ISB Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi all,

Request to evaluate my profile for ISB/IIM-A/B/C. Mentioned below are my details.Thanks in advance.

Academic:

GMAT- 660 ( Q-47, V-33)-Planning to retake this month.
B.E. (Mechanical Engineering) from Delhi College of Engineering- 68.4%(2010)
12th (CBSE)- 67.6%
10th (ICSE)- 92.4%(District Topper)
Ex-student of Super-30,Patna


Professional:
.
8 years of work experience - 5 years in Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.(Maharatna PSU)

Product and Application developement of Industrial and Automotive Lubricants through market research,lube surveys,field trials of new and existing products.
Resolution of field complaints in co-ordination with sales team across India.
Obtaining product certifications and approvals from customers.
Lab management through co-ordination with quality and assurance team.
Co-ordination with Sales/Marketing team to achieve business plan.
Conducting technical training sessions for top OEMs and partners.
Deputed as the one of the first Techno-Commercial Managers in the organisational restructuring.
One of the top performers on fast track promotions.
Briefly involved in role of Sales and Marketing in Northern India.

3 Years with a Lubricant Service(Oil/gas sector)Company- VAS Tribo

Supervision of Maintenance activities related to Lubrication at plants.
Monitoring of field complaints and resolution by providing technical support.
Consulting in Lubrication Program developement for various clients across automotive,cement,paper,fertilisers industries.
Conducting Training sessions for customers and developing Sector-specific training modules for industries.
Co-ordination with Noria,USA our USA Partners and German Global Team for Lubricant Testing and conducting training sessions.
Co-ordinating with Sales and Marketing team to achieve business plan.

Trainings/Certifications:

Advanced Machinery Lubrication by Noria Corporation.
Startup India Learning Program By Invest India, Government Of India
Strategy Consulting Virtual Experience Program by Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Crash Course in Data Science by John Hopkins University SAIS Online.

Extra-curriculars:

Author in India's only Lubrication and Reliability magazine.
Inter-SBU Cricket Tournament player at BPCL.
Volunteer Teacher at Super-30 Patna
Interest in Foreign Diplomacy and International politics.

Hello spriyam,

While you seem to have decent work achievements, according to me the following would be the challenge areas in your candidature, especially at ISB:

1. Higher than average work-ex

2. Below average / average scores in Class 12 & engineering - ISB looks at both

3. Core engineering experience with seemingly little business management exposure

I would surely recommend a GMAT retake with the aim of scoring a 700+ (the higher the better). Also: while ISB should surely be attempted, given the higher work-ex, I believe you would have better prospects at the IIMs - especially IIM-C & L.

Best,
Sanjay
---
Sanjay Dhingra 
Chief Mentor - ISBmantra & Admit Square Consulting 
Former Admissions Officer - ISB PGP / EEO / YLP / PGPpro
Former Country Manager, India - Schulich School of Business, York University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydhingra/

Hello Jassi6536,

Without more details on the work responsibilities, I will not comment on the work profile. But here are my comments on the rest of the profile: With 10+ years of work-ex and low academic scores, securing an ISB admit even with a 700+ GMAT score will not be easy. The school has been particularly cagey about admitting higher experienced candidates looking for a career shift (I am assuming this is an intention). While no harm in attempting ISB, I would recommend having some back-up options in India & if you are open, abroad as well. Canada has been an increasingly popular destination for BFSI background candidates.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Sanjay
---
Sanjay Dhingra
Chief Mentor - ISBmantra & Admit Square Consulting
Former Admissions Officer - ISB PGP / EEO / YLP / PGPpro
Former Country Manager, India - Schulich School of Business, York University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydhingra/

Hi,

Please evaluate my profile for ISB-

Age-25
Xth-95%
XIIth-96%
Graduation-86% (NIT Allahabad, Computer Science)
Workex- 2.8 years, Software Developer in United Health Group.
GMAT-710( Q50, V35 )

Job Responsibilities-
1-Working on Big Data ETL tools to setup data streams, enabling consumers to work on real time data.
2-Developing Automation scripts to reduce manual effort and to increase efficiency using fewer resources.
3-Building dashboards to provide snapshot of performance and to aid future decision-making
4-Interacting with Data Architects on Data Stream designs and identifying potential architectural gaps
5-Ensuring high level of data quality and working with Vendor and DBA's to address consumer complaints

Awards-
1- Awarded by Director of Big data in my current company for my work in a complex project.
2- District topper in class 12th.
3- Won an inter college quiz competition.

