HMD1234 wrote:
Hello- if you could evaluate my profile, that would be great:
Education: Top 50 University in the Big 10. Major in Accountancy. 3.5 GPA, Dean's List.
Exams: GMAT: 700(Q44, V41). Licensed CPA.
Work Experience: High performing Associate within a Big 4 firm. Served 3 years as an Associate within the Audit Practice through June 2011. From June 2011-Present I switched groups within the same firm and was promoted to a Senior Associate within the Transaction Advisory Services group working specifically on M&A due diligence. Total of 38 months to date, approximately 48 months at matriculation.
Letters of Rec - Based on what I described above as a 'high performing' employee, I was ranked on the highest end of our performance spectrum and expect that I can leverage this into quality LOR's from Mangers & Partners at the firm.
Extracurriculars: Market team captain through my Firm for community service events to promote volunteer events as well as fundraising activities. Coach basketball and softball for underprivileged youth in the community. Junior board member of 2 local organizations that have personal significance to me. Participate in fundraising and volunteering events to promote these organizations and raise funds for the community.
Post MBA Goals: As I have transitioned from Audit into the Transactions Services group that focuses on M&A activity, I would like to get an MBA in Finance to transition myself into the finance industry post-MBA, preferably Investment Banking. The exposure to M&A activity has peaked my interest in the deals environment, and the best way to get full exposure into the field would be a transition into investment banking etc.
Target Schools: Kellogg, Booth, Wharton, Yale, Columbia
A couple of questions are 1) Are my target schools appropriate? 2) Is my work experience sufficient, or am I better off waiting a year until I have 50 months of work experience and 60 months at Matriculation 3) Are there glaring weaknesses on my profile that you feel can be addressed if I wait 1 year.
Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it.
I feel like you're in the running but my biggest concern is that you won't have any real experience in transaction services to speak of yet - no initiatives, no impacts. The audit experience is good but it's very hard to differentiate yourself in that field. In addition, your community service is nice but doesn't seem to illustrate leadership, just participation. I like taking risks so I do think it's worth applying to a few programs this year. If it doesn't work out, then I would highly recommend working on your leadership in the community and in the new job.