ISB PROFILE EVALUATION THREAD - Post all Profile Eval Requests Here!

Hello!
Please evaluate my profile for ISB 2023-24

Background:
Age-24
Class X- CGPA 10
Class XII- 91.6%, commerce (CBSE)
UG- Institute of hotel management, pusa.- 76.4% aggregate
GMAT- Haven’t appeared yet(aiming to get a 700+)

Work experience:
I have a degree in hotel and hospitality administration. Professionally, I’m a pastry chef. I’m an entrepreneur. I’ve been a home baker for 3 years now. I’m a micro influencer with a following of 29k+ followers on Instagram.

I’m a baking coach apart from being a chef, have taught more than a 1000 people.

My responsibilities involve everything that falls under the umbrella of business management, from product development, marketing, client handling to delivery. And I do everything all by myself, for now.

Extracurriculars:
•I speak conversational french and spanish (b1 level in both from respective embassies)
• I was the junior captain, the vice captain and the captain of my house in school
•Participated in a plethora of literary activities like extempore, debate, plays, singing at inter-school, zonal and district level.

Interests:
•Painting, working out, food photography, learning languages
•I’m also interested in learning the piano and the guitar.

Reason for application:
I wish to open a commercial chain of my own (like theobroma from Mumbai) but I fail to possess the knowledge of the market which I feel a degree in MBA would surely help me with.

What’re my chances of getting selected at ISB? Also, what’s the bare minimum score I would need?

Posted from my mobile device

Hi, a few points for you:
1. GMAT- aim for a 700+ GMAT score. That's the advice i would give to every ISB applicant, but it applies a little more in your case. Bschools want to see your quantitative prowess either through your undergrad scores, GMAT or work exp. As your undergraduate degree was likely not quantitative (neither is your work exp), you would like to show the adcom that you can still perform well. GMAT can be your only opportunity to do so. The higher the GMAT, the better it would be.
2. In your application, focus upon the entrepreneurial and management aspects of your work as they are more relevant for a bschool. Also, show the quantitative achievements and the growth you have taken your business through. Past achievements are an indicator for future success, so demonstrating that you have had some level of success already will be vital for a successful application.
3. When writing entrepreneurship as a career goal, be sure to present both short term and long term goals wisely. I would brainstorm on questions like- does it make sense to gain corporate experience first before starting a venture. Basically, have well thought out short term and long term goals
4. Among your extra activities, i like the mentorship the most. Others are not so impactful.
5. A word of caution: You will have to show leadership skills, which are always in respect to other people. Saying that you single handedly managed the biz without working with others may not be so impactful. So show your client management/ vendor management and team management skills.
Hope that helps. You can reach out yo us at contact@mbadecoder.com for further discussion

HI, please evaluate my profile for ISB. Should I apply for ISB or not?
Background: GMAT-660(Q50,V30)
10th-82.6%
12th-82.2%
B.tech-75.6%,Mechanical and automation, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, GGSIPU Delhi.
Work ex: I work as a Senior Section Engineer ( Workshop) at Indian railways. My workshop undertakes the activity of Periodic Overhauling of Coaches. My job profile comprises of following activities:
• Supervising and managing the work of junior staff (around a team of 100 staffs is working under me which comprises of Technicians and Junior engineers)
• Planning man-power
• Planning and organizing production schedules
• Assessing resource requirements
• Selecting, ordering and purchasing material
• Ensuring health and safety regulation are met
• Determining quality control standards.
• Working on ERP of railways to control inventory.
My total work ex is of 5 years.
Extra curricular:
I have been awarded three times for extra ordinary work.
Hobbies:Guitar, read.
Kindly tell me whether there is a chance to make into ISB with that score or not? Or advice me with some other plan. I will be very grateful to you.

