities
Leadership & Extracurriculars:
Took ownership of coordinating operational activities across multiple sites and teams Supported onboarding and knowledge sharing for junior members Interested in renewable energy, analytics, and business transformation Preparing for CAT/GMAT alongside full-time work with the goal of transitioning into leadership and consulting roles
GMAT: Planning to retake the GMAT Focus and targeting a competitive score for ISB admissions.
Would love to hear honest feedback on my chances and suggestions on improving my profile before applying.
You have a fairly differentiated profile since renewable energy operations is not as overrepresented an applicant pool compared to traditional IT or consulting backgrounds. Your strong engineering CGPA, exposure to utility-scale renewable assets, operational analytics experience are definite positives.
The biggest concern in your profile is the 12th score, so a strong GMAT Focus score becomes very important to compensate for that academic inconsistency. Ideally, targeting 675+ would strengthen your competitiveness for ISB
One important aspect will be how you position your work experience. Try to move the narrative beyond pure monitoring and reporting and instead highlight operational decision-making,stakeholder management,process optimization,analytics-driven improvements,
Your post-MBA goals also need to be sharper and more industry-aligned. You can look at options such as renewable energy consulting,sustainability consulting and infrastructure advisory
Over the next few months, focus on:
1. maximizing your GMAT score 2. Taking ownership of high-visibility initiatives, 3. Quantifying your impact wherever possible,
You could also consider waiting another year before applying. With 4–5 years of experience, you would become eligible for programs like Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad PGPX, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore EPGP, and other top one-year MBA programs, which could open up a broader set of opportunities.
All the Best!
Happy to connect if you’d like to discuss your profile in more detail.
I have background in finance completed my BBA (Hons) from Christ University Bangalore, then worked ~2 years in TresVista Financial Services. Where my exposure was primarily PE and VC deal work. Then took around 3 months now almost for 5/6 months I am working in Goldman Sachs in the Corporate Access Division. Have good exposure in Finance.
Your strong GRE score is a great asset for your application and can help address any worries about your lower GPA. Schools like INSEAD and LBS value international experiences and cultural diversity, so be sure to share any work, travel, or educational experiences that show your adaptability. Since you’ll likely get an interview call from ISB starting in October, be ready to share your unique story and strengths. Good luck
Hi Arnav69 I am Priyanka, Client Manager at ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, a 331 is a very strong score. However, your GPA is on the lower end. Do you have any additional certifications which could help establish your academic performance. In your 4 years of experience, do you have any leadership roles, promotions? Can you highlight impact? Are there any global projects that lead you to interact with people around the globe? On the EC side, anything that adds diversity to your profile or catches the eye of the adcoms? Try aligning your goals with the values of the schools you are targeting. Build a strong narrative around your profile.
Finance undergraduate at Medi-Caps University (B.Com. Honours, 2023–2026) with a deep passion for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. He completed his schooling at Medi-Caps International School and Colonel’s Academy , where his early achievements included being named the Allen TALLENTEX School Topper , a BYJU’S National Talent Hunt State Qualifier , a 7× SOF Medalist , a School Prefect , a two-time School Cricket League Champion and Captain , and a State and National level skating participant. Driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Vasu co-founded VNS Notebooks , leading its supply chain operations, procurement, and vendor relationships. He also founded Veco India , an educational publishing venture where he managed product design, operations, and go-to-market strategies. Through Veco India, he authored 13 educational books under the Écrire Series , successfully distributed over 40,000 copies of books and notebooks , and invented the "Standard Line Layout" (SLL) —a patent-filed handwriting system designed to help students transition smoothly from four-line to single-line writing. His business success earned him 1st Place at the Young Entrepreneur Summit. Alongside his ventures, Vasu has developed a Linux-based Business Management OS and a Banking Voice-Assistant AI System , and he is currently working on privacy-oriented AI implementations and AI-based Home Automation. His diverse technical skill set covers Python, JavaScript, Swift, HTML/CSS, Bash , cybersecurity fundamentals , Linux, and cloud computing. This expertise is validated by professional certifications, including being an IBM Certified AI Promoter , holding a SEBI/NISM Financial Literacy Certification , and being a Tally Certified Operator , while also being awarded a lifetime domain (vasumittal.eu.org) by NIC EU.ORG. Fluent in English and Hindi with basic knowledge of French , Vasu possesses core competencies in leadership, product development, financial analysis, startup operations, and design thinking. Ultimately, his goal is to combine his creative, analytical, and technical skills to build impactful AI solutions and solve real-world problems.
