ISB Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Dear Varun, many thanks for the prompt response. I have updated my post to include short and long term career goals (mainly management consulting). I am applying to ISB R1, if I am not accepted to the program (results in November), I will be applying to the top 3 MBA programs at Germany (deadline Jan 2019). The reason is that their fees is similar to ISB's and I am hoping for a scholarship too, and it is a big job market needing skilled professionals. Low cost of life, good quality of life and work-life balance, will be learning German before I go there.

Hello mbadreamcatcher

Make sure you mention management consulting as a goal in terms o feasibility as well. Feasibility on 2 levels- your past experience/skills tying into the same and considering the MC is a highly competitive and selective industry and only a few people land up there (usually the top percentiles). So make sure your research and narrative backs this transition as a realistic possibility. In case of a weak career goals narrative ISB might become tough.

Best
Varun Sharma
+919137133507
Free Profile Review
MBAkarma.com
GMAT Score Predictor
info@mbakarma.com

Hello everyone

Thank you for reading.

Currently aiming to pursue a 1 year MBA in India next year, and am looking at ISB and the IIM Executive programs. I've posted on the IIM sub forum, and would like your opinion on my suitability for the ISB program.

Background and nationality : Indian, 34 , Male

Undergrad Information : M.Sc. in Media Communications (5 Yrs Program) from Anna University ( CGPA 8.67/10)

GMAT: 650 ( Q46/V34/IR 6/AWA 5)

Work experience and leadership:

Total Experience of 10+ years, majority of which I've spent in UAE. I've worked in B2B sectors and have specialised in global Corporate Communications (Internal, External, Crisis) and Investor Relations, for large scale multinational firms (multicultural workforce exceeding 15,000 people) operating in more than 15 countries. Highest position achieved till date is AGM level.

Post MBA goals: Would like to add Marketing expertise to my existing Communications & IR specialisation, and would like to work for a public listed company in India, heading their Marketing, IR, and Comms functions. In 5 years time, I'd like to start my own business related to my field of specialisation.

Cons that I can think of: Low GMAT score, Age, non-traditional industry and function, non traditional post MBA goals (i.e. non finance, non consulting, non Operations). The low GMAT score, I'm willing to put in more time and effort into retaking, but it's the other aspects of my application that worry me.

Thank you for your opinion.

Hi blackfish,

Please see our response below:

1. Learn management & leadership skills : there are management skills that I feel that I lack which are stopping from catapulting my career in a direction that I would like to see it go. I can be detailed about in it my essays. I need to know how many should I mention in essays/interview when asked about WHY MBA ?
- Leadership skills is a broad term. Some of them are qualities that you can learn, some of them are inherent and some of them need to be polished. You need to talk about specific skills that you would like to acquire from ISB that will help you fill the gaps for a Product Management Role. For instance, theoretical knowledge of strategic frameworks can be learned. Skills such as people management cannot be taught but can be enhanced. Pick up the right balance of skills that show off your best side in Essay 1 and highlight the need for an MBA in essay 2.
2. Brand name/Networking : ISB is a premier institute in the country and I lack a world-leading pedigree in my CV that would definitely improve my CV in the short-term to reach the positions that I would like to reach.
3. Learn business skills: conducting market research, decision models, understanding finance and such.
#2 and #3 are reasons common to everyone who is applying to ISB, therefore while they stand true, #1 will make the most impact in the essays.

Do give us a buzz and we can help you with specifics.

Hi Colaxs

What works in your favor is your diverse background and international experience. ISB (and also the other IIM Exec programs) will value the kind of diversity that you would bring to class. Your goals are well-linked too. To summarize, non-traditional is definitely good!.

Keep in mind that ISB is extremely competitive for senior profiles since the past couple of years, therefore you may stand a better chance at the IIMs as compared to ISB. The bad news is that a 650 GMAT can potentially pull you down, esp for ISB. Our first advice is to try and see if you can push it to at least a 680.

If you feel that you're done with GMAT, then your best shot is to put everything you have in your essays, so that they make you stand apart from the competition.

Feel free to reach out if you need help.

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Posted from my mobile device

Kindly evaluate my profile and let me know of my realistic chances to get a call from ISB in R1.

X- 86%
XII- 77%
B.Tech (Civil)- 7.63 CGPA from a top 5 National Institute of Technology
GMAT- 720 (V35 Q51) IR8. AWA was good as well.

Workex- 37 months till date in a Metro Rail Corporation of the Government of India and State Government. I have worked in the Tendering Section of Metro Rail Projects of 2 cities (Did not switch company. Transferred) worth US$ 3 Billion (INR 20,000 Cr.) in total. Apart from my regular job of managing major international tenders for the project, I had decent exposure here while interacting with railway board members, managing supreme court cases, preparing monthly fund disbursement plans & timelines for funds to be received from international funding agencies such as European Investment Bank, interacting with the funding agency officers for their queries regarding the tendering process, etc. I also got 3 awards and a couple of back to back promotions in the organization and working as Assistant Manager right now. Plus I was the only person from my batch to be regularized from contract job.

