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balaganapathi
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Interim Profile Review 30 Nov 2024, 21:35
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Indian 24M. Looking to build a solid profile before applying 3-4 years down the line. Desperately trying to gauge my shot at global schools post a very ordinary CAT exam.

Education:
  1. [color=#2a3c42]Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani (Tier-1): 8.78 CGPA/10[/color]
  2. [color=#2a3c42]Minor in Finance (9.2 CGPA/10)[/color]
  3. [color=#2a3c42]CBSE 12th std: 92.4%[/color]
  4. [color=#2a3c42]CBSE 10th std: 10 CGPA[/color]
  5. [color=#2a3c42]Cleared CFA Level 2 (both levels in top 10 percentile)
    [/color]
Workex (FTE): ~ 2.5 yrs (ongoing) with Big 4 strategy consulting. Have been working on diverse types of projects (ranging from project management to analyzing operating models for asset management companies - have great feedbacks from the project leaders). Good chance of getting promoted to next level this year.

Might look for a switch to banking/capital markets.

GMAT FE: Yet to give. I know this is a major factor, but I'm somewhat confident of getting a good score.

Future Aspirations: To move into specialized finance roles.

Extracurriculars: This is the one that bothers me the most. I do not have anything concrete. I'm so into sports but have nothing to show as achievements.

Questions:
  1. [color=#2a3c42]Please give your honest review of my profile.[/color]
  2. [color=#2a3c42]Let me know the areas I should focus on to have a shot at t15/t25 (and even M7) 3-4 years down the line.[/color]
  3. [color=#2a3c42]What are the kind of ECAs I should focus on and what should I keep in mind when I pursue those?[/color]
  4. [color=#2a3c42]How does clearing CFA L3 help during admission process?
    [/color]
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Archit3110
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Status:You learn more from failure than from success.
Location: India
Concentration: Sustainability, Marketing
GMAT Focus 1: 545 Q79 V79 DI73
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
GPA: 4
WE:Marketing (Energy)
GMAT Focus 2: 645 Q83 V82 DI81
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Interim Profile Review 30 Nov 2024, 22:07
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Target 645 in GFE .. shortlist schools on basis of your long term career goals
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RishS94
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Location: India
Concentration: Strategy, Sustainability
Schools: ISB '25 (D)
GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V35
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Schools: ISB '25 (D)
GMAT 1: 690 Q49 V35
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Interim Profile Review 01 Dec 2024, 09:32
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ACADs are good but no extra curc is a red flag!! Atleast you should have major work achievements
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dee1pug1
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Interim Profile Review 01 Dec 2024, 19:21
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For an Indian male engineer, 645 in GFE is not enough, and even more so for M7/T20. You need to aim for a 705+ just to get into the consideration set. Since you have a runway of another 3-4 years of career before you start the MBA, consider the following (besides the GFE target):
- Have a clear view on your long-term destination
- Every decision / career change you make needs to be aligned; do not, I repeat, do not pursue earnings in lieu of learnings
- Build your profile; not having ECAs during UG is okay; not having them now is not okay; you would still have some interests existing; pursue them and strengthen them
- CFA L3 in itself won't get you admitted to MBA, especially if it comes across as a badge collection act; otherwise it is a great add-on if it aligns with your long-term destination
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balaganapathi
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Interim Profile Review 02 Dec 2024, 05:36
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Hi - thank you for taking time to comment on the post. Just wanted to understand what kind of achievements we are talking about here? Won't the work related contributions come under the work experience aspect and ECs contain anything that I do outside work?

TIA!
RishS94
ACADs are good but no extra curc is a red flag!! Atleast you should have major work achievements
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balaganapathi
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Interim Profile Review 02 Dec 2024, 05:39
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Hi Dee! Thank you for taking time and reviewing my profile! Will definitely keep in mind the score range as I prepare for GMAT FE. I guess I'll have to find more time and get started on ECs and Hobbies.

CFA L3 surely aligns with my long-term plans, so feel it'll not be a bad idea to pursue it - one quick question on this is, could that help with scholarships?

TIA
dee1pug1
For an Indian male engineer, 645 in GFE is not enough, and even more so for M7/T20. You need to aim for a 705+ just to get into the consideration set. Since you have a runway of another 3-4 years of career before you start the MBA, consider the following (besides the GFE target):
- Have a clear view on your long-term destination
- Every decision / career change you make needs to be aligned; do not, I repeat, do not pursue earnings in lieu of learnings
- Build your profile; not having ECAs during UG is okay; not having them now is not okay; you would still have some interests existing; pursue them and strengthen them
- CFA L3 in itself won't get you admitted to MBA, especially if it comes across as a badge collection act; otherwise it is a great add-on if it aligns with your long-term destination
Show more
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dee1pug1
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Interim Profile Review 03 Dec 2024, 03:12
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Typical answer will be 'it depends'.

Straight answer will be: give something compelling to the schools so that they become very keen to get you in their class; do not be a commodity candidate; no component in itself, be it CFA L3, be the reason of a scholarship; select schools wisely—those that will get you where you want to go, are Indian-friendly and where you may be a compelling candidate despite being ORM.
Any more advise and I will have to charge you :-) Best wishes.
balaganapathi
Hi Dee! Thank you for taking time and reviewing my profile! Will definitely keep in mind the score range as I prepare for GMAT FE. I guess I'll have to find more time and get started on ECs and Hobbies.

CFA L3 surely aligns with my long-term plans, so feel it'll not be a bad idea to pursue it - one quick question on this is, could that help with scholarships?

TIA
dee1pug1
For an Indian male engineer, 645 in GFE is not enough, and even more so for M7/T20. You need to aim for a 705+ just to get into the consideration set. Since you have a runway of another 3-4 years of career before you start the MBA, consider the following (besides the GFE target):
- Have a clear view on your long-term destination
- Every decision / career change you make needs to be aligned; do not, I repeat, do not pursue earnings in lieu of learnings
- Build your profile; not having ECAs during UG is okay; not having them now is not okay; you would still have some interests existing; pursue them and strengthen them
- CFA L3 in itself won't get you admitted to MBA, especially if it comes across as a badge collection act; otherwise it is a great add-on if it aligns with your long-term destination
Show more