Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 04:16 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 04:16
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,426
Own Kudos:
927
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,426
Kudos: 927
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jun 2022, 03:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, nikwinner,

Thank you for your post!

First, I would like to say you have a decent GMAT score, and your overall GPA is ok. However, it would help if you can add some other academic statistics to your profile. Moreover, since you belong to an overrepresented pool of candidates and targetting top B-School like INSEAD, you must back a score of 720+ in your GMAT retake; it would increase your chances significantly. Coming to your profile, I would like to say you did well mentioning your current role & responsibilities and also added promotions and relevant international exposure. However, it's also important to add stellar leadership examples. What more I would like is for you to explain the current role, working environment, critical projects, and international projects, and add any professional accolades. Additionally, also, try to quantize your critical project. You do have some international exposure in your work profile, make sure you exhibit it in such a way that it will give a global outlook to your profile. Moreover, working as a consultant for State Government Finance Office definitely adds extra points to your profile.

Regarding your ECAs, there isn't much volunteering service, but Running a local residential fund to feed stray dogs & cats and developing a course on Rural Governance does count as interesting ECA. However, I would still suggest you add some more volunteering and community work and mention the challenges faced, leadership examples, and the impact created. A strong overall profile is a prerequisite for a top B-school like INSEAD. Also, I would recommend adding the HBS CORE course and any other certifications and additional certified courses to your profile to gain additional points.

All in all, you do have a decent profile. I find your post-MBA goal to be quite relevant. Moreover, I believe a retake with 720+ can be a game-changer. As for schools like INSEAD, you'll need to put in your work experience, ECAs, community services, contribution & volunteering experiences to make yourself an innovative thinker with competent leadership and analytical skills. Because these are the most basic values that top Schools like INSEAD look for in a successful candidate. As of now, I would need more information, as I feel your profile is still brief at some points. If you'd like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further help you with your strategy for essays and interviews regarding MBA programs, Feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience.

Join us for a webinar where- ADCOM AND INDUSTRY EXPERT ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com




nikwinner
Hello Everyone,

Request your kind inputs on my profile for INSEAD FT MBA

Background and nationality - Male Indian

Education and GMAT: - Bachelor and Masters from IIT Roorkee, GPA 3.3, Also completed Harvard Business School Online CORE (Credential for Readiness) Course

GMAT: 710 (Q50 V35)

Work experience and leadership-

1. Total 5+ years total work - 2.5 Year at a big 4 consulting firm in Consulting vertical and 2+ Year of experience at a Strategy & Consulting firm (current employer). 1 Promotion from Senior Strategy Analyst to Consultant. Current role require to work with people across geo ( North America, UK, France, Australia and Middle East)

2. Mentoring current team mates on development of people skills, consulting mindset etc. Run a local residential area fund to feed the stray dogs and cats.

3. Worked with the Head of Department of MBA, IIT Roorkee to developed a course on Rural Governance. Currently being Thought as an elective at IIT Roorkee.

4. Worked as a consultant for State Government Finance Office to develop State Finance commission report

Post MBA goal - short term - work with strategy consulting firms and gain expertise in a Innovation/Tech area.

Medium to long term - Leverage the learning to set up global innovation hubs for lead consulting firms across multiple locations.

Key Concerns - My GMAT score my make my overall application looks weak and might become the reason for rejection.
Show more
User avatar
ExpertsGlobal
User avatar
Experts' Global Representative
Joined: 18 Apr 2017
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,468
Own Kudos:
408
Given Kudos: 6
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,468
Kudos: 408
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jun 2022, 04:29
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
hanmanjeney
Hello folks,

Request for your kind inputs on my profile for INSEAD FT MBA - Singapore (Preferably)

Background and nationality - Male Indian

Undergrad Information - UG in computer science. Been a student founder of clothing startup. Set up student committe for placements. Top 10% of class in grades.

GMAT: 710 (Q49 V38)

Work experience and leadership-

1. 5 years total work ex at big 5 consulting firm - feeder company. 1 year as engineer. 4 years as management consultant. Had a cross entity transfer from technology to consulting entity after recommendation from global CEO. 2 major promotions in 5 years now in a post MBA consulting role.

2. Founder and trustee of sports foundation focused on para atheletes and grassroota. We support 7 international atheletes including 4 international para swimmers. We also nurture 77 underprivileged kids in swimming for free. We are Funded by global VC firm and a NYSE listed MNC. Established partnerships with US based sports academy and a global nutrition brand.

3. Special iniatives lead for office of member of parliament
I have led several national level iniatives during covid including 400 doctors national telemedicine set up during covid wave 2, set up home delivery platform with a unicorn startup during covid lockdown 1 for groceries.
Led iniatives where we set up wheelchair Ramps across major parts of the city to make city more accessible and inclusive.
I led 5 member election manifesto committee and was also involved in formation of a private member bill in parliament to regulate social media.

Post MBA goal - short term to medium term - global impact consulting or impact investment. Gain perspectives and learnings on global impact firms.

Medium to long term - Use the learning and take up leadership position at impact consulting or investment firms back in india.

I wish to continue be in the capacity of the trustee in my NGO and contribute to its growth.
Show more

Hello hanmanjeney,

As an Indian male candidate, you belong to an overrepresented pool of applicants and should consider retaking the GMAT. A 710 is a below average score for INSEAD.

Besides the GMAT, you have a lot going for you. Good to see the leadership experience, entrepreneurial initiatives, and your work with a top-notch consulting firm. All of these will prove to be effective talking points.

