Thanks for reaching out. See below for my thoughts / answers to your questions. While I see strengths in your profile, I think perhaps Sloan could still be quite tough. Make sure you have a range of schools, as breaking into the top schools in the US can be very tough.
Bio : 28, Male, Pakistani
Education : B.E. Mechanical (3.36/4.00 CGPA) country's top engineering university.
M.S Mechanical -2 years - (3.80/4.00 CGPA) from region's top engineering university.
Work Experience : Post B.E - Dutch MNC (in Pak) - Project Engineer for 10 months (promoted once) (discontinued to pursue MS)
Post M.S - Saudi Construction Chemicals Company -3.5 years - (Not MNC/ but very well known in the country)- Plant Manager (Youngest + 1st internal promotion to this position) Have a couple of well sought after certifications.
Test Scores : GMAT 750, TOEFL iBT 113
Great GMAT. GPA from BE a bit low, though engineering GPAs tend to run low. Amount of work experience in line with MBAs, and the promotion is great. Other achievements : International research journal publications. Journal reviewer. Attended (on-invitation) international conferences.
Set-up a successful e-commerce to support myself during my MBA which is doing very well.
Did you already do an MBA? Hopefully just a typo Volunteer/EC : Active in societies and office holder during B.E. Active member toastmasters. Active member for Alumni association to raise funds for scholarships. Participated in earth quake relief. No formal association with NGO but helping one founder to reach out to many donors for providing education to under-privileged in Pakistan.
Seems a bit weak, especially in terms of recency and leadership (ideally need to do more than be involved/raise funds; see if you can increase your involvement before you apply.
Post MBA concentration: Management Consulting
What kind? (Ideally something related to your background). What firms? These are questions you need to be prepared to answer in your essays.Which US schools can I make it to ? Is Sloan a stretch ? Also, if I apply next year (at 29) will it hurt my chances for MC career post-graduation ?
I think Sloan is a stretch, but give it a shot. Have a range of schools (with some outside the top 10 in the US). 29 is not too far above the average age at most schools, so I don't think that will dramatically change your chances, especially if it leads to a stronger application. Can you please also comment if I have a shot at INSEAD with this ?
Yes, better chances at INSEAD than Sloan. How badly will 'no MNC' affect in this case ? I am already working away from home country in a very diverse working environment (I hope I get a chance to explain this to adcom in application). Will this offset the whole 'branded work experience' thing ?
I think if you can emphasize the diversity of the environment, plus the fact that you worked for an MNC previously, this is unlikely to be a big concern. But could be more of a sticking point for those top 10 schools, where you need every edge. Will greatly appreciate your professional opinion on this.
Thanks in advance.
Kate Richardson
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
Chicago Booth Alum, over 80 5-star reviews on GMAT Club
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