INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi Gaurav,

That's great! R3 deadline is 1st July. You have 36 more days to go. Hope you have already started compiling your application. Feel free to Schedule a call with us for a detailed discussion.

Cheers!
Shantanu

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You should ask in your office for advise, probably you have a great number of Mck alumni that also did INSEAD (if not in your office check others).
From my outsider understanding, company-sponsored or not, both are equally considered, back in the days the sponsored ones were charged a higher fee (so the firm was paying more for it) but I do not think that INSEAD would choose anyone based on that they would make more money, now I believe there is no difference.

2.5 years in Mck is a standard experience to apply, at least it was 5-10 years ago (I can only talk from my ex-Mck colleague's cases). I guess that may depend on what you have done before if you have been in longer internships at the firm or somewhere else would be easier. If you just have been 2.5 years as a BA, no prior experiences and you are 24-25 years old you better be top of your class (as you will compete with other Mck candidates with more stripes).

Regards,
Pablo

Hi - would really appreciate an analysis of my profile as well. Below is my profile - I am keen to look at marketing and/or strategy studies oriented MBA programmes. Need help with shortlisting colleges - my preference is towards 1 - year programmes like the one at ISB Hyderabad, but open to other programmes too. Thanks!

I am 26 years old female candidate and come from a communication and marketing background with work ex of 4 years. Graduated from University of Delhi with BA Hons in Journalism, where I studied several subjects like political science, economics, international relations, print, radio and TV journalism, and marketing and advertising, besides others.

From there on, got interested in marketing and studied at the Indian Institute of Mass Comm for a PG Diploma in Advertising and PR.

I have 4+ years of work experience, including a currently ongoing 2+ year stint at a leading international airline where I am responsible for consumer marketing portfolio.

Here are my scores:
10th Std - 85.4%
12th Std (Science) - 77%
Graduation - 75.25%
PG Diploma - 72.05%
GMAT (expected, yet to take the exam) - 690-710

I was awarded the Public Relations Society of India (PRSI) Award in 2016; and was nominated by my firm for a 30 Under 30 Industry Award. I have worked with a Delhi based NGO working in the space of emotional education of children for about 1-1.5 years. I also have a lot of internships at college level with organizations like Indian Express and BBDO (ad agency). During my graduation and the PG Diploma, I have worked on several live projects like documentary film-making, authoring original dissertations and seminar papers, radio programmes, ad film-making, and an award-winning capstone project for a leading Indian Home Care brand.

Hi Kaumudi,

Firstly, your professional experiences are most important in an application, followed by your extra curricular pursuits. Internships don't matter as much and generally are not placed upon the resume also. So in effect, I would need more details about your 4 years work experience.
Going by INSEAD's admission criteria, your leadership ability and international orientation are important. Do fill me in on these as well.

Hi Namita - Thanks for the reply.

I am currently working with a leading international airline group as part of their Consumer Marketing team. I lead the planning and execution aspects of the brand's social media marketing strategy in India, and besides that I also play a very critical role in the BTL Marketing Strategy development and execution in the country. My role requires me to work very closely with teams based out of Europe and Singapore - and in that sense I have more than 2.5 years of experience working in a cross-cultural and global environment. As part of this role, I have the opportunity to work on several brand marketing projects like development of the global brand strategy and creatives, development of the India-specific brand communication strategy, executing brand and marketing campaigns, etc.

Before my current job, I was working for a leading American Public Relations agency - Edelman India. Therein, I have worked on Corporate Communication and Reputation management mandates of several brands like Royal Dutch Shell, British Council, AG&P and others. In this role as well I have worked extensively with teams based out of different geographies.

More on this https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaumuditiwari/

Let me know if I should more specific details. Thank you!

Hi All,

I am 29 years old from Cairo and currently living in Dubai. Can you please have a look into my profile?

Work Experience:
9 years of work experience, in all roles I had the chance to lead a team (directly lead/small numbers - and bigger numbers dotted report to me).
I am in Solution Sales, Business Development and Strategy for Customer Experience and AI platforms.
Currently Country Leader for Middle East & Africa for a European AI and data science platform.
Had MNC experience too (American technology multinational) and got promoted in 1 year.

