Profile Evaluation
Thanks for reaching out- and good for you in thinking about how all actions can impact your MBA profile.
Will comment below.Nationality – Indian
Gender – Female
Age – 28 (current)
GMAT – 730
Undergrad – Bcom (NM one of the top 5 colleges in India)
Chartered Accountant and candidate for CFA Level 2
All this GMAT and academics look good -- the 730 is strong- but you are coming from a pool where even a 730 is not a guarantee of anything- but overall your academic profile is solid.Work Experience
A) Currently working with the shared services of one of the top 5 VC firms (from number of investments being made), VC fund size approx. INR 600 crores (USD 90m).
- Tenure – Since April 2017
- Handling the entire deal execution process from deal negotiation, conducting due diligence, to closure of the deal, working with portfolio companies for implementation of internal processes, attending board meetings of portfolio companies on behalf of the fund, etc.
This will help set you apart in this pool- there are not many people in PE and especially not many women- so this is something that will help your overall profile.B) PwC:
Also good to have a well-known MNC on your resume also. So far I really like what I see!- Tenure – Since Jan 2013- March 2017
- Handling tax structuring, advisory and compliances for globally mobile individuals.
- Streamlined the tax structuring for a technology conglomerate to enable yearly savings of approximately USD 1 million in taxes
- Independently handling execution of yearly compliances for clients with a team of 3 people
- Handling tax assessments and representations before government authorities for HNIs, and structuring of their taxes
- Awarded the PwC Experience Award for taking initiative and implementation of PAN India software to enable reduction in time, efficiency and standardization to the process.
C) Proprietary CA firm
- Tenure – Since 2008 – 2012 – internship; thereafter for 6mths as an employee
- Handling audit and tax assignments
D) Have also done audit assignments on freelance basis of large Indian Public sector banks
Extra-curriculum
- Painting and sketching (don’t have any formal contests, or anything), and Astrology (I am quite keen on learning it and taking some formal online lessons)
Interesting- but relatively irrelevant to your MBA profile- you should look to highlight community leadership if you have some- whether through committees at work or helping others through non-profits. These that you list sound more like hobbies- which is fine- but schools are looking for leadership in these extracurriculars so dig a little deeper to see if you can broaden here- this is the softest spot so farPost MBA goals
To work in a VC as an Investment Analyst; and thereafter in some years start my own business
Primary reason for an MBA
To gain international exposure and make a shift to the VC / PE space
I have been offered a finance role in one of the portfolio companies (series B Company – funded by Seqouia) of the VC fund with a decent pay and some stocks.
I am inclined to take it – majorly because of the pay, as at the VC firm I don’t see any growth financially
As long as you can explain WHY you are making the changes- and this seems like a good reason--
I don't see it as a big issue-- especially if you are applying in R1 2018 where you will have at least 6 months there before you begin the application process. I think you can make a good case for yourself at the 1 yr program at Kellogg-- any chance your new employer would sponsor your 1 yr MBA as that would be a big plus if you can negotiate that into your agreement to join. If you don't want to tip your hand-- then don't. Now if you already have applications in at all these schools and are waiting for R2 decisions- then you will only have a few months work there before you go to B school and it may not be fair to the new firm and you may not have enough time to have impact-- but if your application is already in process I don't really see that being a big problem either for the schools- as I mentioned- as long as you can explain why your moves made sense- schools will likely be fine with it. There is a new trend now where many people--once they have been accepted-- will look to do a pre-MBA internship to gain some new skills prior to joining MBA. So you might also be able to look at this role similarly. However, this is no time to burn bridges so if your new company is not aware of your MBA plans and will feel like they were getting short changed by you only working there a few months- then this might not be worth the risk- especially if it is in your desired post MBA field.I am looking to target Schools
- Kellog (one year MBA)
- INSEAD
- LBS
Depending on where you are in the application process- we'd be happy to help you maximize your chances of acceptance at these schools. We are very familiar with helping clients present strongly at all these programs and if you would like to have a consult with me or anyone at Stratus- please reach out at this link: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com ... b-visitor/Please do let me know my chances and whether taking up the job at the start up would impact negatively my chances to a B School
Thanks ….