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Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
28 Aug 2022, 22:15
Kudos
Bookmarks
Greetings,
I am planning to apply in round 2 for Foster full time MBA program.
Background: Indian, Male, 29
-10th - 80.46%
-12th - 80.67%
-Bachelors of Engineering (Electronics & Communications, class of 2014) - Four year aggregate of 55% with some arrears which we cleared off during college -itself (I am deeply concerned about this part)
- GRE 322 (164Q 158V)
- First Gen College goer
Work experience: Total 7.5 years
3.5 years --> Boutique cyber security consulting startup in India
- It was a new team with only 3 people. I along with my manager setup their security operations center from scratch. We grew the team from 3 members to 85 members in 3.5 years bringing in 15+ major clients amounting total revenue of more than 1 million $
- Formed and led their new 24/7 team which was part of their security operations center. Carried out and led more than 20 projects with the team.
- Carried out some short term international engagements in middle east
- I received excellence award for 2 consecutive years (Among total 400 employees)
- Received 3 promotions in 3 years
- Started as an intern, left as an specialist
1.8 years --> Big4 Consulting firm in India
- Started as consultant, led the Cyber transformation project for their biggest insurance client.
- Led a team of 4 consultants onsite
- Among >1% to receive early promotion
- Received an award for the project I led
- Left the organization Senior Consultant
2.2 years --> One of the biggest investment banks in the world --> this is my current role
- Working with global team of highly technical individuals performing advanced cyber operation tests
- Among only 2 people from India to be part of the team (rest of the team is in UK and Poland)
Other than above experience, I co-founded a software development company and ran it for around 3 years part-time with my co-founder. honestly, this was formed to earn external income to pay our undergrad education loans. At the end of 3 years, the revenue of the company was around 35000 USD (25 lakh INR). We closed down the operations to focus more on the individual careers.
Extra-Curriculars
- Worked with local NGO for 1 year helping several people on mental illness
- Was Vice-President for student council in undergrad college
- Have more than 10 global technical certifications in fields like cloud computing, cyber security etc.
- I come from extremely poor background and have worked in 10+ odd jobs (car washing, house keeping etc.) during my undergraduate to support my family and my education (This is major reason for my low undergraduate GPA)
Why MBA?
As you must have noticed by now, I have tech and consulting experience in highly niche domain of cyber security. Cyber security is a support function in most organizations and there is a glass ceiling to growth. Also being in support role, I won't ever be able to break into business side of things.
Post-MBA goals?
I would like to move into product management role. given I already have 7+ years of tech and consulting experience I think it will be best for me. If possible I would like to keep management consulting option open.
Long term goal: Start my own tech startup firm
Why Foster
- Known for Tech placements and has lots of FAANG companies in Seattle
- It is close to Bay Area
- Only school I feel my GRE score is competitive for.
Questions
1. Does my profile look good enough to have a chance to get admit in Foster with scholarship?
2. Should I retake my GRE (not sure if I can improve)
I am planning to apply in round 2 for Foster full time MBA program.
Background: Indian, Male, 29
-10th - 80.46%
-12th - 80.67%
-Bachelors of Engineering (Electronics & Communications, class of 2014) - Four year aggregate of 55% with some arrears which we cleared off during college -itself (I am deeply concerned about this part)
- GRE 322 (164Q 158V)
- First Gen College goer
Work experience: Total 7.5 years
3.5 years --> Boutique cyber security consulting startup in India
- It was a new team with only 3 people. I along with my manager setup their security operations center from scratch. We grew the team from 3 members to 85 members in 3.5 years bringing in 15+ major clients amounting total revenue of more than 1 million $
- Formed and led their new 24/7 team which was part of their security operations center. Carried out and led more than 20 projects with the team.
- Carried out some short term international engagements in middle east
- I received excellence award for 2 consecutive years (Among total 400 employees)
- Received 3 promotions in 3 years
- Started as an intern, left as an specialist
1.8 years --> Big4 Consulting firm in India
- Started as consultant, led the Cyber transformation project for their biggest insurance client.
