VP
Joined: 22 Apr 2004
Posts: 1117
Given Kudos: 59
Location: Southern California
Schools:Kellogg MBA 2004
[#permalink]
14 Oct 2005, 10:01
If I were you, I actually wouldn't worry too much about your not having a "typical" ebgineering/consulting/finance background. Many applicants think that the trick is to "blend in" with the crowd and look like you belong at b-school, but I encourage you to take almost the completely opposite approach! Yes, you do need to show that you have the mental horsepower some relevant experience, but I think you can already show this.
Someone who has worked in real estate, supply chain, and international retail has a lot of unique experiences to talk about. Use these to your advantage!
I do wish that you had some more hobbies/activities since college to talk about. The fact that you started the club in college is great, though. Try to use this to show your initiative and leadership abilities. The other slight weakness in your app is your undergard GPA (a little low by some standards), but you can overcome this with your GMAT score and demonstrating that you'll be serious about your academics in b-school.
I think that any of your target schools is reasonable for you. Put another way, I do think that you're competitive enough to get into at least one top-20 school. So, stay focused on those.
I would like to know more about your desire to get an international MBA. Your career goals will obviously affect your choice of school, and your chances of getting in. The more focused and realistic, the better!
Scott