Profile evaluation for INSEAD, HEC, GMAT Classic 730, Finance background, from India

2 years ago

@AdMan73 - your acads seem pretty strong. Most MBA programs require min. 2 years and average of 4-5 years work-ex at time of joining. Particularly for the likes of LBS, INSEAD and HEC MBA, your lower work-ex might be a challenge.

Which intake/ year are you planning to apply in? And have you considered MiM/ Masters programs?

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: [email protected]

1

AdMan73

2 years ago

Yup, so by the time I join any of those schools, I will have about 3 years of work experience. I am also willing to delay my MBA applications by a year if needed - which would give me 4 years of work experience. Also, would I be competitive in some other top US schools?

I haven’t considered MiM yet. I will take a look at it but would prefer MBA.

0

admitStreet

2 years ago

@Adman73 - That makes sense. With 3-4 years work-ex, you'd fit an MBA class more than an MiM. Having a strong narrative would be crucial though i.e. linking your experiences and skill-sets to your goals and tackling 'why MBA' and 'why now'.

1

AdMan73

2 years ago

Do you think I’ll be a competitive applicant in some of the top US schools?

0

bb

2 years ago

INSEAD and EU schools will love that background. Just make sure you pad/address the question of why do you need an MBA and why in addition to the degrees you have. Nothing fancy is needed - the profile is fairly unique with you having worked on 3 continents. That's not common.

1

AdMan73

2 years ago

Thank you for your feedback!

What about some of the top15-top20 US schools? Do you think I’d have a competitive application?

0

bb

2 years ago

Sorry, I just noticed you have 1.3 years of work experience. I did not quite catch that last time I posted. I assumed you were much older/more experienced. Sorry. I think most MBA programs (including EU) would like you to have a bit more experience. US programs want at least 2 years in 98% of cases and prefer more along the lines of 4-5 of full time work experience as the roles they offer and to get selected for would need some demonstrated results. Recruiting with little or lacking brands is tough. And I think schools would wonder why are you getting an MBA just a year or so after finishing a Masters and whether you will be able to use it effectively or you are just collecting degrees (that's something to address why MBA) - this is not a dig by the way.

As to your chances. I think they will only improve with time, so you can apply now and see how you do. Your application is competitive besides the experience level (one way to offset it is maturity or other accomplishments, etc) but again, even if you dont' get great results, you should only fair better over time.

1

AdMan73

2 years ago

No worries! Yup so I’m not planning on applying for any of the 2024 intakes. I was thinking I’d apply for the 2025 or the 2026 intake. That way, by the time I get admitted, I’ll have 3-4 years of work experience.

I have received an award from the CEO of the company I work at and I’m also hopeful of a promotion in the next 2 months. One problem is that currently I’m working in Risk which is not be a popular pre-MBA industry.

0

bb

2 years ago

Got ya. The background is not as huge of a detriment by itself. It does help if you were a consultant and you are going to be a consultant so it’s a pretty easy equation. At the same time, you can perhaps leverage a more unique background and just be very safe with your goals. By meaning safe, I mean apply with goals that are in finance or related field or if you are planning to apply with consulting goals then you need to link and show how your background in quantitative and back office, can be leveraged in client facing front office. by the way, one way to improve your profile is facing clients, being in the front office, working with customers and doing presentations. Lots of international experiences always a plus as well as travel. Basically anything that shows that you are a strong contributor in your company and that you are appreciated and use as a valuable resource.

1

AdMan73

2 years ago

Yup so I have worked full time only in India. I do make a ton of presentations (including some for board meetings) and interact with consultants for regulatory work but I unfortunately do not get the opportunity to travel often or to work with customers.

I did have research assistantships and internships in the US as well.

0