Actually being Indian with a family business background is quite common for b-school applicants. Working for a family business can be extremely educational: you earn high-level responsibility earlier, manage teams of employees, and gain perspective into the workings of the entire company. However, family businesses lack the influence and scope of larger companies, and it is difficult to compare your performance to others'.
The DIFFERENTIATED Indian MBA Applicant: Has made an impact in a bigger pond
An applicant who has proven his abilities in a family business and then applied the skills in management at a large international company is able to demonstrate that he is truly talented beyond the scope of his own family. Letters of recommendation written by impartial superiors, unlike those from family members, employees, or even clients of a family business, carry more weight in the eyes of the admissions committees and can demonstrate that you truly outperform your peers and have honestly won the recognition of senior management. The Differentiated Applicant can then illustrate his impact on this large organization in his resume, work history, and essays.
Think about what sets you apart from your group. Highlight your uniqueness in your essays, and the adcoms will get a clear look at how you—not your group—will contribute to your chosen MBA program or profession.
Just because you are an Indian family business guy doesn’t mean that you don’t possess other unique qualities that will make you an attractive candidate at top b-schools.
_________________
Bryant Michaels
Admissions Consultant