All the best!
avatar
imnewhere
avatar
Joined: 12 Jun 2022
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 1
Posts: 1
Kudos: 0
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 12 Jun 2022, 05:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 26
Gender Female
Location: Singapore
Nationality: Singaporean Indian (Lived in a few countries before moving to Singapore at a young age)
Languages: English, Hindi, French (A2)

Work Experience:
1. 4 years of work experience at public healthcare technology company (at time of entry) as a Business Analyst
2. Worked with various public healthcare institutions in Singapore

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from the National University of Singapore with a GPA of 4.05/5 (Honours with Distinction)
2. Completed a minor in Information Security and a specialization in Marketing Analytics
3. Completed the NUS Residential College Program
4. Received a full-ride government scholarship for my undergraduate studies based on my A level results and profile
5. Yet to take GMAT but aiming for 720

International Experience:
1. Studied in the US for 1 semester in university
2. Attended a conference at the UN in high school
3. Avid traveler for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the vice-president of the healthcare society in university
3. Was a part of the executive committee of my residential college in university and was given the Honor Roll award for my contributions
4. Created an interest group on systems thinking in university
5. Roller blading

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work in the tech sector as a Business Developer. I would like to move from the public sector to the private sector.
Long Term: I would like to create a social enterprise that leverages upon technology to help marginalized communities. For this, I require more experience and management skills which is why I want to do an MBA.
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
1,539
 [1]
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
 [1]
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 12 Jun 2022, 05:36
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
If we look at their criteria its leadership/academics/contribution/international motivation. Pending your GMAT score I think academics looks solid, as well as contribution, but there isnt much to go on regarding leadership. Have you demonstrated initiative/impact/results in the ECs you mention? If so I would go hard on that in your application. Do you have that at work?

I am also a little concerned about international motivation - would be ideal if you had work intl exp because there are loads of Singaporeans applying. But missing that, would be very important to articulate why you need a "UN style program" and how that will inform your career trajectory.

Make sure to be very diligent measuring how you have added value and the results/impact you have generated in work preferably quantitative but also qualitative.
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,230
Own Kudos:
2,072
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,230
Kudos: 2,072
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 12 Jun 2022, 18:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
imnewhere:

Agree with the previous post, assuming you nail that 720+ on the GMAT. Your extracurricular leadership should be fine, but you are going to want to dig deep into your accomplishments and interests. That's important to draw distincitons with other candidates and to really show your passions to the AdCom.

Not a concern now, but we're not thrilled with your career goals, especially the long-term. You will need much more specificity in your actual essays for INSEAD.

Please reach out for a free consultation using the link below if you think we can of help with the essays or anything else in your application.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation Updated on: 14 Jun 2022, 03:57
Originally posted by MBAGuide on 12 Jun 2022, 23:13.
Last edited by MBAGuide on 14 Jun 2022, 03:57, edited 1 time in total.
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
imnewhere
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 26
Gender Female
Location: Singapore
Nationality: Singaporean Indian (Lived in a few countries before moving to Singapore at a young age)
Languages: English, Hindi, French (A2)

Work Experience:
1. 4 years of work experience at public healthcare technology company (at time of entry) as a Business Analyst
2. Worked with various public healthcare institutions in Singapore

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from the National University of Singapore with a GPA of 4.05/5 (Honours with Distinction)
2. Completed a minor in Information Security and a specialization in Marketing Analytics
3. Completed the NUS Residential College Program
4. Received a full-ride government scholarship for my undergraduate studies based on my A level results and profile
5. Yet to take GMAT but aiming for 720

International Experience:
1. Studied in the US for 1 semester in university
2. Attended a conference at the UN in high school
3. Avid traveler for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the vice-president of the healthcare society in university
3. Was a part of the executive committee of my residential college in university and was given the Honor Roll award for my contributions
4. Created an interest group on systems thinking in university
5. Roller blading

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work in the tech sector as a Business Developer. I would like to move from the public sector to the private sector.
Long Term: I would like to create a social enterprise that leverages upon technology to help marginalized communities. For this, I require more experience and management skills which is why I want to do an MBA.
Show more


Hi imnewhere hope this finds you in good health

I think you are a strong fit for INSEAD. Your academic achievements are impressive, and your ECs present a well-balanced picture. Singapore is a global cosmopolitan. If you highlight your experience of working with expatriates in Singapore in the correct manner, both at your job and at the international organization you volunteer at, you should be able to demonstrate your motivation for growing your network globally at INSEAD. Your exact role at your company and the impact of your work are somewhat unclear to me. Make sure you have enough examples to corroborate a growth trajectory in your career and your ability to manage stakeholders holistically.
You would have to be more specific about your short-term career plan. How a business development goal in the tech sector aligns with your current experience and long-term goals would require a fair bit of deliberation and a compelling narrative. Also, you need to be more specific about your long-term motivation and talk about the exact problems you have seen through your experience that you wish to solve with your social enterprise.
A better strategy would be be to think about what you would like to do in the long term, say 10-15 years from now and why. Then break down your journey to your long-term goals into possible alternative career paths (a plan A and a plan B) that would help you to pick the right set of skills.

Feel free to reach out should you need professional guidance.

Regards
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,426
Own Kudos:
927
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,426
Kudos: 927
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 14 Jun 2022, 01:27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi imnewhere,

Thanks for sharing your profile. Your profile looks good on the surface. Starting with the stats, your undergrad GPA is good. If you got 720+ GMAT score, then this part will be pretty sorted. On the work front, your work experience must include examples of leadership and impact. Therefore, I would like to know more about your work experience. For INSEAD, the most important things are the school's values. INSEAD evaluates your potential based on the following criteria:

1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics

Make sure your profile is in line with the points mentioned above. I see certain similarities in your profile. You will be required to communicate some international motivation. Regarding your ECs, because you volunteered in an international organization, you may include this in your profile in order to demonstrate an international environment and global outlook.

Also, I would advise you to:

1. Clearly identify the gaps in your profile that INSEAD will help you fill.
2. Think beyond the classroom and work to make your personality shine through in your essays.

