IIM Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi GauthamManoj hope this finds you well

I myself have 6 years of experience in the R&D and Industrialization team (Pre MBA) of a major automotive manufacturer and hope to add value to your questions.

GMAT score - your GMAT score is fine and your Q50 is satisfactory. However, when it comes down to statistics, since IIM A and IIM B are such competitive programs with smaller cohorts, your overall score of 690 might matter in the final decision. But since your undergraduate GPA and academic performance are good, it looks more favorable than unfavorable.

Work Experience - You did not mention your industry. What kind of R&D company did you work for and how does that make you a unique applicant? As someone who has interviewed for INSEAD admissions, I can say that a deep understanding of your industry dynamics can help you stand out in the admissions process. Since you have been involved at all levels, from market research to design to shop floor to production launch, consider what insights from these engagements motivate your decision to pursue product management and how your experience in the sector gives you the skills needed to transition into product management (in a focused industry).

Goals - Product management is a broad field. You need to be clear not only about what type of role you are interested in, but also how your past experience in a role focused on "design" has awarded you the right type of transferable skills and design thinking you need to succeed as a product manager. Research the types of companies that would value your previous experience and provide a springboard for your career in a new field. Sometimes manufacturing profiles can falter in presenting a solid strategy for transitioning directly into a PM role. If this is the case for you, you could present a phased plan where you either start in a role on the fringes of product management or take responsibility for a small part of a larger product system. Think about the skills you have acquired based on your previous experience and identify areas where you would like to improve. If you want to move to a different industry, think about the new skills that would be required for that move.

Outstanding candidates usually have a Plan A and a Plan B, and back them up with relevant insights gained from networking with graduates, potential recruiters, and industry experts. This demonstrates that you are well informed and proactively planning for your future career success.

ECs - Your ECs are fine from an Indian B-school perspective, but if you can put examples of more community engagement into your essay stories, it will have more impact than simply checking off ECs on your resume.
Feel free to connect should need candid advice.

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

Hi Varshini969 hope this finds you well

Your academics are decent, but you did not mention your undergraduate pedigree (Tier 1/2/3).
And I hope you understand that you have what is seemingly the most overrepresented work profile in India (Cognizant + TCS).

It is critical that you demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the industry you catered to while at Cognizant and TCS and show examples of understanding the business implications of your work. Show how you progressed year on year, gained incremental responsibilities through promotions, leadership or cross functional stakeholder management, and a mature perspective on the relevance of your work. This is crucial for your chances at a top-tier IIM.

I would not suggest having anything less than a 730. The higher the better. Remember that, at the end of the admissions process, unless you have differentiated yourself with your background and experience, you may just be a statistic for the evaluation committee, and they may prefer someone with stronger academics or a better GMAT score. This reality check in advance will help you prepare effectively and face challenging competition.

Goals- PM goals are among the most generic. How you would be a great fit for this role, and what have you done to understand more about the kind of PM you want to become (industry focus, level, scope) will add value to your case.

Your ECs seem dated but I am sure you haven't spent enough bandwidth on how to unravel relevant experiences there.
I suggest that you think deeper and analyze whether you have missed considering any mundane/ unobvious/ subtle initiatives you may have taken through the years ( travel, learning a new language, certain diversity initiatives at work, for example, raising voice against gender discrimination, voicing strong opinions for diversity in the workforce, providing financial or moral support to someone in need, teaching the underprivileged kids, organizing diversity talks or off-site activities for better collaboration among teams, and so on). In my experience, I have seen that applicants struggle to recall in the early stages of application how they contributed toward the betterment of their community. It could take a little introspection and guidance to unravel it all.

Feel free to reach out for a candid discussion.

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

Hello Varshini969

IIMs will evaluate your profile on four factors-
1) Academic Potential- checks the box with decent past scores, but the GMAT score is equally (if not more) important. An estimated score will further help assess your chances as with an IT background you will need an above par score to stand out.
2) Work ex- While you have a strong brand on the CV, none of the information shared sheds any light on career progression or achievements. There will be several candidates with your background, how does your work ex stand out via the story you tell in the essays and interviews will make all the difference.
3) Diversity- Software background makes it difficult to stand out as you belong to the largest and most competitive pool of IT applicants. A couple of extracurricular activities look good though. Toastmasters is a B school favorite but you need to showcase accomplishments/impact here. Keep in mind that school/university activities do not add much weight unless the achievements are stellar and still relevant. To conclude, we need to identify any qualities/traits/life experiences that can help us prove to the school that you will be a great addition to the class and help add value to the experience of your batchmates inside and outside the classroom.
4) Career goals- ISB is looking for leaders with a clear and realistic vision of their career and you seem to have goals that are organic and one of the most sought after post MBA, only need to weave it with your past experience and showcase why now is the best time.

