CriticalSquare wrote:
Hi there,
Thanks so much for posting! You have some great questions AND YOU ARE ASKING THEM AT THE RIGHT TIME. I love that. So let's talk about what we're dealing with and how you can move forward for the next 9 months or so!
Academically, you're on pretty decent ground. Good school, strong GPA (with honors) and a GMAT that lets you play at all the programs you've listed. It isn't amazing, but it's a solid score! To your question about taking a couple of courses - yes, maybe a Calc or Stats or something to show you can hack it.
Involvement wise, you're weak. You need to fix that and ASAP. You had some great accolades in undergrad but if you're working for a small company in a pretty 8-5 role then there is no excuse for this to be light. If bankers and consultants can do it, you should be doing it to. That's the skinny of it. So find something you're passionate about, and get to it. Like...tomorrow.
Work wise - this is what it is. If you can get your promotion and manage people, that'll be fantastic. And the fact that you have interesting exposure to the finance side of things is a plus. But it being small and family owned isn't the ideal situation to be in. You definitely get more responsibility and exposure, but blue chip companies act as proxies. Proxies are important. In addition to the promotion, try to run a really impactful initiative if possible. Something that is the cornerstone of your experience!
As for merit scholarships, you're stretching. If aid is a priority, then you should look a little bit lower (more around the USC range).
Let me know if you have any questions!
Bhavik
Hi Bhavik, thanks for your detailed response! I will definitely take your advice and try to polish my profile in the next 10-11 months.
Involvement wise, it's true I haven't been really been out there volunteering or helping my community. This is definitely something I have wanted to do but never could find the time for or the right opportunity (and I pretty much keep making excuses about it). I will try to push myself to do something more meaningful in my spare time. However, I do have many hobbies so hopefully I don't come off as someone who just works, studies, and hangs out with friends. I love going to the gym to work out, staying active by hiking, and cooking is a giant hobby for me now. I also research companies and stocks because I have set aside a decent sized fund for investing. That is probably the most business school related activity I do. I will try to work on my extras.
Work wise, now that you mention it, I do seem to be lacking a leadership/defining project role. I will definitely be gunning for that promotion and be on the lookout for opportunities to contribute and/or lead an important project.
One question I forgot to ask is that do you happen to have insight on whether or not Berkeley is open to accepting career switchers, especially applicants who have limited experience in traditional business positions? I know they love people with quant heavy backgrounds and science/engineering applicants. Do you think I will have a decent shot since I am a career switcher?
Thanks again, this has been very helpful.
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04 Oct 2014, 18:22
