Hi
mikellaverde,
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your story with us. You, indeed, have a very interesting background that I would like to learn more about. Are you currently in a graduate program, specializing in Statistics (not sure I understand the "ongoing" point you mention below?). What is your target application date?
On a positive note, you do have very interesting experiences that, if told correctly, will really make your application stand out. That said, you should be mindful that multiple components of your profile do not fall below the selected school's averages. For example, limited years of work experience (some of the programs you've outlined, like Simon Business Scool, have a greater work experience average) and GMAT (I do think you should retake, and perhaps practice some relaxation techniques before you sit in for the exam). You also really want to take the time to be introspective and flesh out how an MBA will get you closer to your professional goals (unfortunately, "a finance related job" is not a sufficient descriptor).
I am happy to schedule a call and discuss further. If interested, fill
this form to coordinate.
Good luck!
mikellaverde wrote:
Hello, I would highly appreciate to get some advice on my MBA profile/application (2019 Intake):
My profile:
Colombian Male, 24 years old.
Education:
-Ongoing Specialization in Statistics: currently Ranked 1st in class. (GPA 4.8/5) (2018-Present)
BSc, Industrial engineering (2013-2017)
----Double concentration in Finance and Logistics.
----(GPA 3.74/5) and (4.48/5 in senior year) –I know I screwed up my gpa, I went through some tough years.
---- got an award for the first place in a national engineering exam all graduates must take.
Work:
Entrepreneurship (2017-Present)
---- biological control products to combat diseases of the oil palm in Colombia.
----I’m working with the business plan I used as my undergrad dissertation. Is being quite successful (150k revenue in first year)
Family business (2016-Present) (kind of part-time occasional)
----My family runs an oil palm plantation business in which I have developed some specific projects to optimize the operation. (economically impactful)
Internship (6 months 2016)
----developed a knowledge management system for a boutique consulting firm.
Extras:
As some extras I would mention that I was a rugby player during my university time and a former captain of the rugby team.
Also, right now I’m an athlete in a cycling team here in Colombia.
TOEFL 111/ reading 29/30 listening 30/30 speaking 26/30 writing 26/30
GMAT my story with the GMAT has been challenging and somehow disappointing
After 4 months of study I sat it on December 2018
First attempt: 660 Q45 V36 IR7 AWA5.
I thought I could do better. I was scoring 700-720-710 in my last 3 CATS so I believed I would improve it:
Second attempt: 640 Q48 V31 IR5 –3 days ago, I canceled the score. My quant is what I expected but I screwed up the verbal (don’t know why, I felt great but at the end had to run a bit (3-4 questions) and IR I was just anxious about the verbal.
I probably don’t have a chance to try again because of deadlines.
Thoughts:
----In a short-term I would like to work in a finance related job. I feel very passionate about the subject and I haven’t had the opportunity to work in such a role for a big company. I would like to have that experience (Don’t know if I should mention that in my application)
----My midterm goal with the mba is to develop and enhance my business abilities so that I can manage more effectively my start-up. The business has a great potential to the future but sometimes I feel I lack the skills to address day-by-day issues.
----I will eventually manage my family business (It is quite a big company that has been in constant grown) so I will also require some managerial skills to be successful as a CEO.
Target BS:
I want a BS with a good finance background (I will concentrate in either entrepreneurship or finance)
I would love to enter to a Top program but I’m not sure about how my profile would do.
I want a 2 year or at least 1.5 years program.
Canada: Good post-mba options for me (up to 3 years of work permit painless)
• Rotman
USA: It is less difficult to find a working visa (not as easy as Canada)
• Rochester, Simon: Strong in Finance, they gave me a free waiver so I’m just going to try.
• Tuck: This is my favorite BS of all, I can feel that connection from the gut. But I know it’s probably impossible to get into.
England: I love England, but I know that working there is difficult.
• LBS
• Manchester
France: I do not know a word of French
• Hec Paris: they have been very interested in me, I’m not sure if this is because of my profile or just marketing.
Spain: Spain is also a difficult place to work for a Latin-American
• IESE
• ESADE
First, thank you for taking the time to answer! It would be helpful to know what kind of business school I could realistically aspire to, as well as any advice that can help me to prepare my application.
regards,
Mikel.