Hello, congratulations on being admitted to the ESSEC MBA program!
May I ask about your interview experience? How much do you think the admission decision is influenced by the interview? I had my interview last Thursday, and I’m feeling quite anxious while waiting for the result. Thanks so much!
Hi , my interviewers were super cool.It was more of a chat . After being short listed for interview u already have more than 80 percent chance of getting the admit .As long as u were able to clearly explain ur goal and how essec would help u achieve it u don’t need to worry . I got the result within 2 week. So u might be getting the result maybe next week. All the best .
Thanks for your reply! I was a bit nervous during the interview, so I feel like I didn’t answer some questions as well as I could have. But as you said, it really felt more like a chat than a formal interview.
BTW, you’re truly amazing — receiving a 50% scholarship is incredibly impressive. I honestly haven’t seen many people receive such a high scholarship!
Hi, congrats on your admit! Just wanted to ask — did NTU email you about your status, or did you find out through the application portal? I’m currently unable to access the portal, so I’m trying to understand how updates are usually communicated. Also, what was your timeline like?
Hi for Ntu I was denied admit . I mailed them asking about my application but they were not responding I had applied on 27 jan . Finally I wrote a mail in march saying that I have got admits from other college and was given 1 week to pay their admission fees then they finally responded saying due to lot of competitive applicants this year ur application was not successful. As for the portal it still says application in progress. They don’t update the status on website.
Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I’m in a similar situation because I’m unable to access the portal and haven’t received a response to my emails yet. Appreciate you sharing your timeline.
After graduating as valedictorian of my high school, I attended Kent State University on a full ride, amassing multiple scholarships. Namely, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship, Kent State Honors College Scholarship, and a Kent State Business School Academic Scholarship. While there, I was president of our Student Managed Investment Fund and captain of our CFA Research Challenge team. I had two summer internships, one in general Finance with Crown Equipment (rotated through the business to Data Analysis, Credit, Accounting, etc) and one with JPMorgan Chase in Business Management. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude, I joined the Raymond James Bank Corporate Banking team originating syndicated, participation, and direct loans before moving into the Risk Management space. I am now a Senior Analyst/Team Lead and support our Chief Risk Officer in special projects as well as track the bank to its overall risk appetite. I also served as a lead for our Community Service program at the Bank and recently joined as a Finance Chair for my local Salvation Army.
Please provide more detail about your professional accomplishments, including metrics, and your GMAT score (or where you are currently testing at). What is your specific goal? Why are you pursuing an MBA? What do you want to do after school?
What is your “story?” I see a list of titles, positions, etc. but not passion or tangibles.
You are describing positions rather than stating what you accomplished in those positions.
Focus on post-undergraduate and after. MBA programs disregard anything related to high school (for example being valedictorian), and in fact mentioning this may even negatively affect an application.
I am a Financial Planning Associate at Tecnoquímicas, one of Colombia’s largest consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies with regional presence across Latin America. My career started in brand management and commercial analytics within the company’s wound care portfolio, where I led market analysis and launch preparation for a product line ahead of a major regulatory change in Colombia, contributing to the brand growing from third to first position in its category within two years. That experience in commercial strategy and data-driven decision making led me to transition into the Financial Planning team, where I now manage a CAPEX portfolio and analyze investment decisions across business units, manufacturing plants, and new product launches. I have also co-designed and taught a financial evaluation program with Universidad ICESI for non-finance leaders across functions including Marketing, Production, Legal, and Sales, reaching approximately 80 managers across two cohorts. Most recently, I have been leading a cross-functional AI adoption initiative involving Microsoft Copilot and Oracle ERP integration across six financial areas, building internal coalitions and presenting a unified business case that received executive approval and is now being sponsored by the CFO.
I am currently going into the 3rd year of my BBA at a T2 IIM & have cleared CFA L1. My aim is to get into Finance, therefore targeting MFin programs abroad. Thinking about applying to MiM too but unsure about that. I am looking for advice regarding which college I can apply to with this profile and a honest evaluation for the college mentioned above.
GMAT: Target is 715+, Planning to give in July. Got 685 on Cold Mock.
Internships: FP&A at Adani Foundation Internship at Frost & Sullivan Upcoming Internship at Reserve Bank of India
ECAs: -CFA L1 Cleared -Trinity College London Grade 8 in Guitar (Highest grade) -Multiple podiums at Battle of Bands at National Level Competitions in old IIMs -Founder of Math Society of my College -Head of Official Band of college: performed as a band in front of an audience of 1000+ -Social Media lead & Event Manager of Cultural Committee: organised and promoted 10+ events -Table Tennis: Played Zonal Level, Secured 2nd runner up at City Level - Part of Tedx organizing team: Stage design & Social Media
Social Impact: - Performed in a Fundraising concert for an NGO, helped raise Rs.15,000 for the Differently Abled.
