Score: Plan to take the GMAT
GPA: 8.92
Pre-MBA industry: Consulting
Post-MBA industry: Finance
11 months ago
19 May 2025 10:05
My profile-
ACADEMICS:-
1. Completed BCOM(Completed in 2023)
2. Pursuing MCOM(Will be completing in 2026)
3. Company Secretary(Final group in June 2025)
4. CFA Level 1 Student
WORK EX:-
1. Net Check Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., Pune, Intern.
• Assisted the accounting team in maintaining and updating financial records.
• Coordinated data entry into accounting software, ensuring accurate categorization of transactions.
• Supported the preparation of financial reports and reconciled discrepancies in accounts.
2. Kanj & Co. LLP, Paid Full-time Intern, Pune October 2022 – August 2024
Full-time mandatory training under Company Secretary (ICSI) program)
* Streamlined secretarial compliance processes, increasing efficiency by 30% and reducing workload through the development of a structured compliance management system.
* Co-led the Secretarial Audit for high-profile clients, including the Kinetic Group, ensuring adherence to ROC, SEBI, and company law standards.
* Played a key role in the GST team, managing appeals, adjudications, and monthly/annual return filings across multiple clients.
* Led the GST refund process for a major client, successfully securing a refund of INR 2 crore, driving a precedent-setting outcome.
* Actively contributed to M&A transactions, managing due diligence, legal documentation, and regulatory filings; co-led two major acquisitions.
* Spearheaded the development of an automation tool for compliance tracking, reducing manual intervention and increasing team productivity.
* Gained hands-on experience in corporate finance, insolvency resolution, and regulatory matters under the Companies Act and IBC.
3. Ace Ventura Tires and Tracks LLP, Pune Project Development Manager, Sept 24- Currently working.
• Led a team of 8 to successfully export the material significantly increasing the revenue by 3% as compared to last month.
• Supervised the team in the next phase of expansion, overseeing the process of establishing a new branch office in Dubai.
• Representing the company at various BNI Meetings and making representations.
• Successfully represented the organization and secured a deal with a renowned customer.
EXTRACURRICULARS:-
1. National, State, District Swimming Champion.
2. Represented Maharashtra in life saving swimming competition.
3. Won gold, silver, bronze medal in RLSS- Organised by Australia Lifesaving Society.
4. Represented School and college.
5. Robin Hood- food army.
6. Umeed Cancer Support Group – Working for Cancer Patients. -Coordinated and executed the event "UMEED KI-RUN" on behalf of the NGO, dedicated to raising awareness on topics of cancer -Co-led the team in successfully organised and managed the marathon -Head of Students Donation drive for supporting cancer patients -Conducted over 30 sessions in different areas creating awareness about cancer.
7. Saheli Sanstha- An organisation for Women’s Empowerment Activities- Coordinated and mentored various groups to promote and encourage women’s empowerment initiatives-Organised and led self-defence training sessions for girls, equipping them with vital skills for personal safety and boosting their confidence
8. Samvardhan- Cleaning Environment.
SKILLS:-
1. • Languages - English (Proficient), Hindi (Proficient)
2. • NISM Certification – Financial Literacy, Online Dispute Resolution Mechanism.
3. • ICSI Certificates- One Day Orientation Program, Executive Development Program.
4. • Certifications – Project Management, Sales Management, HR Management, ChatGPT, Microsoft Excel.
5. Forage- JP MORGAN CHASE- Investment Banking Simulation
6. CFI-Excel, Financial Analysis Fundamentals etc.
GOAL:-
1. Working in investment banking, asset management, portfolio management in 3 years
Priyanka here from ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, with 3 years of experience rooted in consulting and corporate law, your profile demonstrates a strong foundation that blends legal, financial, and operational skills—something highly valued by adcoms at top MBA programs. Your journey reflects exceptional initiative, whether it’s streamlining compliance processes, leading GST refund breakthroughs, or driving cross-border expansion strategies.
An 8.92 GPA looks decent and an ongoing commitment to upskilling through the CFA, Company Secretary, and additional certifications in finance and management further strengthens your profile. Adcoms at Kellogg and Fuqua value analytical rigor paired with leadership potential. Your work in NGOs like Umeed and Saheli Sanstha demonstrates emotional intelligence, community leadership, and empathy that adcoms highly value.
