Hi
Thanks for reaching out.
Basic Information: 23 year old male, living in London
Undergrad: 2:1 from University College London, United Kingdom in Biochemical Engineering (Bachelor of Engineering with Hons). I won the Sir Derek Roberts Scholarship for this particular course. Student representative for this course.
GMAT: Projected 750-780 (according to GMATPrep tests)
Work Experience: 3+ years (4 by the time of joining an MBA college next year) of work in IT services for one of the major IT Services firms. My job title is Business Analyst but in addition also required to manage projects with my existing clients. I've worked with 3 blue chip clients in the banking sector in London.
Currently helping to manage a portfolio of 20 applications - existing and being developed.
I have experience in managing small scale agile projects and supervising other team members (though no direct reports). I should have good recommendations from my managers.
I've moved from the role of a software engineer to a business analys to a business analyst/project manager in the 3 years since graduation.
Worked for a period of 4 years as a News Analyst in an advertising/media monitoring firm on a part time basis while at school and university.
In addition, currently involved in building a startup for a microfinance firm (too little work done to be highlighted)
Other activities:
- CFA Level 2 candidate
- Volunteer with TeachFirst UK to help coach graduate teachers and mentor students
- Volunteer with St Mary's Secret Garden, an inner city organic garden cooperative as an IT consultant
- Active in recruiting campus hires (attended career fairs, gave presentations)
- Volunteer actively with a number of inner city schools as a teacher and mentor on a weekly basis
Career ambitions:
I'm still torn between various options such as working a consultant within my existing field, branching out into finance for structured products. An MBA would ideally help me have enough time and experience to choose. Over the long term, I'm looking to start up my own firm, with the right experience gathered from working over a decade or so.
Additional Information:
- Lived in about 7 countries in Asia, Middle East and Western Europe for periods ranging from 2 to 3 years.
- Learnt and forgot a large number of languages like Arabic, Sinhalese and Thai. I can speak fluent Hindi, adequate Urdu (analogous to Hindi), understand most North Indian languages, limited German and beginner French.
- Developed a keen understanding and interest in international relations, given my background as a diplomat's offspring. Currently attempting to translate that interest into a weekly newsletter/blog with like minded folks.
- I'm flexible in terms of location in the US, UK or France. I really would like to stay in a major city , both for convenience and for networking purposes. I am open to other choices as well.
QueryI'm realistic enough to understand that going for an MBA will not necessarily get me a dream job or provide me with an answer as to what career I should look at for the next decade. However, I'm hopeful that it will provide with enough options and experience to be able to take those steps.
I was hoping that you could evaluate whether I have an adequate profile to apply for top 10 MBA programmes like Harvard, Stanford, Insead or LBS. If not, I'd be grateful to hear whether it'd be appropriate for me to wait a few more years to gather experience or make some hard decisions about career choices.