Hi,
Your extensive experience and qualifications make you a strong candidate for top MBA programs and a potential career in management consulting.
Addressing Your Concerns:
Age Factor: While the average age for MBA programs might skew slightly younger, many top programs, including INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, and Cambridge, value diversity in their cohorts, including age diversity. Your extensive professional experience, especially in international settings, will be an asset rather than a hindrance.
Career Transition: Many individuals pursue an MBA later in their careers to facilitate a transition into new fields such as management consulting. Your background in corporate law, combined with an MBA, can provide a unique perspective and skill set that consulting firms value.
Suitability for Top MBA Programs:
INSEAD: Known for its diverse and international student body, INSEAD values candidates with global experience and strong professional backgrounds. Your qualifications and work experience align well with INSEAD’s profile.
LBS: London Business School also appreciates candidates with rich professional experiences and international exposure. Your work in London and Germany, combined with your legal expertise, positions you well for LBS.
Oxford (Said): Oxford values strong academic backgrounds and professional achievements. Your consistent academic excellence and professional milestones make you a competitive candidate.
Cambridge (Judge): Similar to Oxford, Cambridge Judge looks for candidates with significant professional and academic achievements. Your profile fits well within their criteria.
Next Steps:
GMAT Preparation:
Focus on achieving a competitive GMAT score, as this will strengthen your application. Aim for a score that aligns with the average or above for your target schools.
Application Strategy:
Essays and Personal Statement: Craft essays that highlight your unique professional journey, the skills you’ve developed, and your reasons for pursuing an MBA. Clearly articulate your career goals and how an MBA will help you achieve them.
Recommendations: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues who can speak to your professional achievements, leadership skills, and potential for success in management consulting.
Networking:
Connect with alumni and current students from your target schools. Their insights can provide valuable information about the programs and help you tailor your application to each school’s culture and values.
Professional Development:
Continue to excel in your current role and seek opportunities that demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking. This will further enhance your profile.
Your age and extensive experience should be viewed as strengths that add diversity and depth to your MBA cohort. With your strong academic background, professional achievements, and international experience, you are indeed a competitive candidate for INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Best of luck with your GMAT preparation and MBA applications. If you have any further questions or need additional support, feel free to reach out to preppie.
Regards,
Team Preppie