Profile review requested
Score:
675 GMAT Focus
690 GMAT Classic
GPA: 7
Pre-MBA industry: Technology
Post-MBA industry: Technology
2 years ago
18 Jan 2024 08:01
Undergraduate - Computer Science from a Tier 1 college in India (NIT), with a GPA of 7/10. I have a significant amount of leadership experience, having represented the college in sports at various events. I've also captained several games and initiated a small gaming community that evolved into a supportive community.
Professional experience - I began my career as a Software Engineer at Altisource, where I built a strong technical foundation while leading automation initiatives and collaborating with business stakeholders to drive revenue opportunities. Realizing I was increasingly drawn to solving customer and business problems rather than purely technical ones, I transitioned into Product Management at Practo, where I led cross-functional teams to launch new healthcare initiatives, improve operational efficiency, and drive revenue growth across multiple business units.
Wanting broader ownership and exposure to building a business from scratch, I co-founded Bellyful, a cloud kitchen that I scaled from 5 to 120 orders per day, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, growth, operations, and team leadership. Having developed expertise across technology, product, and business execution, I joined Indihood as a Program Manager, where I now lead strategic company-wide initiatives spanning AI transformation, security compliance, and organisational performance, partnering closely with senior leadership to drive organisational growth and scale
Currently, I am contributing to the development of an F & B startup, serving as a co-founder.
Long-term goals - Build and lead a technology venture that combines commercial success with social impact, leveraging innovation to solve large-scale societal challenges
Short-term goals - Transition into a Product Leadership role in a global technology company, leading teams that build scalable, technology-driven products with meaningful customer impact
Leadership Beyond Work:
Mentored students and young professionals through multiple social-impact organisations.
Held leadership positions in Toastmasters International, conducting workshops for 200+ members.
Participated in international consulting and volunteer projects across Africa and the United States.
Active runner, mentor, and lifelong learner with interests in Japanese language and culture.
PS — I'm currently preparing for my third attempt on the GMAT next week.
You already know that GMAT is a weak area and it's great to see you are already working towards improving that.
Your profile is a well-rounded blend of entrepreneurial, startup, and corporate experiences. The transition from a software role to a product-focused position at a health tech company shows your ability to step out of your comfort zone, a trait highly valued by top tier B-schools. I would have liked more clarity on the duration of your role as a co-founder. When detailing your entrepreneurial journey in applications, emphasize not only the challenges but also the professional growth and accomplishments within this venture. As a general guideline, top B-schools compare experience with start-ups or entrepreneurial ventures with the success or growth they have achieved during the time applicants have worked there. So in your applications, make sure you also highlight your professional development in your entrepreneurial venture along with the challenges you may have faced.
Something I would wonder about is if your plans are to start up your business in India, the US MBA does not seem like a great investment. Hope you provided more context around the kind of experience you hope to gain in specific "product roles" within the healthcare space and how they help you move closer to your long-term goals.
Feel free to reach out for professional guidance.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |Read Testimonials on WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]
Regarding my entrepreneurial experience, it's very recent—just a few months—so I didn't focus on this aspect as much. Instead, I emphasized my journey, struggles, and challenges in the Product space. Regarding the geography, I felt working in a much advance industry and system would provide me with insights and a first hand experience that I can leverage and bring-back with me.
Currently I am working on my GMAT, realising that it might drag my chances down. However, I am unsure whether the admissions committee would view this since it would be almost three weeks post-application submission when I resubmit my GMAT score.
Healthcare and healthcare consulting have been up and down in the US. Fuqua and UNC used to be the big drivers but even they tend to have single digits in hiring, meaning 10 or so of your classmates went there, so the network is fairly small. Many healthcare companies also do not sponsor which will make your fight a bit more tricky for both admissions and recruiting. Some Stats here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-mba-pro ... 21312.html
Fingers crossed! Let me know if any questions. Good luck!
-BB
Currently, I am working on my GMAT, realising that it might drag my chances down. However, I am unsure whether the admissions committee would view this since it would be almost three weeks post-application submission when I resubmit my GMAT score.
I hope you are doing good. Your profile is strong, with six years of diverse tech experience, leadership roles in sports and community building during undergrad, and a transition from Software Engineer to Product Manager. Your entrepreneurial spirit as a co-founder in an F & B startup and volunteering at the UN showcase initiative and a global perspective.
While your long-term goal of launching a health and wellness business in India is clear, consider refining your short-term goals. Aim for a higher GMAT score in your third attempt, and tailor your application essays to highlight unique experiences and how they align with each school's culture.
Strengthen international exposure mentions, and choose recommenders who can emphasize your leadership and potential in an MBA program. Overall, your profile is compelling, and with strategic application efforts, you should be well-placed for consideration at your target schools.
Good luck with your GMAT and application process!
I align with @BB's assessment. That said, I am surprised IESE was a denial. Happy to help you with a ding analysis, and help you understand if you want to reapply next year, to comparable (or even higher ranked programs). My experience tells me the culprit has often been a less than flattering highlight of one's work accomplishments, and Extra Curriculars that could show you with demonstrated examples of leadership (Ad Coms love it). Additionally, IESE is extremely strong on Community, and that may have been another area that your application may not have projected strongly.
Do feel free to reach out to us for a more detailed, 1-to-1 assessment
Hope that helps. Please submit your profile for a Free Assessment over a 1:1 call. https://theivyleagueedge.com/index.php/contactus/
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