Apart from scoring a 720+ on the GMAT, what is crucial from here is strong presentation of your narrative weaving together your past experience with your future goals.

Best
Varun
MBAkarma.com
+91-8452954888 (WApp for quick response)

Hi experts,

Please evaluate my profile:

Indian - General - Male

10th - 91.2%
12th - 92%
Btech - Mechanical (8.5/10) - Tier 2 Central Govt College

Total work experience - 4+ years
2 Yrs - Design engineer, EPC company - power sector,
(significant client interactions; support to sales teams, coordination with PM teams post order confirmation)
Current (2+ Yrs) - Project manager, digital transformation, manufacturing company

Extracurricular - Nothing significant

GMAT: planning to take
Target Bschools: IIM A&B 1-Yr MBAs
Post MBA goals: Product Manager

Kindly suggest what can be done to make my profile stronger and more competitive

Thanks in advance !!

Hello Spectre26

Without an expected GMAT score, very tough to comment on your chances.
Details shared on work ex tell very little as there is lack of quantitative details (such as career progression, international exposure, achievements or even brands on the CV) and makes it difficult to say whether this will be a stand out strength.
Considering lack of extracurricular activities and one of the most sought after post MBA goals, your Diversity factor seems low. Is there any trait/quality/experience that can help you prove that you will be a good addition to the class and will be able to add value to the experience of your batch mates inside and outside the classroom?
In absence of such details all I can say is go for a high GMAT score (730+) and really work on a narrative that makes you stand out in the large and competitive pool of engineering applicants that aspire to become product managers after MBA.

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





Posted from my mobile device

Hey Varshini969,

You've certainly made a splash academically, showcasing consistent dedication and brilliance. Pair that with your enriching work experience at Cognizant and TCS, where you've dived into significant projects and delivered tangible results, you're on the right track! Your involvement as a cultural coordinator and a Toastmaster further spices up your profile, amplifying your leadership and communication skills.

Next up is the GMAT. Keep aiming high and prepare thoroughly to secure a strong score, the IIMs would appreciate that. Your desire to become a Product Manager resonates well with your background. Just remember to articulate your motivations and the unique value you'd bring to this role.

Your leadership role in CSR activities at TCS and other instances where you’ve directed key projects, solved complex problems, and influenced change are all golden opportunities to demonstrate your impact. For instance, perhaps you led an automation testing project that enhanced efficiency by 30% or you mentored junior testers in your team to become proficient. Don't forget to highlight these moments.

Craft your essays with a personal touch, connecting your past achievements, present pursuits, and future goals to form a compelling narrative. Secure strong recommendation letters, they're like your secret sauce, affirming your growth potential. And finally, remember your profile is a jigsaw puzzle; every piece must fit together to present a comprehensive, vibrant picture of you.

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,
Two suggestions in addition to the GMAT scores:
1. Get some extracurriculars. A well rounded personality is a plus for MBA applications.
Sharing some options here -
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/shruti-p ... er_android

2. Research the goals well. Are you referring to product management roles in the tech industry? If yes, then you can check a few job descriptions of your target roles and identify the skill gaps if any. It's a good idea to build new skills as required.

All the best 👍



Posted from my mobile device
_________________

Hi experts,

Please evaluate my profile:

Indian - General - FEMALE

10th - 70%
12th - 65%
B.Sc - Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Microbiology (7.2/10) - State Govt. College
M.Sc.- Microbiology(7.5/10)

Total work experience - 4+ years
Worked in a Biologics Firm, especially dealt with Covid Vaccine Production and Cancer biosimilar production.
Helped in formulation of Drug and its Efficacy. Dealing with Regulatory Affair team for the release of Drug in Market.


Extracurricular - Like researching about Stocks and also a passive Investor/Trading

GMAT: planning to take
Target Bschools: IIM B,C,I and K,ISB 1-Yr MBAs
Post MBA goals: Strategy Management, Finance Management, Marketing Management.

Hi Priyankajaismali hope this finds you well. You have a very interesting work background.

I gather from your profile that you worked in formulation but were more oriented towards the development to production rollout aspects, which is great because it gives you the opportunity to speak about your ability to work under a high-pressure environment where you are likely to coordinate with a plethora of stakeholders at all levels (from leadership to marketing to manufacturing - all those who have a vested interest in having the production on time). Definitely take advantage of your unique positioning to create a strong leadership narrative.