Your ambition to break into IB or portfolio management is well aligned with the resources and recruiting strengths of your target schools. However, with such a wide list of target schools, we’d encourage a bit of strategic narrowing. Have you thought about how each school’s finance ecosystem, recruiting network, or teaching approach aligns with your post-MBA goals? For example, how do you see Kellogg’s team-based culture complementing your leadership style? Or how might Haas’s strengths in impact finance or Wharton’s finance major cater to your investment banking ambitions?
FEEL FREE TO CONNECT FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION REGARDING YOUR PROFILE
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You can also email me at: [email protected] or [email protected]
Good Luck!
As you haven't taken the GMAT yet, this becomes a pivotal point. Aim for a GMAT Focus Edition score of 685+ to be competitive at schools like Wharton, Columbia, and Kellogg. For schools like Georgetown, McCombs, or Johnson, a 665 might suffice if the rest of your profile is strong. Consider taking MBA Math or HBS CORe to show academic readiness, especially if your GMAT score is average.
You currently have around 2 years of full-time experience and will cross 3 years by Fall 2025, which is on the lower end of the spectrum for top MBA programs, but not disqualifying. Many top schools accept high-potential early-career candidates, especially those with strong leadership, clarity of purpose, and maturity. Your work at Kanj & Co. LLP demonstrates tangible impact in GST, M&A, automation, and compliance, key for schools that value operational excellence and cross-functional exposure. The current role at Ace Ventura Tires adds a managerial and international dimension, which supports your investment banking and finance goals.
However, your roles are split between internships and full-time experience. Schools will want to understand the continuity and progression. Consider focusing on how your experiences build toward finance, whether through M&A exposure, client negotiation, or financial modeling. Also, try to secure at least one more project directly related to finance, investment decision-making, or client-side advisory before applying. You can take a look at this blog on: Master Your MBA Application
Your extracurriculars are good and will differentiate you. A national-level swimmer with international recognition, plus significant NGO leadership, tells a powerful story of discipline, service, and initiative. The Umeed Cancer Support work, your coordination of awareness events, and women empowerment sessions at Saheli Sanstha showcase not just participation but leadership and social impact. These elements can resonate with schools like Yale, Fuqua, and Kellogg, which deeply value empathy and purpose-driven leadership. Don’t underplay these; they’re a huge asset.
Your short-term goal of entering investment banking, asset management, or portfolio management seems achievable, but will need refinement. Top schools will want to understand:
Why finance, and why now?
What in your experience has sparked this transition?
What specific firms, regions, or roles are you targeting?
What’s your backup plan if IB doesn’t materialize?
Be prepared to tell a compelling narrative that connects your legal/CS/finance training with hands-on exposure from M&A and client management, leading to a strong interest in capital markets or deal advisory. Build a bridge between where you’ve been and where you're headed.
Feel free to follow up with your resume, early GMAT mock scores, or if you’d like help building your story or school selection further. We are happy to assist. Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.
Join our next coffee session on: INSEAD Sept 2026 Intake.
Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
You bring a deeply immersive finance and compliance profile, rare for someone so early in their career. The BCom + MCom + CS + CFA path, layered with serious responsibility at Kanj & Co. and the Dubai expansion project, shows commitment and maturity. Your impact signals real-world value creation. Combined with national-level sports and meaningful NGO work, you’ve built a standout extracurricular narrative as well.
The missing piece is the GMAT. To be competitive at Wharton, Kellogg, or Columbia, you’ll likely need a 720+ (classic equivalent).
With a strong score, you’re competitive at schools like Ross, Cornell, McDonough, and even LBS. Let's craft a school list, refine your finance pivot story, and prep for a strong Round 1 push.
Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule a free 1-on-1 call with me for a detailed profile review:
https://calendly.com/ameer-khatri/profi ... th=2025-05
You have a strong and well-rounded profile that combines solid academics, hands-on work experience, and impressive extracurricular involvement. Your practical experience in compliance, M&A, GST, and project management shows initiative, leadership, and a clear interest in finance. Your national-level achievements in swimming and social impact work with NGOs add a unique dimension, highlighting discipline, leadership, and community commitment.
To strengthen your candidacy, aim for a GMAT Focus score of 685+, refine and narrow your post-MBA goal - investment banking, asset management, and portfolio management are quite distinct - ensure your application tells a clear, focused story of how an MBA will help you transition. Emphasizing your quantitative skills through your CFA studies and certifications will also be helpful.
Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at [email protected] or +91-7780769732.