- Led a team of 4 consultants onsite
- Among >1% to receive early promotion
- Received an award for the project I led
- Left the organization Senior Consultant
2.2 years --> One of the biggest investment banks in the world --> this is my current role
- Working with global team of highly technical individuals performing advanced cyber operation tests
- Among only 2 people from India to be part of the team (rest of the team is in UK and Poland)
Other than above experience, I co-founded a software development company and ran it for around 3 years part-time with my co-founder. honestly, this was formed to earn external income to pay our undergrad education loans. At the end of 3 years, the revenue of the company was around 35000 USD (25 lakh INR). We closed down the operations to focus more on the individual careers.
Extra-Curriculars
- Worked with local NGO for 1 year helping several people on mental illness
- Was Vice-President for student council in undergrad college
- Have more than 10 global technical certifications in fields like cloud computing, cyber security etc.
- I come from extremely poor background and have worked in 10+ odd jobs (car washing, house keeping etc.) during my undergraduate to support my family and my education (This is major reason for my low undergraduate GPA)
Why MBA?
As you must have noticed by now, I have tech and consulting experience in highly niche domain of cyber security. Cyber security is a support function in most organizations and there is a glass ceiling to growth. Also being in support role, I won't ever be able to break into business side of things.
Post-MBA goals?
I would like to move into product management role. given I already have 7+ years of tech and consulting experience I think it will be best for me. If possible I would like to keep management consulting option open.
Long term goal: Start my own tech startup firm
Why Foster
- Known for Tech placements and has lots of FAANG companies in Seattle
- It is close to Bay Area
- Only school I feel my GRE score is competitive for.
Questions
1. Does my profile look good enough to have a chance to get admit in Foster with scholarship?
2. Should I retake my GRE (not sure if I can improve)
Archived Topic
Hi there,
You've reached an archived 'Evaluate my Profile' thread. No new replies are possible.
Interested in current discussions? Please visit the active 'Evaluate my Profile'
topic.
Thank you for understanding, and happy exploring!
31 Aug 2022, 06:41
Kudos
Bookmarks
paU1i:
Responding to your questions:
1. Does my profile look good enough to have a chance to get admit in Foster with scholarship?
A: I am not sure about scholarship money (or how much specifically), but you should have a shot at being admitted. I would also apply to a few similarly competitive programs so that you can potentially leverage their offers if you get any. That's the best way to optimize your chances.
2. Should I retake my GRE (not sure if I can improve)
A: No, I don't think that's a good use of your time unless it's merely sitting to take the exam again. You don't have anything to lose by doing so (Foster will take your highest score) but you are already at a strong enough point. If you do a few points better, it MIGHT help your admissions and scholarship chances, but it's not going to be a game changer. Instead, I would focus on putting together the best overall application and networking with the school (attending admissions events, students/alumni, professors, etc.) so you can demonstrate genuine interest.
If you would like to discuss your chances and an application strategy, please reach out to us for a free consultation using this link:
https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
Responding to your questions:
1. Does my profile look good enough to have a chance to get admit in Foster with scholarship?
A: I am not sure about scholarship money (or how much specifically), but you should have a shot at being admitted. I would also apply to a few similarly competitive programs so that you can potentially leverage their offers if you get any. That's the best way to optimize your chances.
2. Should I retake my GRE (not sure if I can improve)
A: No, I don't think that's a good use of your time unless it's merely sitting to take the exam again. You don't have anything to lose by doing so (Foster will take your highest score) but you are already at a strong enough point. If you do a few points better, it MIGHT help your admissions and scholarship chances, but it's not going to be a game changer. Instead, I would focus on putting together the best overall application and networking with the school (attending admissions events, students/alumni, professors, etc.) so you can demonstrate genuine interest.
If you would like to discuss your chances and an application strategy, please reach out to us for a free consultation using this link:
https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 11 Nov 2025
Posts: 2,282
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
01 Sep 2022, 05:29
Kudos
Bookmarks
paU1i
paU1i Your UG GPA and GRE are certainly not your strong points, but if you would like to apply this year you must work around the shortcomings. On the other hand, I like your career trajectory and I think your stint at the start-up is unique among the large pool of IT applicants from India. You can draw upon insights that contrast your work at the start-up vs the MNCs.
I think you have a good chance at getting into Fosters but you must clearly elaborate on the adversities faced during your formative years to maximize chances for scholarships.
Widen your choice of schools especially since you are looking for a scholarship.
Best wishes
