INSEAD Profile Evaluation - Tools for B-School Profile Evaluation

Hi Everyone,

Would love to hear your opinion about my profile-

1. Female, Indian citizen, Age 27
2. Settled in Singapore for last 10 years
3. Undergrad degree in Computer Engineering from National University of Singapore (NUS) with 4.1/5 CAP.
4. GMAT
IR - 7 - 82Percentile
Q - 48 - 67Percentile
V - 36 - 80Percentile
Total - 690 - 85Percentile
5. Work Experience - 5years @ Deutsche Bank
Work in the technology side of the bank as technical product manager of various applications.
Promoted to Assistant Vice President in the last year.
6. Passed CFA level 1 - top 10Percentile - in 2018

I am thinking of applying for the Jan2020 intake in Round 2.

Thanks

Hi oozefish,

thank you for sharing your profile.

As you know, your 690 GMAT score is going to put you in a bit of a disadvantage, specially given that your Q score is below the 70-75% that INSEAD recommends. What is the possibility of a retake?

In terms of career progression, besides your promotion to AVP, did you receive any other promotion before? As a technical PM, do you lead teams or have direct reports?

What are your career goals?

What can you tell us about your extra-curriculars?

Thank you very much.

Warm regards
Alex

Hi wannaBEgood,

thank you for sharing your profile.

Your international experience alongside your career progression make you a good candidate for INSEAD. I specially like the fact that you were selected for your UAE assignment to setup the new desk.

Regarding GMAT, obviously the higher the better, but I would aim at least at +730 to be on the safe side.

Besides your social enterprise experience, what can you tell us about your extra-curriculars? What do you do for fun?

Your goals seem kind of vague. I would recommend you to give it some more thought and try to narrow it down to either finance or consulting (not both). If it helps, whenever you think about a role, consider three main dimensions: i.e. (a) function, (b) industry and (c) geography.

I hope this helps.

Thank you very much.

Warm regards
Alex

Hi could someone evaluate my profile for INSEAD. You guys are doing a fab job... Appreciate the time invested.

Nationality- Indian
Residence - UAE
Gender- Male
Age - 30
Xth- 84.26
Grad- 72% ( Mumbai University)
Post-graduation – PGDM - 4.99/8
GMAT- Yet to take ( Hopefully should manage 700-710)

Post MBA Goals: I wish to continue in CPG/Corporate Sector preferably with an MNC in a global role.
a. Better MBA experience - Diversity, pedagogy focussed for an international role. Especially started feeling the gap once I moved internationally.
b. Change of work location

Work Exp :
Currently working as a Regional Brand Manager for Middle East based out of UAE - handling entire GCC. Travel usually once a quarter across countries in GCC. Managing 2 flagship brands for the company since a year.
Prior to this - Senior Manager-Sales in India. Close to 6 years of sales experience across multiple states/regions in India managing completely diverse teams.
Last was managing a team of 4 Managers and total team size of 60 people. Driving an annual sales turnover of $ 38 Mn.
Travelled to 7-8 countries for work. Otherwise have travelled across 13 countries .


Awards and Recognition:
Decent no of them, Probably 5-6 Awards/another 7-8 certificates, one of the youngest promoted to this role. Was part of the Future Leaders program in the company which presents to the Chairman/Board.

Extra-Curricular Activities: Lots of it. Mentioning a few.
• National level Sports Player - State Captain( This was during school days)
• Certified Advanced Open water SCUBA Diver by PADI -
• Scholarship by Sports Authority of India for excellence
• Multiple awards by School for excellence in Sports.

Volunteer Exp - Not much barring working as a writer for blind students during graduation/ Few blood donation drives.
_________________

Some questions which I have - 1) Would that GMAT score be enough?
2) I have already done a PGDM would that affect my chances.
3) Is INSEAD within reach or is it a stretch because I do not have big names like IIT/NIT on my resume.
4) Overall evaluation of my profile?
5) Things which I could work upon in the next 1 year to make it stronger?
6) Since I have not taken GMAT yet I am very late for Jan 2020 hence targetting Jan 2021 intake.

