IIM Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hello SURYANSHSISODIA

From an eligibility point of view you may apply to all the top one year programs at ISB, IIMs.

However, do not treat your profile as a features 'checklist'. (role, years of experience, GMAT score etc).

Top programs will evaluate your profile on primarily four factors-
1. Academic potential (a 740+ gives good confidence in this area)
2. Work experience (more than years of experience this is about career progression, achievements and more importantly the story telling behind these)
3. Diversity (what unique traits and qualities do you bring via your work ex, life experiences and extracurricular activities that will help you add value to the experience of your batch mates inside and outside the classroom)
4. Career goals (you are going to spend significant amount of time and money, you must showcase that you have a clear and realistic vision of your career and how the particular b school you apply to is a best bet to reach your long term and short term goals. Many candidates miss out on the fact that their future goals are as much a part of their profile as their past experiences)

Shortlisting a b school is the easiest step. Looking at the information shared in short hand, you'll do well to understand what areas of your profile are important to the b school.

You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA message for a quicker response)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

Please help in evaluating my profile :

10th : 10CGPA

12th : 93% CBSE

Btech in Mechanical engg (from a tier-2 college) : 8.5 CGPA

WORK expr : 5.8 yrs in a steel manufacturing industry in steel operations and procurement division with stint in new merger facility

Career growth : 1 promotion in 5.8 years

GMAT : targetting for 700

Target schools : IIMA,B,C,ISB, Oxford Said, LBS,Yale

Posted from my mobile device

Hello 197369

While your past scores are decent, some more qualitative details would be useful around your work ex (achievements, impact) and extracurricular activities ( or anything that might help add diversity to your profile).
In absence of such details, a 700 GMAT seems on the lower side considering your target schools.
Additionally, career goals are missing which are as much a part of your profile as your work ex or GMAT.
Absence of career goals makes the profile evaluation further tricky.

You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA message for a quicker response)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

Hi 197369 hope this finds you well

Its nice to see a manufacturing profile. I too have a pre-MBA manufacturing background of over 5+ years with focus on expanding manufacturing in new geographies.

Your academics look decent, but I feel you have set the bar low for GMAT. Please note that Quant scores are considered weak for Indian applicants at Top Business Schools when the percentile score is below 80, while verbal scores in the 60-70 range raise doubts about being able to communicate effectively in class and with international peers. Any variation from these expected scores can rarely be compensated with good story telling. MBA programs are quant heavy therefore having an impressive GMAT is important, especially when your GMAT country average at these top MBAs is high.

Apart from the acads your profile description is pretty limited for me to guide you on your prospects regarding IIM A, Oxford and LBS.
ISB, IIM B and C can be safe options if you match your target GMAT. For more competitive programs the following factors would be of utmost importance
1. Your growth progression- How have you grown as an individual both personally and professionally through your experiences in the last 6 years

2. A well-rounded personality- Focus on highlighting qualities that are unexpected for the type of applicant you are. Pleasantly surprise the adcom and break stereotypes.
Highlighting extracurricular activities that complement the personality traits required for your job role can be a great way to stand out from other applicants.

3. A solid Post MBA Goal Plan- Do thorough research on your post-MBA goals and substantiate your goals strategy with examples of networking with the right industry experts, and alumni, and citing other relevant sources of information. Your goals must be pragmatic and well-researched, yet should make you stand out by being aspirational (or even inspirational). Manufacturing professionals are better suited for Strategy & Ops consulting or Supply Chain Design, Analytics, Product and Planning.

if you are only getting started with the application process, you may check out the links below to get a sense of what B Schools look for
1. What ISB looks for, a fresh perspective
2. Advanced Level Resume tips for differentiated applicants
3. Strategy for acing that ISB Interview


Feel free to connect should you want to discuss your profile in detail and clarify doubts.
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hi SURYANSHSISODIA hope this finds you well

You did not mention what were you doing in the gap years. I would like to assume that it was a study break.

The employment gap is generally a dreaded subject for MBA applicants who want to get into the best-ranked business schools. Because our insecurities surface when we fear being judged. But optimistically speaking, the employment gap can also be seen as an opportunity to pursue passion projects or activities that add meaning to our lives. Taking a break or a gap from a chaotic life is acceptable in B school applications but it needs to be portrayed in the right manner. If you can show conviction in staying productive and learning new skills (academic, altruistic or recreational) during the break/employment gap while adding meaning to your life, this will serve you well for the MBA profile.