Industry focus - Since you are considering a 1-year MBA, your post-MBA industry will most likely also be pharma/healthcare (although you did not mention). Candidates who exhibit a strong understanding of their industry, supported by extensive reading, research, and hands-on experience, stand out. In your essays and interviews, delve into your industry's future trends, challenges, or emerging approaches. For instance, identify a problem you may have observed at close quarters in pharma/biopharma in India and discuss strategies to achieve a sustainable solution. Engage the adcom in a captivating vision that highlights your expertise in your area.

Goals Research - Your post-MBA goals are a bit all over the place at the moment.

Strategy Consulting with a tier 1 consulting company like MBB with a focus on Big Pharma/Healthcare in a few years' time (if you start as a generalist) would make a more realistic goal. This would give you a hands-on opportunity to work with a number of industry leaders in an area where you would like to focus on in the long term (for example you could ask for specialization in marketing after a few years as a generalist).

Marketing Management for pharma/biopharma is usually related to patient centricity and involves conducting marketing activities to ensure better patient treatment experiences. Applicants who have prior experience working closely in a market research role with caregivers (such as in ZS consulting) are strong candidates for projects in the market positioning of therapies/treatments in biopharma/pharma. Tier-1 consulting companies are again a great place to gain exposure to market research and positioning projects in pharma/biopharma. These profiles can eventually transition into strategic marketing roles in biotechnology companies or pivot to a large pharma company as a Patient Engagement Leads, where they work on enhancing patient-centricity.

I am intrigued why you did not mention IIM A in your school list. You would be a great fit for IIM A PGPX. But do focus on getting a solid 720+.

Feel free to reach out for a candid discussion.

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

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Priyankajaismali,

Overall, your profile is good and you have a good chance of being admitted to your target schools. Your academic record seems decent. The 10th and 12th grades are average but can be offset by the master's. Your work experience in the biotechnology industry is relevant and can make your profile stand out to an extent. Your involvement in the drug formulation process and work with the Regulatory Affairs team can be used to showcase your understanding of the industry, which can go a long way in making a good impression on the MBA admissions committees, especially if you can articulate your understanding of the industry, your accomplishments, clarity of goals and the impact you've created well.

Here are some areas where you could improve your profile:

GMAT score: Aim for a score of at least 700 to be competitive for admission to your target schools

Leadership experience: You could work on gaining some kind of leadership experience

Networking: Network with people in your industry and learn more about the industry. Try to identify a niche problem in your industry that you would want to solve using your skills and MBA. This will help show the adcoms that you are clear about your goals and the need for an MBA at this stage

Application materials: Make sure to write clear, concise and compelling essays that highlight your unique selling points - your skills, achievements and clear career goals. The post-MBA goals you've mentioned in strategy management, finance management and marketing management could align well with the skill set and experiences you have if you can research well and connect your goals with your past experiences and show a clear understanding of how an MBA will help you achieve the specific goals

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
_________________

Hi Spectre26,

Your academic record is great throughout. This is a positive aspect in your profile. Aim to get a GMAT score of 720+ to further strengthen the competitiveness of your profile.

Your work experience shows skills in engineering and project management. We would have to delve deeper into your team management and project management experiences, your specific accomplishments and the impact you have made in your various roles to get a clearer picture of the quality of your work experience and whether it is competitive enough for the top schools.

Not having any extracurricular activities is a negative aspect but is not a huge disadvantage. This can be offset by showcasing strengths in other areas such as gmat, work experience quality and achievements, essays, LORs etc.

With respect to your post-MBA goals, you need to connect your career goals with your experiences and skills and show how an MBA will enhance your skills and position you for success in product management. For this, you first need to be clear on why you would want to become a product manager and what skills and qualifications you have for the same.

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
_________________

Hi Varshini969,

I am one of the lead consultants at Admit Expert.

This was more or less my profile back when I applied for MBA. 93% in 10th, 97% in 12th and 8 GPA in Instrumentation Engineering. I had worked in TCS for 5 years in internal IT. A very mundane and overrepresented IT profile. What I had in my favor - 720 GMAT, strong in the extracurricular space (14+ years of training and performance in south Indian classical music) and significant volunteering experience that tied into my overall story very well. I was late in the application cycle for Indian schools, so could apply only to XLRI. I did apply to Tepper, LBS and INSEAD abroad. I secured admission to XLRI and Tepper with scholarship. My post-MBA career goal was product management too but was connected to my TCS work as well as my passion for music.

Take away for you from this - Your profile is good. You need to target a GMAT of 720+. You need to show clarity of thought w.r.t. your goals and try to connect them well with your current experience, skills and passions.

