tinawadhwani wrote:
Hey there,
Demographic and Background:
Age: 28 Years
Gender: Female
Nationality: Indian
Work Ex: 5+ Years
Industry: IT
Estimated GMAT: 700-720
Education:
10th ICSE: 73%
12th ISC: 60%
Bachelors of Computer Applications: 70% (Average College)
M.Sc in Computer Science (CGPA): 3.75/4.00(Slightly above average University)
Professional Abstract:
I currently work as a Project/Presales manager in an AI-based startup. I started out as a Software Engineer and have progressed to being a Business Analyst to being a Team Lead and finally a Project Manager. I currently look into Project Management, Product Management and Presales.
I have deliberately chosen small-sized startups across 5 years of experience. Nascent startups give you the added edge of experiencing the complete product lifecycle very closely and facing multiple challenges. Though the work is often stressful, the learning curve is amazing and truly hones your leadership skills
The fact that I have transitioned across multiple roles bears testament to this fact.
Volunteer Experience:
I have begun a 3-month volunteer experience with an NGO that runs an accelerator program for other education-based NGOs. I am currently working closely on the fundraising space and learning a lot.
Why MBA?
Entrepreneurship. In a nutshell, an MBA gives me better perspective given my technical ed background, gives my better networking capabilities and access to world-class faculty
What I need help with:
1. Although I have average scores throughout school and college. Does the fact that I have a Master's degree eliminate any negative implications my scores would bring about?
2. I understand that the Indian IT domain is hugely overrepresented, but I believe that the female demography is needed for creating better diversity. Can this work in my favor?
3. What are my chances with ISB? Also would be glad if you could share the universities I should be targeting along with ISB given my profile.
4. I am yet to give the GMAT and begun work on applications, hence the score estimate(700-720). Does getting an increase of points say, a 730, increase my chances a lot, or do I still fall in the same range irrespective if the score is 720 or 730?
Appreciate any help and guidance!
Cheers,
Tins
Hi Tina,
You have solid work experience overall and you should fall back heavily on your experience and learnings from it to differentiate yourself in the over-competitive applicant pool. While women do add to the diversity at any business school, ISB already has a decent 39% women students ( more are ofcourse desirable). Given that a large chunk of women already apply- you should not think of being a woman as a big competitive advantage, instead focus upon our strengths and what you bring to the ISB classroom that would be valued.
Your academic scores are average throughout, so I would focus the attention on the GMAT - that's the only part of your academic evaluation that is still under your control. Between 720 and 730 your chances will not change drastically, that said the higher score you can get, the better. Adcoms evaluate applicants in comparison with other applicants in their pool, so having any advantage such as a higher GMAT score can work to your advantage.
Regarding other MBA programs, where do you wish to study? Any country preference?
Thank you Namita for the response. I am targeting the US and a couple of universities in the Asian region as well, specifically, NUS and HKUST.
Also, I have currently moved on my from company and am volunteering. My volunteer program comes to an end in December, so I will either look out for newer opportunities or extrnd the volunteer program. Would thus impact my application in any way?