Posted from my mobile device

HI, please evaluate my profile for ISB. Should I apply for ISB or not?
Background: GMAT-660(Q50,V30)
10th-82.6%
12th-82.2%
B.tech-75.6%,Mechanical and automation, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, GGSIPU Delhi.
Work ex: I work as a Senior Section Engineer ( Workshop) at Indian railways. My workshop undertakes the activity of Periodic Overhauling of Coaches. My job profile comprises of following activities:
• Supervising and managing the work of junior staff (around a team of 100 staffs is working under me which comprises of Technicians and Junior engineers)
• Planning man-power
• Planning and organizing production schedules
• Assessing resource requirements
• Selecting, ordering and purchasing material
• Ensuring health and safety regulation are met
• Determining quality control standards.
• Working on ERP of railways to control inventory.
My total work ex is of 5 years.
Extra curricular:
I have been awarded three times for extra ordinary work.
Hobbies:Guitar, read.
Kindly tell me whether there is a chance to make into ISB with that score or not? Or advice me with some other plan. I will be very grateful to you.

HI, please evaluate my profile for ISB. Should I apply for ISB or not?
Background: GMAT-660(Q50,V30)
10th-82.6%
12th-82.2%
B.tech-75.6%,Mechanical and automation, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, GGSIPU Delhi.
Work ex: I work as a Senior Section Engineer ( Workshop) at Indian railways. My workshop undertakes the activity of Periodic Overhauling of Coaches. My job profile comprises of following activities:
• Supervising and managing the work of junior staff (around a team of 100 staffs is working under me which comprises of Technicians and Junior engineers)
• Planning man-power
• Planning and organizing production schedules
• Assessing resource requirements
• Selecting, ordering and purchasing material
• Ensuring health and safety regulation are met
• Determining quality control standards.
• Working on ERP of railways to control inventory.
My total work ex is of 5 years.
Extra curricular:
I have been awarded three times for extra ordinary work.
Hobbies:Guitar, read.
Kindly tell me whether there is a chance to make into ISB with that score or not? Or advice me with some other plan. I will be very grateful to you.

HI, please evaluate my profile for ISB. Should I apply for ISB or not?
Background: GMAT-660(Q50,V30)
10th-82.6%
12th-82.2%
B.tech-75.6%,Mechanical and automation, Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, GGSIPU Delhi.
Work ex: I work as a Senior Section Engineer ( Workshop) at Indian railways. My workshop undertakes the activity of Periodic Overhauling of Coaches. My job profile comprises of following activities:
• Supervising and managing the work of junior staff (around a team of 100 staffs is working under me which comprises of Technicians and Junior engineers)
• Planning man-power
• Planning and organizing production schedules
• Assessing resource requirements
• Selecting, ordering and purchasing material
• Ensuring health and safety regulation are met
• Determining quality control standards.
• Working on ERP of railways to control inventory.
My total work ex is of 5 years.
Extra curricular:
I have been awarded three times for extra ordinary work.
Hobbies:Guitar, read.
Kindly tell me whether there is a chance to make into ISB with that score or not? Or advice me with some other plan. I will be very grateful to you.

Hi arpit121,

Thanks for writing in.

If you manage to hit your target score or even ten points under it and supplement your application with a set of essays that duly articulate your career goals in a logically coherent manner, we feel you have a good chance of getting an interview call.

Good to see stable work experience and if you can highlight the leadership/managerial angle, it will be immensely value-adding.

We would have liked to see how you are approaching your career goals. Therefore, should you feel the need for a detailed discussion, please feel free to request a profile evaluation session.

All the best!
_________________

Hello gnibha25,

You have a lot working for you considering the strong undergrad pedigree, international exposure, entrepreneurial experience, as well as promotions to talk about. These points, when combined, will help you deliver a strong application provided you are able to link them to a set of career goals that appear logical and feasible.

The GRE is the only real weak link in your profile; hence, we would encourage you to work on improving the same, if possible. An improved GRE score coupled with a set of well-written essays will give you a strong chance at receiving an interview call.