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
_________________

Hello Everyone,

I am planning to apply to 1yr MBA programs at IIM ABCL Co'25

Here's my profile:
10th/12th : 92%/90% (MH state board)
GMAT: 690 (q49/v35)

Bachelor's:
BE Electronics from Mumbai Univ (top 5 in class of 70)

Masters:
MS EE from San Jose State Univ (3.8 GPA)
Final project won the EE department award for best project

Work Ex:
8+ years at top 5 semiconductor company, 6+ YOE of which are in US.
Handled varied roles within engineering, across hardware, software, operations and QC, requiring cross-functional collaboration across geographies
On track to be nominated for a tech lead within department this year
steady track record of publishing papers, innovations
Won over 75+ awards won over the years for contributions
steady cadence of promotions over the years
currently mentoring junior engineers at work and training 3rd party contractors in department operations
Part of ISO-9001 certification effort for the department
Part of department committee for hiring and onboarding interns
Did a gig with company HR to revamp job descriptions to attract better talent
Currently doing a gig to develop marketing materials for a new strategic initiative at work

ECs:
work:
Served as VP Pubic Relations for Toastmasters at company, awarded for highest open house guest turnout in the previous 5 years.
Awarded for being top 50 employee volunteers across India at company
Was part of the organizing committee for an international women's conference at company

During college (these may not be relevant, these were a long time ago):
Presented R&D project at ELECRAMA, world's largest t&d show in the electrical industry.
2 year stint as IEEE editor in college, editor of college tech/cultural magazines
Was the department placement officer, helped place 90+ of the batch

Others:
Performed in an covid awareness acapella with renowned musician
Worked as digital marketing content editor for a private SEO firm for a brief period

Interests:
reading, training to become master in kundalini yoga.

Motivation:
change in functional role and looking to work in strategy/biz dev role in semiconductor industry in India

Long Term goal:
Executive position in a F500 tech co.

Plan A:
short term plan:
strategy/biz dev role for tech cos in India by developing management skills through an MBA.
Leverage international experience to grow in the Indian tech industry
long term plan:
leadership role in f500 tech cos.

Plan B:
leverage current engineering design experience and acquire business skills to move into product management roles in tech cos.
long term goal remains the same.

Thank you for your time, insights and suggestions!

Hello, Sidgenius24!

You have an impressive profile overall, although there is room for improvement in your GMAT score since IIM A is surely very competitive. However, considering your international experience and global exposure, retaking the test may not be necessary. Your undergraduate scores and post-graduation GPA already indicate a promising academic foundation.

[I wasn't clear if your "motivation" and "goals in Tech Cos" are the same. I assumed semiconductor industry is where you aspire to work eventually. Irrespective, the guiding principle remains the same]

1. The most crucial aspect for you to address in the admissions process is explaining why the PGPx/MBA program is essential for your transition into your desired functional roles - strategy and biz dev in semiconductor industry in India. Maybe you want to establish a strong presence in the Indian job market upon your return to India, or perhaps you experienced a certain setback that has highlighted the gaps in your profile that can be bridged through the PGPX programs.

2. Conducting thorough research on your Plan A is vital - identify the specific roles you aim to pursue (draw upon examples of roles within specific companies) and understand the feeder pipeline for such positions (network and speak with industry experts). Show how will respective PGPs facilitate your transition into a strategy/business development role in similar companies? Another question you might encounter is whether an MBA is really needed to progress in the business development domain of a semiconductor company, given your extensive background in semiconductors.

And since your chosen industry may initially seem a narrow choice post MBA, I recommend exploring management consulting roles as well where you can move from a generalist to a specialization if you are so passionate about seeking projects in the semiconductor industry. In this setting, you will have the opportunity to work and devise strategy with senior leadership in the semiconductor sector business. This experience will eventually help you on your way to a CXO level position as you build trust and establish yourself in the industry.

Regarding your Plan B, it is a safe and commonly chosen path. However, since product management encompasses a broad spectrum, your success lies in demonstrating a deep understanding of the specific roles that suit you within the field (which ones and why?)

On another note, winning over 75 awards is an outstanding accomplishment that is sure to capture attention and impress. Your extracurricular activities are good, and your involvement in Toastmasters is particularly noteworthy.

Feel free to connect for a candid discussion should you need guidance on your application strategy.

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

Hello Sidgenius24

Pretty balanced profile. Only weakness that sticks out is the 690. DOn't get me wrong- this is by no means a deal breaker in your specific case considering everything else is a strength.
Work ex (strong progress and achievements), Diversity (via extracurriculars and international experience), Career Goals (Clear and organic) all work for you.
You can potentially compensate for the below par score if you are to tie the above 3 elements well in your essays, LORs and interviews.
But the chances would be stellar if you had a 710+ in case you are considering a retake.
Nevertheless, all the best, you have a strong profile.

