One of "those" threads, please give your opinion!
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10 Jun 2013, 18:58
Hi all,
I'm hoping for some general insight, maybe an assessment of my candidacy, really any comments you feel like giving.
*27 y/o white male
*710 GMAT (44q/42v)
*BSBA, Strayer University, 3.9 gpa
*5 yrs work experience (consumer products, retail management, financial services)
.. most recently 2.5 yrs as an Information Systems Analyst with a top 10 US consumer bank
Community involvement,
*Volunteering with my church youth group for ~ 1 yr.
*Stephen Minister in training (this is a lay extension of pastoral care, basically helping ppl who are experiencing hardships).
*As of last month, accepted a position as Upward League Manager ie coordinating a faith-based youth soccer league, including organizing coaches, balancing budget, etc (this is actually a paid position .. barely).
"Hurdles" that stand out in my mind:
*Weak undergrad school.
*Unfortunately, I have a DUI conviction from 5 years ago.
*Had a dry spell employment wise ~ 4 yrs ago, out of work for 6 months. I was an Analyst at Circuit City, well you all know what happened there. And times were tough in early '09 ..
*EDIT: Almost left out what may be the most important. Ages 18-19, 1.5 semesters, I attended VCU (local state school) as an undeclared undergrad. Left in 2005 on academic suspension with a 1.2ish gpa. What can I say, my priorities were elsewhere. Chronologically, this occurred before everything else in my application.
I love my current role "at the intersection of business and technology". I am passionate about using complex technologies to solve business problems. However, I think my technical skills have taken me to their limit. I want to move into strategy & leadership, but stay in the same or a similar field. Short term I could see a management role in IT consulting, long term dream CIO/CTO in the financial services/consumer banking industry (think JP Morgan, BOA, Wells Fargo, Cap1).
I am not interested in fulltime, as I am not able to leave my job or relocate due to family commitments. I am not really fit for EMBA either. So, I am looking at top 20 schools that have distance/online options.
Kenan-Flagler - This is probably my top choice. I like the platform and there is something electric, exciting about the program. My Dad is a UNC undergrad alum too so this would be a family tradition.
Tepper - Information Systems concentration fits me very well, and the school's general reputation for technology.
Kelley - I do like the dual degree options.
I am not holding my breath for fellowships, rather just praying for admits. So, money is definitely a factor. The only other thing I can think to mention, regarding recruitment, is that my options will be more limited due to not being able to leave the Richmond, VA area right now. Anyway, would love to hear everyone's thoughts on my profile and my school choices. Thanks!