All the best!
_________________

Hello Prateek43211,

ISB appreciates diversity and your differentiated background will prove to be advantageous to your overall chances if you are able to showcase a set of career goals that sync well with your professional experience and exhibit clarity of thought. Needless to say, focus on bringing out aspects of your candidature that point towards your managerial abilities, problem-solving schools, and entrepreneurial mindset.

A 700 on the GMAT hovers a bit under the average at ISB; hence, while you should definitely hit a 700, the target should be a notch here.

Should you have any follow up questions, please feel free to get in touch with us.

All the best!
_________________

Hello NIKHIL00712,

Thanks for writing in.

You should definitely look at improving your GMAT score. While the GMAT is only one component of your application (and a lot also depends on how well you articulate your skills and strengths), it is an extremely important one.

Focus on getting a score upwards of 710 even if that means waiting for another year - that should be the plan.

All the best!
_________________

Hi NIKHIL00712 hope this finds you well

You have a high Quant score, but I understand you are having difficulty with the Verbal component. I don't think that's a deal breaker as long as you demonstrate the appropriate strengths on the other aspects of your application, however, a retake will alleviate any concerns.

Your application and narrative must be refined to highlight your passion for going forward in your profession with an MBA as a springboard.
You did not state your goals, however as someone with an operations background, you may use your past expertise managing teams and projects to excel in professions in operations leadership or supply chain or operations planning/design. Eventually, in the corporate sector, you will experience steep learning and develop ample knowledge and skill to pivot to other areas that may interest you.

I suggest you strongly consider IIM A/B, C, XLRI, SPJain as back up options.

Please contact me if you need help pitching your case to the adcom.

Best wishes

Prateek43211 hope this finds you well

My 2 cents

1. B Schools (including Indian schools) are becoming more receptive to unconventional profiles. However, as a self employed person/solopreneur you must focus on demonstrating A) the Scale (think growth%) of your business and impact B) a Solid business plan for the future and how ISB would help you build the network and your brand

2. For your GMAT, aim for a 730+ to address any concerns the adcom may have due to your non-technical background. The higher the better

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance

Regards

An excellent work profile will significantly boost chances of admission. Also, do higlight the extra curricular actvities in your application.

Hello,

Kindly evaluate my profile for ISB

Age - 28 Yr

GMAT Score: 640 Q48 V30

Educational Qualifications:

10th: 73.33 %
12th: 82% (Biology)
Graduation: 6.54/10 CGPA (Bachelor of Pharmacy from Rajeev Gandhi Technical University, Bhopal)

Work Experience:

June 2016- Present

Entrepreneurship : Co- Founded 3 Brands in Healthcare and Skincare Niche (Ecommerce)


Extra Curricular:
- Self-Taught Guitarist and Keyboard Player
- Founding Member of Two NGOs
- Won College Level Chess Competition in 2012
- Won College Level Debate Competition in 2014
- Founding Member Student Activity Centre in College
- Secretary of Entrepreneurship and Bootstrapping Club in college 2013-2016


Hands-On Experience:
Amazon Brand Management and Ads
Facebook Ads
Google Ads
Cross Channel Marketing
SEO
Packaging & Designing

Hobbies:
Reading
Meditation
Sports

Reason for MBA:

Career Transformation from Startup to Corporate World


Thank You

Hi NIKHIL00712

Based on your profile, you seem to have a good chance of getting admission into ISB.

Although you have a good education and very rich work experience of working with Indian Railways, 660 GMAT might affect your chances of admission to the prestigious PGP program of the ISB. We strongly recommend you improve your GMAT score and apply either in R2 or R3.

Wishing you all the best!

Regards
Team ISBMantra
https://www.isbmantra.com | info@isbmantra.com

Hi monkinaferrari hope this finds you well

On the surface, yours is quite an unusual but promising profile. But as I commented earlier, entrepreneurs need to demonstrate the impact they have created through their work. Or the depth of knowledge they have gained with launching a business that may/may not have scaled as expected.