Because what’s going to matter most in your application is how you connect the experiential dots and build a great story to stand out from other applicants in the pool.

Your post-mba goals make sense, but they need more clarity. You may want to read an article on how to frame practical post-MBA goals essays, you will get some insights on how to communicate the convincing case to the AdComs.

Your profile is good in general, but there are a few things I'd like to learn more about. INSEAD has 7 essays, AdComs want to get to know the real “you”, so you will need to be honest and reflect deeply on what unique experience you can bring to the program. If you’d like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further chances to INSEAD. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com





imnewhere
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 26
Gender Female
Location: Singapore
Nationality: Singaporean Indian (Lived in a few countries before moving to Singapore at a young age)
Languages: English, Hindi, French (A2)

Work Experience:
1. 4 years of work experience at public healthcare technology company (at time of entry) as a Business Analyst
2. Worked with various public healthcare institutions in Singapore

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from the National University of Singapore with a GPA of 4.05/5 (Honours with Distinction)
2. Completed a minor in Information Security and a specialization in Marketing Analytics
3. Completed the NUS Residential College Program
4. Received a full-ride government scholarship for my undergraduate studies based on my A level results and profile
5. Yet to take GMAT but aiming for 720

International Experience:
1. Studied in the US for 1 semester in university
2. Attended a conference at the UN in high school
3. Avid traveler for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the vice-president of the healthcare society in university
3. Was a part of the executive committee of my residential college in university and was given the Honor Roll award for my contributions
4. Created an interest group on systems thinking in university
5. Roller blading

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work in the tech sector as a Business Developer. I would like to move from the public sector to the private sector.
Long Term: I would like to create a social enterprise that leverages upon technology to help marginalized communities. For this, I require more experience and management skills which is why I want to do an MBA.
Show more
User avatar
ExpertsGlobal
User avatar
Experts' Global Representative
Joined: 18 Apr 2017
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,468
Own Kudos:
408
Given Kudos: 6
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 2,468
Kudos: 408
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 14 Jun 2022, 03:42
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
imnewhere
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 26
Gender Female
Location: Singapore
Nationality: Singaporean Indian (Lived in a few countries before moving to Singapore at a young age)
Languages: English, Hindi, French (A2)

Work Experience:
1. 4 years of work experience at public healthcare technology company (at time of entry) as a Business Analyst
2. Worked with various public healthcare institutions in Singapore

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Business Analytics from the National University of Singapore with a GPA of 4.05/5 (Honours with Distinction)
2. Completed a minor in Information Security and a specialization in Marketing Analytics
3. Completed the NUS Residential College Program
4. Received a full-ride government scholarship for my undergraduate studies based on my A level results and profile
5. Yet to take GMAT but aiming for 720

International Experience:
1. Studied in the US for 1 semester in university
2. Attended a conference at the UN in high school
3. Avid traveler for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the vice-president of the healthcare society in university
3. Was a part of the executive committee of my residential college in university and was given the Honor Roll award for my contributions
4. Created an interest group on systems thinking in university
5. Roller blading

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work in the tech sector as a Business Developer. I would like to move from the public sector to the private sector.
Long Term: I would like to create a social enterprise that leverages upon technology to help marginalized communities. For this, I require more experience and management skills which is why I want to do an MBA.
Show more

Hello imnewhere,

Thanks for writing in.

You haven't shared information pertaining to your career progress at work or your achievements. So, a lot depends not only on the GMAT score you are targetting but also on how well you portray your story through your essays.

INSEAD values international experience (as well as entrepreneurial experience) so you must definitely highlight the same in your essays, as relevant. Your Post MBA goals look fine as well but it is important that you weave them well.

Good luck!
User avatar
MBAPrepCoach
User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Joined: 24 Mar 2015
Last visit: 17 Nov 2025
Posts: 3,939
Own Kudos:
1,539
Given Kudos: 634
Status:MBA Admissions Consultant
Affiliations: MBA Prep Coach
Location: United States
Farrell Nelson: MBA
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 3,939
Kudos: 1,539
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 14 Jun 2022, 04:24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Regarding goals imnewhere

Short Term: Work in the tech sector as a Business Developer. I would like to move from the public sector to the private sector.
Long Term: I would like to create a social enterprise that leverages upon technology to help marginalized communities. For this, I require more experience and management skills which is why I want to do an MBA.

So, you are going to appear as a safer risk if you pick a post MBA goal where INSEAD has established recruiting relationships. That there is a class of jobs where they are seeking MBAs, a lot of them, and for a decent graduating salary. What would that be for your short term goal, whats the job title, for what company (hopefully recruits at INSEAD) and where? The goal should speak to why you need an internatioanal program as well.

If INSEAD doesnt have established recruiting relationships with your target company at minimum you will need to convince them that 1.) you are networked with the target employer and 2.) your background is attractive to them. That they are just waiting for you to get an INSEAD MBA and then the job is yours.

For the Long term goal - this should build upon the short term goal - and I guess for this reason Chief of Staff or something in operations seems to be make more sense to me for the short term goal. BD is a part of the picture but you will need operations ex as well. (this all speaks to the size of the org you are targeting post MBA).

