HEC Paris Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi 'srikanthpilla007' aka 'Mr. Bond'

You have strong academics, good brand name and achievements. I hope you know that your verbal score is just above the minimum mentioned by HEC. It will be better if you can improve it but, not mandatory. It's good that your goals are clear and I suggest to keep some flexible options. For ex. You can take strategy roles in other industries.

There are some things, which I personally think you to improve on:

1. Your extra curricular - You said, 'was active' but why not active currently and what was it about?
2. Sorry to say, community work will not be taken care easily. It has to be clarified by how, why, and what you did and learnt ?
3. International exposure does not only count with living. It can be considered as managing international customers. There are people who gets in without living outside or handling international clients.

All the best

Hi,
I am 25 Male Indian.
Graduated from National Institute of Technology, Patna with GPA 8 (percent conversion - 75%) in Computer Science and Engineering.
GMAT Score: 710

Work experience
6 months in MNC
Almost 2 years in a tech-startup. Led a team of 2-3 people. Won an excellence award.
Last six months: Freelancing and building my startup.

College extra-curriculars
Student Head of college magazine
Student Head of a socio-cultural club
Organizing member for fest for 3 years.
Member of college football team.
Member of E-cell
Voluntary work to teach under-privileged kids for two months

School extra-curriculars
Decent ranks in National Olympiads
Represented school at various occasions in inter-school competitions.
Vice House Captain

Hello,
The academics and GMAT are good to go but you need to improve your professional and extra curricular to make a good application. You need to list down the achievements and learning with the start up. You can also present a hobby. What are your MBA goals?

Hello,

I would really appreciate if someone on this thread could help me evaluate my chances of getting into HEC Paris or ESSEC France. Note that ESSEC would be my plan B, should HEC not work out. I will be applying for their MiM programmes, given I have less than 2 years of work experience.

Male
Non-technical background (BA in Economics with minors in Statistics and Commerce from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, a tier 1 institute in India)
GPA 3.45/4
12th Grade: 82%
10th Grade: 86%

GMAT:
Scored a 660 on my first attempt (Q43 V38). I intend on retaking the exam before the application deadline with a realistic target score of 700.

Work experience:
Currently working with Deloitte S&O (Deloitte's management consulting practice) as an Analyst, straight out of undergrad. I will have 6 months of experience by interview time.

Internships:
1) Drip Capital- Sequoia-backed Fintech startup that specializes in trade finance for Indian SME exporters. Worked with them on projects involviing new market entry, competition benchmarking and industry analysis & research report building.

2) Zilingo- Fashion e-commerce unicorn operational primarily in SEA, with B2B operations in India. Worked with the B2B marketplace team on developing a credit programme to boost seller-onboarding on the platform. Also worked on a go-to-market strategy for one of Zilingo's in-house private label brands.

During my final year at Xavier's, I also worked on implementing a startup idea that revolved around digital freelance services. I have done extensive research on the gig economy as a result.

Research Papers:
1) Understanding the Pharma Industry from a shareholder's perspective (Corporate Finance oriented project)
2) The Impact of Sanctions on the Monetary and Fiscal Policy of Iran (Macroeconomics)

Extra-curriculars:
1) Vice-Chairperson of the Xavier's Economics Department's annual conference that was keynoted by Subir Gokarn- executive director of the IMF and ex-deputy governor of the Indian Central Bank

2) Member of an 8-member core team responsible for raising funds for my college's annual cultural fest. We successfully raised approx. USD 150,000 by means of sponsorships. I was personally responsible for associations with brands like Reliance Jio (title sponsor), H&M and Nestle.


Social Service:
1) Helped a Thalasemmia NGO with a CSR pitch for ecommerce players in India, that would help generate employment for their patients as well as boost volunteership at NGOs across the city.

Hobbies:
1) Basketball- I've played the sport at the school, university and club-level for about 10 years now. I currently play recreationally at my local YMCA.
2) Live Music- I have covered music festivals for an Indian music magazine (similar to a Rolling Stone Magazine) and even worked as an artist liaison for international artists like Sean Paul and Dillon Francis when they played at a music festival in India.


I know my GMAT score may not be the best and is probably my biggest liability. But do you think the rest of my profile can make up for it?

