How to build my profile over the next 2 years

Question

I am a 2022 graduate from India. I did my undergraduate from one of the top 5 IITs and have worked as a quantitative researcher in a prop trading firm for the past 1.5 years. I got a 760 in the GMAT (old edition). I pursued very limited ECs in college and almost no leadership positions. How can I improve my profile for a shot at M7, Insead and other top B schools?

To improve my employer's brand name, I think I can get a job at GS/JPMC (and other reputable banks) as a quant, and I am also open to working for NGOs for a few months.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

To improve my employer's brand name, I think I can get a job at GS/JPMC (and other reputable banks) as a quant, and I am also open to working for NGOs for a few months.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

divesh87 · Answer

Hi mba_advice While the B-School application evaluation process is holistic, please note that not everyone is required to check all the boxes. If you do not have a lot of ECs to showcase, do not fret it. You have a few things going your way anyway, for example a pedigree undergraduate education and a strong GMAT score. Also, not everyone at B-School comes from a Fortune 500 background so even if you stay in your current firm and get a promotion or two you can build a case for strong work experience. To build a stronger profile, consider some volunteering activity over the next 1-2 years or pursue a sport or hobby over the next few years, this will help round out some of the average aspects of your profile. If you need help with a detailed profile building call. We do guide students on the same in depth in our one hour profile building call priced at Rs. 4999. Please reach out if interested Best, Divesh Founder & Managing Consultant http://www.Top100MBA.Club hello@Top100MBA.Club Posted from my mobile device

Businessconquerer · Answer

Start your own company, make it something in 2 years. Get tied with large VC corporations.

Establish non profits of your own that align with your purpose.

Be confident!

You're pretty much a Stanford profile then.

Feel free to reach out for further questions!

Best,
MBA Conquerors
Info@mbaconquerors.com

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

mba_advice - there is no one answer or formula. It depends on your interests/ strengths. Your undergrad pedigree, GMAT and quant background are strong points. Try complementing these with the other aspects i.e. ECs (e.g. hobbies, volunteering), leadership (e.g. NGO, start-up), stronger work-ex (e.g. promotion, brand names) and having a strong narrative (i.e. post MBA goals and how/ why MBA). Doing projects/ internships related to your post-MBA goals can also make the profile strong. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello mba_advice , I hope you are doing well. Academic and Standardized Tests: 1. GPA: Since your GPA is average, showcasing quantitative skills through relevant coursework or certifications could be helpful. Consider taking online courses relevant to your field (e.g., financial modeling, machine learning) from prestigious universities. Professional Experience: 1. Work Experience: Leverage your strong HFT experience. Focus on quantifying your achievements in terms of impact and leadership. Did you lead any projects? Contribute to significant strategies? Highlight these in your applications. 2. Target Employer Brand: Aiming for GS/JPMC or other reputable banks is a good strategy. This can strengthen your profile, especially if you secure a quantitative role related to finance or trading. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership: 1. Gap Year: Consider a gap year if time allows. This gives you flexibility to gain relevant experience beyond work, like internships at NGOs or startups in your target industry (e.g., fintech, sustainable finance). You can also take elective courses at top universities or participate in international business competitions. 2. Volunteer Work: While limited ECs can be overcome, focusing on impactful volunteer work related to your future goals or personal passions can showcase your social responsibility and leadership potential. Consider board positions or project leadership within NGOs. 3. Networking: Connect with alumni from your target schools and professionals in your desired industry. Engage in online communities and attend relevant conferences to broaden your network and gain insights. Application Materials: 1. Essays: Craft compelling essays that showcase your unique story, career goals, and motivations for pursuing an MBA. Highlight leadership experiences, even if not formal positions, and emphasize how your skills and aspirations align with the school's mission. 2. Recommendations: Secure strong recommendations from supervisors who can speak to your quantitative skills, work ethic, and leadership potential. Remember, building a strong profile for top B-schools is a holistic process. While you have a great foundation with your IIT background and strong work experience, showcasing leadership, impact, and a clear vision for your future will be crucial. Book a free profile evaluation call now with our experts to help you build a strong profile. Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

TheRedPen · Answer

Hey  mba_advice ,

There can't be a specific answer to this without understanding your profile in detail.
The Adcoms take into consideration your overall profile which includes everything ranging from your academics, ECs, standardized test scores, short and long-term goals, aspirations, and much more. 
We recommend discussing this in detail with you via a complimentary profile audit and applications strategy call. Our MBA experts will understand your profile and help you build a tailored roadmap ahead. You can schedule your call  here

You can also call us at +91 9820491179

MBAGuide · Answer

mba_advice It is commendable you have this foresight to think what career decisions would play strategically into your chances for admits at top global schools. While there is no easy formula for what you have just asked, I can tell you from experience that the simplest strategy you can follow is to bring variety to the kind of work you do and the activities you engage in outside of work. If you give yourself some more time to enhance your profile you could grab projects and professional opportunities that add a new dimension to your portfolio. The profile enhancement would need to show as a take-off point in your career graph depending on your goals. For example, in a strategic role in a startup or in strategy where you get hands-on experience in the building blocks of businesses, negotiate an international assignment with your employer or find one abroad (you have all the fine credentials you need), or get into beginner roles in a hard to enter industry you want to break into post-MBA. I feel there would be no dearth of opportunities for someone young and ambitious and with your academic pedigree. Do not underplay your potential simply by sticking with the "safe" brand names, get opportunities where learnings are the steepest, where you are able to draw insights that you can build upon in your Business school applications and interviews. Outside of work, find what is your passion. Don't simply join some NGOs because someone advised. I never worked for an NGO pre MBA ever. Really take time to understand what you enjoy doing outside of work and build that up as a passion project by spending a few hours every week or every month on that. You should also invest in some quality travel experiences or maybe consider some community engagement projects abroad where you spend a few days every year with an objective in mind. Visit new countries and engage with local communities there. Understand their problems and share the challenges or innovative solutions to problems you have seen in your country. Learn new languages. These are the kind of things that will actually add good value to your profile for the likes of M7s, INSEAD and others. Feel free to speak over a candid discussion. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

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