I think you need to pick a lane, using technology to uplift marginalized communities a lot fits under that umbrella and you will need to choose something where you have some data points which seems to be public health. Kind of sounds like healthtech would make the most sense.
avatar
nemshah
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 11 Dec 2017
Last visit: 24 Sep 2022
Posts: 13
Own Kudos:
2
Given Kudos: 32
Location: India
Schools: Rotman '24 (D) Judge '23 (D) Schulich Sep'22 Intake (A) LBS '25 (D) Smith (A$)
GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34
GPA: 3
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: Rotman '24 (D) Judge '23 (D) Schulich Sep'22 Intake (A) LBS '25 (D) Smith (A$)
GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V34
Posts: 13
Kudos: 2
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 01 Jul 2022, 03:43
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 27
Gender Male
Location: Dubai, UAE
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Basic Arabic

Work Experience:
1. 3 years of work experience at Capgemini Consulting as a Business Consultant, then fast track promotion to Associate Project Manager in the first year. --> Went to South Africa (9 months) and Turkey (3 months) for a German automotive client. Rolled their deployments of marketing software across APAC and MENA.
(Managed Teams of up to 25 people across 3 verticals - worked on budgeting and people management and promotions)
2. 1.4 years of experience as an Associate strategy consultant in a finance company managing the entire internal strategy department, and reporting directly to the regional director. (Worked with BCG and some PE firms to streamline their processes as well)
3. 1 year as BI and Strategy Head at a Food Ecommerce Startup in Dubai since 2021 Sept. Managing the one vertical of the product that caters to directly 500M odd users across the country, moved to head to marketing and now currently managing the entire CRM and comms for the company.

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in B.tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Jaipur, India with a 6.3/10 (Distinction and top 30% percentile) in 2017
2. GMAT - 690 (should I take a retake?)

International Experience:
1. Turkey Business Trip - 3 months onshore and 9 months offshore work with the team
2. South Africa - Trip cut short due to Covid (9 months in South Africa till product rollout)
3. Dubai - Lived here from 2002-2015 and then shifted back here for work in 2020 April
3. Avid traveller for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization in consulting. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the Student President of the Core Student Society
3. Was a part of the executive committee of multiple clubs at the university
4. Created a volunteering program for Women who are homemakers and want to learn excel and invest in stocks, MFs
5. Part of a volunteering group which helps blind people study and give exams

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work as a strategy consultant for startups and help them roll out products globally, helping in assessing the product viability in a specific terrain
Long Term: Work as a strategy head for a matured startup which has attained unicorn status and hopefully move towards multiple entreprenuial ventures
User avatar
shrishreyusg
User avatar
Joined: 09 Jan 2021
Last visit: 13 Mar 2023
Posts: 8
Own Kudos:
4
Given Kudos: 15
Location: India
Schools: INSEAD Aug 22 intake IESE '25 (S)
GMAT 1: 700 Q48 V37
GPA: 3.62
Schools: INSEAD Aug 22 intake IESE '25 (S)
GMAT 1: 700 Q48 V37
Posts: 8
Kudos: 4
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 01 Jul 2022, 04:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your input on my profile for INSEAD MBA.
A lot of people have been telling me it is too early to apply to INSEAD. Wanted input on whether I should wait for a couple of years and apply or if I can apply this September.
Secondly is there any impact on my later chances If I apply now and get rejected?


Background
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Location: India
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, (Spanish A1 in progress)

Work Experience:(Total 3 years)
1. 2 years of work experience at PWC as a technology consultant. (Worked with 10+ clients and 5+ sectors on e-commerce solutions, IOT solutions and emerging technologies)
2. 6 months as chief of staff with an agritech startup (Had to switch because I realized I want to stay in a consulting role and not a startup)
3. 9 months as a strategy consultant in a boutique strategy consulting firm. (Worked with 5 clients from different sectors)

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Electronics and Communication (8.8/10 CGPA)
2. Completed a post-graduate degree in rural management (Read Social Impact) (2.9/4.3 CGPA) [Although I was in the > 75% percentile because this was relative grading]
3. Yet to take GMAT but scoring 710 in mocks

International Experience:
1. No physical experience. Have been on pleasure trips for couple of weeks to Dubai, Thailand and Austrailia. But no long term physical experience.
2. Worked with clients from Saudi, Italy, USA for two months each respectively on remote platforms

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Joint secretary of my alumni association
2. Worked with the office of career services during my PG
2. Vice president membership toastmaster during UG
4. Side hustle on impact consulting with 10+ clients in agriculture, education, public policy and healthcare (Looking to incorporate my own NGO for impact consulting in the near future)
5. Volunteering experience for six months teaching underprivileged students
6. Gone on 3 himalayan treks, done a scuba diving certification, completed a basic level certification in carnatic music and partake myself in tons of sporting activities.

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work with consulting firms (preferably Dalberg) or any of the other management consulting firms to gain global experience
Long Term: I would like to be a partner at firms such as Dalberg or create my own social enterprise
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 01 Jul 2022, 04:35
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nemshah
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 27
Gender Male
Location: Dubai, UAE
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Basic Arabic

Work Experience:
1. 3 years of work experience at Capgemini Consulting as a Business Consultant, then fast track promotion to Associate Project Manager in the first year. --> Went to South Africa (9 months) and Turkey (3 months) for a German automotive client. Rolled their deployments of marketing software across APAC and MENA.
(Managed Teams of up to 25 people across 3 verticals - worked on budgeting and people management and promotions)
2. 1.4 years of experience as an Associate strategy consultant in a finance company managing the entire internal strategy department, and reporting directly to the regional director. (Worked with BCG and some PE firms to streamline their processes as well)
3. 1 year as BI and Strategy Head at a Food Ecommerce Startup in Dubai since 2021 Sept. Managing the one vertical of the product that caters to directly 500M odd users across the country, moved to head to marketing and now currently managing the entire CRM and comms for the company.

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in B.tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Jaipur, India with a 6.3/10 (Distinction and top 30% percentile) in 2017
2. GMAT - 690 (should I take a retake?)