Extra-curriculars

1- Marketing Lead in college fest.
2- Won couple of championships in table tennis at local clubs.
3- Did NGO work during Covid-19 time.
4- Participated in Entrepreneurship Submit in College.

Posted from my mobile device

Hi All,

I wanted some honest opinions on my current profile for applying to ISB for the 2021 intake.

Background: 27, Male, Indian citizen

Education: Bachelor of Science in Physics with a score of 70.42%.

Extra-curricular activities: Nothing major, but
1. was part of film society in college (we organized movie screenings and discussions around movie budget and making)
2. campus ambassador for a physics fest in my college
3. Volunteered in a NGO for 3 years and taught kids
4. Keep participating in chess competitions as well, never won any (but I have a decent rating)

Work experience (77 months):
1. Worked at ZS for >3 years with fortune 500 clients in pharma domain. Managed projects and teams as well. Worked on exciting strategy related project as well.

2. Worked at the Economist group for 3 years and managed a few global products for them and worked on exciting public policy and healthcare engagements.

GRE: 325 (156 V + 169 Q)

Target schools: ISB, IIM A, IIM B

Honest opinions and suggestions appreciated.

I think you stand a decent chance. Need to highlight your work at ZS and other accomplishments to show rounded professional. A good application and essay will help definitely, focusing on different aspects of your personality and strong vision for why MBA (and why ISB).

Hi VinamraMaliwal,

While everything else looks good, the only challenge will be in differentiating yourself from the 100s of software background applicants. A well built application that highlights your uniqueness in terms of learning, perspective, value addition to the cohort, etc should do the trick.

P.S: Another way to strengthen prospects would be to further improve the GMAT score. While a 710 is right at the ISB average, a higher score (730+) will help you standout.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Sanjay
---
Sanjay Dhingra (ISB Class of 2012)
Chief Mentor - ISBmantra & Admit Square Consulting
Former Admissions Officer - ISB PGP / EEO / YLP / PGPpro
Former Country Manager, India - Schulich School of Business, York University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydhingra/

Hello Sahilkm,

Since there is plenty of time to the R2 deadline, I would recommend a GRE retake - aim for a 327+ (a 330+ would be even better). This year, given the huge number of deferrals and a huge (30%+) jump in applications in R1, there would be fewer spots available in R2. A higher GRE will surely improve your prospects.

Best,
Sanjay
---
Sanjay Dhingra (ISB Class of 2012)
Chief Mentor - ISBmantra & Admit Square Consulting
Former Admissions Officer - ISB PGP / EEO / YLP / PGPpro
Former Country Manager, India - Schulich School of Business, York University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydhingra/

Hey,

Requesting profile evaluation for ISB

Age: 29F
GMAT Score: 760(Q50, V42, IR8)

Educational Qualifications:
B.Tech. - IIT BHU 8.6
Xth: 95% ICSE
XIIth: 89% CBSE

Work Experience:
Software Engineer (2014-15)
UPSC Preparation (Appeared for Mains twice)
Senior Associate Manger(Data Scientist) -- May 2019 onwards (Managing team of 3)

I am leaning towards Product Management roles post-MBA.

Any other colleges I would be a good fit for?

Thanks a lot.

Hello priya90r,

Your GMAT & academic scores are stellar and will make you a tempting prospect for ISB. The only explanation required would be the 4 year career gap for UPSC preparation, but ISB is usually understanding of that. In case there is interest, this effort in UPSC preparation can be leveraged by showing an interest towards the Public Policy specialization & related careers (Social Impact, Development & Govt. Sector Consulting, etc) post ISB in the Career Goals essay. Otherwise, given your current job profile, a career in Product Management can also be pitched.

