Hi Pranay,
I'm surprised you've heard that online about the CFA. It's well regarded with business schools in the US, and is a nice way to boost your academic profile for admission (though GPA and GMAT are still most important). I also think it's particularly valuable for someone like you who wants to switch to a finance role -- it's a great way to show you're serious and taking steps already. I think it's worth continuing to pursue. It seems like your other priorities are 1) gaining leadership experience at work, 2) GMAT!, 3) If extra time, adding some community involvement / volunteer work (nice to at least have something to "check the box" here and demonstrate you have interests beyond work).
Hope this helps, and best of luck!
Kate
iamyanarp wrote:
Hi! I am preparing for GMAT, however, have some doubts pertaining to my profile. After all, there is point achieving a good score with the apt struggle only to find your profile rejected at the B-school. I would really appreciate your comments on the following particulars.
Introduction
Name - Pranay Madan
Gender - Male
Age - 25 years
Place of residence & work - Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Qualification - Civil Engineer
Work Ex - 2 years 1 month (I know this is less than the accepted benchmark, but i plan to apply when work ex is at least 3 years)
Acads
Class 10 (CBSE) - 91.4%
Class 12 (CBSE) - 90.6%
Graduation (Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering from Northern India Engineering College, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University) - 78.37%
Work
1. Trainee, General Management at Apollo International Limited (9 months) (Gurgaon, India)
-Built preliminary financial models for a few business plans
-some market research
-business analysis
2. Sr. Executive at Apollo International Limited (1 year 3 months) (Gurgaon India)
-Business analysis of 3rd party logistics using MS Excel/VBA
-monthly financial/operational reporting
3. Analyst at PwC (1 month - ongoing) (Gurgaon, India)
-Basic work revolves around data analysis, preparation of reports, financial dashboards on MS Excel (I have just started so my knowledge of the work is limited!)
Extra curricular activities
Here is a domain which is not so potent. This, in my opinion, a major hurdle. There's not much here, however, below listed are some key points. Please consider
-Capital markets enthusiast and personally involved in derivative trading on monthly basis.
-I also delve into technical analysis of capital markets concerning Dow Theory, indicators and Japanese candlestick patterns (all of this is at a personal level)
-I also delve into Fundamental analysis including ratio analysis, sector analysis, alternative investment. However, it is limited as it is too long term.
-participated in corporate cricket tournaments (played in the playing XI)
Certifications & Awards
-NISM 8:Equity Derivatives
-American Embassy scholarships for outstanding class 10 and class 12 results
-2 certificates for social service. However, these were done during my school days
Plans
-CFA charter to get entry into the finance world
Ultimate goal for pursuing an MBA
-Being a capital market enthusiast, I want to make my career in investment banking
-Being a civil engineer, my resume and repeated applications to the financial world suffer rejection
-Mba is more apt than a hard core financial course, as it connects various spheres of business
Shortlisted B Schools (Not ordered)
-Indian School of Business
-National University of Singapore
-Nanyang Technical University
-Washington University - Olin Business School
-Melbourne Business School
Some help required on the following issue
I somehow came across articles on the web that CFA is not much good. Neither does it provide financial opportunities with good packages nor is it given much weightage in b school profile evaluation. That's why I had put it on the back burner and thought of doing my MBA first and then pursue CFA. However, I am afraid that my profile lacks the impetus without the CFA (any of the levels). Also Civil engineer shifting to finance is another issue that my profile highlights. However, that can still be tackled.
To be very honest, I am not very oriented towards a lot of social work and that's the reason you would not find it on my profile as well. Maybe this is an additional lag as well.
However, I am very oriented towards my work. Progression in my work is what I am really passionate about. There are instances in my work where I have displayed my ability to ensure perfection in not only the things that I know but also in things which I learn.
Regards
Pranay Madan