chaliasif wrote:
25 M, Pakistani national.
Assistant Manager Audit @big4
5 years experience in Assurance Audit in big4.
I’m an ACCA ( UK equivalent of US CPA) with a BSc in applied accounting and finance (lower second class) (lower second because of exemption obtained for the bachelors based on my ACCA) with a gmat of 715+ ( to be given) wondering if I can get into M7. Working as an assistant manager in audit in big4 in the middle east.
YOE:
1.5 years in big4 audit
2 years in a T2 audit
2 years in a T2 consulting firm
EC
- Have been awarded the tech lead award at my firm (automated several hectic reports at national level).
- Team lead for my firm (15+ employees).
- Coaching new joiners regarding their careers.
- Founder of an ecommerce store for local region (raised round 1 investment)
- Started my own ecommerce journey during covid employing more than 10 people.
- Have organized a group of 50+ finance professionals from ACCA background in Saudi Arabia to hold qurterly meetings regarding finance updates, economic upates etc.
- Acted as ACCA student lead in Saudi Arabia to help new joiners and fresh interns and set a career/path for them.
I’m looking to get into Management consulting or IB/PE
Posted from my mobile device
chaliasifYou showcase a solid foundation and consistent growth trajectory. Your academic record isn't entirely clear (for example your GPA, college pedigree), highlighting your high academic potential will undoubtedly strengthen your case. The audit sector and audit functions in general aren't primary feeders for top MBA programs due to the highly competitive nature of the industry. It is therefore, I see a lot of potential in shedding more light on the type of consulting projects you were involved with during your last job.
GMATGiven your demographic, your projected GMAT score seems relatively low for an M7 school. Competition will be fierce, so a high GMAT score will be necessary to compete.
Now about your goals:While your focus during your recent consulting projects isn't obvious, if private equity or venture capital is a new area for you, here is my perspective. You can demonstrate your motivation to grow professionally by, for example, interning, participating in projects, or shadowing industry leaders in entry-level positions within PE /VC (having some prior experience adds a lot of value). Even if you don't have much experience in this area, showcasing your willingness to go the extra mile significantly bolsters the credibility of your aspirations.
At the same time, being pragmatic is important. For example, let's say you're aiming for PE. In this case, it's imperative that you demonstrate your intimate knowledge of the current state of the PE industry in the geographic region you're targeting and, if applicable, present your network in this area. To illustrate, recent shifts in deal-making and fundraising due to interest rate increases, inflation, and geopolitical events, including the conflict in Ukraine, have had a significant impact on the PE industry, affecting both recruitment and funding of leveraged transactions. As a result, business schools expect a realistic assessment of how your background can strategically position you in the PE industry, specifically for a particular sector or region.
In addition, transitioning into a Tier 1 consulting role can serve as a viable path for eventual entry into IB/PE, especially after you have established solid credibility in a new region.
Thorough research and a well-structured plan outlining your path to achieving your goals will undoubtedly prove critical to standing out from the crowd and ensuring your success.
Your ECs are good.
Overall, I see much potential in your profile, but you must connect the dots to present a strong case to the M7 or INSEAD.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
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11 Sep 2023, 21:08
