Thank you for sharing your profile @Bash0109! Starting with your academics, a 3.5 GPA is fine for IB targets; the standardized test will be the swing factor. 3 years of work experience at matriculation is on the younger side for IB. As per diversity and mission, Nigerian woman aiming to build finance in emerging markets = compelling differentiator. Aim for a strong test score: GRE ≥325 or GMAT FE ≥685, especially for Wharton.

Where the market is right now (why to be strategic)
IB hiring has been tighter given muted M&A/IPO cycles; firms remain selective, while some grads tilt to buy-side/other finance. This means test score + technical prep + internship matter more.

What to improve: Aim for a great GMAT/GRE score, which will neutralize the risk and widen IB access. Complete a financial modeling/valuation course. Start networking with women-in-finance clubs/alumni at target schools and bank offices (NYC/London/Toronto). For the Internship planning, U.S. 2-year MBAs are best for classic summer analyst routes; in Europe, prefer programs with internship windows (LBS, HEC Paris, IESE; INSEAD Jan).

Questions for you to reflect on:
1) Which IB coverage areas interest you most (like natural resources, infrastructure, fintech, consumer)?
2) U.S. vs Europe vs Canada: rank your preference for post-MBA placement.
3) Any deal exposure already (even tangential), capital raises, syndications, project finance?

We would love to learn more about your academic background, extracurricular activities, professional experience, and personal journey so we can offer a more tailored assessment of your profile and evaluate your chances at your target schools more accurately. If you'd like, feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Join our Coffee Session: “MASTER YOUR MBA APPLICATION ESSAYS FOR INSEAD, HEC, LBS, AND IESE!” on August 22, 2025 | 9:00 PM IST | 11:30 AM ET. KNOW MORE DETAILS

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

Hello,

With three years in financial services and a GPA of 3.5, you have a decent foundation.

However, without a GRE/GMAT score, Wharton is currently out of reach. You must post at least a 320 GRE or equivalent to be competitive, ideally higher given IB is extremely saturated.

Your long-term Africa-focused finance leadership story is strong and differentiated, but Wharton and similar schools will need evidence you can handle the quant rigour.

HEC Montréal is more realistic with your current profile. A stronger test score will make the difference between being competitive at Wharton versus settling for lower-tier programs.

Ameer Khatri, Admissions Consultant
Schedule 1-on-1 call
https://admitportal.ameerkhatri.com/pro ... n-calendar