Pakistan - Profile Evaluation
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16 Oct 2015, 02:37
Hello!
I'm a 24 year old from Pakistan(25 by the time I'll join an MBA next year). I've done my Bechelors (4 years) in Economics from LUMS, Pakistan's top ranked business school. My GPA was 3.3.
GMAT: 700
Full-Time Work Experience (from first to last):
-5 months in a Media company 'Starcom Mediavest'. Clients were Coca-Cola and Samsung. Position held: Management Trainee (initially). After 3 months promoted to Assistant Sales manager
-Then switched to ICI Pakistan Limited: A former Fortune 500 company. Position : Management Trainee. Working in the Supply Chain department. Initially responsible for a portfolio of USD 500,000. After 1 year, portfolio increased to USD 2 Million. Currently working here.
-Total work experience (excluding 3 months of internships) : 24 months in January 2016 (when I'll apply). 31 months by the time I'll join the MBA program.
Extracirriculars: 2nd Best-Swimmer in College, Best Debater in College, President of Arts Society LUMS. Currently running two small setups: .1. Teaching basic Maths & English to under-18 kids who were previously victims of bonded labor and have come to the city for menial jobs. .2. Distributing food given as donations to needy people in Lahore slums.
Future plans:
Short Term: To work outside home country in a Supply Chain role for 1 year. Understand Supply Chain dynamics, procedures and standards in developed countries. Learn to work in and lead diverse teams.
Long Term: Return back to Pakistan, bringing along with me the managerial experience, enhanced skill sets, and international exposure that is in huge demand in the Pakistani market. Work as a consultant, helping organizations in improving their processes, especially operations and supply chain mechanisms. Launch a startup which allows willing people from around the world to teach those students residing in villages whose parents cannot afford to send them to school.
Now, a few of my comments:
I'll be promoted to an Assistant Manager in May 2016 (in my current company), which might further strengthen my case of career progression. However, that will be too late as applications will be closed by then. Also, I know that next year is the ideal time for me to start this degree. I'm showing career progression by 2 things:
.1. Promotion from Management Trainee to Assistant Manager Sales within 3 months during my first job, which is very rare in that organization. A Letter of Recommendation from my ex-boss will strengthen this point
.2. The 300% increase in the size of my portfolio after 1 year at my current job. A letter of recommendation from my current boss will strengthen this point. However, there has been no change in my designation (it still remains Management trainee). I'm concerned about this. How might it effect my career progression case. Can I showcase career progression by an increase in responsibilities instead of a change in designation.
Now, target Schools:
I intend to apply to the top and second tier schools in the US. My top choice is Berkeley (it's one of my dream place to be in). I'll also apply to Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Anderson, Kelley, Rice University. What are my chances for Berkeley? Is MIT/Harvard a long shot ? or should I give one a try?
Thanks
Hamza