Profile Evaluation Request for MBA Fall'15 admit

Question

Hello, 
I am in the process of shortlisting B-Schools for a Fall'15 admit and I am wondering if you can suggest me some of the better schools within my reach. My credentials are as under:

Undergrad Degree : Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from VTU, India
 GPA/Aggregate : 59% (I am not sure how much that would equal to on the 4.0 scale)

GRE Score : 319 (156V, 163Q), 3.5 AWA (Equivalent to a 650 GMAT score via the Official ETS Conversion tool)

Age : 27 years

Work Experience : 
4+ years of international experience with an understanding of Market Dynamics in Asia Pacific region within the industrial manufacturing domain with an 
emphasis on Product Quality Assurance. Experience in vendor management, process and operations management, logistics and budgeting

Skillset : Statistical Process Control, Kaizen, 6 Sigma, Experimental Design, Total Quality Management (TQM), Defect Tracking, Lean Manufacturing, ISO 
9001 QMS, Data Analytics, Value Stream Mapping

Achievements :
-Directly managed a team of five resources under the Quality Control Department overseeing Raw Material Selection, Process Parameter Selection, Production trial, Sampling, Inspection of finished and semi-finished product, Testing, Result analysis in adherence to Kaizen principles
-Designed and oversaw implementation of Japanese methodology of 5S on the shop floor thereby increasing production efficiency by 2.4%
-Assisted in developing regional marketing strategy by performing client segmentation, preparing marketing collateral, building promotional campaigns and prioritizing direct and indirect channel pipeline
-Achieved the highest fire ratings (UL94 H-1 & CLASS’O’) of insulation products in the construction and manufacturing domain thereby enhancing the value proposition attached
-Facilitated organic growth of the firm in European markets by achieving CE Certification that is widely accepted in the region
-Identified challenges in terms of customer attrition, conducted SWOT analysis and implemented 3 sigma leading to increase in customer satisfaction by 12.6%
-Streamlined the process of Quality Assurance in the firm by integrating the various aspects of Quality Control, Inspection and Product Improvement that resulted in a reduction of product failure rate by 7%

Community service : 
Active member of Faith Society(based in Lucknow, India) - 
-Promotes multifaceted personality development and education among the differently abled, minorities, socially downtrodden and economically weaker sections of the society, as classified under government norms.
-Arouses global awareness withing local districts by arranging debate programs and street theater, in order to promote social justice, equality, fraternity and eradicate animosity on the basis of caste, regions and linguistics.
-Launches awareness campaigns for family planning and participates in government organized rehab and vaccination camps thereby emphasizing health and sanitary awareness especially in the rural communities.

MAC · Answer

Hi arshadhasmi,

Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed reading your profile. Yes, I would consider retaking the GRE. You have a strong score but a higher one will increase your chances significantly when compared to a GMAT score. Although programs will accept GRE scores, I feel that they want to see scores that convert to higher GMAT scores.

Although it is difficult to recommend schools without knowing any preferences that you may have - school size, geographical area (city or campus town), concentrations offered, etc. I would recommend looking at the top 15-20 US programs. Regardless of the opinions you receive from forums, please apply to the programs which attract you the most and do not underestimate the professional and academic background that you possess. I find that 90% of top-tier candidates I work with tend to "opt-out" of the application process as they feel that they do not stand a chance with top tier programs. Candidates do this before the school can even receive their application. Regardless of where you fall with your competition, let the top-tier school make the ultimate decision on your candidacy. Most candidates share with me how they are pleasantly surprised when they are accepted and never thought they stood a chance in top tier programs.

Thanks,
Sue

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arshadhashmi · Answer

Thank you for the opinion. Given my academic background and relevant work experience, I wonder how good of an idea would it be if I choose to take one of the following concentrations as my major. Obviously I am concerned about future job prospects and I know that a major in Operations mgmt will perhaps be most beneficial. So the second question would be if my past credentials can really complement my job prospects post MBA..?

1. Computers and Information Systems
2. Health Sciences/Care Management
3. Operations Management - Services

MAC · Answer

Hi arshadhasmi,

Great question. Given your background, I would consider all of them except for Health Sciences/Care Management. I can see the others complementing your personal and professional background nicely. Also, keep in mind that you will take many courses during your MBA and your interests will most likely alter. You may take on additional concentrations outside of just Operations Mgmt as some programs allow you to pursue more than 1 concentration.

Hope this helps you.

Best wishes,
Sue

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arshadhashmi · Answer

Hi,

I am interested in General Mgmt and I know that these three are not the best of b-schools, but given a choice, which one should I go for among SUNY Buffalo/Binghamton/Alabany. My priorities will be:

1. Post grad job prospects (esp. in the West)
2. Scholarships/grants for Intl applicants (Indian)

MAC · Answer

Hi arshadhasmi,

Based on my experience and research, I recommend SUNY Buffalo. The school recently increased in further rank according to the US News & World Report. It is a good sign and a firm choice from the three schools you listed. While the other two are also solid choices, I feel that you will find the most opportunities across post graduate job prospects and increased chances for scholarships.

Thanks,
Sue

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arshadhashmi · Answer

Hi,

I am also interested in Accelerated/1 year MBA programs mainly due to lower costs involved, in comparison to the traditional Full-time option. But I have a few concerns:

1. Do they have similar job prospects as the traditional Full-time program?
2. Will I be able to do an internship while pursuing the course?
3. Will I be able to work part time simultaneously in order to support my living expenses?

MAC · Answer

Hi arshadhashmi,

I believe you want to try and aim for the full-time programs if possible. The accelerated programs are fairly newer options and continue to undergo more frequent programs transformations as a result. As you inquired, you will not be able to do an internship. I believe you are able to work but it depends on the program to which you are applying.

I hope this helps you. If you would like to further speak directly with our consultants who are former admissions committee members or our recent admits at any point, please visit https://macapproved.com/free-evaluation/

Best wishes,
Sue and the MAC Team

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Profile Evaluation Request for MBA Fall'15 admit

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