Extracurricular Activities & International Exposure:
I had 6.5 years of extracurricular activities (4 years during school) and 2.5 years after graduation (in AIESEC, the biggest youth organization in the world);
Created new university societies and facilitated internships for 50+ students.
Led total of 200+ people and mentored 20+ during my extra-curricular tenure across various roles.
Worked and travelled across 10+ countries (since I am sales I travel a lot between countries to meet enterprise customers).

Scores/Education:
Computer Science from a public university (not the fanciest university in the country but popular)
Not the best GPA, 2.8 out of 4 since was working during studying.
2-year Stanford program for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (online 12 courses).
GMAT yet to be done.

Post-MBA Goals:
Step 1: plan A: Get into MBB; plan B: work in a strategy role in Salesforce/Amazon/Google
Step 2: Do my own B2C startup

Please let me know what do you think about the profile fitment. Many thanks.

Hi Abdelsalam,

I would say INSEAD is a great pick when it comes to Consulting or technology as a post-MBA goal. As per the recent employment statistics, 35% of the candidates got placed in the consulting sector and 18% in Tech, Media and Telecommunication across the globe. You can learn more about it here: https://intheknow.insead.edu/employment ... im=country

INSEAD evaluates your potential based of the following criteria:
1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics
Your profile is a good mix of ‘Ability to contribute, Leadership skills and International motivation’. For your GPA (Academics), you can always use an optional essay to explain your situation. Your experience of working along with earning your college degree can build a great story and make you stand out in the pool of applicants. However, you would need to have clarity on what are the gaps in your profile that an MBA from INSEAD would fill and help you achieve your goal.

With a good GMAT score, I see a good chance for you to make it to INSEAD.

May I ask, which intake and round are you eyeing?

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma, INSEAD MBA’17
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
Schedule a free session
Email: shantanu@mbaandbeyond.com
What s app: +65-97158525
Call: +49-15212121641
Linkedin

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Hi Shweta,

Let me evaluate your profile from the perspective of INSEAD, LBS, IESE, HEC et al.

GMAT: While 690 can get you into all the above schools, a 720 would definitely make a difference and improve your chances for INSEAD & LBS where the average GMAT is above 710. However, your essays and how you shape your application matter more than the single GMAT score

Work experience: 3.2 is on the slightly lower end for schools like INSEAD but perfect for US b-schools

Other schools you might apply to: Depends on the geography and the kind of career you're considering post your MBA. Maybe you could add some more info around your career goals.

Other aspects: I really like how you've described your story. If you can translate that into your essays and structure them to the the questions asked by each of these b-schools, I don't see why you won't be successful. Let me know if you have any further questions or feel free to PM me for any clarifications.

Hi shwetabharti

First of all, you've got a great profile there. And I absolutely love the education initiative you started with your father. You should definitely highlight the same with examples and experiences in your B-School application.

INSEAD evaluates your potential based of the following criteria:
1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics

I clearly see a good mix of all 4 in your profile there. Considering the unprecedented situation we all are facing right now, I see a fair chance for you to make it to INSEAD with a score of 690. What’s going to matter most in your application is how you connect the experiential dots and build a great story to stand out from other applicants in the pool.

I'd be happy to suggest a list of schools based on your profile, however, it would be great if you could suggest your post-mba goals. That will help me understand what you are really looking for in a B-school to bridge the gaps in your profile.
For eg. If 'Impact' were your post-MBA goal, I'd strongly suggest you to look into SAID (Oxford) which is a great school for people who want to use business degree for social good.

If you'd like, I am happy to hop on a call sometime this weekend to discuss your chances for all your target schools. Feel free to book my calendar as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma,
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
Schedule a free session
Email: shantanu@mbaandbeyond.com
What s app: +65-97158525
Call: +49-15212121641
Linkedin

Demographics: 28 years old, Female, Indian
non engineering background

Education:
• Undergrad: bachelor in banking and insurance from a top university in my country. GPA 4 (10th 82% , 12th 81% , BBI- overall 69% )
• Post Graduate diploma course in banking operations
GMAT: will appear

Work Experience (Total 6+ years)
• Total 5.4 years of worex in retail banking and insurance customer service (client facing role/front desk role) .1.9 years in ICICI bank , 3.5 years of experience in HSBC retail banking ( started my role as customer service officer in retail banking got promoted after 1.8 months titled as premier services manager and handled premier customers globally).