International Experience:
1. Turkey Business Trip - 3 months onshore and 9 months offshore work with the team
2. South Africa - Trip cut short due to Covid (9 months in South Africa till product rollout)
3. Dubai - Lived here from 2002-2015 and then shifted back here for work in 2020 April
3. Avid traveller for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization in consulting. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the Student President of the Core Student Society
3. Was a part of the executive committee of multiple clubs at the university
4. Created a volunteering program for Women who are homemakers and want to learn excel and invest in stocks, MFs
5. Part of a volunteering group which helps blind people study and give exams

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work as a strategy consultant for startups and help them roll out products globally, helping in assessing the product viability in a specific terrain
Long Term: Work as a strategy head for a matured startup which has attained unicorn status and hopefully move towards multiple entreprenuial ventures
Show more


Hi nemshah hope this finds you in good health

Pre-MBA experience in strategy roles is a top-tier kind of MBA profile. Overall you have decent credentials but your undergrad GPA and GMAT are not your strong suits. I do not want to come to the conclusion that increasing your GMAT alone would improve your odds of getting into INSEAD. I see that you have marked some dings in your bio from Rotman, LBS, and Judge. Have you tried to get an expert's opinion to understand what may not have worked? Did you apply in the late rounds for LBS and Judge? Did you cite any different goals at the time?

INSEAD evaluates applicants on the four criteria namely leadership potential, international experience, academic inclination, and ability to contribute to the program. While you seem to check most boxes for the school, albeit with some convincing on the academic performance in the Indian demographic, you must present a strong personal narrative in your INSEAD essays to communicate your "brand" and differentiating factor. At the same time establish a strong need for the INSEAD MBA.

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance.

Best wishes
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 01 Jul 2022, 05:11
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
shrishreyusg
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your input on my profile for INSEAD MBA.
A lot of people have been telling me it is too early to apply to INSEAD. Wanted input on whether I should wait for a couple of years and apply or if I can apply this September.
Secondly is there any impact on my later chances If I apply now and get rejected?


Background
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Location: India
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, (Spanish A1 in progress)

Work Experience:(Total 3 years)
1. 2 years of work experience at PWC as a technology consultant. (Worked with 10+ clients and 5+ sectors on e-commerce solutions, IOT solutions and emerging technologies)
2. 6 months as chief of staff with an agritech startup (Had to switch because I realized I want to stay in a consulting role and not a startup)
3. 9 months as a strategy consultant in a boutique strategy consulting firm. (Worked with 5 clients from different sectors)

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Electronics and Communication (8.8/10 CGPA)
2. Completed a post-graduate degree in rural management (Read Social Impact) (2.9/4.3 CGPA) [Although I was in the > 75% percentile because this was relative grading]
3. Yet to take GMAT but scoring 710 in mocks

International Experience:
1. No physical experience. Have been on pleasure trips for couple of weeks to Dubai, Thailand and Austrailia. But no long term physical experience.
2. Worked with clients from Saudi, Italy, USA for two months each respectively on remote platforms

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Joint secretary of my alumni association
2. Worked with the office of career services during my PG
2. Vice president membership toastmaster during UG
4. Side hustle on impact consulting with 10+ clients in agriculture, education, public policy and healthcare (Looking to incorporate my own NGO for impact consulting in the near future)
5. Volunteering experience for six months teaching underprivileged students
6. Gone on 3 himalayan treks, done a scuba diving certification, completed a basic level certification in carnatic music and partake myself in tons of sporting activities.

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work with consulting firms (preferably Dalberg) or any of the other management consulting firms to gain global experience
Long Term: I would like to be a partner at firms such as Dalberg or create my own social enterprise
Show more


Hi shrishreyusg hope this finds you in good health

Whether or not you should apply later depends on what more would you be adding to diversify your experience portfolio further in a couple of years. There is really no "right age" to apply to INSEAD - if that is what your friends mean. At INSEAD MBA you will see students in the age range of 23 to ~36. Only make sure that when you apply, you are able to present a strong candidacy on the four key criteria for selection namely leadership potential, international experience, academic inclination, and ability to contribute to the INSEAD program.

As you may know, one of the most important aspects B Schools want to see in your application is growth potential. Your transition from a technology consultant to a chief of staff in a startup to a strategy consultant depicts a lot of promise in your capabilities. You even have a postgraduate in rural management which is interesting. I wish your stint as COS in the agritech startup hadn't been so short since that would have given an immense edge to your profile and would have complimented your interest in rural mgt studies very well. I see you have a plethora of interests outside of work including social impact initiatives so this could become a strong force pushing your candidacy forward.
INSEAD is not openly known to be a re-applicant-friendly school, but in your case, I think INSEAD could be willing to give you another chance if you come back with more international projects under your belt in a couple of years as a reapplicant.

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance.
Best wishes
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,230
Own Kudos:
2,072
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,230
Kudos: 2,072
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jul 2022, 12:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
nemshah:

You will have a chance at INSEAD but odds are it'll be a long shot.

You really need to retake the GMAT. A 690 for someone with your profile is going to have a much harder time. If you can pull off at least 30 more points, that would go a long way in improving your chances.

Are any of these extracurricular activities post-university? That's very important as showing you are involved in the community after graduation means a lot to INSEAD (and other schools.)

I also think you need to refine your career goals, but what you have laid out can work as a starting point.

Please reach out for a FREE consultation if you would like to speak with an INSEAD-focused consultant on our team.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,230
Own Kudos:
2,072
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,230
Kudos: 2,072
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 02 Jul 2022, 13:10
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
shrishreyusg:

Q: Wanted input on whether I should wait for a couple of years and apply or if I can apply this September.

A: I wouldn't wait more than one year. You are already 27, and one more year would be fine as well. It might be a good idea as you'll have more time at your current employer. You might also be able to beef up your extracurricular involvement during that period as well.

Q: Secondly is there any impact on my later chances If I apply now and get rejected?

A: Possibly. You don't get a complete, blank slate as a reapplicant, but you are given a fair shot to show your improvements and other changes since you went through the process the previous time. The challenge for some people is if they apply in a later round in Year 1 and then reapply in an earlier round in Year 2. That makes it difficult because there is usually less time to demonstrate change.

