Profile Eval Request for Enrollment 2010
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05 Aug 2009, 10:42
This forum and club are truly remarkable...thanks to everyone who is involved! Newly joined (addicted) and look forward to contributing more in the future.
Facts:
American (Indian decent) male, 26
GMAT: 650 (V38, 83%, Q42, 63%; A6, 87%)
Undergrad: 3.75, B.S. of Industrial Engineering (with Honors and Distinction) at nationally ranked Big Ten school
Additional undergrad coursework in Life Sciences and Psychology (research as well as preqs for med school)
Summer Class at Harvard on Innovation
Program: MBA F/T (possibly P/T)
Area of Interest: Strategy, MC, IB are front runners with GM as backup
Background:
Born and raised in the US. Struck a good balance with Indian and American cultural interests and obligations -- I always thought this was going to be a positive before reading all the comments about the Indian Male IT demog. It still defines me and I was planning on using this as one of the unifying themes in my applications. Flirted with the idea of Medicine in undergrad but stuck with Engineering and chose to work for a well respected multinational healthcare company to fulfill this passion of helping others. Been described as a consummate team player and thrive in environments where support and collaboration are present.
Work Profile (total four years, five at matric):
Various internships and co-ops in Undergrad (Sales for Industrial Controls Mfg; Design Eng for Power Generation division of a well-known Fortune 50; Process Eng for Consumer Products Fortune 50) totaling one year experience. Debated decision out of undergrad to pursue opportunity with Big four MC firm. Chose and successfully completed two year rotational leadership development program with experience in Engineering, Ops and Quality across the Pharma, Medical Device and Consumer divisions of a Fortune 50 healthcare company. Current expat assignment with one year completed is international at a start-up biotech facility with people mgmt responsibility in manufacturing -- top performer in entire class of trainees to be afforded such an opportunity post program.
Why MBA?
Looking for the education to open doors to have more of an impact on the bigger picture of business. One of my favorite parts of the day is reading about industry and business news -- I want to be able to shape and mold this for a company down the road. Growing the top line excites me more than improving the bottom. I feel confident my experiences to date will allow me to contribute and add value at B-School. I know it's a risk to make such a big move however I am not looking to change industries from healthcare. Long term visions of M+A or Business Development support for industry. Short term goal would be to secure an opportunity that would maximize chances of this perhaps MC or IB for the Healthcare sector? I still need a bit of research here I realize.
Community Service:
Numerous experiences through the company on one-off basis. Recently more involved with teaching local school children as well as volunteer operations consultant for non-profits. Little leadership post university other than organizing a dance performance for an Indian community festival. In college, I was active (leader) in a large university philanthropy combating juvenile cancer, indian student association, competitive Indian dance troupes, resident assistant and fraternity.
Hobbies:
Avid tennis player, all-rounder for sports and staying active, and Traveling
Questions:
- How much to focus on Indian background?
- How to address history of switching career focus or indecision (and future uncertainties)?
- Are lower ranked top-tier schools feasible with low GMAT and other profile +ve points? If so, which schools would you recommend?
- If retaking GMAT results in marginal improvement or lower score, wouldn't it be better not to retake?
- What areas of the application to focus other than indian background and healthcare passion?
- Any advice on possible short term stepping stones coming out of B-School to fullfill the long term vision?
Thanks for your time and eagerly await your response. Apologies for the lengthy post.