At present - Left banking job to pursue my own passion and fulfill my aim.
1)Building my ethical & eco friendly fashion clothing brand which encourages 3Rs- reduce ,reuse ,recycle ( I also provide clothes on rent at affordable prices to encourage everyone to avoid one time clothing purchase which most buyers don't even plan to wear for more than one event) to bring massive shifts in reducing the textile waste (textile waste is second largest pollutant in the world) and save our environment as well as ourselves from harmful chemicals .My goal is to encourage CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION .
2)Provide jobs to help our economy grow and help people maximise their living standards in harmony with nature . Currently I have 10 people working under me .We also provide training to unskilled workers in our field to earn a good living . Planning to expand my business in a way so that more people connect and earn an extra income globally.

Leadership and Extracurricular Activities:
• Won global hearts award for excellent customer service from HSBC global head and other several work related awards.
• Represented my region in national level CHESS competition and won gold medals in CHESS.
• Won beauty pageant (held in my region/locality)
Took part in many events (almost all in my entire life - school /college ), won awards in art /creativity ,converting waste into useful products,drawing,banking related activities/ideas .
I was part of women development cell in college . Also won medals in chess in college sports events .
have helped my organisation organise HELPING HAND MELA which comes under CSR .HHM includes sales of handicraft items made by rural /urban women under various NGO under branch premises .

Other:
• NISM - demat certified (certification will expire )
• IRDA certified - (INSURANCE REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT ACT ,India)
• I teach underprivileged students for free and help people to create mental balance in their lives and be at their best .


Post MBA goal: I want to explore my capabilities and open more firms (entrepreneurship ).The idea behind the firms would be conscious consumption and curbing environmental damage at individual level .
In case I don't get any innovative idea to open new firm that generates employment and contribute to society /world then I would want to gain some experience in finance sector to explore what more kind of financials reforms in financial products can be brought to manage current financial market structures differently .

Essay: Will focus on how being a defence kid (my dad was in army ) helped me develop my personality and make stronger bonds in different states of India. I wish to generate employment,safeguard environment and encourage others to join hands and make a better world (equity ).

schools: INSEAD ,HEC ,HBS (Please suggest me other schools which are in sync with my aim)

Points of concern:
• GMAT score – I am aiming for 750 (working hard to get that score)
• Financial background – I am not sure what category retail banking fits in because our role is always a mix of customer service. I haven't visited abroad but I have handled clients globally (helped me make strong personal and professional connections with amazing people , CEO of top companies and several others (globally )who know me personally -of course I can't disclose but proud to build a relationship and converse with them directly) and have helped them choose right banking products as per their needs (whether they want to set up business, invest money , their children's education ). Does this count in international experience ?
• LOR - I am confused about LOR . one of my senior managers with whom I had worked can give LOR , Should I ask for LOR from my client? Who else is authorised to give LOR?
Do I have to show any document to show my business.

Many thanks!

Hi gmatway,

I'm an MBA Admissions Consultant at Vibranture India and happy to address your concerns.

Your profile seems quite interesting, especially your fashion brand start-up and a few aspects of your extracurriculars.

Having top Indian bank names on your CV is a good start but your work ex will be evaluated more in terms of the leadership displayed and the impact achieved.
I recently worked with an Indian applicant who also had retail banking experience, but from the technology side and we were able to get her into both INSEAD and LBS with scholarship. I think you also have a good shot at top schools - IF you are indeed able to score 750+ on GMAT and your essays and career goals answers are able to highlight your distinctiveness and present your case convincingly.


To address your points of concern:

• GMAT score – I am aiming for 750 (working hard to get that score)
Yup, you would need to get that kind of score if you wish to join top schools such as HBS, INSEAD, LBS etc.