I have done my undergrad in bms from jai hind college, mumbai university, i was a senior member at the college enactus for 2 years, in marketing and HOD in operations respectively, i was also the VP at my colleg's ecell and one of the founding members of JHCMUN where i was the charge d'affairs, i enjoy painting and have won a few competitions in my schooling years. I am currently employed at godrej properties at the HO as a collections strategy executive in the CC team (customer centricity or crm).
I am currently serving as an "Assistant Manager" at leading telecom company Airtel with two years of work experience as of now. I initially started as a Graduate Engineer Trainee, and was later promoted to Assistant Manager.
I have internship experience of "Research and Technical Intern" at "National Brain Research Centre" which is an autonomous institute under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Achievements -
I have a book chapter published in a leading STEM novel by Apple Academic Press, which is an independent international publisher focusing on academic and professional books in the STEM fields.
I participated in Smart INDIA Hackathon wherein I presented my project prepared in the university.
Extra Curricular - 1) Served as the head event coordinator in Rotaract Club which focusses on bringing together young adults (ages 18+) to develop leadership, professional skills, and exchange ideas while taking action through service, often working alongside Rotary International partners.
2) Volunteered as an online teacher at Adore India Foundation.
Something for you to note- as you are applying to a business school, your work experience matters most. While you mentioned your extra curricular achievements (which are impressive), you should view your profile also in terms of your work experience, career growth, achievements and impact made, and what your career goals are. . It will be great if you can also fill in with info of what you have done for the past two years at Airtel. Your profile otherwise looks competitive for ISB. be sure to draft career goals that are ambitious yet realistic. IT>>> IT sounds pretty simple, but adcoms want to know the deeper details- what drives you at work? what kind of impact do you wish to create through your career? how will you do it? what positions/ roles/ companies will you take up after MBA? Why does this career path require you to do an MBA? no wis the right time to introspect, research and ask yourself these questions.
Namita Garg, Founder, MBA Decoder Email: [email protected] Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
Hi, Priyanka here from ARINGO. You have a nice profile overall for ISB, especially at this stage of your career. Your academics are consistently good, and the promotion at Airtel within a relatively short time is definitely a positive signal. The research internship and published book chapter also make your profile more interesting because they show involvement beyond regular coursework and job responsibilities.
Your extracurricular activities also come across well. The leadership role in Rotaract and the volunteering experience show community involvement and initiative outside work, which always helps add balance to the application.
Right now, the main thing AdComs will look for is the depth of your work experience. Since you’ll still be relatively early in your career compared to many ISB applicants, the application will need to clearly show what kind of responsibility you handle, how much ownership you’ve had, and what impact you’ve created at work. A strong GMAT score will also be important.
What are your long-term goals within technology after the MBA?
Vilnius University - B.A. in History - graduated in 2016 - GPA - 9.21/10 King’s College London - MSc. International Management - graduated in 2020 - GPA - 2:1 classification
Work Experience: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraiva
Extracurriculars:
- was a member of Lithuanian National Womens team - now into long distance running, have done multiple marathons, working on qualifying for Boston - participating in multiple mentorship programmes for women in aviation/STEM fields as a mentor - travelling (usually hit 150-200 flights a year with work and personal travel)
Other:
- passed CFA level II, currently studying for level III - Lived in Lithuania, UK, Latvia and currently in Ireland/Singapore
Post-MBA goals: want to generally stay in my current field of work (aviation/transportation asset management, but move to more of a PE/private credit side of the business, ideally in US).
Target GMAT - slightly struggling with getting to high 600s on GMAT FE (currently in mid 600s), but will likely get to 685-695 by the time i have to submit apps
Target schools - would only consider M7 + maybe T15 given I'm already in a good spot career/comp-wise. Core focus on Wharton and Columbia (I know multiple alums/ex adcom members from the industry that would refer me). Also already did multiple camp visits, went to Wharton's distressed lending conference last year and various open lectures
Very good potential, Laura. There are some aspects working in your favor. The key caveat is breaking into PE without having directly relevant pre-MBA experience (my inference based on your LI profile). That close-to-695 GMAT score could work like a charm. Do invest time in researching schools in detail, as they are not substitutes for one another. - Dee MBA admissions consultant and management consultant | E: [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/success- ... 58112-KoWA
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, you have a genuinely strong profile for top MBA programs. Your background already feels quite different from the standard finance applicant because of the aviation/transportation asset management angle and the amount of international exposure you have had. The CFA progression, experience across multiple countries, and clear understanding of where you want to go next professionally all work in your favor.
