Profile Evaluation

Question

Hi! I recently gave my first attempt of GMAT. I am quite overwhelmed with all the information about admissions and schools. I want to get some clarity on where does my profile stand.

This is my first post on GMAT Club. So do let me know if this post should go elsewhere.

GMAT: 720 (Q51 V36 IR7)

About me 
Indian, Engineer, Male

UG Details

University: BITS Pilani
Degree: B.E. Electrical and Electronics (Graduated in Aug 2020)
CGPA: 8.56 / 10
POR: Treasurer, IEEE Chapter

Work Experience

Full time
 
 Full stack founding engineer at a fintech startup (Sep 2022 - present) 
 Software Development Engineer at a unicorn (Mar 2022 - Aug 2022) 
 Member Technical Staff at a fortune 100 company (Sep 2020 - Feb 2022)

Part time
  Software consulting for three startups so far

Extra curricular activities 
None

Post MBA Goals

Global exposure 
 Consulting / Product / Strategy roles in the fintech space

Preferred MBA Programs

I am at a very early stage in my school research. Ideally I would prefer a shorter, full time program. such as the tech MBA programs at Stern and Cornell. Post MBA I want to work in Fintech, so programs at Oxford and LBS that offer a specialisation in Finance also seem quite appealing to me. Having said that, if there is a possibility that I can get into an M7 program with few changes to my profile, I will take that any day.

I have worked extensively with international folks in almost all my roles so far. I think these experiences should supplement my post MBA goal of global exposure quite well.
 
 Current job – The entire team is based in London. I have had multiple opportunities to interact with users and stakeholders from several European countries  
 Fortune 100 – I worked with teams in the US, Canada and Germany  
 Part time – Companies in Dubai and Singapore

Similarly, I think I will be able to define my motivations for Product, Strategy and Consulting roles well with my career trajectory so far.

I know that my GMAT Score is not adequate considering I am a part of the over represented pool. If necessary, I will retake the GMAT exam.

Some specific questions

How to shortlist schools? My GMAT score, work experience is not too far off of the class profiles of some of the top programs. But I don't quite understand how to factor in my demographic disadvantage while self-evaluating my chances. 
 Do my post MBA goals make sense?

Any suggestions, comments, questions are welcome.

Thank you if you took the time to go through my post.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello yashtotla , I hope you are doing good. Congratulations on your GMAT score and thank you for sharing detailed information about your profile and aspirations. Your questions are quite valid, and I'll do my best to provide you with some guidance. Your GMAT score of 720 is competitive, but as you mentioned, being an Indian engineer, you are part of a competitive applicant pool for top MBA programs. You'll be evaluated on various aspects, and it's important to stand out in other areas. When shortlisting schools, consider a mix of reach, match, and safety schools. Reach schools are highly competitive, match schools are those where your profile closely aligns with the class profile, and safety schools are those where you have a strong chance of acceptance. Look for schools that align with your post-MBA goals in fintech and offer strong programs in finance, consulting, or technology management. Some M7 programs may be within reach if you can emphasize your international exposure and diverse experiences. Your post-MBA goals of pursuing consulting, product, or strategy roles in the fintech space are aligned with your work experience and background. Make sure you can clearly articulate how an MBA will help you achieve these goals. Highlight your international exposure and experience working with diverse teams, as this will add to your appeal in schools that value global perspectives. Improving Your Profile: If you believe you can improve your GMAT score, retaking the exam is an option. A higher score could potentially make you more competitive, especially at highly selective schools. While extracurricular activities are not a significant part of your profile, you can use your essays and interviews to demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or other relevant qualities that these activities may have helped develop. Keep exploring different MBA programs, and consider factors like location, class size, faculty, alumni network, and whether they offer the resources and connections to the fintech industry. Look into programs that have strong ties to London or other fintech hubs if you plan to leverage your experience there. Overall, you have a competitive profile, and while your GMAT score may be a concern, your international exposure and career trajectory can work in your favor. Focus on strong application essays, highlighting your unique experiences, and ensuring your post-MBA goals align with your background and the specific strengths of the schools you apply to. Good luck with your MBA journey and remember that each school has its unique culture and strengths, so it's worth taking the time to find the best fit for your goals and aspirations. We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us to discuss your profile better and give a fair evaluation of your chances of admission to top Business schools. Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

