Leo95 wrote:
Hi,
Thank you for the time to evaluate my profile.
Background: Male, 22 year old (too young?
![Very Happy :-D](https://cdn.gmatclub.com/cdn/files/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif)
)
Nationality: Indian
Undergrad: graduated in 2016, from a UK Russel group (tier 1) in aerospace engineering (grade - 2:2. stretched myself too thin
![Mad :x](https://cdn.gmatclub.com/cdn/files/forum/images/smilies/icon_mad.gif)
). Also won a scholarship for all 3 years of UG studies
GMAT: not yet written (exam due in Jul 2017)
Work Experience:
started and successfully ran an internet-based company in London (during undergrad) for 1.5 years -> had to stop and return to India due to visa and personal issues
started a food and beverage company in india -> still going strong (almost 7 months)
internships
currently working on starting an internet-based company
currently working on starting a fashion photography studio
currently preparing for CFA level 1 and GMAT
Community:
started a sports club during undergrad studies, part of leadership of 2 other societies during undergrad studies, volunteered at a local non-profit organization during undergrad studies
promoted from a teacher to a board of director at an Indian non-profit -> still going strong (8 months)
Post-MBA goals:
get into IBD (M&A, haven't decided on the market sector, mostly tech) in the US as an associate, alongside start an internet company -> after - either progress asap to an MD position or move into venture capital (after 1-3 years of M&A exp)
Other:
online courses from top-institutes in finance, accounting, digital marketing, and business strategy (through coursera)
extensive travelling (almost all of EU, a few ASEAN countries, and India) -> self-funded
involved in combat sports (wrestling and mma)
learning russian
Kind Regards
* would love to be a part of the web chat
Hi Leo95!
You have a very entrepreneurial background. I like the drive you are showing in your early career. As for the big bullet points you raised.
- 22 is a little young to apply to an MBA program, except the HBS 2+2 program which is open for applications from those still in undergrad. In any event, you're going to want more work experience before you apply because (1) it will make your application that much richer and (2) because it will make you a better MBA student when you get there. I'd start trying once you have 2-3 years of work experience. But no time like the present
to start developing a strategy plan!- Don't worry too much about the 2:2. You got it in an impressive and difficult major, from a prestigious school and one that is a top feeder into US MBA programs like Wharton. Wharton can be a bit more fussy about GPA and GMAT scores to protect their numbers (given their sensitivity to the rankings) but the good news is that your GPA is on a scale that is hard to translate to a 4.0 system. My advice: be proud of your academic accomplishments. Also, it's in the past and nothing you can do about it now.
- I think the success of your application in 2-3 years time will hinge on your work experience. Specifically (1) its perceived prestige, (2) the industry expertise you develop, and (3) your Personal Narrative. Quickly on each:
(1) Elite MBA programs want students from prestigious employers (to build recruiting relationships) and successful backgrounds (to enhance the classroom and the renown of the program). Entrepreneurs at Wharton will likely be judged on the amount and quality of VC backing they get for their companies, the media attention, the financial success and whatever exit you can make.
(2) Admissions Committees also expect students to add industry expertise to classroom discussions. In whatever you do, you need to be able to communicate how much you learned and how that will allow you to both teach others and make your career transition
(3) Last and most important is Personal Narrative. Check out
these two posts for
some good insights on the topic. In short, I can foresee two challenges: first, answering why a successful entrepreneur would want to go back to business school and second, explaining how the transition from entrepreneurship to Investment Banking fits into a consistent personal narrative. Thinking about it now, I have a few ideas for how you can tell these stories but you're definitely going to need something compelling for each.
Hope this helps! Reach out with any additional questions. You have a lot of time now to set up a strong app so make the most of it!