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How to strengthen my profile

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siriusstar
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How to strengthen my profile [#permalink] New post   09 Feb 2014, 11:00
I am a software engineer,aged 29, from India and I have 6 years of work experience. I have a gap in employment of 1.5 years due to a health problem. I scored 68% during my undergrad studies and I'm not from IITs. I have no notable achievements (I wonder if securing couple of awards at technical symposiums at IIT would hold any value). I secured 1310/1600 in GRE and admission in Univ of Missouri, Rolla & Univ of Colorado, boulder in 2005 but I chose to work.

I have received only one award at work for delivering highest quality software. So, I don't have much to speak about achievements. I got the opportunity to lead (a small team of six) only once and then I was promoted as a Tech Lead. Currently i'm not leading any team as there's no such opportunity. Hence I don't have much to speak about leadership either. Earlier I worked for India's biggest IT firm where I participated in a couple of cultural events.

I know that constantly pursuing a hobby would showcase one's passion. But I din't do so and instead tried my hand at different sports, never mastered any. I haven't played any sport at a competitive level but I feel I'm a little better than an average competitor. The reason is that I find joy in trying different things(I often try to play sports left handed though I'm a right handed. A few questioned if i'm indeed left handed).

With all honesty, this is what I am and this is what I do. I fear how am I looked at by the Adcoms.

I started writing articles for a sports website(without remuneration) and also I have joined an NGO. But I do not think i'll be leading any group in the near future.

Now that the deadlines for next year intake are just 7 months away, can anyone of you suggest ways to strengthen my profile?

Also, is 7 months too little a time to strengthen one's profile.

After reading the above, did you just feel that I am not a match for top MBA programs in the US of A? Please let me know.
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mbaMissionJenK
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Re: How to strengthen my profile [#permalink] New post   13 Feb 2014, 07:45
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Hi there,

Thanks for your profile information. Overall I would say it would be difficult for you to get into the top 15-20 ranked US b-schools for sure; beyond that may depend more on the details of your resume, your essays, and possibly taking the GMAT if you are considering, to boost your test scores?? I understand your concerns about activities and involvement, and you make valid points, but I would also add that schools look for leadership and management experience and potential.... both in and outside of work. So I would think about how you can demonstrate leadership skills and make an impact even in your work, between now and when you apply. And consider prepping for and taking the GMAT. Good luck !
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siriusstar
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Re: How to strengthen my profile [#permalink] New post   15 Feb 2014, 09:43
Thanks for the honest reply. It's a little difficult to face reality but I understand that's what life is all about.

I do not have opportunities at work to take up any leadership roles. So, I have no idea how to show impact at work when there is no scope to do anything extraordinary. I might sound pessimistic but I'm being really honest.

I took GMAT in 2011 and scored paltry 580 (V21, Q75 - poor prep, no practice tests and didn't finish exam on all sections - my bad). So, I felt top 20 programs are not for me. Regardless of what I am going to achieve in my next few months, I am going to apply to SLOAN (:P) because I have written something which is very unique and SLOAN would love to read. (Application results don't bother me :)

I have all the confidence in my abilities to perform any task but I'm running short of ideas. Can you give me some unique, out of the box, crazy ideas which will help me demonstrate qualities that adcoms would be interested in. What can make me a stand out applicant amongst Indian applicants.

I think I better lose trying. I don't want to be a loser by not trying.
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mbaMissionJenK
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Re: How to strengthen my profile [#permalink] New post   19 Feb 2014, 16:33
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Hi there,

I certainly think your ambition and drive is commendable, and like you said, it may be worth giving it all you can vs regretting not trying, certainly understand and respect that.

I would think that part of that might be to give a standardized test like GMAT one more shot too though? with prep? and completing the sections-- note that the penalty for not finishing is worse than just guessing at the end, fyi!!

In terms of how to stand out and ideas etc.... certainly we can't provide you with the unique creativity you need to dig into yourself, and keep in mind it's all about YOU and very personal... someone else cannot fully tell you how to present yourself without knowing you well etc. We can help you thoroughly brainstorm and often help clients come up with many ideas and themes about themselves they had not thought of before or hadn't realized. We can also give you tons of feedback about your developing essays and applications and how things are coming across etc; what someone from an outside perspective would think of the person who wrote this. If you'd like to set up an initial, free, 30 min consult, we do offer that at https://www.mbamission.com/consult.php.

Generally I think you need to spend some time brainstorming very thoroughly, over many sessions/days. Think about EVERYTHING about yourself.... personal, professional, academic, interests, passions, strengths, accomplishments, experiences that have shaped you, what is unique about you, etc. Ask family & friends for ideas as well. Keep a running journal or doc of all of your ideas and then review for key themes and aspects that might help you stand out.

Good luck with the process and hoping for the best!
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