ganeshvenugopal wrote:
Hi,
Age:23
Undergrad: Bachelors of Engineering
GPA: 3.7
Nationality: Indian
Gmat: 710-730 Expected (giving on Sept 1)
Work Exp: 24months
Field: Trading (Finance)
Landed a job at a prop trading firm, traded commodities such as crude oil on London, Chicago, and New York exchanges from the firm's Bangalore office (Firm HQ: London).
I love what I do, but I believe there is a lot more to learn about the finance world, and so, I'm looking to do my MBA, in Finance (mostly).
However, 24 months work exp is all I have and that is the minimum work exp for all most colleges.
I prefer getting my MBA right away and not wait two more years because my opportunity cost is low right now and it grows fast in a profession like this.
Also, I believe it is hard to mold traders after a few years of trading, so now is my best time to do my MBA.
I'm not keen on doing the one-year programmes, because, I want to keep myself open to Consulting roles, in case I begin to like it more than trading over my course period.
That's my case. Any suggestions regarding my profile or colleges which I should apply to will be appreciated.
Thank You
I understand where you are coming from in terms of opportunity cost, but ask yourself if you have a very strong profile in all areas outside of WE.
I think it puts a lot of pressure on having a high GMAT (much higher than 710 honestly) which is even more critical for younger applicants.
Do you have a solid track record of leadership inside and outside the workplace? Do you sit on any boards? Are you involved with any community orgs? Toastmaster?
Any international exposure or work experience? What kind of track record do you have in terms of contribution? What would be the unique contribution you could bring to a program, that no one else could?
There is so much more to this than GMAT and GPA if you are looking to get into a top program, and I assume you are.
Also, I firmly believe that you are able to get more out of an MBA program after getting some managerial level experience. Or at least cross departmental experience and some experience mentoring and/or training others.
FYI you need a minimum GMAT of 720 if you attend top 20 for MBB - 700 if top 10. INSEAD is the biggest school for consulting recruitment and a 1-year program.