Best
Varun
MBAkarma.com
+91-8452954888

Hello Priyankajaismali

What works in your favor-

Past scores, Work profile (under-represented and adds diversity).

What raises questions

Missing GMAT of course- an estimate score will help further.
Career Goals- how are you planning to make this transition with your current education and work experience. Your diversity could backfire in that case if you are not able to show your research how are you planning to make this career transition successful (for example have you done something in these four years that can help you move into marketing management, even if that is outside your full time job). Also the goals stated are too disjointed- Strategy Management, Finance Management, Marketing Management are all very different jobs and require different experiences, skills and would want you to pursue different electives at ISB. With goals in their current form, ISB will see you lacking clarity and this makes this element the biggest risk in your case.
I recommend you start by articulating career goals that must be Clear and Realistic. When I say clarity, what I mean is that you should be able to tell the school the Long Term vision of your career (say ten years from now) and your personal motivation behind such vision (what motivates you to have such a vision- this helps make your profile interesting and personalized). Then you have to tell them the Short Term vision (say five years from now). This is the role you will work in for about five years in order to gain enough learning and experience to be able to transition into your long term vision. Then finally you have to tell how ISB will act as a stepping stone to help you reach your short term vision. What existing skills will ISB further strengthen and what new skills will it help you gain in order to land the targeted roles with the targeted companies. Yes, you need to be that specific. Secondly, the goals also must be realistic. If your goals are something that has got nothing to do with your experience or skills, it might be a tough transition to make. Similarly, if ISB is not known to get the kinds of roles or companies that you are targeting, the goals might not be realistic from the school’s perspective. Both ways schools will see you as an employment risk and be hesitant to admit you. You are not planning to spend several thousand dollars without a plan in mind, right? Do your research and be very clear and know what you want out of B-School, you will have limited opportunities to ‘find yourself’ during an MBA.

Best
Varun
MBAkarma.com
+91-8452954888

Hey Spectre26,

Your profile demonstrates strong academics, valuable work experience, and clear post-MBA goals, providing a solid foundation. To further enhance your profile, engage in extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and teamwork, such as volunteering or taking leadership roles in professional organizations. These experiences will showcase your well-roundedness.

Devote ample time and effort to GMAT preparation, aiming for a high score that aligns with averages at your target B-schools. Enroll in prep courses, utilize practice materials, and take mock exams to familiarize yourself with the test format.

Highlight instances of leadership and impact in your work experience. For example, lead a design engineering project, managing the team and implementing innovative solutions for improved efficiency or cost savings. Describe exceptional sales support and client interactions, emphasizing successful conversions and long-term relationships. Discuss effective coordination with project management teams, ensuring smooth execution and timely completion.

Network with alumni and attend information sessions to gain insights and tailor your application accordingly. Craft compelling essays that illustrate your unique story, motivations, and aspirations, emphasizing how your experiences have prepared you for the role of a product manager. Choose recommenders who can provide detailed insights into your abilities, achievements, and potential.

Admission to top B-schools is competitive, so present your experiences, skills, and goals effectively. Quantify achievements, such as cost savings or efficiency improvements, and mention recognition or awards received. Keep your application concise, impactful, and focused on showcasing leadership skills and driving results.

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 Sidgenius24,

Your profile is remarkable, showcasing a rich blend of commendable academic scores, diverse professional experiences, and a whole lot of extracurricular activities - you certainly stand out! But let's consider a few tweaks to boost your chances further.

Your 690 GMAT score is decent and can help you achieve your goal.

Next, your essays! These are your spaces to let your personality shine. Beyond achievements, your essays should capture your unique story, your leadership journey, and the positive changes you've influenced in your organisation.

Your career roadmap seems well thought out. The links between your short-term and long-term goals are clear, which is excellent. However, can we add a bit more detail? Clearer, more specific goals often resonate better with admissions committees.

You've got a fantastic list of extracurricular activities, but focus on those that highlight your leadership, initiative, teamwork, and impact. Your Toastmasters role and involvement in the women's conference certainly stand out here.

Highlight your leadership roles at work, such as your impending tech lead nomination. Talk about the tangible impacts of your mentoring and training efforts, your influence on the hiring and onboarding process, and your cross-departmental initiatives.

Your resume should emphasise the impact you've had, not just list the roles you've performed. And your letters of recommendation should ideally come from people who can vouch for your leadership abilities and potential.

In summary, showcase the impacts of your initiatives and leadership roles at work, aim for a higher GMAT score, focus your essays on your personal journey, and pick the right people to write your recommendations.

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