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AdMan73
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Joined: 05 Feb 2024
Last visit: 27 Aug 2025
Posts: 3
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Location: India
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
GPA: 3.2/4
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
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Pre-MBA work experience 14 Mar 2024, 03:37
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Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

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admitStreet
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Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
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Pre-MBA work experience 14 Mar 2024, 05:54
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AdMan73
Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

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AdMan73 -

Middle-office roles aren't an anamoly at B-schools, however, it would be important to highlight:

- transferable skills to your post-MBA goals e.g. consulting/ strategy roles require data analysis, cross-functional collaborations, structured problem-solving etc. Bringing out these elements from your work-ex can help.
- the impact of your role e.g. key achievements, ideally quantified, that indicate the result of your efforts. 
- how the dots connect i.e. how do learnings from your roles, coupled with the MBA, lead to your post-MBA career path.

In terms of landing desired jobs, a tactical approach would be to look for overlaps e.g. Financial services consulting (firms like Bain, Oliver Wyman and other boutiques focus here) where you leverage pre-MBA experience in a certain sector/ domain to facilitate the transition. 

Besides these, ofcourse a good GMAT/ GRE score can improve the chances, along with other angles (ExtraCurriculars etc.).

Feel free to reach out if you'd like to have a deeper chat.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | HEC Paris MBA alum and ex-Admissions Interviewer
W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com­
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ExpertsGlobal
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Pre-MBA work experience 19 Mar 2024, 04:02
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AdMan73
Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

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­Hello AdMan73,

Thanks for writing in.

So long as you are able to showcase growth, presence of skills that demonstrate your potential for a rigorous business school education, and a logical set of career goals, you will be alright. Work on performing in your current role; volunteer for leadership opportunities (both at work and outside of work), and focus on doing well on the GMAT. If you are able to do so, you need not worry about anything else. Business schools are open to those at middle-office positions - you only need to put forth a compelling application.

Hope this helps.

All the best!­
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MBAGuide
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Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
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Pre-MBA work experience 19 Mar 2024, 05:37
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AdMan73
Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

Posted from my mobile device
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­AdMan73 Hope this finds you well. Job descriptions alone dont define your potential.  But I think that if you have another couple of years before you apply to a school like INSEAD, why don't you deliberately seize opportunities that add a new dimension to your profile? If you've realized that you would like to pursue something post-MBA where your current experience in risk does not pose a hurdle, then why not utilize the next two years to gain experience that propels you out of this inertia zone and shows as a steep takeoff point in your profile? This could fetch you a top B school admit. Business schools, at least the good ones, like to see that an MBA is NOT the first time someone is trying to move out of their comfort zone professionally. Top B schools abroad would be all the more wary if you pitch very steep career pivots as the post-MBA objective. Business schools ideally want to see proofs that you have made the effort to try new things and initiate a career transition on your own.

So unless you aren't particularly stoked about applying to the absolute top B-schools in the EU/UK, I would recommend strategizing your profile building in the next two years.

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Reach out should you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com­
 ­



 ­
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AdMan73
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Joined: 05 Feb 2024
Last visit: 27 Aug 2025
Posts: 3
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Location: India
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
GPA: 3.2/4
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
Posts: 3
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Pre-MBA work experience 19 Mar 2024, 06:28
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Thank you for your reply.

That’s good to hear! I have a decent GMAT score of 730.

What do you think about job opportunities after getting an mba? Would my work experience work against me when it comes to landing the typical MBA jobs?

ExpertsGlobal
 
AdMan73
Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

Posted from my mobile device
­Hello AdMan73,

Thanks for writing in.

So long as you are able to showcase growth, presence of skills that demonstrate your potential for a rigorous business school education, and a logical set of career goals, you will be alright. Work on performing in your current role; volunteer for leadership opportunities (both at work and outside of work), and focus on doing well on the GMAT. If you are able to do so, you need not worry about anything else. Business schools are open to those at middle-office positions - you only need to put forth a compelling application.

Hope this helps.

All the best!­
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User avatar
AdMan73
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Joined: 05 Feb 2024
Last visit: 27 Aug 2025
Posts: 3
Given Kudos: 4
Location: India
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
GPA: 3.2/4
Schools: INSEAD Jan '26 HEC (A)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V40
Posts: 3
Kudos: 0
Pre-MBA work experience 19 Mar 2024, 07:27
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Thank you for your feedback’

I am looking to apply to the best programs - INSEAD, HEC and LBS, but I believe it will be difficult for me to pivot to a consulting role right now with the work ex that I have.

MBAGuide
 
AdMan73
Hi,

I am looking to apply to the top European MBA programs in the next couple years and I believe that most components of my application are OK, but a big worry for me is that I am currently working in Risk at a financial institution. Does that hurt my chances of 1) getting admitted and 2) if admitted, landing desirable jobs after mba?

It is not the most typical risk job in the sense that we work closely with consultants all year round and look at risk at a company-wide level - therefore, interacting with many stakeholders.

In terms of achievements at work, I am doing OK and have even received an award from the CEO, but will my middle-office work experience prevent me from landing consulting/ strategy/other roles in finance after mba?

Thank you!

Posted from my mobile device
­AdMan73 Hope this finds you well. Job descriptions alone dont define your potential.  But I think that if you have another couple of years before you apply to a school like INSEAD, why don't you deliberately seize opportunities that add a new dimension to your profile? If you've realized that you would like to pursue something post-MBA where your current experience in risk does not pose a hurdle, then why not utilize the next two years to gain experience that propels you out of this inertia zone and shows as a steep takeoff point in your profile? This could fetch you a top B school admit. Business schools, at least the good ones, like to see that an MBA is NOT the first time someone is trying to move out of their comfort zone professionally. Top B schools abroad would be all the more wary if you pitch very steep career pivots as the post-MBA objective. Business schools ideally want to see proofs that you have made the effort to try new things and initiate a career transition on your own.

So unless you aren't particularly stoked about applying to the absolute top B-schools in the EU/UK, I would recommend strategizing your profile building in the next two years.

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Reach out should you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting




 ­
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