Profile Evaluation

Question

Hi everyone,

Requesting a profile evaluation.

Here are the details:

Indian Male

GMAT 680 (Q48 V35 IR7 AWA5)

Work exp: 5 years & 3 months (first 8 months at a core manufacturing company followed by 3 Years at ZS and currently working at IQVIA)

Age: 27

College CGPA: 8.58 (conversion factor of 10), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar

Extracurricular in college: PR head for KIITMUN and part of MUNSOC, active participant and winner in college fest events

Target School: HEC Paris

Is my GMAT score sufficient or shall I go for a reattempt?

admitStreet · Answer

deegmat2 - a few q's before sharing some thoguhts: 1. Are you looking at the Sep' 24 or Jan '25 intake at HEC? 2. Have there been any promotions in your professional role(s) so far? 3. What are your post-MBA goals i.e. target sector/ function/ geography? Broadly, the score is a bit on the lower end given the Indian Male applicant perspective, but understanding your profile better can help. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

deegmat2 · Answer

1. I am looking for either Sep'24 or Jan'25 intake
2. Yes, I have been promoted from Associate to Associate Consultant at ZS (fastrack case) and then joined IQVIA as a Consultant
3. Post-MBA Goals: Consulting would be the first preference followed by Product roles. I would prefer Europe geography-wise

kai3575 · Answer

Hey  deegmat2 ,

As an Indian candidate who got INSEAD and HEC admit myself, Your profile seems to be good enough for HEC in general.

But you might need to brush up on your extra curriculars and motive.

1. What are your post MBA goals? 
2. Do you have any international experience?

Feel free to reach out and book a free profile evaluation session with me from my website  kaimbaconsulting.com 
 or shoot me an email at  contact@kaimbaconsulting.com

Regards,
Kai
 kaimbaconsulting.com

Posted from my mobile device

Score-Quest · Answer

Hi there, It's clear that you have a strong professional background with significant experience at reputable firms like ZS and IQVIA, which will certainly bolster your application. Your promotion demonstrates a clear career progression and aligns well with your post-MBA goal of continuing in consulting. Regarding your GMAT score, it is indeed slightly below for programs like HEC Paris, where the competition is quite stiff, especially for the highly represented demographic. An additional 30 points could strengthen your application and help you stand out in the competitive pool. However, the decision to retake the GMAT should be balanced against the time you have available before your application deadlines and your ability to potentially improve your score. It's also worth considering a diversified approach to your applications. Exploring other European/North American schools could provide you with a broader range of options and increase your chances of admission. If you're contemplating which schools to apply to and how to strategize your applications effectively, I'd be happy to discuss this further with you. Feel free to schedule a free application strategy discussion at your convenience using this link - https://calendly.com/scorequest/30min We can delve into your profile in more detail, evaluate your school choices, and discuss how to best showcase your strengths in your applications.

admitStreet · Answer

deegmat2 thanks for updating. Some thoughts:

1. GPA is good, and GMAT is borderline/ alight for HEC. I've worked with candidates with lesser scores (and a strong profile) who have gotten into HEC, but going by probabilities, I'd advise a higher score. This can particularly help if you're keen on scholarships
2. Your work-ex is interesting, given the association with consulting brand-names, and the promotion. Linking your experiences to your career goals and how HEC fits in would be crucial. Some thoughts to ponder on: Why Consulting? Which domain/ niche if any? What are your transferable skills? How will an MBA (and particularly HEC) help achieve your goals?
3. Since HEC approaches profiles holistically through essays, aim to bring about a balanced profile i.e. professional and personal, showcasing who you are beyond your CV and scores. ECs and other interests can help with talking points here.

Hope this helps a bit. Feel free to reach out through the link below for a deeper chat.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet
HEC Paris MBA alum

deegmat2 · Answer

I have good experience in Data Science as well (took up an online paid course for this) and am thinking about combining my DS knowledge with learnings from MBA to be utilized well at a Consulting firm as an enhancer in the essay. About the GMAT scores, I scored 750 and 760 in the mock test but unfortunately scored far lesser on the D-day. And since I have more than 5 years of experience, I am not sure if I should wait for another year to go for an MBA. Could you please suggest if it would be okay if I apply to HEC or ISB when I have 6-7 years of experience?

MiMEssay · Answer

👋 Hey  deegmat2 ,

Here is a detailed profile evaluation for you:

GMAT Score  : 680 (Q48 V35 IR7 AWA5) 📊

Impact : Your score is just below the average for top European schools like HEC Paris, which typically look for 700+. However, the balance between quant and verbal shows well-roundedness.
 Strategy : Consider a retake if you believe you can improve, especially to offset the tough competition from your demographic pool.