I have worked with applicants (successful admits) with long employment gaps before (1-4 years). Depending on the school and profile, each case requires a different strategy. Feel free to reach out should you want to discuss your profile.

Regarding schools, it's too early to say. You could count on a good shot at IIM A if you attain your target score. IIM B, ISB , IIM L and IIM C are other good options.

Best wishes

Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer)
MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Hey 197369,

Your academic performance is exceptional, and it's important to highlight these achievements. While your B.Tech CGPA is good, consider showcasing exceptional academic accomplishments like research projects or awards. In your work experience, emphasise notable achievements and specific projects that resulted in operational improvements or cost savings.

Providing more details about your recent promotion and contributions will strengthen your profile. Aim for a target GMAT score of 700 and prepare diligently. Thoroughly research your target schools, including IIMA, B, C, ISB, Oxford Said, LBS, and Yale, to understand their requirements and values.

Tailor your applications for each institution, demonstrating how your experiences align with their programs and values. Pursue additional certifications, highlight leadership roles, quantify your impact, and share stories of successful team building. Craft a compelling personal statement, secure impactful recommendation letters, and prepare for interviews.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km

Hey SURYANSHSISODIA,

Your academic scores are decent, and you can strengthen your profile by enrolling in relevant online courses or certifications to showcase your commitment to continuous learning. Highlight your B.Tech degree from a Tier 1 institute, emphasising any noteworthy achievements or projects completed during your studies.

Address the three-year gap after your studies by explaining how you utilised that time and gained valuable experiences or skills. Your eight years of work experience in a big PSU bank, including your senior managerial position, is a significant strength. Showcase your leadership by describing projects where you led cross-functional teams, mentored junior colleagues, and participated in decision-making processes.

Highlight your impact by quantifying results, sharing success stories of innovative solutions, and mentioning any recognition or awards received. Consider targeting a one-year MBA or Executive MBA program in India that aligns with your career trajectory and offers a supportive environment. Craft personalised applications, including a compelling personal statement and strong recommendation letters.

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km

Hi ntnsngh83

Your professional trajectory in the field of hydrocarbon processing, especially in challenging geographies like Algeria, is commendable. The patent grant exhibits your innovative and problem-solving capabilities. Here's our take on your profile:

- Your GMAT score of 680 and academic credentials should be suitable for the Indian schools you are targeting. The patent and your cricket tournaments are stellar examples of out-of-the-box thinking and teamwork, characteristics valued by any business school.
- As a Process Commissioning Engineer, you have exhibited a commendable mix of technical skills and leadership experience. The international exposure will certainly add diversity to your application. Aiming for Consulting/Operations post-MBA seems a logical progression, given your expertise.
- Your leadership roles, frequent promotions, and ability to work in challenging environments stand out. Applicants from your industry might often grapple with communicating their technical roles in a relatable way. Ensure to highlight business impact and strategic insights from your experiences.
- For your school preference, considering your preference for Bangalore, IIM Bangalore would be an ideal choice given its strong presence in the city and its strength in operations and consulting.
- As for admission round selection, an early round typically has fewer applicants and might increase your chances. But do not compromise on the quality of your application for the sake of time. For your career aspirations, IIM Bangalore and IIM Calcutta have strong consulting placements, while IIM Ahmedabad and Bangalore have robust operations curricula.

We hope this evaluation is insightful for you. Feel free to continue the conversation here or reach out to us directly for more in-depth discussions. Good luck on your MBA journey!

Hi SURYANSHSISODIA

You can look at ISB and IIM A,B,C (one year GMAT-based entrance criteria programs). The gap years won't matter if they happened before the 8 years in the PSU bank. Also go through this article as it will help you understand the landscape, though we understand that you are targeting Indian programs.

Feel free to come back with more questions or to contact us directly.

Hi Ashu4567

Your experience in the state government, specifically in skill development and technical education, is intriguing. We appreciate your efforts in bettering the lives of people through education. Now, let's dive into our evaluation of your profile:

- Your consistent academic performance and robust extracurriculars indicate a well-rounded profile. The GMAT is not explicitly mentioned but securing a competitive score around 680+ will enhance your profile for IIMs.

- Having worked in a government department related to education gives you a unique perspective, something that could be appealing to an MBA program, particularly if you emphasize how this has informed your desire to move into roles related to HR, CSR, or general management.

