Profile Evaluation_Auto Guy

Hello Team mbaMission,

I am in a huge dilemma and certainly need some professional help.
Thank You GMAT Club for giving me the opportunity.

I'll dive straight into my profile:
UG Degree: B.Tech in Automobile Engineering (Passing year: 2013)
Grades: 8.56/10 --> 3.5/4
Total W.E: 8.8 yrs. now, since I'm planning to apply for 2023 intake, W.E then would be almost 10
GMAT: In the preparation phase, planning to write by May.

Professional Background:
Hyundai Motor India (2013-2019):
Hyundai India is the second-largest manufacturer of passenger vehicles in India, with an acceptance of less than 1% (12 selected out of 2000). Worked predominantly in product development as a vehicle test engineer in the R&D division. Hyundai being a South Korean firm, I was extensively exposed to South Korean culture and was huge learning, especially about empathetic leadership that focused on the holistic growth of each of the team members, while delivering to stringent deadlines. Initiated market research to bring in more insights about consumer behavior and preference and successfully converted the learnings to all new projects, which was very well appreciated and welcomed by the market. Based on the previous experience, I was given the opportunity to travel to South Africa, Dubai & Vietnam for consumer interaction and strategic discussions with vendors for future prospects. I was awarded the best employee award twice and had got 2 promotions.

Tata Motors (2019-2021):
Tata Motors is the 3rd largest manufacturer of passenger vehicles in India, and the largest indigenous manufacturer. Was given the opportunity to develop a consumer-focused testing regime, to better evaluate Vehicles and bring in keynote insights that were required for new product development.

Maruti Suzuki (2021-Present):
Maruti Suzuki is the largest manufacturer of passenger vehicles in India, holding a 47% market share. I was given the opportunity to develop a particular testing methodology that would be able to benchmark the competition as well as to consider future technology and how to transform the adaptation. I have also mentored a few of my team diploma employees to convert their temporary job to permanent ones. I was awarded the best employee award within 1 year of joining.

Extra-curricular:
- State-recognized Tabla (Indian Drums) player, have performed on and off stage on multiple occasions
- As a Storyteller, I have done workshops on storytelling and conducted storytelling sessions for kids.
- I am an Extensive traveler and have traveled through the length and breadth of India, experiencing different cultures and traditions. I can speak 4 languages and cook 6 different cuisines
- I practice mindfulness, have done workshops on Mindfulness meditation, that helps me stay aware and focused.
- I often take out time for hiking birdwatching.
- While in college, I was the founder of Wireless Car Racing Club and Music Club.


Why MBA:
Having worked in the technical domain for 8+ years, I have plateaued. I would want to further get into strategy/consulting roles leveraging my problem-solving skills and leadership style; however, I would also need to learn about various aspects of a business to be able to see from a higher level and be able to solve critical business problems in the most efficient way.

Post MBA: Would want to pivot into strategy roles, majorly into strategy consulting or product strategy.

Target Schools: Tuck, Fuqua, Darden, INSEAD & SAID (I really liked the tight-knit community, that works together for the development of each other)

Is my profile strong enough to apply to these schools and stand a chance? I'm preparing for the GMAT now, and I hope I am able to score a 700. Are there any clear red flags that I need to address? What other schools should I be looking into, to be on the safer side?

Thank you