• Financial background – I am not sure what category retail banking fits in because our role is always a mix of customer service. I haven't visited abroad but I have handled clients globally (helped me make strong personal and professional connections with amazing people , CEO of top companies and several others (globally )who know me personally -of course I can't disclose but proud to build a relationship and converse with them directly) and have helped them choose right banking products as per their needs (whether they want to set up business, invest money , their children's education ). Does this count in international experience?
Yes, it could count as international experience, but it needs to be conveyed properly across your application - in essays, CV as well as Letters of Reco.
My recent client was also in a similar situation. She had worked with international teams but all based in India, so we had to figure out ways to leverage that to highlight her global mindset and diversity.


• LOR - I am confused about LOR . one of my senior managers with whom I had worked can give LOR , Should I ask for LOR from my client? Who else is authorised to give LOR?
The most preferred option is your current boss- but in your case, that is ruled out. So, yes you can ask a client - but they should have worked with you close enough to objectively comment on your performance. You can ask past manager/s and / or team leads and explain the reasons in the optional essay.

Do I have to show any document to show my business.
It would be good to have the company registered and basic proof. But you don't need to submit anything with the application.
These details might be required when the school conducts background check after giving you an admission offer

I'd be happy to talk in greater detail. Feel free to email me at mail@vibranture.com.

Here is a review from one of my recent admits.
https://gmatclub.com/forum/post2481221.html#p2481221

Hi all -

Long term lurker, and figured I'd post an profile eval for Sept 21 intake.

Early 30s, male, 1st generation American, TCK, grew up abroad, speak english + french fluently/native.

Education:
High School in Europe
top 60 US liberal arts college (1st year)
top 25 US university (final GPA ~2.8) - varsity sports team

Work experience:
2 fairly high profile/unique policy/political internships
US presidential campaign
~4 years at a SIFI/SIB's policy/political shop
~3.5 years at a global B2B FI & owning a revenue-driving vertical

GMAT: 650
(Currently studying to take it again)

Essays + Recs will be top notch

Hi sfa499,

INSEAD evaluates your potential based of the following criteria:
1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics

I see a hint of 1 and 3 in your profile based on whatever you have shared. Your experience with US preseidential campaign and that of owning a revenue-driving vertical will definitely give you an edge. However I would really need to understand more details from you in order to evaluate your profile evaluation:
1. Your post-MBA goals
2. Your leadership experience
3. Impact you have brought with your work
4. When are you reappearing for GMAT and what score are you aiming for?

If you'd like, I am happy to hop on a call sometime this week to discuss your chances in further detail. Feel free to book my calendar as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma,
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
Schedule a free session
Email: shantanu@mbaandbeyond.com
What s app: +65-97158525
Call: +49-15212121641
Linkedin

Hi All

Please Evaluate my Profile for Application to INSEAD.

Background
1. Age 28
2. GMAT: 720 V39, Q49

3. Education: Bachelor's in Engineering in Telecommunication (Top 30 colleges India). MBA in Marketing & Operations (Top 10 Colleges India)

Work Experience: 4 years
Pre MBA
Job 1: US based IT Company. Role: Software Developer, Location India
Post MBA
Job 2: US based Operations Company, Role: Assistant Manager: Program and Strategy, Location: India
Job 3: India Based Unicorn Startup, Role: Assistant Manager: Strategy and Operations (Sales & Pricing), Location: India

I have exposure of working with clients from over 20 countries.
I have been a part of a 4 month exchange program in France. Traveled to 10+ countries solo.

Reason for 2nd MBA: It was this international experience that changed my perspective and why I wish to pursue a career in an International Setting. Learning from new cultures and people excites me.
Post MBA role aspiration: Strategy and Consulting Role in Process Transformation

Looking forward to hearing from you

Thanks
Sid

Good day all, Requesting you to please evaluate my Profile & advise on GMAT score I should target as yet to give.

Background: 35YO Indian Male
College: DCE (India) First Division
Industry: Oil & Gas Subsea Construction
Work Exp. : 10 years Total; Recruited in Singapore thereafter Indonesia, China, India (2 Promotions in 3 Years)
Change Company & move to Dubai, Saudi, Qatar & relocated to the UK within the Company (3 Promotions in 6 Years)
Department worked in: Subsea Field Operations, Marine Operations, Project Management, Fabrication & Project Marine Estimation (Bid)
GMAT: Yet to give