INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi shubhampathak1sp,

Your profile seems good. Your stats seem decent with a great performance in Common Admission Test. Your work-ex looks great with good international experience (it counts better if you bank on it by providing a narrative of how it has helped you professionally) with great client-facing experiences in analytics and marketing. I can see some leadership experiences as well. For your post-MBA goals, I would say make it more detailed connecting them with your previous career. So, overall, you seem to have a decent shot at Insead. We are happy to discuss further your chances and would love to hear your story . Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Kashish Garg,
Community Manager, MBA and Beyond

On behalf of,
Shantanu Sharma,
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

With more than 8 years of experience spanning across entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, Shantanu has worked across the globe as a Procurement Manager, Product Manager (Marketing, Operations, Payments and Risk/ Fraud), Growth Consultant, eventually unraveling his love for helping candidates with their MBA application as a Coach. Shantanu started coaching applicants, with his team, right after he graduated from INSEAD in 2017.

Hi,

Thank you for starting this thread!

Request you to please review my profile.

Age - 26 Years (as of Sep'20)
Indian Female
GMAT - 720

X- 9.4 CGPA (~90%)
XII - 95% (majors in commerce and maths)
Under-graduate - Bachelors in Business Economics (BBE) from Gargi College, University of Delhi (one of the three flagship professional courses offered by central government) with 80% aggregate score of all three years. Specialized in Strategy and Marketing.
Professional Certification/ Fellowship in Leadership, Management and Liberal Arts from Vedica Scholars Programme for Women, considered the best fellowship program in India by India Today (https://www.indiatoday.in/education-tod ... 2019-07-22). With GPA of 3.67 (on 4) ranked second in class of 40 students.

Work Ex (after under-graduation as on Sep'20) - 3 years and 9 months

1. EY-Parthenon | Management Consultant (Jan'18 - Sep'20 - 2 years and 8 months)
Involved in developing corporate strategies and performing commercial due diligence that help companies and private equity firms maximize the value of their investments. Primary focus is in TMT, Education and Consumer sectors across India, South Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines) and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) geographies, both remotely and at client location. Got promoted to Consultant role in 10 months of joining after post-grad and now manage team of 2-3 Analysts as part of engagement team. Awarded EYP Kudos award last quarter for exceptional performance.

2. I have briefly (3-4 months) worked as an Investment Associate with OYO PropCo (JV between OYO & Softbank) where I evaluated and executed acquisitions of premium hotel properties in USA and India hospitality markets working out of New York and India office.

3. KPMG India | Risk Consulting Analyst (Jun'15 - Jul'16 - 1 year)
Provided solutions for business risks by performing Enterprise Risk Assessment (ERA) and Internal Financial Control (IFC) procedures across sectors including IT, FMCG, Manufacturing and Trading. Assisted HR team in Workday ERP implementation at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) India. Recipient of KPMG ‘Kudos Award’; selected among 250 Analysts for demonstrating expertise on projects and constantly receiving positive client feedback

4. Kotak Asset Management Company - Mutual Funds | Master's Internship (2 months)
Mentored by Lakshmi Iyer, Chief Investment Officer (Debt)–Kotak Asset Management Company, designed financial model to analyze recovery of returns for M&A deals worth USD 3.5-90 million in mutual funds industry.

5. Samarth (winner of CSR India Health Impact Award) | Master's Internship (7 months)
A startup for elderly care; designed and developed financial plan to fund future growth of Samarth; identified investment requirements of USD 5.45 million. Performed break even analysis of operating income to identify time required to cover expenses.

Extra curricular -
- Zonal-level Indian Classical Music singer (won multiple awards throughout school and college, participated in Indian Idol (Indian version of the Pop Idol format aired on national television); acquired Senior Diploma with first division in Indian classical music from Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad
- Elected President and General Secretary of Undergrad college's Commerce Association among a batch of 1,200 students; led 20-member team to organize national commerce festival, raising sponsorship worth INR 2.5 lakhs
- Freelancer with Femoneysta providing one-on-one coaching to women (aged 20-60 years) on personal finance. https://www.femoneysta.com/
Social work -
- Online UN Volunteer at Tanzania Development Trust; enhanced map navigation to protect girls at risk of FGM
- Imparted music education to economically disadvantaged students as an Educator with Becoming I Foundation
- Volunteer Assistant to Secretary General at OECD (as part of Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation), Angèl Ghurria, at the 'Laureates and Leaders for Children Summit 2016' held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, aimed to bring together Nobel laureates and world leaders to focus on children's rights
- As a member of the College Leaders Program of ENACTUS, organised waste A-4 size sheet collection drives for corporates, localities and students alike to contribute towards rural empowerment program of ENACTUS (an international not-for-profit organisation)

Interest - Indian classical vocals, Bharatanatyam dance, reading/studying Astrophysics / Cosmology

Post MBA goals - to change geographies and move to one of the three MBBs

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
Srishti Grover

Hello srishti246,
You have one good profile here for INSEAD. Just remember a few points to address in your application in some form.
1) Need for an MBA after MIM
2) Post-MBA goals should be more focused. MBB and VC are two different things.