A solid plan for the future leveraging your transferable skills and how ISB would be impetuous to your growth is important.

For your GMAT, aim for a 730+ to balance your low GPA and to address any concerns the adcom may have due to your non-technical background. The higher, the better

Your ECs are dated. You should think deeper and analyze whether you have missed considering any mundane/ unobvious/ subtle initiatives you may have taken through the years that impacted people around you positively.

Feel free to reach out for candid advice.

Best wishes

HI,

Incidentally, we worked with an applicant (successfully) last year who had a very similar profile as yours. entrepreneur and ecommerce in skincare products, so I will try to add a few things from my past experience as well as what I gather from your profile:

1. academics- A low GPA plus low GMAT are potential challenges. The adcom often cuts some slack if one component is low, but the other one is high. In your case, as both are low, you will need to get the GMAT score up as the GPA is sealed and stamped now.

2. Work experience- I'd like to once confirm that you are running a single venture and launched all the 3 brands for that venture? That should be alright. Basically, it will matter that you have depth in your work experience ( as opposed to doing many disparate things in different directions). New products also show a growth in business, which will point towards your capability as cofounder. To this point, it will be important to demonstrate your business acumen, achievements (company growth, quantified impact) and leadership (team, vendor, client management, partnership building with ecommerce websites, other brands).

3. ECAs- While most of them are old, I am curious to know more about the two NGOs you have founded. The quantum of work you have done for these and the level of impact you have achieved will be more important than just the fact that you launched two NGOs. I would advice you to talk about these as your launched ventures if you have some impact to show.

4. The goals sound alright. The goals essay needs to be tight- it would be vital to tell how far you have come in your professional journey, what have you achieved, what have been the hindrances, where do you wish to go from here and why??

5. Recommendations- these should be solid. Your recommender will help to validate what you tell in the application, so get someone who can give a fair opinion about you.

Hi! Please help me evaluate my chances. I am aiming for EEO admission. Here is my profile:

GMAT Score: 680 [Q: 48; V: 35; AWA: 5; IR: 7]

Work Experience: Business Analyst at a major Australian Bank (23 months as of April 2023) [Started working full time during the final semester of undergrad]

Educational Qualification:
Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Science), Visvesvaraya Technological University. CGPA: 7.73/10
12th - 92% (CBSE)
10th - 10/10 CGPA (CBSE)

Additional Details/Co-curricular: I got promoted to a higher grade within less than 12 months of starting my first job. I've been awarded the Employee Individual Excellence Award twice in my tenure till now. I led a team of novice data engineers and analysts in an industry wid hackathon and reached the final round.

Hi,
Kindly evaluate my profile.

My GMAT score is 740, V41 Q49
and I am targeting R2 of ISB.

Education:
I have done my graduation in Mech. Engineering from NIT Kurukshetra Co'2017. CGPA- 8.6

Work Profile:
I am currently working in BPCL. I have worked in Supply and operations for 3.5 years.
Earlier, I was in Vedanta Resources for 1.5 years where I worked as a Maintenance Engineer.

Leadership abilities:

Current profile: Single point contact for the Engineering aspects of Retail Outlets of 7 districts.
Previous profile: Lead of the planning team for the supply of petroleum products to 90 Retail Outlets of 4 districts .

Interests:

Adventure sports.
Solo Travelling
Trekking.

Hi parthchawla hope this finds you well

Your GMAT score could be more competitive for an EEO admit, and you should increase it to a 730+ level; the higher, the better. Younger applicants should show rigour and commitment to demonstrating a robust academic inclination.

Although I see much potential for storytelling, I still need to be clear from your profile summary why you wish to get an EEO at this point. What are your goals? Choice of industry/ role? Why would you not be able to attain your destination without an MBA/PGP? What does your professional trajectory look like in the next year and without an MBA/PGP in 2-3 years? These are the questions you would be expected to address convincingly during your application process and interview.

Do reach out should you need candid advice.

Best wishes