Please help me evaluate my profile for ISB

Question

Hello, I am new to MBA scene and looking to get some guidance on colleges. I am planning to take GMAT next year.

I am planning to apply in 2026 . Here's my profile

Xth: 88.83 , ICSE Board (2014)

XIIth: 91.2 , ISC Board (2016)

Btech: 82.9, Tier 3 college (2021)

UG College activities:

>Social work through college club in 2nd semester (this club is now a registered NGO)

> A couple of college level wins in literary activities

> Helped organized and international event in department 
 
> Presented a review paper in an international conference organised by my college.

Work ex : 3 years, as of August 2024.

Organisation : Top 2 Smartphone manufacturer in the world, in it's software Quality Assurance department.

My designation is Engineer but I work in both project management/software tests roles.

My R&Rs:

>Test Lead responsible for planning and managing software tests.

>Responsibility includes implementation of Test Plans, Test Strategy, and Test Processes and software deployment .

>Managed 50+ major projects and 100+ minor projects, deploying software to more than 40 million
customers worldwide.

>Interfaced with multiple Product Owners on an active basis to manage product backlog and sprint activities.

>Spearheaded Agile ceremonies such as Daily Standups, Sprint Planning, Retrospectives, Story refinement and Release planning.

>Risk analysis of Projects, based on differences from H/W and S/W feature side to optimize testing efforts

>Mentored and coached junior team members, nurturing talent and fostering professional growth

>Employee Of The Quarter 3, 2023, Winner

>Spot Award, Quarter 3, 2022 for Paramount Achievement

I haven't yet had a promotion and it looks difficult this year or the next

I am preparing for GMAT this year and hope to convert a good B school in 2026. Please share if my profile is good enough for ISB Hyderabad or any US/UK/France/Germany based colleges

Posted from my mobile device

MBAGuide · Answer

ShinyCat01 If I can speak my mind, B schools love profiles that have worked at the intersection of production/testing/troubleshooting and management (I too come from this area), even more so if you are a female candidate (you did not mention but extra points for a woman from the industrial sector). Plenty of positives in your profile if you have managed stakeholders at all levels and expedited work in crisis/stressful situations at the shop floor level. If you got a chance to work in global teams, extra points for that too. Target to attain a high GMAT so you can begin shortlisting suitable colleges. Feel free to reach out. This might help you- Career Possibilities for Engineers from industrial Background Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ShinyCat01 · Answer

Hello thanks for the revert.

Actually I am a male candidate. I am not sure if my profile is "Industrial" so to say, I work in Software Quality Assurance and it's pretty much a desk job , but yes I do interact with the factory team . 
Just one thing I would like to know if my UG being a tier 3 college and having no meaningful college activities could be a hindrance?

MBAGuide · Answer

ShinyCat01 In a way, the software quality testing/ troubleshooting falls into the same category. I have worked with many successful candidates from the QA teams in the telecom sector, cyber security and similar areas for ISB applications. Just one thing I would like to know if my UG, which was a tier 3 college and had no meaningful college activities, could be a hindrance... - If your work experience is good, i.e. if you have taken initiatives at work and have some global stakeholder management under your belt, you have a good chance if you say what the ISB adcoms want to hear. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/aanchal-sahni-83b00819/ |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

ARINGO · Answer

Hi ShinyCat01
I am Priyanka, Client Manager at ARINGO. Speaking about your profile, since you are planning to appear for 2026 intake, you have ample time so you should focus on a 700+ score, as this will be needed to compensate for your GPA (tier 3 college).

Your WE in a leading smartphone manufacturer, coupled with your increasing responsibilities and accolades is good but since you haven’t achieved a promotion yet- might raise some questions. Start focusing on quantifying your impact and showcasing leadership initiatives.
Apart from ISB, when thinking about global schools you can also target Ross, Tepper, Anderson and McCombs. While Essec and HEC are good options in Europe too.

Click here to connect for a detailed profile analysis.

You can also email me your CV at: priyankak@aringo.com
Good Luck!

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey,  ShinyCat01

Your profile is impressive for MBA programs and holds global appeal! Your consistent academic performance, coupled with your work experience as a project and software testing leader is truly commendable. The global scale of the projects you've managed, including social work with an NGO and organizing events, speaks volumes about your international impact.

However, there are still areas for improvement.You will need to highlight your leadership experiences and strong GMAT score this is what ISB Hyderabad values most in profiles like yours which are competitive. It would be better if you try getting one promotion before applying for the MBA program at ISB Hyderabad (focus on a good GMAT score and leadership in your essays). What are your post-mba goals? Your schools selection will be largely dependent on it. Your profile seems good on the surface and do have a chance at schools abroad as well.