Posted from my mobile device

Hello srishti246

your work profile seems pretty interesting and diverse. It is good to see that you have worked with several clients across Asia and EMEA. This kind of international exposure is what INSEAD is really looking for.. so you are good there

Your fast-rack promotion and also you managing 2-3 analyst at a young age of 26 is also praiseworthy.

I also particularly like your extracurriculars including classical music, dance and your involvement with ENACTUS. One of my recent clients had also started in an ENACTUS chapter at his IIT. 

I believe your main challenge would be in terms of writing and submitting strong essays and letters of recommendation. INSEAD has a long and extensive application that requires deep thought and introspection. It is in the essays and LORs that all your strengths need to come out, to differentiate you from other applicants. 


If you want to talk to me personally, feel free to email me at mail@vibranture.com


I'm including the following articles for your help:

How do business schools evaluate your profile
https://vibranture.com/articles/how-scho ... rofile.htm

Top 5 ways to build profile for MBA applications
https://vibranture.com/articles/build-pr ... ations.htm

Good Luck!

Thank you for the detailed feedback Shea. I will surely contact you for a deeper discussion.


Posted from my mobile device

Hi Everyone,

I am a 31 yr old Indian Male living in the US for past 9 years with 8+ years of industry experience.

GMAT 730 (Q49, V40, I7)

Education:
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics from Manipal Institute of Technology (GPA 8.73/10.0) was second in my class.

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering & Technology Innovation Management
Both from Carnegie Mellon University (GPA 3.6/4.0)

Work Ex:
- Failed Edtech Startup Entrepreneur. Tried launching an Edtech platform that leverages AR Technology to aid classroom teaching and improve student engagement. Got great reviews on the prototype/ product but could not achieve scale.
- Launched 10+ successful products in a myriad of industries ranging from consumer kitchen appliances and medical devices to food automation and textiles.
- Worked in product design firms, startups and small companies in the US where it is hard to show career progression in form of promotions.

Extracurriculars:
- Helped improve rice harvest productivity in my family owned land at my ancestral village with a low cost portable automation system.
- Vice Captain of a minor league hard tennis ball Cricket Team.
-Have a lot more from college days but its been several years since I graduated from it and hence not mentioning it here.

Interests:
Sports – Watch and play most sports
Social Welfare Causes – especially Education and Animal Welfare


Post MBA Goals:
I would like to either join the social sector of consulting firms or the Social Impact group of companies like Google and Amazon to drive the strategy and implementation of solutions to social problems.

Thank you for your time.

Hi ,
Please review my profile for INSEAD

X-75%
XII-79%
Graduation-3.6 GPA Staffordshire University
2 years of IT Experience
I have been in working in CRPF since last 6 years and have been posted in Kashmir for 3.5 years, where I led a team of 40 personnel. After that I have been working with the Technical Wing of CRPF since last 1.5 years.
I want to know what should be my GMAT score to get into INSEAD

Hi All,

I wanted some honest opinions on my current profile for applying to INSEAD in the year 2022.

Background: 24, Male, British citizen

Education: Studied Electronics & Telecommunications engineering from a premier college in India with an average GPA

Extra-curricular activities: Led my college's street-theatre club for 4 years. We were a group of 15-20 people who performed plays in public spaces and gatherings for awareness on social topics and have won 40+ accolades for the same.

Work experience: Have been working in a reputed consulting firm for 2 years. Will work for 2 more years before applying

GMAT 1st attempt: 690
GMAT 2nd attempt: Tentatively 720 (Planning to take it in October 2020)

Honest opinions and suggestions appreciated

Hello KapilJohn,
I am missing details of your profile in the information you provided. Have you done any volunteering? What about your ECs post college? I am also missing the kind of work you do, the name of the consulting firm, etc. A chance estimation will be based on all of these factors.
The best advice I have for you right now is to retake GMAT and get a good score. You should aim 720+ to help your chances at INSEAD basis your educational background. Additionally, since you are planning ahead, you may want to take steps that will bolster your profile. You can reach out for a complete profile evaluation and steps you can take to strengthen your profile.
Hope this helps.

