Hi
mfr0503,
Thanks for reaching out to us. I see lots of strengths in your profile. On the academic side, your top ranking in an engineering program is great, and hopefully you can achieve a higher GMAT (agree with targeting 720/730) to round that out. Mostly what I find intriguing about your profile is your work experience, especially the experience working across different regions/markets, and leading good-sized teams in a male dominated industry. Do keep up the volunteer work until you apply, and possibly see if there are ways you can increase your
leadership within those activities (organizing a fundraiser or training, serving on a committee, etc.)
Now to your main question, you are right that enrolling at age 30 is less common, but schools don't have a strict maximum. You'll find that the average is typically around 28 yo, but the range can be quite wide, as high as 39 at some programs. I have seen over 30 applicants be successful, including at some of the programs you are targeting. It sounds like you have very valid reasons for waiting and I think schools will admire your commitment to your family. As long as you can find a way to share that reasoning in your application materials when you apply, I think schools will understand. And as a side benefit, it will give you plenty of time to work on your GMAT!
Good luck to you and your family!
Kate
mfr0503 wrote:
Hello,
A family situation may force me to enroll in 2022, thus I'd really appreciate your input regarding my profile. Thank you in advance!
• 28 y.o. Female from Southeast Asia (ASEAN countries)
• Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the best engineering school in my country (Top 1%). GPA 3.33/4.00. Despite not having cum laude GPA, was selected to be university Valedictorian and spoke on student congregation.
• GMAT: No score yet. Practices 680-700. I think I may improve to 720.
• Work experience:
Always worked in top 100 multinational companies.
a. 8 months in top US FMCG company. Quality Assurance for 3 warehouses. Talent-scouted during undergrad.
b. 1.5 years in US oil giant. A female Field Leader in oil rigs, remote area (my crew size was 20-30 people). Led performance improvement programs. Got laid off during 2016 oil crisis.
c. 4 years in a top US utility engine manufacturer. 2 years spent on leadership development program, rotations to US HQ, selected for business exchange program to Paris. Off-program role in commercial bidding (more like Sales function). Received an award for closing a long-term deal. Twice invited to share best practices in Asia Pacific meetings.
• Extracurricular:
I was active in MUN, debate, and international conferences in undergrad. Now I volunteer through company-sponsored activities (teach English to street children). Occasionally conduct interview workshops and career sharing sessions to undergrads of my alma mater.
• Post-MBA goals:
Stay in Energy/Utilities/Renewable but move to strategy/investment roles; Consulting (either general ones or niche energy consulting); or pivot into Product Management roles in Tech giants/start ups.
• Target schools:
MIT, Yale, Duke, Cambridge, Oxford. I tailored this based on what is available in my government's scholarship list. Prefer East Coast and more experiential learning approach to case-heavy methods.
• Any specific questions you would like answered by our team:
I'm the breadwinner of my family and currently also funding my brother for medical residency, which is extended to end of 2021 due to COVID-19. My biggest worry is that I will be 30 y.o. with 8 years of work experience by the time I enroll in 2022, kinda old for a regular MBA. I'm still eyeing for 2021 enrollment but have to figure out a way to finance my family. I welcome any school suggestion as well. Thank you!
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31 May 2020, 10:02