Does that help? Please reach out to us for a free consultation if you are interested in chatting further about your profile and a potential plan of action.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
User avatar
sanjna2023
User avatar
Joined: 17 Feb 2017
Last visit: 31 Jan 2024
Posts: 77
Own Kudos:
53
Given Kudos: 629
Location: India
Schools: IESE '25 (A) INSEAD Aug'23 intake (A$) ISB '24 (A) HEC Sep'24 Intake (D)
GMAT 1: 680 Q48 V35
GPA: 4
WE:Consulting (Consulting)
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: IESE '25 (A) INSEAD Aug'23 intake (A$) ISB '24 (A) HEC Sep'24 Intake (D)
GMAT 1: 680 Q48 V35
Posts: 77
Kudos: 53
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 03 Jul 2022, 07:24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Location: India
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi

Work Experience:
1. 5 years of work experience at KPMG India in the Technology Center of Excellence of Risk Advisory. Currently working as an Assistant Manager and have received out of turn promotions back to back along with 1 rating consistently. Currently working in the product management space with a global 10 member team on a global KPMG project with funding for our SaaS product being deployed and adopted globally across KPMG member firms.
2. Experience involves data and analytics support to clients in the form of Process Mining and Data Visualisation projects that allows clients to map their current processes with best practices, identify gaps, perform continuous monitoring and business performance assessment as well as 3 level CXO Reporting.
3. Strategy projects such as technology transformation for large orgnaisations looking to revamp their processes and adopt technology for better oversight and automation/ digitisation of their organisations.
4. Leads a team of 7 people. In the top 1% employees to win a jury based award (ACE Award) across the entire Advisory practice along with other awards.


Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Bachelors in Commerce from Delhi University. Received first division i.e. 73%.
2. GMAT - Preparing
3. School - 93%

International Experience:
1. Global support to clients based in Europe (Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia), United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.
2. Been staffed at KPMG Australia for 1 year working on a global KPMG project with KPMG International funding. However, not onsite due to COVID protocols with possibility to travel this year.
3. Part of a 2 member team that provided consultancy services and program assistance for a clients Blockchain based technology Solution launch at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, Spain


Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Led PMO Support for KPMG to Organize India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2018 and India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2019 in association with DoT and COAI which involved interactions with industry veterans to seek perspective around the challenges faced by the telecom industry while implementing new technologies keeping in mind the country’s vision of Digital India and smart cities. This was inaugurated by the PM of India, Shri. Narendara Modi. I have received a special mention from the CEO of KPMG for my contribution towards the event.
1. Speaker at 3 panels for college students to speak about Consulting opportunities they can pursue as well as my personal experience of working in a tech space despite being from a non tech background. Each session has seen participation of about 100 participants.
2. Identified and registered Mentor at a global community called Women in Consulting Community.
3. Selected basis my exemplary performance at KPMG as a Gen Y mentor for an upward mentoring programme that involves mentoring a partner (mentee) and helping them navigate working with millennial's in their team.
4. Personal coaching and mentoring to 2 lower income level girls pursuing careers post college which involves Resume prep, Interview coaching, Finance planning and tax planning. This is not restricted to career oriented mentoring but also covers the intricacies of navigating having a career in line with the social stigmas in their families.

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work as a strategy consultant for startups and help them roll out products globally, helping in assessing the product viability in a specific terrain as well as product positioning and management. Looking to apply for Product Marketing Manager roles.
Long Term: Work in leadership roles at Product companies in the corporate space and breaking down barriers by setting an example of a Woman in Tech and a Non Techie in a Tech background. Be able to help and create a platform for working women to prosper in senior corporate roles especially tech strategy.
User avatar
Admissionado
User avatar
Admissionado
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Last visit: 26 May 2024
Posts: 9,230
Own Kudos:
2,072
 [1]
Given Kudos: 69
Location: Chicago, IL
Expert
Expert reply
Schools: HBS - Class of 2005
Posts: 9,230
Kudos: 2,072
 [1]
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 03 Jul 2022, 11:36
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
COVID19butGMAT21:

You have a great profile and will surely be a candidate for INESAD.

The two keys for you are (a) to nail the GMAT. It would be ideal if you could score a 730+. At the very least, try to get a 700. Anything below that won't necessarily disqualify you (assuming it's not very low) but it will put a lot more pressure on the rest of your profile which is challenging for someone coming from a competitive demographic; (b) weave all of this great information together into a coherent story. You have provided a lot of solid detail here but you don't want your CV/resume and application essays to overwhelm the AdCom. The key is to build your profile in a thematic way that showcases the most impactful initiatives and achievements. Remember, your application is a summary of your "best hits," not every single one of them.

If my team can be of help, please don't hesitate to reach out if you want to chat through a free consultation.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
User avatar
MBAGuide
User avatar
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
942
 [1]
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
Posts: 2,282
Kudos: 942
 [1]
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 03 Jul 2022, 23:34
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
COVID19butGMAT21
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Location: India
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi

Work Experience:
1. 5 years of work experience at KPMG India in the Technology Center of Excellence of Risk Advisory. Currently working as an Assistant Manager and have received out of turn promotions back to back along with 1 rating consistently. Currently working in the product management space with a global 10 member team on a global KPMG project with funding for our SaaS product being deployed and adopted globally across KPMG member firms.
2. Experience involves data and analytics support to clients in the form of Process Mining and Data Visualisation projects that allows clients to map their current processes with best practices, identify gaps, perform continuous monitoring and business performance assessment as well as 3 level CXO Reporting.
3. Strategy projects such as technology transformation for large orgnaisations looking to revamp their processes and adopt technology for better oversight and automation/ digitisation of their organisations.
4. Leads a team of 7 people. In the top 1% employees to win a jury based award (ACE Award) across the entire Advisory practice along with other awards.


Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Bachelors in Commerce from Delhi University. Received first division i.e. 73%.
2. GMAT - Preparing
3. School - 93%

International Experience:
1. Global support to clients based in Europe (Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia), United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia.
2. Been staffed at KPMG Australia for 1 year working on a global KPMG project with KPMG International funding. However, not onsite due to COVID protocols with possibility to travel this year.
3. Part of a 2 member team that provided consultancy services and program assistance for a clients Blockchain based technology Solution launch at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, Spain


Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Led PMO Support for KPMG to Organize India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2018 and India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2019 in association with DoT and COAI which involved interactions with industry veterans to seek perspective around the challenges faced by the telecom industry while implementing new technologies keeping in mind the country’s vision of Digital India and smart cities. This was inaugurated by the PM of India, Shri. Narendara Modi. I have received a special mention from the CEO of KPMG for my contribution towards the event.
1. Speaker at 3 panels for college students to speak about Consulting opportunities they can pursue as well as my personal experience of working in a tech space despite being from a non tech background. Each session has seen participation of about 100 participants.
2. Identified and registered Mentor at a global community called Women in Consulting Community.
3. Selected basis my exemplary performance at KPMG as a Gen Y mentor for an upward mentoring programme that involves mentoring a partner (mentee) and helping them navigate working with millennial's in their team.
4. Personal coaching and mentoring to 2 lower income level girls pursuing careers post college which involves Resume prep, Interview coaching, Finance planning and tax planning. This is not restricted to career oriented mentoring but also covers the intricacies of navigating having a career in line with the social stigmas in their families.

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work as a strategy consultant for startups and help them roll out products globally, helping in assessing the product viability in a specific terrain as well as product positioning and management. Looking to apply for Product Marketing Manager roles.
Long Term: Work in leadership roles at Product companies in the corporate space and breaking down barriers by setting an example of a Woman in Tech and a Non Techie in a Tech background. Be able to help and create a platform for working women to prosper in senior corporate roles especially tech strategy.
Show more


Hi COVID19butGMAT21 hope this finds you well

You sure have differentiators that will favor your candidacy at INSEAD.

The first one that stands out to me is that you are a highflyer who started young and has 5 years of experience in digitalization and COE advisory at only 25 years of age. Most folks in your domain from India are engineers who begin careers at about 22 years of age.

The second differentiator is that you are a female from a commerce background who broke into tech, got fast-track promotions, and has several accolades to her name including several international projects.

Suggest that you focus on getting an impressive GMAT score to present an overall balanced profile. With some solid work on the INSEAD essays - elaborating on your personal story, achievements, and professional motivations, you could stand a decent chance at the MBA program.

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance.

Best wishes
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,426
Own Kudos:
927
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,426
Kudos: 927
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 05 Jul 2022, 00:24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, nemshah,

Thank you for your post!

First, I would like to say you do have a good amount of relevant work experience, and along with your ECAs, your profile stands strong on two major fronts. If you could back a score of 730+ in your GMAT, it will boost your chances and help fix your overall GPA easily. All you need to do is back them up with substantial examples of leadership, decision-making, and analytical skills in your long tenure. Additionally, I would like you to add more to your statistics during your graduation and try to add any additional courses, certifications, and academic accolades won. Coming to your profile, you have described your roles and responsibilities and critical projects well and were promoted too in a short period; hence, I think you won't be short on stellar leadership examples. So, to put in your experience, I would like you to elaborate more about your diverse experiences, skill-set developed, professional accolades (including any leadership awards ), and the impact generated during your diverse tenure. Also, you have a good amount of international experience, and amazing growth in the startup, which would be greatly valued at this stage and would give you a chance to expand new horizons to start an interesting conversation with the adcom.

About your ECAs, you do have strong and relevant ones. All you need to do now is elaborate more on the new challenges you faced, the leadership role you played, the impact you created, and a bit more about the overall experience. Moreover, as you want to go into strategy consulting, you need to link your past experiences with your post-MBA goals in a manner so that they appear Collinear with your post-MBA goals. INSEAD is a top B-School hence is no short of stellar profiles, so you must strategize accordingly to grab a seat in the MBA program. You can refer to our article How to get into INSEAD?, this would most certainly help provide insights about how to approach your MBA application for INSEAD Business School.

Overall you have a competitive profile and a good chance at INSEAD, and it's a smart choice considering your post-MBA goal. I see much potential in your profile, and the only thing you need is a bit of guidance and fine polishing around the rough edges! We would like to know more about your leadership examples and professional accolades/certifications so we can build a more robust profile. If you'd like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further help you with shortlisting MBA programs; feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com



nemshah
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your inputs on my profile for INSEAD MBA. Thank you in advance!

Background
Age: 27
Gender Male
Location: Dubai, UAE
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Basic Arabic

Work Experience:
1. 3 years of work experience at Capgemini Consulting as a Business Consultant, then fast track promotion to Associate Project Manager in the first year. --> Went to South Africa (9 months) and Turkey (3 months) for a German automotive client. Rolled their deployments of marketing software across APAC and MENA.
(Managed Teams of up to 25 people across 3 verticals - worked on budgeting and people management and promotions)
2. 1.4 years of experience as an Associate strategy consultant in a finance company managing the entire internal strategy department, and reporting directly to the regional director. (Worked with BCG and some PE firms to streamline their processes as well)
3. 1 year as BI and Strategy Head at a Food Ecommerce Startup in Dubai since 2021 Sept. Managing the one vertical of the product that caters to directly 500M odd users across the country, moved to head to marketing and now currently managing the entire CRM and comms for the company.

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in B.tech in Chemical Engineering from NIT Jaipur, India with a 6.3/10 (Distinction and top 30% percentile) in 2017
2. GMAT - 690 (should I take a retake?)