Hi @KartikeyaRai,

On the surface, your profile seems great. Your stats are amazing. Your work experience is diverse and praiseworthy. Leading a team of 40, at the border, is a great deal plus your experience in Kashmir can bring many interesting stories telling different aspects of your personality, and then the technical experience should be an added plus for you. Now for GMAT, if you want to make your profile stronger, a 700+ should be the icing on the cake. However, I would say just try to give your best and then work on your story, because we have helped candidates with much lower scores getting into LBS. Also, to make your application stronger, research deep into Insead to connect your story, hobbies, work, etc to its community. We are happy to discuss further your chances and would love to hear your story. Feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Kashish Garg,
Community Manager, MBA and Beyond

On behalf of,
Shantanu Sharma,
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond

With more than 8 years of experience spanning across entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, Shantanu has worked across the globe as a Procurement Manager, Product Manager (Marketing, Operations, Payments and Risk/ Fraud), Growth Consultant, eventually unraveling his love for helping candidates with their MBA application as a Coach. Shantanu started coaching applicants, with his team, right after he graduated from INSEAD in 2017. Have a look at his success stories and some real essays of his clients

X-75%
XII-79%
Graduation-3.6 GPA Staffordshire University
2 years of IT Experience
I have been in working in CRPF since last 6 years and have been posted in Kashmir for 3.5 years, where I led a team of 40 personnel. After that I have been working with the Technical Wing of CRPF since last 1.5 years.
I want to know what should be my GMAT score to get into INSEAD[/quote]

B

Hi Everyone!

Can someone please evaluate my profile and let me know the feedback? Jan 2022 intake Insead

Basic- 27 , MALE

Graduation+leadership around that area:
B.Tech - Aerospace Engineering 7.4/10 GPA - SRM Univ- top 20% of the class
Class representative, Placement rep for the department of aerospace, Deputy Chair of the Aerospace Club,
One of the founding members and Director of GO green Division of a student run NGO for teaching, environmental awareness etc etc
Deputy Chair of Aersopace Week in the college- a first of its kind event

Work Ex-
State Bank of India - 5 years (one among 1800 selected out of 25 million applicants)- Largest bank and public sector bank-Fortune 500 company

Currently a Credit Analyst ( Manager Level) - Handle commercial credit accounts to the tune of Rs 15000cr ($ 2 Billion USD)- with a team of 12 reporting to me
Prior to my current role Branch Manager of a rural Branch with a team of 7
Women empow through SHG (self help groups) helped 2930 women get jobs ( yea the number is the exact one)... and through stand-up india scheme to help the women in the area support their husband's income
farmer schemes- helped many farmers avoid the debt trap during my two years by teaching the basics of finance and the skill to chose the right crop- worked closely with the NGOs and the village administrations (4 villages) to create awareness among the common folk there that suicide isnt and shouldnt be an option and we can work together for paying debt.
other tasks skill india, worked with district admin to help improve the overall development of the area, worked the commissioner for industrial growth, etc etc etc..


GRE- 315- The Achilles heel!!!




Realistic chances please on a scale of 1-10 would be much appreciated

1- being no way you cant get in
10- Heck ya! you come to our B school with a scholarship

Hi All,

I wanted some honest opinions on my current profile for applying to INSEAD in the year 2022.

Background: 24, Male, British citizen

Education: Studied Electronics & Telecommunications engineering from a premier college in India with a GPA of 6.5/10

Extra-curricular activities: Led my college's street-theatre club for 4 years. We were a group of 15-20 people who performed plays in public spaces and gatherings for awareness on social topics and have won 40+ accolades for the same.
Outside work, I love to keep learning new skills and I'm also working on a blog that advocates self-education

Work experience: Have been working in a consulting firm called ZS Associates for 1 and a half years now with big clients in the pharmaceutical industry like Janssen and Astrazeneca. I have received many accolades at work for outstanding performance and continuously picking up new skills. I'm also expecting a promotion in the next year. I plan to work for 2 more years before applying

GMAT 1st attempt: 690
GMAT 2nd attempt: Tentatively 720 (Scheduled for 11th October 2020)

Honest opinions and suggestions appreciated. Also please hit the Kudos button

Hi KapilJohn,

I think I did evaluate your profile before on some other forum and asked for more details about your work experience. This time, you have provided it so let's jump into that first. It sounds great from these details. you have career recognition, one promotion coming on your way and big clients (implying big impact) to work with. So, it's good and since you have two more years before applying, I have generic advice for you, bringe some leadership experiences and use your new skills in work to get better results and more impacts of yours on the organization. Your ECs are great as well and just keep on working on your blog. So, best of luck for your career and GMAT! If you want a detailed evaluation and better guidance from INSEAD alumnus, feel free to book a free session with us as per your convenience.