- We note your rapid progression from a lecturer to deputy director academy in your state government department. With your focus on improving ITIs and Polytechnics across your state, you seem to have taken on substantial responsibilities early in your career. The common challenge faced by applicants from the public sector is to articulate the value they can bring to business-centric roles. Therefore, it's essential to highlight your transferable skills such as leadership, project management, and policy implementation.

- As your next step, we suggest you start networking with alumni or current students of IIMs, who have made a similar transition. Understand their experiences and the skill-set required to make such a move. Also, research thoroughly about the curriculum and the culture of the target schools.

- Coming to your questions, MBA placements are generally open to all profiles. However, certain roles might prefer industry experience. As per our experience, government employees tend to perform well in consulting or roles that require liaison with government bodies. As for HR and general management, you should be able to pivot given your experiences managing educational institutions. On leaving a stable job, the answer relies on your long-term career goals and ambitions. The work-life balance post-MBA can vary greatly depending on the role and the company you join. It is not uncommon to find a healthy work-life balance in roles within HR, CSR, or general management.

We hope this evaluation provides some clarity for your MBA journey. Feel free to post additional questions here or contact us directly.

Hi everyone,

Please evaluate my profile. I'm planning to apply for the 2024 batch and my target colleges are IIMA: PGPX and IIMK: PGP-BL.

GMAT Score: 690 (Q50, V34, IR7)

Academics:
10th: 95%
12th: 98.5% (Secured INSPIRE scholarship from central govt. for belonging to the top 1% of students)
Undergrad+Postgrad (Dual-Degree) Mechanical Engineering: 8.25 CGPA (Got merit scholarship for belonging to top 10% of the batch for entire 5 years)

Work Experience:
I'm currently working as a Research & Development Engineer in a private company in the manufacturing sector. I've 4 years of experience in new product development and project management. As part of this role, I've handled all stages of the product development cycle from a customer survey and need finding to product launch.

Achievements:
Selected as the best engineer (R&D) in FY22-FY23
Got promoted twice in 4 years
Filed for multiple patents and published papers.

Extracurricular:
Industrial Design: Led industrial design club in college, organised several events for the club, brought in sponsors for the club and club events. Also won several awards including 4th place at the national level in India Design Challenge conducted by Autodesk
Photography: Led college photography club and organized few inter and intra-college events.

Post MBA role:
I'd like to move into Product management roles. (Have to do more research on this and any tips on this will be great)

Thanks

Hi GauthamManoj

Thanks for sharing your journey with us. Here's our take on your profile:

- Your academic credentials are very solid. Your GMAT score of 690 is competitive for both IIMA: PGPX and IIMK: PGP-BL, and your high 10th and 12th standard scores along with your undergraduate and postgraduate GPAs attest to your academic abilities. Your strong performance in extracurricular activities related to industrial design and photography is also a significant plus.

- As you're looking to transition into a product management role post-MBA, it's clear that your experience in new product development and project management in the manufacturing sector will be a major asset. The fact that you have experience across all stages of the product development cycle will likely make you an appealing candidate. We'd suggest that you highlight your understanding of both the technical and business aspects of product development and management in your applications.

- Your achievements in your current role, such as being named the best engineer and having filed multiple patents, certainly set you apart. Additionally, your rapid promotions within your organization testify to your work ethic and potential. One challenge we've seen with applicants from the manufacturing sector is conveying the transferability and relevance of their skills and experiences to the business world. Make sure to frame your experiences in a way that highlights their applicability to your post-MBA goals.

- As for next steps, we would recommend spending some time researching both the specific MBA programs you're interested in and the role of product managers in different industries. Given your R&D background, you may find that certain industries such as manufacturing or automotive are a better fit for your skills and experiences. Consulting remains a viable choice for you as well. You mention product management as a post-MBA goal - which industry are you looking at for that role?

We hope this evaluation assists you on your journey to an MBA. Feel free to post any additional questions you have here, or to contact us directly.

Hi,

Here's my take on the profile eval:

1. GMAT - is fine, in case you are preparing for the GMAT and have planned a retake, a higher score will always be better.

2. Academics - Good

3. Work experience - handling all stages of product development gives you a good exposure. However the R&D work experience does pose certain limitations like the business perspective, readiness for the post MBA recruiters etc. Though the MBA program will definitely give you the readiness for post MBA transition, the B school would like to see your clarity and efforts on the same front.

4. Goals - Product management - You have mentioned that you would like some inputs on that - which product management are you referring to?
a) Product management in the IT sector (i.e technology sector) - if yes, then do check out the recruiters' requirements on technical languages/ programming experience etc as well.
b) If you are referring to Product management in the manufacturing sector then that is something that you are probably already doing or will do so very soon in the organisation, where does the MBA fit? Think and research deeply on a clear fit and your preparation for that. It will be the most important step in your application.