Thanks,
Aaron

Hello everyone,

I am 27 years old, female
I have 4+ years consulting and start-up experience, promoted 2 times as top performer
I have Bsc. in engineering from one of the highest ranked university. I studied with 50% scholarship, but have a low GPA (2.8 over 4)
I have 700 GMAT score (50Q, 34V, 8IR)

I have played volleyball in minor leagues for 11 years, I am 2* scuba diver for 5 years

What do you think about my chances for HEC?

Hi,
I kindly ask you to provide more details about you.

1. What kind of consulting and where?
2. Are you engaged in start up right now or doing simultaneously with consulting job?
3. What are your MBA goals?
4. Achievements and learning from consulting and start-up?

GPA will not be a problem. Good GMAT score. As I mentioned in the past, HEC is looking to improve the women ratio in the class. They are offering scholarships and admits on low gmat as well. You can take advantage of it.

Hi,
You have a wonderful profile except the GMAT. You must improve to 700 or above. I hope, you have decided to go for MiM for correct reason and not due to less work experience. I can suggest you to do a bit research both on MiM and MBA programs depending upon your future goals. Once you are sure, you are good to go. I would not be able to help you much for MiM I hope, somebody will reply you soon. If you have any questions related to MBA, please feel free to write.

Hello,

Thanks for responding!

From my research I've read that most people apply for the MiM so as to make a career switch, usually from a more technical role, to a more managerial one. I personally have different reasons. While I would like to stick to consulting after completing my MiM, what the MiM allows me is access to the European job market. As someone who wants to start a more international career for himself,as soon as possible, I think the MiM makes sense. On top of that, the MiM is significantly more affordable for me than the MBA. Lastly, having full-time work experience, even though it's only 6 months, will only go in my favour and help me distinguish my profile from other applications. 6 months is far too little work exp for an international MBA isn't it? And in Europe, isn't the MiM looked upon favourably by companies? It has little value in India and the US, but from what I've read, and in my interactions with current HEC students, an MiM holds very high value amongst European companies.

Do you think my reasoning is justified?



Posted from my mobile device

Hello,
I appreciate that your goals are clear and you are working on its path. I agree with you on choosing MiM with less experience, affordable and access to European markets. I strongly recommend to learn the local language which is an important factor in consulting. Six months are not enough for European MBA programs. HEC is one of the reputed schools in Europe and you will carry its brand value. All the best for your application.

Hey guys, thanks for taking time to evaluate my profile-

32, Indian Male
GMAT- 680 (V34 Q49). Retaking in a month
Undergrad-
GPA:3.8 Delhi College of Engineering, India (BE-EE) (Tier-1 college in India), 2009

Grad school-
GPA:3.5 North Caroline State University, Raleigh-(MS-EE (PhD dropout)) 2014

Work Experience:
Bay area startup-A (6months):
Sr Tech marketing engineer in a startup in Bay area
- Growing mixed signal FPGA business for a HW startup in bay area.
- Changed job streams from complete tech field to tech-business after Haas gave their feedback last year

Bay area startup- B (3.5y): Pure tech work
- Applications lead for product development of tech stuff for automation and server market segment.
- Leading customer support, met clients, trained engineers in the technology around the globe

Los Angeles established company- C (1.5y): Pure tech work
- Headed design of simulation platform for a validation platform for server segment.

Executive Engineer, NTPC, India, 2years: Pure tech work
-Inspection Engineer for QA dept

Awards:
- Sponsored athlete and member of Indian national team in a sport. Regularly participate in events in Europe, Asia representing India.
- Undergrad and grad school fellowships. Had a full scholarship ride throughout studies in India and US
- Published 3 papers in grad school

Leadership:
- VP, Student Leadership Council, NC State
- Founder of an NPO generating money through my sports for kids' education back home by organizing events in California

Post MBA goals:
- My goal is to work in the area of sports management. I'm passionate about sports and how it has affected my life and the perspective it provides to other facets of life. I'd like to make sports more accessible to people, specially in India. My goals are a little out there but that's what I want to do with my life. I've seen enough tech stuff and I don't care much about it anymore.

PS: Applied to Haas EWMBA and UCLA Anderson FEMBA last year. Got into UCLA but declined. Haas interviewed but told me that I didn't have relevant work experience, so I changed jobs to join a volatile startup to learn (hope this doesn't **** me in the ass).
Haas also asked me to improve GMAT so I'll retake it in a month.

