keepsimple wrote:
I am planning on applying for R1/R2. I wanted to get some feedback on where I can improve my profile to be competitive at ISB.
Background: Indian-female, 27.
Work Experience:
Currently, I have a total of 3.5 years in Digital operations across diversified industries. I am working as a Global Business Ops analyst at a leading Adtech company where I am certified as Brand Safety Officer by Brand Safety Institute. Previously I worked as a Category management executive in a leading B2B Marketplace and also worked as a Content marketer in an HR Tech company. I have worn multiple hats during all my experiences, from training to managing 5 junior executives under me. I was recognized/awarded by senior management for being a team player and making a difference by efficiently carrying out SLAs. I have a good stakeholder management experience across different verticals and also got the opportunity to scale global client accounts. I now work with cross-functional and cross-border teams in my line of work, mainly interacting closely with my US, EMEA, and APAC counterparts.
LOR
I can fetch recommendations from the CEO of my 1st company, Immediate managers from all my 3 work experiences, and the Director of my department in my current company.
Education:
Undergrad Stats:
Electronics and Communication Engineering from a central university in Northeast, India. CGPA:7.53(Top 3% of graduating class). I have been an active member of NSS and various social activities. I have held the responsibilities of Class representative of my batch(2015-19).
Highschool stats:
12th - 80.13%
10th- 8.8 CGPA
GMAT: 690(will try to bring a better score by 20 to 30 points)
Post MBA goals:
Short-term: Join consulting firms in the likes of MBB in ESG or Healthcare vertical or Product marketing (because of my experience in digital marketing but in my current role I’m more into operations and would want to get into the more strategy-oriented role)
Long-term: Start social enterprise focussed on enhancing livelihood in Northeast Indian rural areas, preferably in the Ayurveda or organic products sector since I belong to a family with a Healthcare background and have subject matter expertise and networks. I plan to start a 1st in my generation family venture with them. (Showcase my commitment to the social sector and combine learning from consulting experience)
MBA Targets: ISB
Extracurriculars:
During my college days, I actively participated in the National Service Scheme (NSS). Additionally, I volunteered to teach orphaned children during weekends at an NGO called U&I Foundation. I am also a self-taught Spanish speaker, proficient in a total of five languages. In my current role, I have utilized my Spanish language skills to handle external client queries and manage customer journeys. As a women's education activist, I am dedicated to bridging the technical knowledge, financial literacy, and employment gaps faced by women and girl children. Currently, I mentor three girls, providing them with educational and skill development support. Growing up, I had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout India, from Leh to Kanyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat, as well as to neighboring countries. These experiences have played a significant role in broadening my education and character. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively engaged in community service, providing essential resources to households in need.
Thank you all for your help.
Appreciate you sharing your story with us. Your commitment to social impact and broad professional experience really stood out. Now, let's dive into our assessment:
- Academically, your CGPA and standing in your graduating class are strong, and your GMAT score of 690 is within the competitive range for ISB. Even so, you're right in thinking a boost of 20 to 30 points could help. A unique facet of your profile is your multilingual ability and your service in NSS - continue to use these as a unique selling proposition.
- You've got your goals defined well, both in the short and long term. There's a clear connect between your aspirations and your past experiences. For ISB, they'll want to see how these goals fit in with their program and how you intend to achieve them during and after your MBA. A focus on specifics will serve you well here.
- Your work experience is quite diverse, showcasing a range of roles in different industries. It's vital to tie these experiences together in a cohesive narrative, highlighting your progression and the skills you've acquired. Specifically, highlight your leadership experiences, cross-functional collaborations, and stakeholder management skills.
- As you prepare to apply, make sure to do a deep dive into ISB's offerings and culture. Look for specific courses, clubs, or initiatives that resonate with your career aspirations. This could strengthen your case for why ISB is the right fit for you. Moreover, spend time reflecting on your experiences and identify compelling stories that showcase your journey, your accomplishments, and the challenges you overcame.
- As for your questions, you've already identified areas of your profile to work on - GMAT score and narrative building. We'd also suggest focusing on how you have made a difference in your work and social work. Use this as a selling point in your essays and interviews.
We hope this feedback serves you well. Remember, we're here if you need more help. Feel free to post more queries here or to reach out to us directly. Best of luck with your MBA journey!
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30 May 2023, 12:16
