Do top 15 B-schools look down upon a startup work ex?

Question

Hi,

Few consultants told me that Top 15 B-schools (especially US b-schools) don't really value an Indian startup work experience. They are extremely apprehensive if an Indian candidate has a few years of work ex. in working or founding a relatively unknown startup. And hence the chances of getting into a top 15 b-school is slim.  (regardless of the revenue being a few hundred thousand dollars or a few millions)

Is it really that way? Some insights would be very helpful .

I would love to connect with entrepreneurs who have gone into top-15 and know their application journey.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Hello Rockstarr001 , Thank you for your post. I am interested in learning more about your startup. What kind of business is it? When Personal MBA Coach works with applicants from startups, there is a specific strategy we have. Since you don't come from a well-known brand name, it is important to highlight certain elements of your job and be sure to execute your story to perfection. It is key that you tie everything together since the admissions committee members are not extremely familiar with your particular experience. Story execution is a large component of our comprehensive packages and something that we take pride in helping clients fine-tune. I would love to know more about your current position and give you some thoughts on your chances of a T-15 business school. Do not hesitate to email scott@personalmbacoach.com. Best, Personal MBA Coach

SSS001 · Answer

Let's connect  PersonalMBACoach .

I will send an email across.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi Rockstarr001 , Well, I would like to think and advise you otherwise. I myself have worked on many startups (some failed, some succeeded) before getting into INSEAD and one of my essays highlighted my startup journey. If you’d like, you can have a look at this session where I will be walking you through snippets of my application for INSEAD. Similarly, I have helped many of my clients get into Stanford, Darden, Columbia and more other top b-schools in the US and Europe who themselves are entrepreneurs and have highlighted their startup stories in essays impactfully. Therefore, if you run a startup, especially in the social impact sector, which is successful too, your chances are rather enhanced. It exhibits your business acumen and the ability to take bold initiatives and make them successful. Even if you had a failed startup, if the story is communicated cogently, it can work in your favour. So, you do not have any disadvantage because of your startups in MBA applications and I am a testimony to it . Feel free to connect with me for any of your concerns. I would be glad to assist you!

Cheers! Shantanu Sharma Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond Testimonials Email: shantanu@mbaandbeyond.com What s app: +65-97158525

SSS001 · Answer

Hey  MBAandBeyond ,

That sounds great. I have read debriefs of people who have emphasized on the importance of stories and how to articulate and connect them. But I couldn't find enough resources from my background.

And I guess, we should connect in this regard to see how you understand my profile, and since you have already walked the same route, I would love to get your perspective.

Will connect with you.

Do top 15 B-schools look down upon a startup work ex?

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