You will need to quantify achievements when describing your job responsibilities, and also emphasize your leadership qualities. With a strong GMAT score, continued leadership focus, and a well-researched school list, you’ve got a great shot at making it into one of the top MBA programs!

If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you to discuss your chances in detail and shortlist schools for you.

If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you to discuss your chances in detail and shortlist schools for you.    Click here to schedule a complimentary profile evaluation session with our experts  . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools.

FLY.reachout · Answer

Dear @ShinyCat01,

Your profile is well-rounded, showcasing a commendable balance of academics and extracurricular activities throughout your college years. This indicates that you have been highly active and engaged during your academic journey.

Where your profile truly stands out is in your work experience.  Over the past three years, you have not only excelled in quality assurance and software testing but have also delved into project management. The recognition you have received, as evidenced by the awards you mentioned, further highlights your achievements.  Your career trajectory reflects a consistent effort to take on progressively more responsibilities, a trait highly valued by business schools.

To create a compelling profile, it is essential to weave your story together effectively in the application essays.  Clarity on your long-term and short-term goals, and how the business school you are targeting can help you achieve them, will be crucial.  We are eager to discuss and brainstorm on how to most impactfully present your profile and demonstrate how an MBA can help you achieve your goals.

At Team FLY, we are a collective of ISB alumni dedicated to supporting prospective ISB candidates with profile positioning, essay critiques, and interview preparations.

Please feel free to book a 15-minute free session for a detailed discussion with us:  https://calendly.com/reachusfly/15min

With warm regards,
Team FLY
 LinkedIn

mbagully · Answer

Hi  ShinyCat01 ,

Thank you for sharing your detailed profile on the forum. Here’s our comprehensive analysis and how MBA Gully can support you in maximizing your chances for ISB Hyderabad and other top B-schools.

Profile Analysis 
Academics:
Your academic performance is strong, with high scores throughout. This demonstrates your consistency and capability, which will be a solid foundation for your application.

Extracurricular Activities: 
Your involvement in social work, literary activities, and organizing an international event showcases a well-rounded personality and leadership potential. Presenting a review paper at an international conference highlights your academic initiative and dedication.

Work Experience: 
You have gained significant experience in a top smartphone manufacturer, managing major projects and impacting millions of customers. Your role involves critical responsibilities such as test planning, managing software deployments, and leading Agile ceremonies. Your achievements, including the Employee of the Quarter and Spot Award, demonstrate your impact and dedication.  By the time you apply, you'll have approximately five years of experience, which is ideal from a recruitment standpoint.

Areas for Improvement 
 Tier 3 College:  While your college is a tier 3 institution,  your strong academic performance and significant professional achievements help mitigate this. 
 Promotion:  The absence of a promotion might be a concern, but  your extensive responsibilities and achievements can counterbalance this . Continue seeking opportunities for leadership and strategic projects to demonstrate your growth.
Evaluation and Chances
 Overall Profile Strength: 7.5/10

Academics: 8/10
Extracurricular Activities: 7/10
Work Experience: 7/10 (expected to improve with time)
Leadership and Achievements: 7/10
 Estimated Chance for ISB Hyderabad: 55-60%

Strategic Recommendations 
Application Strategy: We will help you craft compelling essays that highlight your strengths, achievements, and  how you’ve excelled despite coming from a tier 3 college. 
Leadership and Strategic Projects:  Continue seeking opportunities for leadership and strategic projects  to demonstrate your growth and readiness for an MBA program.
Networking:  Engage with ISB alumni  and current students to gain insights and further strengthen your application.  Our mentors and consultant can help with this immensely. 
Mentoring and Professional Growth:  Continue mentoring junior team members  and seek feedback to enhance your professional development.

How MBA Gully Can Help 
At MBA Gully, we have extensive experience working with candidates like you. Our tailored approach includes:

Personalized Application Strategy:   We help you from the start of your application process until you graduate , ensuring every aspect of your profile is presented in the best possible light.
Essay and Application Reviews: We will work with you to craft compelling narratives that highlight your unique experiences and strengths.
Interview Preparation: We offer mock interviews and feedback to help you confidently present your story.
 Post-Admission Support:  Our guidance continues beyond admission, helping you navigate the MBA journey until you graduate.
 With our support, we believe you can be a strong contender for ISB Hyderabad, IIMs, and other top B-schools in the US, UK, France, and Germany.

We’re here to support you every step of the way and help you maximize your chances of admission.
Reach out to us:
 📞 Phone: +91 98180 66324

Best regards,

The MBA Gully Team

Please help me evaluate my profile for ISB

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