Other colleges to consider would be mainly outside of India. The IIMs would insist on min. 4/5 years of full-time work experience and other schools in India would not be equally worth it. If the goal is to be in India only, then SPJIMR can be considered as back-up. For Schools outside India, the 4 year gap would require major explanation. Not all would understand the dynamics of UPSC preparation in India and would not easily accept the 4 year gap. If you would like to discuss this further, you can block time for a one to one conversation with me through this scheduler: https://calendly.com/sanjay-dhingra/cou ... g-calendar

Best,
Sanjay
---
Sanjay Dhingra (ISB Class of 2012)
Chief Mentor - ISBmantra & Admit Square Consulting
Former Admissions Officer - ISB PGP / EEO / YLP / PGPpro
Former Country Manager, India - Schulich School of Business, York University
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaydhingra/

Hi priya90r, just last year, we worked on a similar profile as yours (IITK BTech + UPSC gap + Data Scientist at 1 mg); he had a lesser GMAT score than yours and is currently at ISB.

So, at the very least this is a PoC that you don't need to be concerned too much about the UPSC gap; in fact, you should project it as a strength; after all, you could have chosen to continue working in the comfort zone of Software engineering, but chose the hard way out.

UPSC preparation itself endows you but a wealth of knowledge in disparate areas, immensely enriching your perspective. So, play it to your strengths.

Hi VinamraMaliwal, decent profile, but I don't get any sense of your goals (motivation for MBA). You need to ensure that they show some alignment with your academic and professional experiences so far.

Very decent chances Jassi6536, provided you do get a 700+ on GMAT. In the past, we have worked with several Merchant Navy profiles. Almost all of them had a consistently good experience in the field of operations, which they leveraged in their application.

However, in your case, there was this (rather abrupt) transition from Merchant Navy to PSB. Make sure you explain the reasons behind this transition and your career goals now need to aligned with this work that you've been performing for the past 6 years.

Hi,

Any GMAT score above 650 and you can get shortlisted for IIMA/B/C and ISB. Your profile brings in the highly valued diversity and leadership factors.

Getting a shortlist will not be a major problem for you, only place where you need to be a little alert is the interview phase. You will need to align your past with your employ-ability in corporate world.

But that is only a minor issue, target minimum 650 and you are ready to go!! Best of luck.

Hi,

Getting shortlisted for ISB with 700 expected GMAT and previous experience at PSB and Merchant Navy will not be a big issue. The final admission chances will depend upon your performance in the interview.

But you must also explore other options of colleges. For professionals with higher work experience and non consulting career goals, it is preferable to keep more options in hand. But that completely depends upon your choices.

Best wishes for GMAT!

Hi spriyam,

Your profile is very unique. Being the student of Super 30 Patna, you have a very different profile. You have worked both in the public as well as private sectors. The experience of Maharatna BPCL is a good profile point.

But having said that, try to get at least 690 in GMAT to stand a decent chance at top Indian colleges A,B,C and ISB. Your story is different than usual candidates, try to highlight that in your SOP and interview.

For any help or motivation, do contact us.
Best wishes for the GMAT.

Hi priya90r,

Your GMAT score is outstanding. Congrats for that. Only "problem" in the profile seems to the four years gap for UPSC preparation. But is it really a gap?
You need to show these four years as your achievement.

Being the exclusive platform for Govt professionals trying to get into MBA, most of our candidates have UPSC preparation gap. But how you portray that in essays and in interview will make or break your chances of getting admitted into ISB. Plus four years of UPSC preparation puts a person at a different level of thinking and analyzing the world around. You will need to use them to put across business oriented arguments. That will require a little work.

But this gap issue will be of real concern for foreign colleges where the appreciation of UPSC preparation will not be at an equivalent level to that of Indian colleges. So you need to analyse your choices rationally.

And your current work profile is one of the most employable profile. Hence it will positively cover any other minor issues.

Best wishes for your success!