International Experience:
1. Turkey Business Trip - 3 months onshore and 9 months offshore work with the team
2. South Africa - Trip cut short due to Covid (9 months in South Africa till product rollout)
3. Dubai - Lived here from 2002-2015 and then shifted back here for work in 2020 April
3. Avid traveller for leisure

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Volunteer with an international organization in consulting. As a volunteer, I get to work with people and organizations from around the world.
2. Was the Student President of the Core Student Society
3. Was a part of the executive committee of multiple clubs at the university
4. Created a volunteering program for Women who are homemakers and want to learn excel and invest in stocks, MFs
5. Part of a volunteering group which helps blind people study and give exams

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work as a strategy consultant for startups and help them roll out products globally, helping in assessing the product viability in a specific terrain
Long Term: Work as a strategy head for a matured startup which has attained unicorn status and hopefully move towards multiple entreprenuial ventures
Show more
User avatar
MBAandBeyond
User avatar
MBA and Beyond Consulting
Joined: 13 Jul 2020
Last visit: 19 Nov 2025
Posts: 4,426
Own Kudos:
927
Given Kudos: 166
Status:MBA Admissions Consulting from INSEAD, Wharton and Columbia graduates
Affiliations: INSEAD and Harvard
Location: Singapore
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,426
Kudos: 927
INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation 05 Jul 2022, 00:27
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi, shrishreyusg,

Thank you for your post!

First, I would like to say you do have a diverse profile, starting as an ECE graduate and switching roles during your career progression. This would allow you to showcase your diverse skill-set and industry knowledge and help cater stellar leadership examples at different levels. For your GMAT, If you could back a score of 730+ in your GMAT, it will not only boost your chances at INSEAD but can also compensate for any disadvantage in the number of years of your WE. Additionally, I would like you to add more to your statistics during your graduation and try to add any additional courses, certifications, and academic accolades won.

About your work experience, you have very well described your roles and responsibilities and critical projects; however, since you went through a short span of a career change and then again reverted, you need to showcase this positively and give very strong reasons for why you think it was a good time for you to switch? What were your aims & aspirations regarding your career switch? How did this experience help in developing a diverse skill set? And finally, how would you link all this with your post-MBA goals? For your reference, I suggest you go through our article on How you can justify your career switch to pursue an MBA for a career change, this would help provide insights and help you jot down the pros and cons of making a career switch. Also, even if you don't have international experience, working with clients counts as international exposure and is greatly valued at this stage.

Coming to ECAs, most of your relevant work was done during your college/school years. However, we could definitely work on your recent volunteering work and great hobbies that would give new horizons for you to start an interesting conversation with the admission committee. Also, I would need you to explain more about the new challenges faced, the leadership role you played, the impact you created, and a bit more about the overall experience. Stories related to the Himalayan trek will add even more diversity to your profile.

Overall you have a competitive profile and a good chance at INSEAD. You are quite specific about your short-term goals that showcase your confidence quality to self-introspect and understand what's best for you. Now all you need to do is link your past experiences with your post-MBA goals in a manner so that they appear Collinear with your post-MBA goals. INSEAD is a top B-School and is not short of stellar profiles; you'll need to strategize accordingly to compensate for any disadvantage to booking a seat in the MBA program. You can refer to our article How to get into INSEAD?, this would most certainly help provide insights about how to approach your MBA application for INSEAD Business School. You do have, I see, much, and the only thing you need is a bit of guidance along the work experience front with just fine polishing around the edges! If you'd like, we are happy to hop on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and further help you with shortlisting MBA programs; feel free to book a free session with us at your convenience.

Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Profile Analyst & Channel Manager, MBA and Beyond
Testimonials
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com



shrishreyusg
Hello everyone, would greatly appreciate your input on my profile for INSEAD MBA.
A lot of people have been telling me it is too early to apply to INSEAD. Wanted input on whether I should wait for a couple of years and apply or if I can apply this September.
Secondly is there any impact on my later chances If I apply now and get rejected?


Background
Age: 27
Gender: Male
Location: India
Nationality: Indian
Languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, (Spanish A1 in progress)

Work Experience:(Total 3 years)
1. 2 years of work experience at PWC as a technology consultant. (Worked with 10+ clients and 5+ sectors on e-commerce solutions, IOT solutions and emerging technologies)
2. 6 months as chief of staff with an agritech startup (Had to switch because I realized I want to stay in a consulting role and not a startup)
3. 9 months as a strategy consultant in a boutique strategy consulting firm. (Worked with 5 clients from different sectors)

Academic:
1. Graduated with a degree in Electronics and Communication (8.8/10 CGPA)
2. Completed a post-graduate degree in rural management (Read Social Impact) (2.9/4.3 CGPA) [Although I was in the > 75% percentile because this was relative grading]
3. Yet to take GMAT but scoring 710 in mocks

International Experience:
1. No physical experience. Have been on pleasure trips for couple of weeks to Dubai, Thailand and Austrailia. But no long term physical experience.
2. Worked with clients from Saudi, Italy, USA for two months each respectively on remote platforms

Extra-Curricular Activities:
1. Joint secretary of my alumni association
2. Worked with the office of career services during my PG
2. Vice president membership toastmaster during UG
4. Side hustle on impact consulting with 10+ clients in agriculture, education, public policy and healthcare (Looking to incorporate my own NGO for impact consulting in the near future)
5. Volunteering experience for six months teaching underprivileged students
6. Gone on 3 himalayan treks, done a scuba diving certification, completed a basic level certification in carnatic music and partake myself in tons of sporting activities.

Post MBA Goals:
Short Term: Work with consulting firms (preferably Dalberg) or any of the other management consulting firms to gain global experience
Long Term: I would like to be a partner at firms such as Dalberg or create my own social enterprise
Show more
   1  ...  57   58   59   60   61  ...  70