Work Experience  : 5 Years & 3 Months 🔨

Manufacturing to Consulting Pivot : The transition from a core manufacturing company to ZS and IQVIA displays adaptability and growth.
 ZS & IQVIA : Both are well-regarded in the consulting and healthcare analytics domain, adding weight to your profile.
 Impact : Focus on the specific projects and the value you added. Any leadership roles or significant achievements will be crucial to highlight.

Academic Credentials  : 8.58 CGPA 🎓

KIIT University : A respectable institution with a growing reputation.
 Impact : Your CGPA is strong, especially considering the rigorous engineering curriculum.

Extracurricular Activities  : PR Head & MUN Participant 🌟

Impact : Shows leadership and communication skills. Detailing the scale and impact of the events you've managed will enhance your application.
 Strategy : Any quantifiable achievements or recognitions can provide an edge.

Target School  : HEC Paris 🇫🇷

Match : HEC Paris values diversity and unique profiles. Your consulting background is a plus, but you need to convey a strong narrative about why HEC and how it aligns with your future goals.
 GMAT Concern : A higher score would increase your chances significantly at HEC.

Recommendation  :

👉 Dream: INSEAD, London Business School (requires a higher GMAT score of 710+)
👉 Competitive: HEC Paris, ESSEC, IE Business School
👉 Safe: EDHEC, Grenoble Ecole de Management

Closing Notes  : Your profile shows promise, but improvement in GMAT and a robust application strategy are key. Differentiation through your unique professional journey and future aspirations will be crucial.

With a solid application, your chances are bright!

🤔 If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a   FREE call   and give more pointers on how to improve your profile and the right schools you should target.

Or DM for help!

👉 Click Here to Schedule a FREE Call 👈

admitStreet · Answer

Yes, that shouldn't be an issue. Average work-ex at HEC and ISB is around 5-6 years (+/- few months). Also, if you manage to take the GMAT in next few months, you could consider applying to HEC Jan '25 batch, which would have its early application rounds in Jan/ Feb '24. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet HEC Paris MBA alum W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

RohiniDilip · Answer

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello deegmat2

I hope you are doing well. Your profile is strong for admission to HEC Paris, particularly with your impressive academic record, relevant work experience, and demonstrated leadership potential. While your GMAT score of 680 is slightly below the average for HEC Paris, it is still within the acceptable range. Additionally, your strong quantitative and analytical skills, as evidenced by your work experience at ZS and IQVIA, will be highly valued by HEC Paris admissions committees.

Your college CGPA of 8.58 (conversion factor of 10) from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, is well above the average for HEC Paris applicants. This demonstrates your strong academic aptitude and ability to succeed in a rigorous MBA program.

Your five years and three months of work experience, particularly at ZS and IQVIA, are relevant to your desired career path in consulting or product management. Your promotion to Associate Consultant at ZS further highlights your strong performance and potential for leadership.

Your involvement as PR head for KIITMUN and your participation in MUNSOC demonstrate your leadership and communication skills. Your involvement in college fest events suggests your ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Areas for Improvement

GMAT Score: While your GMAT score of 680 is within the acceptable range for HEC Paris, a higher score would further strengthen your application. Aiming for a score of 700 or above would make you a more competitive candidate.

Geographic Diversity: HEC Paris values diversity in its student body, including geographic diversity. While your work experience has exposed you to international clients, you can further emphasize your interest in Europe and your understanding of the European business landscape.

I would recommend that you seriously consider retaking the GMAT. A score of 700 or above would significantly strengthen your chances of admission to HEC Paris. Additionally, I would encourage you to highlight your interest in Europe and your understanding of the European business landscape in your application essays and interviews.

Additional Tips

Craft a compelling personal statement that highlights your unique experiences, motivations, and career goals.
Demonstrate your interest in HEC Paris by attending events, participating in online communities, and networking with current students and alumni. Get strong recommendations from professors, mentors, and colleagues who can attest to your academic abilities, work ethic, and leadership potential.

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.

Book a free profile evaluation call now!

Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com
MBA and Beyond

deegmat2

Hi everyone,

Requesting a profile evaluation.

Here are the details:

Indian Male

GMAT 680 (Q48 V35 IR7 AWA5)

Work exp: 5 years & 3 months (first 8 months at a core manufacturing company followed by 3 Years at ZS and currently working at IQVIA)

Age: 27

College CGPA: 8.58 (conversion factor of 10), KIIT University, Bhubaneswar

Extracurricular in college: PR head for KIITMUN and part of MUNSOC, active participant and winner in college fest events

Target School: HEC Paris

Is my GMAT score sufficient or shall I go for a reattempt?

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  deegmat2 ,

Apologies for the delayed response but we hope this finds you in time still.

While you have a good GPA as well as promotions in your professional career, your GMAT score is on the lower side considering you belong to an over represented pool of Indian applicants.

Ideally, if you can increase your GMAT score, you will have a high chance of getting into HEC Paris.

Hope this helps.

All the best!

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