Extra Curriculars-
Wrote fictional stories during college days on a famous website. One of these stories was within the top 3 of the genre for a long time.
Played guitar in a couple of events (College as well as on Job).
Participated in street play event in college and won second prize.
Organised a business competition in college fest.

I am aiming for my MBA in Strategy and Leadership from ISB as well as industry specialization in Infrastructure since I want to stick to this ever growing industry. My short-term goal is to switch to management/business consulting in infrastructure/government advisory sector since I already have a decent knowledge and exposure in all spheres of this sector and can greatly leverage it in a consulting profile. MBA is a necessity to make the switch. Another major reason for my inclination towards consulting is variation in assignments. I am rather dulled by the monotony of repeated procedures in my current job profile. My long-term goal is to start a consulting firm that specializes in Government & PSUs. As the government closes down sick PSUs and seeks new ways to improve the efficiency of the rest, I feel that this domain has immense potential in the future. Although this goal is uncertain at the moment and I can decide upon this only after experiencing the consulting market.

Please evaluate my profile and suggest if I should apply in R1 or retake GMAT and apply in R2? I know I can score better since my verbal scores used to vary between V39-V41 during mocks.

Hello tush1992

I would recommend you to apply in R1, if you can handle the workload and write essays in the next 4 weeks.
Coincidentally working with an applicant with a profile eerily similar as yours- 7 years experience in tenders in MMRDA with 720 GMAT. So you have some direct competition there
The outline of your profile looks solid- unique work ex, decent GMAT, interesting extracurricular activities. You can read more on what makes a complete profile here and on career goals here.
The only challenge I see is if you can build a strong narrative in next 4 weeks (not sure what stage you are at). If you can tie in all of the above mentioned factors with your career goals I think you have a fighting chance at ISB, go ahead and apply in R1.
For a more personalized discussion, feel free to reach out.

Best
Varun Sharma
+919137133507
MBAkarma.com
GMAT Score Predictor
info@mbakarma.com

Hi

I would appreciate your evaluation of my profile
Male, 24
GMAT - 710,
Indian
I am working as a practicing chartered accountant for over 2.5 years
I have started my own Firm and have merged to reach more than one state
Completed all qualification exams of Chartered Accountants (Secured all india 47th rank in CA finals)
Pursuing CFA level 2
Completed Bachelors of Commerce in Accountancy
12th CBSE 92.8%
10th CBSE 87.4 %
Completed Diploma course in system audits
Extra-Curricular - Worked with the office of Member of Parliament of India who is a member of various committees set up by government of India.
Part of Public relation committee of CIRC of ICAI
Held Position of Treasurer of Students committee of CIRC of ICAI

learning Guitar for the last 6 months , learning French.
Languages Know: Hindi, English, Learning French

I have extensive Leadership experience as team lead for engagements, more than two years..I have carried out work from Presenting the reports to the execution of work.I have carried out projects as freelancer for a few companies of US and Singapore

As i am pursuing CFA and gaining more knowledge of finance field like Financial modelling and Valuation i would like to work in investment banking.

Thanks

Hi Yash,

You are in good shape. My only concern about your profile will be to convince the adcom that you need the MBA over all the qualifications you already have. Establishing a real need for an MBA for the long term rather than a stepping stone for a career in IB will be crucial.

YashJain3011, You have a great profile for ISB.

There are 4 factors that ISB would look for-
1) Academic capability:
With your GMAT score, CFA certification and board marks, you put up a strong case for your academic capabilities

2)Leadership Potential
Having lead your own firm, you can highlight your leadership potential.

3)Extra-Curricular
There are some good extra-curriculars on your profile. This factor convinces the adcom that you will be a good fit outside of class as well.

4)Need for MBA
You will have to introspect to understand your need to do an MBA. For instance, It could be to understand the organization behavior to help you scale your firm.

Hi,

You have a very good profile and your experience in e-commerce startups in different verticals is sure to resonate with the Adcom. Moreover you have a extremely good GMAT score. Your post MBA goals are also in sync with your overall profile.
We would encourage you start working on your application.
What other B-schools are you targeting? With your work experience and GMAT score you can look at a number of international B-schools.
You can connect with us at beyondthegmat@gmail.com for a detailed profile evaluation and to discuss about potential B-schools for your profile.

Best of luck!!!
Team BeyondtheGMAT

Hi,
Your profile definitely scores high on diversity quotient. Your work experience with the Indian government and an asset management organization will definitely interest the Adcom. Though your GMAT is lower than the usual class average, we believe that you have other substantial achievements in your profile which will resonate with the Adcom. A lot will now depend on how you highlight your leadership capabilities and your diverse work experience to highlight the value that you will add to the incoming class.
You also need to highlight why you need an MBA at this stage of your career and how your skills would enable you to make the post MBA career switch.