Businessconquerer · Answer

Here's a brief  yashtotla

How to shortlist schools? 
 Based on the profile, I'd say apply to schools with a statistical range close to yours. Much more goes into it that's why school selection is a more nuanced process with MBA Conquerors. Takes into account the whole profile. But doing it yourself will be a little tricky.

My GMAT score, work experience is not too far off of the class profiles of some of the top programs. But I don't quite understand how to factor in my demographic disadvantage while self-evaluating my chances.

As someone who belongs to the same demographic, let me tell you- VERY!
You will still belong to the same pool regardless of experience (which I see as very unique) but I see this as a cream of the crop if you have a higher GMAT!

Do my post MBA goals make sense? 
Yes, I don't see why you cannot make the switch.

If you want a more holistic evaluation, you can just get it done here-  http://www.mbaconquerors.com

I am rooting for you man, we do specialize in OR candidates but I think you can get into Shorter programs. (Note that they need an average of 5 yrs ex - usually higher than 2 yrs MBA). Just reach out, we can chat about it if you have any specific questions!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello yashtotla , Thanks for writing in. Your experience working with both a Fortune 100 company as well as with start-ups will lead you to showcase interesting talking points in your essays. The BITS pedigree as well as the international exposure will prove to be very advantageous as well. Of course, the presentation of your strengths through a compelling narrative will be crucial. Now, to answer your questions: -As you belong to an overrepresented pool of Indian applicants, you will be expected to have a higher GMAT score than what the class profile indicates; kindly go through the following video on "how to shortlist business schools" https://www.expertsglobal.com/shortlist ... 0targeting. -Your goals are in sync with your existing experience; you only need to ensure that your narrative is seamless as well. -Retaking the GMAT will make sense, especially, because you have some time before the Round 2 applications; a higher score is bound to help your case. Should you feel the need to discuss your case in greater detail, please feel free to get in touch with us for a profile evaluation session. All the best!

Score-Quest · Answer

Hello and welcome to GMAT Club!

Firstly, congratulations on your GMAT score of 720. While it is a commendable score, especially your Q51, you're right in noting the competitiveness of the over-represented demographic. Given this context, while your score is quite solid, it might be on the lower side for M7 schools, especially when considering your specific demographic. A retake could potentially strengthen your application for these top-tier programs.

Considering your work experience, especially in the fintech space, and your preference for a one-year program, have you evaluated the Indian School of Business (ISB)? They offer a one-year program, and many graduates from ISB have successfully transitioned into top product roles, especially in the fintech domain. It's a great program and could align well with your goals.

I would suggest narrowing down your goals for the application process. Given your background in tech, a pivot into product management seems like a natural transition. The experience and skill set you've acquired would align well with such roles. While it's absolutely possible for individuals from tech backgrounds to break into consulting or strategy, these roles often attract applicants from diverse backgrounds, including prior consultants and general management profiles. It might be beneficial for you to emphasize the product side in your applications.

In terms of school shortlisting, it's essential to consider fit. While it's tempting to aim for the highest ranked programs, it's also crucial to look at schools where your profile aligns with the class, and where you can see yourself thriving. ISB should be high on your list given its strong placement in product roles and the advantage of a one-year program. For M7 or other top international programs, I'd recommend potentially retaking the GMAT to strengthen your application.

Your post-MBA goals do make sense, but for the sake of clarity in your applications, I'd recommend picking one primary path (in your case, product seems the most aligned) and showcasing how your past experience and an MBA from the target school will help you achieve that.

Best of luck in your MBA journey! Feel free to reach out in DM if you have any other questions or need further clarification.

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