I'm thinking of applying part time in Haas, Anderson, Booth and full time in HEC, Oxford, LBS, and Cambridge (because the chick I'm with moved to London lol).

Please evaluate my profile and give feedback. Thanks!

Hi narwal,

thank you for sharing your profile.

Overall, I like it and I think you have good chances at HEC Paris.

As you know, you come from the most over-represented background (Indian, Male, Tech). This alongside your age will not make things easy for you.

It is good that you're retaking GMAT. What score are you aiming? As you know, for your demographic group, it is recommended to score 20-30 points above the school's average, which in the case of HEC Paris would mean 710-720.

I would really like to take a look at your resume, but overall, I like how you have progressed in your career. You have not only managed to change geographies, but you have also moved away from pure tech roles. In this sense, your move to the start-up was a good one.

You have significant international exposure, which is something that HEC Paris appreciates significantly.

Coming from a tech background myself before my MBA, I can totally understand you wanting to do something different. I like your goals in sports management. However, you will need to work on putting together a compelling story as to how you want to transition there. To go from where you are now to sports management, an MBA is definitely helpful, but it will probably be one of several steps that you will have to take.

Again, you have good chances. But given your background (Indian, Male, Tech) and your age, a +710 GMAT score and a kick-ass application (including articulating in a compelling way your career goals) will be a must.

By the way, the above applies to all schools you're targeting. The main difference would be in the GMAT score. For example, LBS has an average GMAT score of around 710, therefore if you apply to LBS, ideally want to do so with at least a 730-740 score.

I hope this helps.

Like I said, I would really like to take a look at your resume. Feel free to PM me or email it to me at alex@arleeconsulting.com.

Thank you very much.

Warm regards
Alex

I hope you all are doing well. Could you please help me evaluate my profile.

Target Colleges -
1. India- ISB
2. NUS and HEC

Nationality- Indian

Undergraduate- Indian Institute of technology, Guwahati (CGPA-8.5) Completed in May 2016
12th- 95
10th- 89%
GMAT SCORE- 720 (Q50, V38) IR 5

Professional Experience:-

1. 35 months of experience in analytics
2. First 18 months experience in marketing analytics in Pharmaceutical sector for one of top 5 US Pharma companies
3. Post that, currently working in credit card banking analytics where my role involves creating risk models
4. My current designation is Manager


Key Highlight :
Got promoted recently in Jun’19

Achievements:-
1. Employee of the month
2. Current project, which I am working on, won innovation award in my current company

Co-curricular Activities
1. Currently an active member of toastmasters community
2. Participated in organization technical and cultural fests of IIT Guwahati during my undergrad
3. Currently a mentor to freshers at IIT Guwahati

Posted from my mobile device

Hello,
I am commenting for HEC only. You need to ask evaluation of other schools in their respective forums

Strong academics and good GMAT score. You are just on the minimum working experience required for HEC. You need to explain in more details for the experience and achievements in order to give better suggestion. Do you have a hobby or plan any sport?
What are your MBA goals?

Hello,

I am an electronics engineering graduate from University of Mumbai with a CGPA of 7.68. I am currently working in an MNC and have 1.5 years of work experience.
10 th - 9.6 CGPA (CBSE)
12 th - 80% (CBSE)

One college internship for 2 months at a startup as an operations Intern. Was an active member of the college council and played for the college team.
Two mini projects and one final year project with Larsen and Toubro.
Attended Dale Carnegie workshops while in college.

Certification - CSM certified.
Got promoted recently to Senior Analyst

I am yet to give GMAT or IELTS


Do I have a shot at HEC ? Targeting for MiM

24|F

Hello,
You need to provide more details about you, your work and your goals. You should have a GMAT score or a hypothetical score to be considered for evaluation. What about your hobbies?

Hello sjas31,

Professional Experience -
I am currently working at a French MNC (very well known) providing infrastructure services for the client. Basically I'm into technology where my role is that of an software engineer.
I am a certified Scrum Master.
Got promoted to Senior Software Engineer recently.

Aiming for a GMAT score in 700-720 range.

Hobbies - Travelling, playing sports, reading and drawing.

Hi Mh95,

A few questions for you:
1. what is your total work experience? Give breakups and top achievements
2. what do you do outside work? Any extracurricular activities?
3. How much international experience do you have?
4. what are your career goals?
5. Where did you go for undergrad and what were your marks?
6. When are you planning to apply?