Profile Evaluation, Please
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26 Mar 2014, 11:41
Hey All,
I'm gearing up to get ready to start applying to R1 of next year, and I wanted to see how well my profile matches up, and whether there is anything I should start thinking about now before going through the application process.
My Background (at matriculation)
26/M/Caucasian
US Citizen with Dual Citizenship in Italy
4 years of work experience, ~1 year of work experience as a Co-Op
GPA: 3.75 Major in Mechanical Engineering, minor in Economics (Top ~30 rated school, not Ivy)
GMAT: 700 (80-80 split)
A bit more about work exp:
I started off my career with the initial intent of being an engineer. I worked approximately a year at a defense contractor, doing design work for submarines. I felt as though the work was rewarding, but was too slow paced, decided to go work in the finance industry after graduation.
My current position is a "quant" in finance. I essentially build backtesting models, run portfolio optimizations, simulations, and deal with multi-factor risk models from 3rd party risk providers. I deal with “Big Data” datasets to help Hedge funds and Mutual funds choose stocks. The particular company I work for is a middle sized technology firm that isn't well known outside of the industry, but the majority of people that work on the buy-side/sell-side are quite familiar with it. In my 3 years here, I've been promoted twice, with one of those promotions being somewhat "optional" (not everyone gets this title). In terms of teams, I've worked with 2 separate teams, and the last team I was on I had to train and work with 4 "secondaries". They weren't direct reports, but many times I delegated work to them. In my current position, I don’t necessarily have direct reports, but am seen as more of a resource. Regarding my performance, I’ve consistently been top bucket, and my team has grown sales values by a few million over the years. In terms of client base, I have clients in Canada, as well as worked with international colleagues internally. I should be level 3 CFA when applying as well.
Extra Curricular:
Long history of volunteering - special Olympics. Organized some work events to participate
Big into the outdoors - extreme "mountaineering skiing" with mountain summits and ski racing in college. Currently volunteer as a Captain for a non-profit to teach inner-city kids of how to ski. I'm the middle man working with the instructors, ski patrol, kids themselves - pretty much organize the trips from start to finish and then execute. Also, I’ve been able to do running races – including Half Marathons, marathon, and a team relay.
My Plan:
My plan is to work here for another year (2 if I don't get in any schools) and then eventually move into more of an analyst/PM role. Right now, my current position in finance is "Middle office", and I'd like that Front Office seat at a quant-based hedge fund, or would be willing to work a few years at a bank within research before moving over to the buy-side.
My top Schools are:
Early Decision to Columbia
Chicago
NYU
Haas
Sloan
Backups would be Johnson or Fuqua. Would Wharton even be worthwhile to apply to? What are the chances that I’d get in any of these schools? My biggest concerns are my lack of Ivy-League education and 4 years work experience. Any thoughts? If you have additional questions, please let me know.