Your post-MBA goal also makes sense. Moving from investment management into the PE/private credit side of the same industry is a natural progression, so the story is much easier for AdComs to follow compared to applicants trying to make a completely unrelated pivot. The fact that you’ve already engaged with schools through conferences, campus visits, and alumni connections is also a positive sign because it shows genuine interest and clarity around your targets.
Outside of work, the extracurricular side of your profile is also strong. Being part of the Lithuanian national women’s team, marathon running, and mentoring women in STEM/aviation all add personality and leadership to the application.
The main thing I’d focus on now is the GMAT. For your target schools, getting closer to the 685–695 range would definitely strengthen your position. Your academics themselves are already solid, so the score is more about staying competitive within a very strong pool.
Why do you feel now is the right time for an MBA instead of continuing to grow directly within the industry?
I am a finance professional with 7 years of experience across the technology, financial services, and banking sectors, with expertise in strategic finance, FP&A, infrastructure finance, and financial operations.
Currently, I work as a Senior Associate in Strategic Finance and Business Operations at TikTok in London, where I support large-scale infrastructure and data center operations across Europe. My responsibilities include budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, financial modeling, and cross-functional business partnering with engineering, operations, legal, tax, and commercial teams. I have led automation and reporting initiatives using Power BI and internal BI systems, improved financial governance, and reduced month-end close timelines by approximately 50%. I also developed global finance training programs delivered to over 1,100 employees.
Previously, I worked as an Analyst in Global Markets at Goldman Sachs in London, supporting multi-asset transaction analysis, operational risk management, reporting automation, and cross-functional process improvements. Earlier in my career, I gained experience in banking audit at PwC Malta and asset management at Marginalen Bank in Stockholm, where I worked on portfolio analysis, financial statement analysis, and valuation modeling.
I hold the Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification and am currently a CFA Level II candidate.
Educational Background
I hold an MSc in Finance from Stockholm University and a BA in Economics from Yunnan University of Nationalities. I also completed a BA in Business and Management at University of Essex and participated in an exchange program at Lingnan University.
My international academic and professional experiences across the UK, Sweden, Malta, Hong Kong, and China have given me strong cross-cultural communication skills and a global perspective on finance and business operations.
Extracurricular & Leadership Activities
Outside of work, I have participated in several community and leadership initiatives, including:
NGO volunteer work supporting HIV-infected individuals in Stockholm Organizing and speaking at TEDx Hong Kong Serving as a Marketing Associate for the Stockholm University Business Association
I am also passionate about art, particularly Impressionism, as well as tennis, skiing, and Chinese tea culture.
This is a very balanced and strong profile. You have a mix of professional and extracurricular experiences, which make your profile interesting. The other big plus, which you have rightly pointed out is your extensive international experience, which will be valued by every b-school where you apply. The area that concerns me at this point is your career goals. your education, certifications and work experience are all leaning towards finance. You mention you wish to be in tech post MBA. Exactly what do you plan to do and in what kind of roles? I fear your goals may be quite similar to what you are already doing and do they require an MBA? Seven years of experience is substantial and b-schools will want to be satisfied that you indeed need an MBA at this point in your career. Make sure that you get this element of your story right, as not positioning your career goals rightly can land you in trouble. Feel free to reach out. I stay in London too and we can chat within the same time zone.
Namita Garg, Founder,MBA Decoder Email: [email protected] Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011
Priyanka here from ARINGO. You have a very strong international profile. Experience at TikTok and Goldman Sachs, combined with exposure across different countries and industries, gives your application a lot of maturity and global perspective. The mix of finance, operations, infrastructure planning, and cross-functional work is also quite valuable because it shows experience beyond a traditional finance role.
The training initiatives and operational improvements help demonstrate leadership and initiative, even without a formal management title.
Academically, your profile is solid, and the FRM plus CFA progression strengthens the finance side of your background further. The extracurriculars also add a good balance, especially TEDx involvement and the volunteer work in Stockholm.
The main thing I think you should focus on now is sharpening the career story. Since your post-MBA goal is still broadly “technology,” schools will want a clearer picture of the exact direction you want to move toward after the MBA and why now is the right time to make that transition.
Are you planning to take the GMAT or GRE, and what score range are you targeting?