Looking for a Profile Evaluation! :)

Question

Hi All -

I would greatly appreciate an evaluation given that I believe I have finally discovered something I would love to develop myself on (product management) given that I work closely with many engineers, but only from a compliance standpoint (so not helping with the top line, so to speak). Would you happen to help recommend schools in the Top 25 that may suit me? Also, which schools would have a higher likelihood of accepting me based on my credentials (and forecasting GMAT?). I feel that I'm pretty average given that my undergrad seems to be conflicting (not a good school, but over performed seems to average out). Also, would any seem to offer some sort of financial package at first glance?

Thanks in advanced, and I definitely do appreciate your time! It's helpful!!

1) Undergrad College -
California State University (Ranked ~#300 US, so pretty bad) in Business Admin: Accounting.
3.9 GPA Major GPA (Top 2% Graduating Class), and received the honor of being the College of Business's Accounting honoree (basically being the MVP of Accounting for my 2014 Class). Also have my CPA. Plenty of extracurrs here in terms of orgs.

2) Work Experience
Advisory in a Big Four primarily dealing with their largest tech 'relationship' clients. I deal a lot with their home grown platforms from a compliance standpoint, so essentially helping companies lock down their tech stack from a financial risk perspective. Lots of collaborative work between finance, business application owners, and engineering teams. 2 Years to senior, and looking to promo to manager in Sept 2019 if I don't leave for b-school before then! High performer, developed my own training curriculum for new hires, and I also facilitate a few trainings.

3) GMAT
Have not taken, but early indication of practice exams look to slot me around 700-720. My goal is 720, but given that I'm cranking some hours + gym, it's a bit difficult to commit to a LOT of hours.

4) Extra Currs
I mentor 1-2 UC Berkeley undergrads a semester - these are students who are usually looking for help on getting into the professional services industry.

5) Nationality, Age, Gender
Chinese, but a part of me is URM based on my heritage (can I play this out? 23andme is taking forever to confirm! lol). Born in America, so no trace of accent (unless California has one

)

6) Post MBA goals - industry, company, desired location
I'd love to work as a PM in the tech industry, preferably at a FANG-type firm before perhaps moving into more of a start-up type company. However, I am open to the consulting aspect that MBA opens up. However, I understand this may not be in the tech industry - regardless, I feel like I'm good at making connections and genuinely enjoy meeting new people and helping them solve their problems (generic BS answer, I know)

) 6) Post MBA goals - industry, company, desired location I'd love to work as a PM in the tech industry, preferably at a FANG-type firm before perhaps moving into more of a start-up type company. However, I am open to the consulting aspect that MBA opens up. However, I understand this may not be in the tech industry - regardless, I feel like I'm good at making connections and genuinely enjoy meeting new people and helping them solve their problems (generic BS answer, I know)

SiaAdmissions · Answer

Hi  wchin24 ,

Thank you for sharing your profile. While you do not have an Ivy background, I would not describe your profile average. From what you've shared, there are options available. If you take your background, aim slightly higher on the GMAT, and put together a killer personal profile (the qualitative), you may be pleasantly surprised by the doors that may open to you. Elite FANG-type companies hire from top universities; they are not out of reach if you apply effort in the right areas.

I think you would benefit from a free consultation, and welcome discussing your profile further. If interested, please reach out (contact details in signature).

Good luck!

P.S. I recently posted an article on data science and the various types of degrees ( https://siaadmissions.com/sia-blog/masters-degree-in-data-science ); it might be worth a read.

mbaMissionKrista · Answer

Hey  wchin24

Thanks for posting! There is a lot to like here, especially that 3.9. The GMAT though...we need you to get that done! Aim higher than 720 please to make this an easier process. That's the piece of the puzzle that will really help us help you! My recommendation is to take the exam asap so you know what you're dealing with. Then, you can make a plan to study again if need be. What I hate to see happen is candidates who wait til July to take the exam, only to find out they're at the 680 level. Better to know that now so you can study another month or two and try again in June/July!

Regarding the URM angle, I'm intrigued by the mention of 23andme?? That may be a tough way to present this but I am intrigued enough to want to know more!

I think you'd get a lot out of a free consultation and suggest you set one up as soon as you have a GMAT score. Link in signature.

My best,
Krista

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

A few more thoughts and some reaffirmations to ponder on wchin24:
 
  The overall academic profile, with your current GMAT would mean a bit above average scenario for the top league schools. The CPA certification will certainly add some sheen to things though it's relevance in your current work as well as future plans could be a bit suspect. So yes, push really hard on that GMAT and seek professional help if that's what it takes frankly. 
  Your current experience sounds interesting though not very clear. In general, it can be a bit tricky/tough to show impact in risk/compliance profiles as well as bring out transferable skills. So think really hard on those aspects. 
  While for reasons mentioned  here , we do not speculate on school selection, there is definite overall potential. You will have to sort out the story though - currently, PM sounds more a wish than a real intent (meaning nothing to show you are serious about it).  
  The minority thing might be a tough sell. The ECs look about ok - so you'd have to rely on past laurels to pull you through some; could be another factor missing for the top league.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers,

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thank you for your detailed post and I hope you are having a great weekend. Believe it or not you don’t have to worry a lot about your undergrad school. It is true that ranking factors into decisions, but admissions directors also look at overall GPA. You provided your major GPA but what is the overall? In terms of work ex, big 4 advisory is good! We helped a handful of advisory folks get into top schools this year. As mentioned above, the GMAT is an open yet important item. If you want to overcome the fact that you came from a lower ranked school, you can do so by acing the GMAT! If you are looking for financial support then you can look at 10-20 ranked schools and possibly a bit higher or lower depending on the GMAT. Reach out if you want to explore further. I also want to know what group and firm you work at as that can have an impact. Don’t forget to start interacting with schools as well. https://www.personalmbacoach.com/single ... ss-Schools Best, Scott

wchin24 · Answer

Thanks everyone,

I think the hardest part/question mark for me right now is the GMAT, so I hope to take my first exam in June. My goal is to aim for a 720, but based on everyone's responses, it's definitely reassuring to know that I do have a good chance at the Top 10-20 B-schools. Ultimately, my goal is to move into the product-side of house and focus on building things that affect a company's top-line (vs. building security/processes for compliance purposes). That being said, I'm pretty sure I'll be promoted to Manager at Sept 2019, but I want to be part of Class 2021 (matriculating in Fall 2019), but not sure if I should delay to be Class of 2022 if it would improve my chances as financial packages/schools.

Also as a follow-on, I'm Chinese Burmese which disqualifies me as URM. That said, does that impact my chances negatively given that I'm American-born (since I know there's some backlash on the whole, White/Asian Male thing...)

Looking for a Profile Evaluation! :)

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