Thanks again

Hi Nikozi999,

thanks for sharing your profile.

Let me address your questions:

1) Would that GMAT score be enough?

As an Indian applicant, you want to be at least 20-30 points above INSEAD's average, therefore a score of at least 730-740 would be preferable. That being said, a score of 700-710 would not automatically disqualify you, but would make things more difficult for you.

2) I have already done a PGDM would that affect my chances.

No. Each intake, INSEAD accepts applicants with PGDM degrees. The key is to clear articulate your need for an MBA after a PGDM in your application.

3) Is INSEAD within reach or is it a stretch because I do not have big names like IIT/NIT on my resume.

INSEAD does not accept applicants exclusively from IIT/NIT. In this regard, you're okay.

4) Overall evaluation of my profile?

Your profile has elements (e.g. international exposure, good career progression, leadership experience...) that can make you a serious candidate for INSEAD.

5) Things which I could work upon in the next 1 year to make it stronger?

This is hard to say without having more details, but: (a) work hard to get a promotion, and (b) try to add more responsibilities and achievements to your current role.

6) Since I have not taken GMAT yet I am very late for Jan 2020 hence targetting Jan 2021 intake.

I'm not sure whether this is an actual question or not. In any case, I understand you haven't taken GMAT yet, but I wouldn't wait much longer if I were you. Applying for the Jan 2021 intake would mean you being around 32 years old at the time of matriculation, which is on the higher side of INSEAD's current age range (26-32). If applying to the Jan 2020 is not an option, what are your thoughts on applying to the Sep 2020 intake? Is doing a summer internship a must for you? You don't seem a career changer, therefore an internship might not be so critical in your case.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!
Alex

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Those who are looking to start with their application for Jan 2020 intake, please schedule a Session here to get free profile evaluation and a copy of sample INSEAD essays.

Cheers!
Shantanu Sharma
MBA and Beyond Consulting

Thanks for this topic. Please have a look for my profile.


- Chinese work in France, french speaking
- Bachelor from China, Double Master's degrees from France, 6 months exchange in Germany

- GPA not sure. >14/20 for both master's degrees
- had courses in finance and economy during bachelor study.
- GMAT mock 720. (my fisrt test was among 600-700, second test in 3 weeks)

- Technical specialist engineer
- 3 years and half working experience: 1 year in Shanghai as management trainee, 2 years + in France as engineering specialist, with some regular business trip in Europe and China.

- International exchange association experience; organiser for 2 years

Career goal: I started my career with a business orientation. However, I chose to experience a little bit of depth in my field 2 years ago. Now I want to step out of the technical field and go to business direction, especially for M&A and strategic consulting. Long term goal is to start my own consultancy for certain business trade.

I have been in touch with some school and received positive feedbacks. But I never been in touch with anyone from Insead before.

Thank you for your analysis. I appreciate your kind help.

Hi PierreWU,

thank you for sharing your profile.

I do see some potential, but it would be great to have more info to properly assess it though.

As you know, 3-4 years of experience is somewhat at the lower end of a typical INSEAD class, therefore it is very important to show quality experience and rapid career progression. What can you tell us about your role and company? Were you transferred from China to France by your company?

Besides being an organizer for the international exchange association, were you or are you currently engaged in any other type of extra-professional activities? What are your personal interests?

Are you fluent in French? Do you use it at work? Have you taken TOEFL or any other English test?

I would be very interested in taking a look at your resume. Feel free to email to me directly at alex@arleeconsulting.com.

Thank you very much.

