Hi @MCMG-
Overall, I really like your profile! The non-traditional background can be both a positive and a challenge, but I think in your case it will mostly be positive. You've got the international experience which b-schools love, especially experience working in Africa, which is less common. I also think schools will respond well to your work being community-driven and high impact. Your extracurriculars all sound strong too -- I see a track record of involvement and leadership.
In terms of academic stats, your GPAs are strong and if you can reach your GMAT target score, then schools shouldn't have concerns about your ability to handle business / quantitative coursework.
I think you've got a good list of target schools too, and SOM / Kellogg / Tuck definitely seem like a match with your goals. Maybe Haas too? Quite popular for social impact. HBS will be trickier, but I would definitely give it a try.
Hope that helps!
Kate
MCMG wrote:
Dear all,
I would really appreciate a feedback on my profile, as I come from a non-traditional background and don't have anyone in my field applying for MBAs normally.
Nationality: East Asian
Gender: Female
Age: 27
GMAT Score: 1st try in November, aiming for 750 (consistent 90% correct rate in both Verbal and Quant with practice questions)
Undergraduate degree in Organizational Development (US top 20 school, GPA 3.5)
Master degree in International Development (Europe school, prestigious in the field, GPA around 3.4), thesis with field study in Africa for one month
Work Experience
- 3 years in international humanitarian organization (one year in headquarters as trainee, then promoted to staff with one year deployment in an African country working with conflict affected population on rights based advocacy and assistance, with breaks and paid leaves in-between- technically only 2 years of actual working time)
- 6 months now in medical NGO in Africa, changed job to work on service design oriented community-level innovation projects (what inspired me to pursue a MBA!)
Extra-Curricular
- Undergrad: Founder of international student organization, Peer Adviser for global education office, global ambassador for admissions, dancers for annual performances of different cultural events, volunteer trips in Honduras, Florida, study abroad in two countries and capstone internship with UN agency
- Grad: Improvisation workshop facilitator, Student Cabaret organizer
- Professional: United nations intern advocacy committee for paid internship, staff association and decolonizing humanitarian aid initiative, speaker and mentor for NGO and youth organizations in home country promoting involvement in international affairs for youth
Short Term Goal
Consulting in social impact/public sector (government, non-profit, international organizaitons) leaning towards strategy and public health, preferably focusing on international organizations or developing country public sector
Long Term Goal
Senior management in international foundation, organization, or development bank with a network of private and public sector that can lead to better strategic direction for international aid
Target schools: HBS, SOM, Kellogg, IESE, Darden, UNC, maybe Tuck/Stern
Thank you so much!
Best,
M