You can connect with us @beyondthegmat@gmail.com for a detailed profile evaluation and to discuss about other potential B-Schools for your profile and based on your post MBA goals.

Best of luck!

Hi,
You should definitely apply for R1. A GMAT score of 720 is pretty decent for your profile and work experience. Your work experience definitely adds to the diversity quotient and you need to highlight the value you will bring in to the class in your application. We would encourage you to start working on your application. Highlight your leadership capabilities and achievements to build a impressive application. Your post MBA goal of consulting would also resonate with the ISB Adcom though you would need to explain in your essays why you would be suitable for the job profile.

What other B-schools are you considering?

Connect with us at beyondthegmat@gmail.com for a detailed evaluation and to discuss on potential B-schools.

Best of luck!

Hi Sir/Madam,

I am a ISB and Insead aspirant

Please evaluate my profile.

Currently i am working in a GOVT. Bank as a manager, posted in Kolkata, India- total 7 + yrs exp

Gender -male

Qualifications -
MBA (Marketing and international business)- Amity Business school 2009-11- 6.5/10
BE (Electronics and Telecom Eng) - 2003 to 2007 - 63%
12th - CBSE - 65%
10th - CBSE - 80%

Work Experience:
Govt. Bank: 2011 - till now -Manager- worked in bank office, admin, hall incharge, branch manager, loan incharge, cluster head- customer relation grp
Infosys: 6 months- soft engg

Part time: 2 years in marketing

Extra Curricular - scout and guide , got various badges
sports- played football an khokho in university level, regional level and zonal level
school captain, part of student council in college

i am looking to grow in term of career and looking for a place consultancy industry.

Have few queries:
a.how are the this mba colleges for getting into consultancy industry
b. what is the chance to get into the college with score of 680-700 in gmat
c.what more things i should do in a span for 1 yr to make my profile stronger
d. ROI of the colleges
e. any other college you will suggest me to try

planning to give gmat by this year.


Please provide your suggestions and comments.

Hi Rij,

I'd be happy to answer your questions:
your profile description suggests that you have some good leadership experiences, working as a branch manager and a cluster head. You must leverage this experience in the application to demonstrate that you have the leadership skills, you have made substantial business impact (grown your branch revenue as BM) and you have a great leadership potential to rise to the top in your future companies.

That said, its too early (without knowing more about your profile) to say whether consulting is a good career choice for you. With seven years of experience (and eight by the time you start business school) you may be considered old and hence less attractive to consulting companies. Anyways, what kind of consulting companies are you aiming
for?

The GMAT score you are targeting is a little less - you should practice enough to score a 700+. Your GPA is also low, so a higher GMAT becomes more of a requirement.

If you already have 7+ years of work experience, why would you want to wait longer before you apply? If its only for the sake of building our profile, then, I'd consider it as a wrong strategy. You have enough work experience and have been in leadership positions- enough to impress the adcoms. Sometime applying to programs like ISB which are perfect for people with 4-7 years experience, having more exp. becomes a liability. And the adcoms likely to ask, why didn't you apply earlier. In any case, I am going to ask you to apply to other MBA programs as well, such as IIMC, IIMB, and IIMA. Deadlines are until October end, so put in all your effort into the GMAT and get that out of the way so that you can begin applying.
INSEAD prefers applicants with international work experience, so it would be important to ask whether you have worked abroad.

So to reiterate, a good GMAt score is the only constraint keeping you from applying thsi year. You don't need to wait to longer to build your profile.

Hi rij458

Our advice would be to give GMAT and then shortlist your target B-schools. With an MBA already under your belt, you would also need to work a little more on your goals. With 7+ years of work experience, it becomes difficult to shift to Consulting. B-schools and also recruiters expect that you would be a SME in your domain. Therefore, maybe look within Banking for post-MBA career options.

To answer your questions:

a.how are the this mba colleges for getting into consultancy industry: As already recommended, Consulting may not be an ideal goal for you, and it would be difficult to get into Consulting through these colleges
b. what is the chance to get into the college with a score of 680-700 in GMAT: A score of 700-710 might work for ISB, for INSEAD, you might want to aim for a higher GMAT.
c.what more things i should do in a span for 1 yr to make my profile stronger- if you're not applying this year, please work in Extracurriculars, the school/college ones might seem a little outdated.
d. ROI of the colleges: This is always a tricky question because it depends on the opportunity cost of your lost time, your current profile/salary and salary in the long term. However, it is safe to say that almost alumni from good B-schools make a more-than-decent pay within 2-3 years of completing the MBA.
e. any other college you will suggest me to try- The executive MBAs from the IIMs might be a good fit, however, you should get GMAT out of the way first before shortlisting colleges.