Hello Cindy,
I am looking to apply Columbia EMBA Saturday for upcoming semester. Linda gave me a positive feedback few months ago, but since you are an EMBA expert and I have been tweaking the wording of my profile to fit Columbia EMBA, I decided to receive second opinion from you. Ok, here it goes:
- Demographic: Korean, 30 Year-old, Male, nationalized US Citizen
- GMAT: 670 - 49Q, 33V, 4.5 AWA, 6 IR. The first try was with just one week of study. Managed time really bad with IR and Q. I am going to take another one after investing more time, and hoping to push it upward of 700.
- Education: BBA in Accounting at UMass Amherst (Isenberg SOM). Cum Laude. Minor in Japanese.
- Work Experience
Nov 2011-Present: Senior Accountant, # 1 company in cosmetic industry (the company with slogan "Because you're worth it"
). Joined the company as Staff Accountant. Several achievements supported by promotion only one year after joining. Several EC activities at work, like mentored summer intern, CPR/AED first responder, intranet accounting website design. In charge of communication with 57 international affiliates and international balance.
Sep 2007-Nov 2011: Junior Accountant (07-10), Staff Accountant (10-11), E. Zegna. Managed store development and marketing expense. Initiated few projects. Taught Excel to co-worker (unofficial Excel guru of the department!)
2006-Present: Co-found of family business, Japanese restaurant. I wasn't going to include this initially, but figured out I do have few things accomplished. Managed five employees, initiated marketing project, designed website (and it's still online), represented the business in business meetings. I am still participating in business as representative. Also, I am evaluating northeast area (from DC to MA) for possible expansion in late 2014.
- Passed CPA exam, but 6 credit away from 150 credit requirements. In other word, I will be officially CPA after completing one semester.
- Several local social activity, mostly in Korean community like Sandy recovery assistance,
My career goal after MBA is to advance in brand management, specifically luxury brand management. From my understanding, Columbia is strong in this field (they even have Retail & Luxury Goods Club, which I want to participate), has good professors and has NYC advantage, yet, not many people specifically pinpoints it as goal. Since my career so far is with retail & luxury goods company with multinational background, I do believe I will fit well to the classroom. My ultimate goal after that is CMO.
While my 7 years experience is a little low side on experience, but fortunately, it looks like Columbia is open to younger candidates like myself than any other school. Also, if I can get 700+ in GMAT, that will also be helpful. But I want to hear from an expert if overall candidacy stands a chance. Also, I am not sure if I should put family business in my resume. Reason why I want to put is I have management experience and marketing experience from it, and still participating it.
Thanks in advance!