Warm regards
Alex

Thank you for your response. ARLeeConsulting

- I am preparing my application so I will take account that my work experience is relatively short.
- The company I work for is one of the biggest french corporation in terms of number of employees and international agencies. My team is specialized in energy sector with expertise in engineering and environmental legislations. I did muted from China to France within the company. My role is always an engineering specialist but I did switch team every 8 months to learn new services.
- For the association, I invest a lot of time everyweek so I don't do other extra professional things. Hopefully we launched our events internationally. Besides, I do running, volleyball and climbing. My personal interest is in high tech products, in communications and in consumer trends.

- My working language has been french and english for 3 years. Fluency in french and writing should not be a problem. No other tests taken recently.

I will contact you by email when needed.
Have a nice day.

1. Background:

Male, Malaysian

2. Age: 30

3. GMAT: Not taken. I took the GRE 3 years ago and scored 321, which translates to 660 Q44, V34. I only prepared 1 month prior to the exam. Now, I have 6 months before taking the GMAT and am aiming for a 700 at least

4. Education:
Electrical Engineering, 3.63 GPA Full goverment scholarship

Foundation in Engineering (Merit scholarship)

5. Work Experience: Total 6+ years

a. Job 1

Company: Fortune 500 chip manufacturer
Position: R&D Engineer
Experience: 3 years
Comments: The only 2 engineers from Malaysia sent to the US for 3 weeks on a firefighting assignment (project was late). 3 weeks is not a long time, but since this company had teleconferencing capabilities I was basically collaborating internationally EVERY single day with other engineers from the USA, Israel, India etc.

b. Interlude
Position: Research assistant
Experience: 1.5 years
Comments: My previous professor called me back to school for a project that helps my state which drives microhydro projects in the rural areas. Unfortunately, this initiative failed, and no progress has been made up till today due to political and financial barriers. After quitting, I rested for a year and thought about my next move very carefully (that's when I took the GRE but couldn't afford the program I was admitted to anyway), because really, if I fail again I'm gone.

c. Job 2
Company: Small medical equipment distributor
Position: Sales rep/Engineering support
Experience: 3 years
Comments: 2 promotions in 3 years to senior sales specialist (within a year, together with colleagues with 5 years of experience) and then sales lead. I'm in charge of nation wide sales for a few products, and still have a technical role for some machines.

International collabs are largely done locally - when the principal company sends its managers from the USA/Singapore/Japan to us to further understand the market since we're the local experts. Malaysia was also earmarked as the venue for a couple of regional medical events which we organized. However, there are trainings I've attended in Thailand in Singapore.

6. Extra curriculars
a. High school:
- Habitat for humanity - building houses for the poor
- 1500m/5000m school athlete (I never include these anymore but here they are, in case they are relevant. But I better hide them when applying to programs where everyone else is an Olympic medalist... )

b. University:
- Tutoring kids with learning disabilities (aspergers, autism)
- Church group sending supplies of clothing, food, and medication to the rural areas.
- State debating champion, President of debate club and, secretary of the choir club
- World Universities Debating Championship participant (oh well )

c. Now
- As I am travelling every other week, it's tough to focus on something other than work, not sure if this would work to my disadvantage

7. Post MBA Goal
a. Entrepreneurship (Specialize in South East Asian markets which no one really gets) - Start my own company and once it's sustainable, drive strong CSR initiatives (NOT going to help loans tho). Open to work location, but aiming for a central area in South East Asia.
b. MBB - I was an idealist before, but now I have become much more of a realist. So hearing all about MBB I'm tempted to reach toward that, but with no prior experience, what are my chances?

Hi PierreWU,

thank you for the additional details.

Like I said, I see some potential in your profile, and I especially like the fact that you were transferred to France by your company.

I would be great to have more details about your current and past roles though, and a quick look at your resume would be very helpful in this regard.

Feel free to reach out if you ever need a more detailed evaluation.

Thank you very much.

Good luck!
Alex

Hi LiuCixin,

thank you for sharing your profile with such level of detail.

I really like your stories and, if you leverage them well, they'll be a great source for your essays.

