Ex-banker now in development-request for profile evaluation
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03 Apr 2012, 08:32
Hi Stacy,
I hope you don't mind, I've pasted the same profile with another consultant as well, but really hoping to get different perspectives. I've seen some of the other advice you've given to others and I could really use your honest feedback!
I'm looking at applying to the top US B schools this fall but based on my experience and goals, do you think this is a realistic goal? Thanks so much in advance. Here's a brief description of my profile:
a. Age: 25, Nationality: Indian, Gender: Female, GMAT: 690 [writing it again in 2 weeks]
b. Work Experience:
- Citibank Singapore: Worked at a top global bank for just over 2 years in Consumer Banking. As part of the Management Associate Program based in Singapore, I was given the opportunity to take on the role of Product Manager for a relatively new product (primarily a sales & marketing function, with some operational responsibilities) and I was able to grow the product accounts base by more than a 100% in the first year. I was lucky enough to be given direct managerial responsibilities early on and I took on a team of 4 sales staff to help grow the product further.
-While working with Citibank, I also actively involved myself in community service activities (my part-time passion at the time, which I've recently converted into a full-time one). I led the Citibank Community and Volunteerism committee and mobilized funds and volunteers to conduct city-wide events involving over 4,000 people annually. I also conceptualized and led an expedition of 14 members from Singapore to India to spend 2 weeks in a slum, building houses and interacting closely with the residents of the slum community. These were both extracurricular activities but I've put it down here to show why I decided to make a switch to the development sector.
- Pratham, Mumbai: I moved to India a year ago to join an India-based Education Non-Profit with international presence, with over 7,000 employees based across India. I run a nation-wide program for vocational skilling of underprivileged youth and directly assist the CEO with overall budgeting, planning and analysis. I lead a team of 10 people to carry out these responsibilities and I have been selected for a program for the 35 top leaders in the organization from across the country.
c. Education: Undergraduate degree - double major in Information Systems Management & Marketing at a top university in Singapore with a GPA of 3.63/4.0 with a Magna Cum Laude distinction
d. Goals: I've very recently also set up my own education related startup based on a for-profit model but it's at a very nascent stage. I'd like to take it to scale and expand. In order to do this though, I need to build a strong international network, and build my management, finance and entrepreneurial skills that an MBA program will give me.
e. Extra-curricular activities: Apart from my volunteering activities, Music - Singing (Occasional performances as vocalist with different bands and I used to lead an A Cappella group in college). Provided remedial teaching for a year to a group of disadvantaged children in Singapore.
I'm also a little concerned about financing options at different schools, I was hoping you could give me some advice on this.
Thanks again. Hope to hear from you soon.