All the best!



_________________

Hey GauthamManoj,

Your profile has strong potential for admission to top business schools like IIMA: PGPX and IIMK: PGP-BL. You have a decent GMAT score of 690.

To enhance your application, showcase your consistently impressive academic achievements and provide context on your university's reputation. In your work experience, highlight specific project details, measurable results, and your leadership role in new product development.

Emphasize achievements, such as being recognized as the best engineer, filing patents, and industry acknowledgments. Showcase your leadership and organizational skills in extracurricular activities, describing specific initiatives and achievements.

Lastly, articulate your passion for product management and how an MBA will contribute to your goals, aligning your experiences with the required skills. By addressing these aspects succinctly, you will strengthen your profile for top business schools. Good luck with your application!

If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a call and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.
You can setup a call via this link:
https://bit.ly/3DSH5km

Hi,

Can you please evaluate my profile:

Indian - General -Female

10th - 94.8%
12th - 96.3%
Btech - Instrumentation (8.03)
Total work experience - 5 years
Worked for 4 years in Cognizant as Quality Analyst. Work related to testing Investment bank application.
Currently working in TCS since 1 year as automation tester.

Extracurricular: Cultural coordinator during btech for Department fest.
Toastmaster since 5 months
Spoc of csr activities in TCS.

GMAT: planning to give exam in the last week of june.
Target bschools: All IIM's one year full time MBA.
Post MBA goals: Product Manager

Posted from my mobile device

It's always delightful to engage with professionals from the tech industry. Here's our take on your profile:

- You've performed remarkably well academically, which could go a long way in impressing the admission committees. Since you're yet to take the GMAT, we suggest targeting a score of at least 680+. Given your background, this should be achievable with dedicated preparation. Also, your extracurriculars demonstrate leadership and community involvement - make sure to highlight these experiences.
- Your industry profile is quite prevalent among MBA aspirants, particularly in the tech industry in India. Being from a common pool, it's crucial to differentiate yourself by emphasizing unique projects or leadership roles you've had in your career. Also, you haven't mentioned your post-MBA goals. We recommend clearly articulating them to demonstrate your drive and direction.
- Your consistent work experience in Quality Analysis and transition to automation testing in reputable firms like Cognizant and TCS is appreciable. Nonetheless, it will be beneficial to highlight specific instances where you made a significant impact, led a team, or implemented innovative ideas.
- For the next steps, we advise you to gain more leadership experiences at work or through extracurricular activities. Additionally, you should start researching on your target B-schools to understand how their curriculum, culture, and career services align with your post-MBA goals.

We hope this evaluation proves useful, and we invite you to share any additional queries here or reach out to us directly.

Hi,

Can you please evaluate my profile:

Indian - General -Female

10th - 94.8%
12th - 96.3%
Btech - Instrumentation (8.03)
Total work experience - 5 years
Worked for 4 years in Cognizant as Quality Analyst. Work related to testing Investment bank application.
Currently working in TCS since 1 year as automation tester.

Extracurricular: Cultural coordinator during btech for Department fest.
Toastmaster since 5 months
Spoc of csr activities in TCS.

GMAT: planning to give exam in the last week of june.
Target bschools: All IIM's one year full time MBA.
Post MBA goals: Product Manager

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Varshini,

Sharing the profile evaluation as below:
1. Grades - Your academic scores are very strong.
2. GMAT - Not yet available
3. Work Ex - Quality & automation testing. This may be a limitation as you are typically not exposed to a lot of technologies directly in this role, unless you put in explicit efforts to gain that knowledge/ experience. It is not clear from the detail here, but I would like to suggest that you should put in efforts to build a world view and a business view plus a technological awareness (not applicable if you are already doing it).
4. Goals - Quality is one aspect of developing a good product, so what you are doing does add a lot of value to the target role. However, you should study a few JDs for the target Product management roles to identify if there are other areas where you need to work upon. The schools do wear a recruiter's hat at times in the interview process.

Apart from the GMAT these are some important things to keep in mind when you are preparing.

All the best!


_________________

Hi thanks for the evaluation.
1) What can be good gmat score range for me I have not crossed 700 in my mocks.
2) I have some working knowledge in Financial reporting, Private Equity and tech side in Selenium Java, SQL. Will that suffice?