Paul, please evaluate (Russian female candidate)
[#permalink]
02 Sep 2010, 09:31
Paul, thank you in advance for your evaluation!
Profile:
W/F/28, born/raised in Russia, U.S. immigrant since 2002, citizen since 2008
Education:
2002-2004 – local community college, Associate Liberal Arts/Sciences GPA 3.95 (summa cum laude)
2004-2007 – transfer student University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Econ Major GPA 3.5
GMAT: 710/92% – Q78% - V92% - AWA:5.0
Goals:
-MBA in marketing strategy at a school with a strong general mgt focus and global perspective
Would like to stay in CPG consumer marketing but through MBA want to a) learn business fundamentals, b) cultivate leadership, c) deep dive on the marketing paths (transition from a specialized market research function to a more generalist marketing function)
Schools:
-Kellogg
- Booth
-U-Wisconsin, Madison (marketing research concentration)
- what else would you recommend?
WE:
2007 - 2008 1.5 years as a Business Analyst at a boutique marketing strategy consulting company specializing in brand innovation for major CPG clients
Responsibilities included project management, client interface, creating situational analyses and case studies, ownership of qualitative consumer research initiatives (screening design, logistics, timelines, analysis, client delivery). Leadership experiences: Provided cultural insights to a client team during a global research project (in Russia), resulting in better-scoring product concepts tailored to local consumer
Left company in Dec 2008 due to an ongoing acquisition and fit (wanted opportunities on client side, more exposure to quant research, better exposure to internal workings of corporate consumer insights/strategy dep’t and how it integrates into organization).
Joined PepsiCo Quaker Oats in Feb 2009 on contract-basis
2009-2010 1 year as an onsite analyst with corporate strategy providing analytical support for a category innovation initiative. Worked with peers across business units to revise a legacy segmentation methodology and apply to the innovation analysis. Came up with a list of strategically appealing categories for prioritization in 3-5 year pipeline. Trained team members on new methodology.
2010 - Present 1 year as an onsite analyst with Consumer Insights & Strategy team, liasing with cross-functional partners to develop & implement research initiatives informing company’s marketing strategy. Managed external vendors to develop & execute a consumer validation study for a flagship brand, which resulted in new flavor extensions being added in 2011; raise “brand health” awareness across functions with situational analyses & ad hoc analyses across company portfolio
As a result of my work, being transitioned into a permanent role at Quaker
2005 Marketing Assistant internship while in college
Also, took a summer course at U-M’s Institute of Social Research to study opinion research methodologies.
EC:
Volunteer at Upwardly Global (non profit helping highly qualified immigrants relaunch their careers in US). Mentor a Russian immigrant with extensive brand mgt experience to help her get into marketing function in US.
Volunteer for a PepsiCo meal service to inner city kids initiative (food server)
Kellogg/Booth are focus to “stretch,” U-W, Madison is a “definitely.” Do you think I have a chance at Kellogg/Booth? Otherwise, what are other reasonable options given my interests and background?
Also:
How should I handle my 2-month break between jobs?
Would contract-based nature of my job and lack of promotions be an impediment?
Thanks!