bob99 wrote:
Hi, I am still a few months away from sending applications and do not have my GMAT done yet. I hope it's still possible to get an evaluation, as I am wondering if my goals might be completely unrealistic.
I'm a 31 year old male from Scandinavia.
1) Brief description of your full-time work experience.
After graduating I have worked full time in software development and IT consulting. After two years I was promoted to technical Project Manager/tech lead for a new banking system for one of the largest banks in Scandinavia. The project had around 20 developers. After another two years in that position I left to join a small IT consultancy as CTO/assistant general manager. Here I've worked for another three years, totalling 7 1/2 years of experience after receiving my master's degree. I've been involved in all parts of running the company and is the "right hand" of the general manager.
2) Your GMAT:
Not taken yet. I'm studying a couple of hours daily and testing at 670 now. I'll take the test in around two months, so 700 should be realistic. If you think a higher score is necessary, I would love to hear it.
3) College info: The name of the college, your GPA or grade average, your major, year of graduation. For any graduate degrees, please provide the same info. If you grades are low, please indicate if there were extenuating circumstances.
Master's degree in engineering (computer science). Top technical university in my country. Final grade of B on a scale from A-E where E is fail. I worked part time (50%) with software development for a well-known company during my studies.
4) Significant college and post-college extra-curricular activities or community service, especially leadership experience.
I'm leading a volunteer professional community with 300 members who meet monthly. I am responsible for getting both professional speakers to come and speak to us and for providing a venue for local people to share their experiences. I have had minor speaking appearances at major international conferences.
5) Important certifications like CFA, CPA, FSA, or CA.
6) Your target programs.
INSEAD is my clear number one choice. I am only looking at one-year programs and is looking mainly in Europe. Oxford and Cambridge next on the list.
7) Your post-MBA goal.
I am looking for a career change. While I have excelled in my technical work and in technical consulting, I have become increasingly interested in businesses: How they work, what makes them profitable and how to make them grow. I am an entrepreneur at heart and would like to start my own successful business. However I am very interested in working for one of the very large companies as well.
Since a career change is what I'm aiming at, I have decided to not pursue an EMBA. While I'm certainly one of the older applicants for the regular MBA programs, I got hope that I can get accepted. Following that, with distinguished results from a good business school my goal is to land a job at a good management consulting company as a way to make my career change happen.
Assuming a 700, fairly balanced GMAT, you have a competitive profile for INSEAD, Oxford, and Cambridge.
However, I urge to to consider at least a few U.S. programs that support your goals and happen to have shorter programs. Europeans are an underrepresented group in the applicant pool. It's possible you would even get funding if accepted.
If you would consider a two-year program, look into MIT and Haas. Also consider Cornell's accelerate program. Finally, look into Kellogg's MBA program. If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for the one-year program. If not, consider the 2-year program. You may also want to look into Columbia's J-term.
Best,
Linda
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17 Sep 2012, 23:13
