Chiquitita wrote:
Hello
I am planning to apply to select schools in R2 this year. Would love to get some insight from you on what I can expect, given my profile:
Profile: Female, Indian, Married.
GMAT: 740 (Q50, V39)
Education:
1. MBA from a top management school in India - Passed in first class -- 66%
2. Engineering undergraduate from a leading engineering college in India -- Passed with distinction - 80%. Was awarded scholarships in each year for being in the top 10% of the class.
3. Passed Level 3 of the CFA program -- will be getting Charter soon.
Work Ex:
1. Currently working with an investment banking firm for the last 3 years. Joined here as a manager and was promoted to Associate Vice President in 1.5 years. Have successfully closed 4 transactions across Private Equity, Cross-border M&A and structured finance.Have been rated as the highest performer in the organization.
2. Prior to this, worked in India's largest private sector bank for 2 years. Started out as management trainee in the International Banking domain. I was in-charge of setting up the investment banking desk for our international clients based in the Middle East. Had significant exposure to transactions, networking with private equity investors, analyzing investments of the top fund houses etc.
Plan Ahead:
I have always planned on doing a second MBA. In India, MBAs are typically fresh undergraduates and having worked for 5 years, now I know that the real value-add of an MBA can only be appreciated when one has spent some time working in the industry.
My reason to do a second MBA and to do one now, particularly are linked to that. I believe that I am now in a stage of life professionally, wherein, my takeaways from an MBA program will be immense. I do not wish to change my field of work, as I am absolutely in love with it. I do, however, believe that an international MBA will provide me the platform to work for a varied set of people and in different geographies.
The Catch: I am planning to apply very selectively to schools -- right now, thinking of only INSEAD, HBS, Stanford. Since I already have an MBA, it does not make sense for me to spend crazy amounts of money to go to a school which is not up there. SO, for me, it's either the top or status quo. Also, I have a 11 month old baby. I understand the rigors of a business school very well, and I know that a baby and a b-school life is a complicated mixture -- but I also believe in taking a chance and going after what I really want, because more often than not, there are no second chances.
I would like to thank you in advance for reading through this whole thing, and possibly, providing some inputs.
Thanks a ton!
You're welcome.
First of all, make sure that any school you apply to will consider you give your prior MBA. Once you confirm that, you have a competitive profile for your target programs.
While all 3 of these schools send grads into investment banking in good numbers, I'm a little surprised you aren't considering LBS, Wharton, Chicago, or Columbia. Do you want more of a general management program to complement your work experience?
Best,
Linda