Ask ApplicantLab : ApplicantLab

Hi Maria,
I plan to apply for various MBA programs in R1 this year. (MIT Sloan (my favorite) , INSEAD, LBS, Judge, Said)
While I already using applicant lab (just listened to your opinion on the Cambridge CV format

) I would also like to use this opportunity to get your opinion on my profile and chances.

General Info
26 years old, male, Germany

High school: 3.4 GPA , Exchange year to Canada

Uni: 3.4 GPA (Top 20%) from a small private university, helped organize company visits on study trip to Atlanta, GA
Poor grade in Math, strong grades in other quant heavy subjects

730 GMAT (47Q / 44V / 6AWA / 7IR)

Work Experience
I work in an international container shipping company, around $ 12bn revenue.
As I did an integrated degree (Apprenticeship and studies combined) I already started working in my current company in 2012. As part of my internal rotation I was assigned to our Tampa, FL office for a three months period in 2014. In Tampa I helped with analysis concerning an upcoming merger in South America.
In 2015 I started working full-time as an analyst focusing on identifying weaknesses in our vessel network. I have mostly worked on creating reports and dashboards to help the people in our network department. Over the years the savings generated based on those pointers have surpassed 5 mio. USD.
In 2017 I got the chance to join the Project Management Office in Dubai after we merged with a local company. During my three month stint I was in charge of the project controlling and member of the the wind-down work stream.
In late 2018 I was approached by my current boss to join him in establishing a new team (promotion to manager), focused on enabling better operational decisions using data. In this function I have been involved in several multi-week projects this year (China, US, Spain, Korea, UAE, UK) and have I led work stream across many of these. However, in terms of my hierarchy level I do not manage anyone on paper and I do not have direct reports while working in the headquarter.
While on the international assignments I mostly lead a team of local experts to ensure data quality and consistency and create meaningful analyses for the colleagues.

Extra-curriculars
Spokesperson for my class, represented class in discussion with Uni leadership
Conducted Q&A session with colleagues on the experience of stem cell donation based on my own procedure
Organized a small fundraiser for colleaguesto donate their foreign currencies from holidays and business trips to a charity that fights world hunger.

I am aware that all my extra-curricular activities are focused around work/uni. Due to the nature of my program (no semester breaks, classes on Saturdays, international assignments) there was little time to really commit to an activity outside of these possible at Uni/work. Should I address this in an additional essay?

Reason for/Goal after MBA
I would like to transition into Management Consulting. Having worked with different MBB firms during my projects I feel like their challenging international work environment suits my interest and skillset.
Later on, I would like to use the knowledge and skillset gained to found my own company, likely in the transportation/shipping sector.

For Sloan in particular:
The head of my current department (MIT alumn, ex MBB) has encouraged that path and will write my LoR. Additionally, the CEO of a start-up with whom I worked closely (MIT alumn, ex MBB) has spoken very highly of his time at Sloan and is also willing to help me with being a reference.

My own view on my chances;
Pros: International Experience, decent GMAT, non-traditional industry background
Cons: Weak extra curriculars, mediocre GPA, non famous undergrad program