Female/33/survivor - Next move?

Hello Gmatclubbers,

I have been struggling with these questions for a lot of time and I have finally gathered the courage to ask them. Before I ask my questions I want you to know a little bit of my situation so you can help me better. I was suffering from a condition for about 17 years that remained undiagnosed until 3 years ago. It has been a journey to hell and back. But nevertheless it has been an amazing experience that has changed my perspective on life and has made me a stronger person. The only flipside to this has been that the MBA had to be kept on hold. I have once gain started preparing for GMAT and pursue my dream but few negative thoughts keep lingering at the back of my mind.
I call them negative because I believe if you put your heart and soul you can achieve anything. My health recovery is an example of that. I had a very unconventional story of diagnosis and treatment, which I will share some time. Also I had to face all of social and economic challenges to pursue my education and get a career. I come from a small town in India. I have worked hard and have always been in the top 5 during my Engineering days. I was admitted with Full scholarship for the Masters of Science program in the United States. I completed my MS in 2005 and have been working here since then.


1.Experience:
I have 12 years of experience: 2 yrs as a Research assistant+ 10 years in consumer electronics/automotive infotaintment industry
I have grown up the following ladder: Software engineer ->lead engineer->Project manager.

2. My career goal - To get into high level executive position

3. My plan :
Get into a Big name MBA school and get into leadership rotational program.

4. Dream schools:

INSEAD,Kellogg (1 year MBA).



Now what is bothering me:

1.My age: Too old for B-school?
The negative side of me thinks it could be a minus on my application. The positive side of me wants me to think of my age as a factor to indicate my passion for higher studies and passion to grow and excel in life. My MBA plans were delayed for health reasons. Maybe I can use this point in the essays to reflect my qualities: determination, perseverance and never give up attitude. What do you think - Are schools going to reject me because of the age factor?

2. My current company does not offer rotational programs. I want to get on fast track leadership programs and hence looking at rotational programs. Does anybody know anyone who is in a rotational program at Nissan/GE/GM? I need some feedback. Also age would be a factor. Generally, rotational programs require students with 6-8 years of exp.

3.If the rotational program does not work can I get into consulting?Iam willing to change careers.


4. INSEAD suggests executive global MBA for candidates with more than 10 years of experience. Can I get into rotational programs or change careers with EMBA? The Full time MBA seems to offer more benefits than the EMBA. When I say benefits I mean - career services for alumni/opportunities to switch career/plus dedicated time for studies (unlike in EMBA, you're working Full time). I attended a BOOTH admission event and there I was told that their EMBA requires a sponsorship letter from the company and hence they don’t offer career services for EMBA students. Can someone share their thoughts on EMBA?


5. What schools do you recommend for my career goals?


I will appreciate your insight/thoughts. Thanks.