Cheers!
Kashish Garg,
Community Manager, MBA and Beyond

On behalf of,
Shantanu Sharma,
Founder and Admissions Consultant, MBA and Beyond
Email: shantanu@mbaandbeyond.com
Linkedin

With more than 8 years of experience spanning across entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, Shantanu has worked across the globe as a Procurement Manager, Product Manager (Marketing, Operations, Payments and Risk/ Fraud), Growth Consultant, eventually unravelling his love for helping candidates with their MBA application as a Coach. Shantanu started coaching applicants, with his team, right after he graduated from INSEAD in 2017. Have a look at his success stories and some real essays of his clients

Hi,

Pleaser review my profile for INSEAD

Overview
After completing my under graduation, I was sure about pursuing a fulfilling career but did not know which direction to head. Going with the theme of my subjects, I started working with a Big 4- safe option but not satisfying despite the awards and accolades. Also, I did not want to pursue an ACCA or CPA, so I decided to venture into business.

In my next role of a Business Development Manager, I established the infrastructure development vertical and gained exposure to managerial responsibilities and expertise in sales strategy and developing partnerships.

Due to a family matter, I decided to move back to support my ailing grandparents. To cover for the gap in my professional portfolio, I interned with my current organisation, Pahal (NGO) for six months and fell in love with my job. It's been two years since, and I am sure that a career in the development sector is my way forward!

MBA Specialistion/Subjects/Interests- General Management/Public Policy/ Government/Social Impact

Immediate post MBA goal- Corporate social responsibility/Program management at nonprofit organsations

Long term goal- Social sector consulting

GMAT- 720 to 730
(expected according to mocks)

Undergrad- Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Christ University
Christ University is a Tier 1 college in India ranked amongst the top 5 schools for Commerce/Business Management.
Major- Finance and Investment
CGPA- 3.26/4
Extracurricular Activities/ Leadership roles -
Christ University Commerce Association- President/ Student Coordinator
Christ University Festing Association- Co-founder and President
Department of Commerce, Christ University- Student Coordinator
Suyukti, Department of Commerce (Literary Club)- Founding Member
Finance Club, Department of Commerce-Member
Prayas 2014 Head- Operations and Events (Prayas is a national level business fest hosted by Department of Commerce, Christ University)

Total Work Experience- 6 years (by the time I join the course)

1. Pahal (NGO) (2 Years)
Supporting two projects: Special Training Centre under the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) and GOAL Program, a CSR initiative of Standard Chartered Bank. Leading a team of 10 member driving impact on the lives of adolescent girls and child labour victims
Program Officer (6 months)
Associate Program Officer (1 year)
Program Intern ( 6 months)

2.Business Development Manager at CSA Infraprojects (1 Year)
CSA Infraprojects is a real estate and an infrastructure firm. Handled new business acquisition and growth of existing business alongside leading corporate strategy, sales strategy, proposal process, and bid preparation. Established the infrastructure development vertical and managed a team of 4
Achievement - Project: Modern Bus Terminal on DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) basis with State City Transport & Development Authority.

3. EY Global Delivery Services (2 years)
Aligned with the Assurance- Wealth and Asset Management team operating financial services clients in the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman Islands. Responsible for the external audit of four clients, each different- Hedge Funds, Fund of Funds, Private Equity and Service Organisations.
Associate Audit EY (11 months)
Advanced Associate Audit (1 year 3 months)
Achievements-
Awarded Extra Miler- Spot Award.
Awarded Exceptional Client Service Award

Volunteer experience:
1. Missionaries of Charity (1 year)
Mother Teresa Orphanage, run by Missionaries of Charity, looks after orphaned differently-abled children below 17 years.
2. Educator/Mentor with Simple Education Foundation (3 months)
GyanVahak program enables rural children of Gular village to keep learning despite all the odds of Covid-19

Certificates-
1. Design Thinking: From Insights to Viability- Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Education

Other information:
Age- 26 years
Gender- Female
National- Indian

Hi, request you to check my profile. I’m aiming a 2022 admit in INSEAD.
My post MBA Goals are:
1. Geography change
2. Strategy roles with tech or luxury goods/beauty companies or consulting in MBB

