ladygabriela wrote:
Hi GMAT Club peers!
I'm a cofounder of a start-up company and I'm looking to get into Judge, INSEAD, or Columbia. I’m looking for a gauge of my chances. TIA!
1) Basic demographic info: 32, F, Indonesian
2) Educational Background: full-ride undergraduate scholarship at Wenzao University, #1 university in Taiwan specializing in languages. Took Translation & Interpreting major. GPA 3.87/4.00. GMAT pending but trying to get at least 700.
3) Work experience: I'm a co-founder of a localization company, I lead and grow my company from 3 people to 450+ people under my wings in 4 years. We translate games, webnovel, subtitles, basically everything that needs localization. We also provide language classes, and I am the spearhead of quality control, as I train our lead management to maintain our delivery quality. Current market is SEA + East Asia. I worked under the #1 game publishing in Indonesia for 2 years before I transitioned into a freelance translator (AAA clients) and built this company 4 years ago.
4) Extracurriculars: I do volunteer work in LGBT communities, I was a principal cellist in an orchestra and I used to teach piano on the side. I'm a language enthusiast and as of now, I speak 4 languages fluently and about 3 languages at A2/B1 level. I also know Indonesian sign language and often volunteered in the community.
5) Short/Long term goals: short term would be to grow my company with new knowledge and network. However, since the translation industry might be overtaken by AI in 5 or 10 years, I plan to use my MBA to pivot into different industry as a PM/consultant.
6) Schools: I'm considering Oxford, Cambridge, INSEAD and Columbia, and also HEC, since I speak Mandarin, English, French, and Indonesian (native).
I'm also wondering if it's okay to apply at round 3 instead of round 2, due to hectic workload. Is it better to apply at round 3 and give better application, or should I just go for it for round 2? Do I have a shot in round 3?
Please kindly advise. Thank you!
ladygabriela hope this finds you great. I am an INSEAD alumna and former INSEAD admissions interviewer.
Your profile looks interesting at first glance. However, I would need to know more about your entrepreneurial stint to be able to advise you better. For example, what major successes have you achieved for your start-up in the 4 years you have been running your business? How did you chart a growth path for your startup as well as for your own personal and professional journey? How would you translate the growth of a team of 450+ employees into business success metrics (very important for INSEAD)? What are some of your current business undertakings that can get the adcom excited about what you might unlock once you have the INSEAD leverage and network?
Other parts look promising. Extensive language skills are a ++ . Instead of R3 for INSEAD and late rounds for HEC, I would advise you to apply for fresh R1 intake for Jan 25. However, since you are relatively experienced, the earlier you get a decent GMAT score, the better it will be.
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
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01 Jan 2024, 10:29