Assuming you get a +710 GMAT score, I see two main vulnerabilities in your profile:

(1) 1-year gap. The gap per se is not a vulnerability. However, you will need to find a clear way to justify it. We understand you took GRE and applied to a graduate program, but you will need to build a compelling story around this.

(2) International Experience. Though short, you do have international experiences (US, Thailand, Singapore). The main issue is that you'll be competing against other Malaysians with several years of international experience. Therefore, in your application, make sure to emphasize your international exposure through, not only your international experiences, but through working in multi-cultural and cross-geographical teams. Plus, stress the international side of your career goals.

Speaking of goals, both Entrepreneurship and MBB are compatible. For example, you could say that immediately post-MBA you'd like to join MBB, and later down the road you'll start your own company.

No prior experience is required to make it to MBB, since consulting firms welcome all type of backgrounds. Just make sure you nail the case interviews (but that's not something you need to worry about now).

I hope the above is helpful.

Good luck!
Alex

I have been considering applying to INSEAD, although I do have an accept to IESE with 50% scholarship which is a strong competitor to INSEAD, and I'm not sure about my chances of acceptance.

Some info:
Nationality: Norwegian
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Undergrad GPA: 3.91
Undergrad: Bachelor in Business Administraion - major in international business, minor in finance
Undergrad school: Mercer University in USA
GMAT: 670 (82th percentile) (47Q, 35V)
Additional info - in regards to the GMAT score: I took the test a couple years ago and decided not to retake. I studied at home for a bit before taking the test, but not too much and no professional help. I'm sure I could get higher if I spend more time studying/bought a study guide, but considering the time and cost comittment I ended up just keeping that score and seeing where it could take me (hoping the rest of my application/international experience is highly valued by the admissions).

Post MBA Goals: Work MBB. The projects I have been a part of at work, and the focus on digitalization, streamlining and automation is something I have really enjoyed working with and would love to do in a similar way for clients. I consider myself a "world citizen", constantly traveling, getting to know cultures and being open minded, thus it is a similar environment I want to surround myself with at work which is one of the main reasons I would prefer MBB as the offices are smaller and work very internationally. Ethics and being a good force in the world is also important to me.

Work experience:
Worked 3 years in the finance department of PwC in Oslo. The job has included working with the whole process of Purchase-to-Pay, accounting, monthly reconciliations, year-end accruals, as well as automating and digitalizing these functions at PwC Norway. I have been involved in major projects with the department leaders to construct tools, improve the way we work and efficiency as I am genuiniely curious, hands-on and enjoy making a difference which has been reflected in the work I do.

International experience:
Always been curious about the world, age 11-18 I attended International Baccalaureate in Norway. At age 18 I received GRSP scholarship with Rotary International to study a year in the US, which brought me to GA. I enjoyed the way the curriculum was taught as well as the cultural difference, it taught me a lot about myself, world perspectives and gave me a new perspective of Norway when returning. After the BBA I spent 6 months in Paraguay and backpacked in Asia for 3 months (thus a gap year of travel after bachelor before full time work experience). Since 2016 I have worked for PwC in their internal finance department in a national role.

Extra curricular:
- Enjoy the arts, such as ballet, theatre, musicals and concerts
- Play golf and tennis. Previously competed nationally in team gymnastics in Norway
- Always on the look out for new places to travel (visited 40+ countries so far)

Volunteer Experience:
- Through PwC I take part in hosting a dinner for people who are struggling with addiction
- Hiked in Himalaya for ten days handing out sunglasses, reading glasses, tooth brushes and toothpaste
- Took part in building a house in Cluj, Romania with Habitat for Humanity

Thanks Alex, it definitely does!

Hi marensm,

thank you for sharing your profile, and congrats on your acceptance to IESE with scholarship!

You have good elements to be a serious candidate for INSEAD.

You clearly meet the International Motivation criterion, and I'm sure you'd have no issues meeting the Ability to Contribute one.