My profile:
Female, 26 now, targeting INSEAD at 28
10th 95% (10/10 CGPA) CBSE
12th 93% CBSE science
Graduation: BTech biotechnology from a govt premiere but non IIT, Non NIT college 7/10 CGPA (top 20%)
Post grad: IIM Lucknow flagship course 5.5/10 on a relative grading scale. Top 40%

Work experience: Have completed 2.5 years with an Indian conglomerate in their marque leadership program.
First year as leadership associate (worked for 4 months each as an internal consultant in 3 different businesses of the group.)
1. As brand & digital marketing manager in Fashion business
2. digital marketing manager in the fintech app
3. demand planning in Manufacturing business in USA.

after that, 1.5 years years as the marketing manager of a leading mens fashion brand in India ( even though its popular in India, this may not ring a bell internationally). However it is the biggest premium fashion men’s brand of India.

I handle marketing, brand management, ad agencies, vendors, PR firms, celebrities & media houses. I also work on all forms of digital marketing here ( social media, performance marketing, organic search, app marketing)
Another part of my role is B2B marketing with amazon flipkart myntra etc to drive brands Ecommerce business.
International exposure: have 4 months internal consultant experience in USA in manufacturing in demand planning role as a leadership associate.

In terms of my performance, I’m a top performer of the company. Have been getting 5/5 rating ( delivering 150% performance on KPIs), so will get promoted next year.

So essentially in my 3 years with the company I would have been promoted thrice
Leadership associate to manager to senior manager.

I’ve strong volunteering experience with NSS, Red Cross, I’ve also mentored MBA students crack their Interviews & GDs.

I’m a trained singer, dancer, play a guitar ( state level performer).


Also, I’ve been brought up across 6 Indian states, know 4 Indian languages & intermediate level Italian.

1. Please guide me on how IIM MBA would be perceived. ( I did this course when I was at age 22)
2. Additionally what kind of work experience can I get in the next year so that my profile becomes suitable for MBB/ strategy? Is that even possible since I’m worried that my company “Birla group” may not be recognised outside India, even though it has substantial B2B presence across the globe.

Posted from my mobile device

Hello GMAT Club Community,

Wanted some advice on my profile and my admit chances for INSEAD:

27 year old (while matriculating) Indian Male (NON-ENGINEER).

GMAT: 710 (Q47, V41, IR4)

Education:
10th: 90%
12th: 86.5% (Humanities)

Undergrad GPA: 3.3
Bachelor's in Media & Communication from Symbiosis Intl. University (#1 Ranked program in the country)
Specialization: Advertising.

Work Ex: 4 years, 8 months at the time of joining.
Year 0-2: Worked as a copywriter & creative strategist at a digital advertising firm in Mumbai
Highlights -
- Successfully launched the first advertising campaign for the official Swedish Tourism board in India.
- Successfully set up and launched a leading health insurance brand in India online.
- Won the coveted Abby Awards for Creativity & Innovation (Indian equivalent of Cannes) twice.
- Won multiple clients through pitches, contributing significantly to company revenue.

Year 2-3
- Pivoted from a creative to an analytical role, starting as a Business Analyst at a leading ad-tech & performance marketing firm in India (Merkle Sokrati)
- Got promoted in 7 months, handled spends worth $200k a month, across verticals such as E-commerce, OTT, FinTech & BFSI.
- Mentored 3-4 different people with successful results.
- Won multiple clients through pitches, contributing significantly to company revenue.

Year 3 - present
- Shifted to a Growth & Marketing (Designation: Performance Marketing Manager) role at one of India's fastest-growing FinTech startups (valued at $300 million in less than 2 years), funded by Sequoia.
- The company provides financial management softwares to SMBs across India completely free of cost.


Extra-Curricular & Community
- 2 2-month Internships at NGOs (Teach for India & Door Step School)
- Sports Captain in school & college, representing both at school & district levels.

Post-MBA Goals:
Strategy Consulting.
Throughout my varied roles so far, I have served clients across levels in different capacities, with highly successful results (can get stellar recommendations from them)
With my experience as a creative strategist + analyst, I bring a balanced combination of creativity & analytics, and I feel i would be well-suited to a consulting role.

I have 12 months before submitting my application. Would love to hear about my chances of getting an admit (I am open to applying in Early action), or how I could bolster my application (particularly the quant aspect) in this period.

Would an HBS CORe course help here?