I am quite upbeat about your chances so long as you compile strong applications for these b-schools. Just one thing- it will be odd to talk about fintech as a long term goal if it's not part of your short term plan.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation : https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011

Hi Gabriel,
Priyanka this side from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, I see a compelling narrative with a solid foundation. Your four years of experience in a fintech company, coupled with a 675 score looks decent. While your GPA is slightly low for the schools you are targeting, are you looking for a GMAT retake?

Your goal to transition into PM roles at giants like Amazon or Google in the short run and then your aspirations of entrepreneurship/leadership within the dynamic fintech landscape demonstrates impressive drive and strategic thinking.

IESE and LBS aligns well with your global aspirations plus these schools have a strong international reputation and connections within the European tech scene. Speaking for LBS, it has a diverse student body and a prime location. Apart from that its robust career service will open doors to exciting opportunities for students. If you are looking for US, MIT will also be offering you a lot of opportunities. To build a strong application it will be crucial for you to share more about the scale and impact of the projects you've been involved in.

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You can also email me at: priyankak@aringo.com

Thank you for sharing your profile @Gabriel Santos ! With 4 years of work experience in a Brazilian fintech company, you're coming from a high-growth, globally relevant sector, technology and financial innovation, which b-schools are keen to highlight in their classes. Your background provides a good foundation for your post-MBA goal of transitioning into product management at a major tech company like Amazon or Google, especially given your market-relevant experience and the increasing interest in Latin American tech ecosystems from global recruiters.

Your GMAT Focus score of 675 places you in a competitive position, especially if the rest of your application (essays, recommendations) is compelling.

Your GPA of 7/10 may raise some questions, depending on your undergraduate institution and grading context. If your academic record shows upward trends or you have strong quantitative performance, you should highlight that. Consider proactively addressing any concerns in an optional essay and demonstrating your analytical skills through certifications (like, Google PM certs, Coursera data science/SQL/AI courses), or even the HBS Online CORe or MBA Math, especially if you're aiming for quant-heavy product roles post-MBA. You can take a look at this BLOG.

Geographically, you’re well-aligned with IESE and LBS, not only do they have strong placement records across Europe and international exposure baked into their programs, but they also offer excellent product and tech recruiting pipelines, especially into companies like Amazon, Google, and local fintechs (Revolut, Wise, Klarna, and more). IESE's structured case method and focus on global leadership can pair well with your fintech background and entrepreneurial aspirations. LBS, with its strong alumni network in London’s tech and finance space, gives you unmatched proximity to VC/fintech hubs. If you're targeting MIT Sloan, you’d need to position yourself as a tech innovator with entrepreneurial potential, tying your fintech journey to leadership, creativity, or impact stories that resonate with Sloan’s ethos.

A few key areas you shall focus on: Why now? Why MBA? Why product management specifically? Why in Europe vs. U.S.? Make this compelling. Do you have examples of team leadership, cross-functional collaboration, or product impact? These will be crucial in your essays and interviews. Each of your target schools has a distinct culture, IESE’s collaborative and globally aware cohort, LBS’s dynamic and flexible environment, and MIT’s data- and innovation-driven ethos. Show that you’ve done your homework and can thrive in that culture.

A few questions: Do you have international exposure (clients, markets, travel, remote teams)? Have you engaged in community work, mentoring, or side ventures that show leadership or commitment beyond your day job?

Overall, you’re on the right track. With some refinements, you shall be in a good position to apply. If you'd like, we'd be happy to learn more about your journey. Let’s chat. Feel free to Book a Session.

Stay Tuned: YouTube | Coffee Session | Success Stories | Blogs | LinkedIn

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

Hi Gabriel,

You’ve got solid fintech experience. IESE and LBS are great fits given your European focus, but your 675 GMAT Focus might hold you back at places like Sloan or even LBS. A retake could really shift your odds. If you’ve had strong impact at work, especially around product or user growth, make sure that shines through.

Happy to connect and help you tighten your school list and narrative.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call with me for detailed profile review:
https://calendly.com/ameer-khatri/profi ... th=2025-04