Regarding the other two criteria:

a. Academic Capacity. It's true that your GMAT score would be on the lower side (with 80% of the class ranging from 670 to 750). However, with a strong application you could mitigate this issue. Furthermore, your 3.91 GPA also shows your academic ability.

b. Leadership Potential. Your number of years of experience is also kind of on lower side (with 80% ranging from 3 to 8 years). In this regard, it would be really important to show high quality experience and rapid career progression. From your post, I can see the quality of your experience, but there is no direct indication about your career progression.

I know the offer from IESE is quite tempting, but I think it's worth applying to INSEAD, especially if your goals are global and involve joining MBB. However, I am aware that you'll need to secure your seat at IESE way before you could hear from INSEAD on a final decision.

In any case, IESE is a great school and Barcelona is an awesome location. Congrats again!

Thank you very much.

Warm regards
Alex

Hey everyone, I might need someone to guide me through the application process but for now I'm looking if I fit into the school. Looking to apply around September this year, R1 for J2021. I have an atypical background so I very much appreciate any feedback!

Background
Race/nationality: Indonesian-Chinese (family speaks Indonesian)
Sex: Male
Age: 27 this year
Undergrad school/major: National Taiwan University / Economics
Other education/coursework: 1 yr exchange to Osaka University, Associate's in Engineering @ Bellevue College, WA
Fluent in Indonesian, English, Mandarin, Japanese

I did my high school in Jakarta, before going to Washington for 1.5 years to get my associate's, then decided to move to Taiwan to master the Mandarin language for my bachelor's instead. Went from almost 0 Mandarin to fluency in 4 years of full Mandarin undergrad program. Went to Osaka U for my 5th year, passing JLPT N1 there and looking for jobs but decided to work in Taiwan instead. Have been working for 3.5 years since then. will get PR after I go off to INSEAD preferably next year.

Work experience:
2.5 years in Corporate Strategy/Operations of the largest domestic securities company
mainly helped out in reporting & managing overseas subsidiaries in Indonesia, HK, UK.
which means I worked with overseas C-level executives to implement policies in risk management, finance&accounting, audit&legal&compliance, HR, etc.
also helped in translating and organizing roadshows for Indonesian, Taiwanese and Japanese companies
the translating and cross-culture background meant I got to work on projects and learned related businesses (asset mgmt., InvBanking)
had to interchangeably use all 4 languages and worked through different cultures (Indonesia, HK, Taiwan, Singapore)

1 year as assistant RM (corporate banking) in a domestic bank; current job
write credit proposals in Chinese, do onboarding process for clients, maintain current clients and KYC/AML requirements
mainly worked as participating bank in Asian syndicated, so far cases include companies from SG, HK, India, Aussie, etc.. now working with Japanese real estate cases
mostly utilize 3 languages and work with cross-culture stakeholders

next job awaiting work visa application: senior analyst in a consulting&PE Japanese firm, Taiwan branch

Stats

GMAT Score: 1st 650 (Q47 V34 IR8 AWA5.5), 2nd 690 (Q48 V36 IR6 AWA?)
Undergrad GPA: 3.17 (freshman and sophomore year GPA was less than 2.5, made it up in my junior&senior year after getting the hang of the language)
TOEFL (taken 5 years ago): 118/120


Extra curriculars: quite worried, not a lot after I've worked
go to lots of underground music concerts; frequently go alone to Japanese & Taiwanese music festivals
doing CFA level 2 this year

university years:
helped run a language exchange club for 1 year
participated in English debate clubs
did half year each of AIESEC, Toastmaster's
joined departmental soccer/football club

Recommenders:
1. first direct supervisor, Taiwanese (1st job)
2. VP level executive who I helped relocate to Indonesia, Taiwanese (1st job)
3. super senior colleague in charge of risk management for the whole ASEAN subsidiaries, Singaporean (1st job)

Goal of MBA: move industry to consulting; move region to SG/Indonesia (going home)

Really appreciate it!