Profile Review

Question

Hey! Thanks in advance for reviewing my profile advance and sorry for the very lengthy post.

Details:
- Male
- White
- 27 Years old
- Brazilian/American

Life Pre-College
- Born in the US to a low-income Brazilian family. My dad passed away, and my mother moved us to a small city in Brazil.
- Attended a local high school on a scholarship.
- Joined the youth wing of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, where I participated in leadership development, community involvement, campaigns, and met governors, mayors, ex-presidents, and ministers.
- Founded a Leo club (youth organization of Lions Clubs International) in our small city.

College Experience
- Moved to São Paulo with the goal of getting into investment banking, which was non-existent outside São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro.
- School: 2nd-tier private university. A poor choice in hindsight, making it nearly impossible to break into investment banking at the time. I lacked the clarity coming from a small city in Brazil to know which university to attend.
- Degree: Economics
- GPA: 3.7
- Extracurricular: Member of the Finance Club - Met some influential people, including having a drink with the ex-president of the central bank and father of the Real Plan, the 1994 monetary reform that ended hyperinflation in Brazil.

Work Experience/Internships
Some Brazilian universities allow internships from the first year, which I did both from a career ambition perspective and to pay for my education.
- Operations Intern at a small asset management firm (10 months)
- Large Corporate Business Development at a 2nd-tier Brazilian bank (1 year)
- M&A Intern at an M&A boutique (8 months) - Started at the beginning of my third year of university. I barely attended morning classes, working from 10 am to 10 pm or later. Managed to maintain high grades while taking a heavier workload. Received an offer to become a full-time analyst after 8 months.
- M&A Analyst at the M&A boutique (2 years) - One year while still in college, another year post-graduation. According to the partners, I was 6 months from becoming an Associate when I left.
- Business Development Associate at a London-based Crypto ETF Issuer (1 year and 8 months): Offered a role by a contact I made while working in M&A, moved to London, and became one of the first employees of the first Crypto ETF issuer in Europe. Worked with the CEO to manage relationships with market makers, stock exchanges, and Web3/Blockchain companies. Responsible for developing, raising capital, and executing the company's new tokenization projects, among other tasks.
- Head of Business Development (11 months): Continued some tasks from the BD Associate role but became the CEO's right-hand man for strategy, product, and corporate development. Led the company’s potential capital raise and pivot to selling the company. Learned a lot from the CEO about operations (HR, Legal, Finance, IT). Still consulting for the CEO and get paid occasionally for some work.
- COO Tech Venture Builder (Web3, Media/Events, others TBD) (12 months - Current) - Joined post-sale of the previous company, attracted by a contact’s vision and product. Built and now manage day-to-day operations and two ventures. Hired and manage a team of four (HR, Finance, Legal, IT). Overseeing financial planning and budget management. Drafted the company’s foundational legal documents. Represent the company at most conferences around the world (traveling to over 10 different countries in last 10 months). CEO (Majority shareholder) refuses to call me a co-founder due to “branding,”.

Extra-Curricular Activities
Worried that I don’t have anything significant after moving to London.
A bit unconventional and not fully legal, so unsure about mentioning this: Over the last three years, using personal finances and donations from various Crypto/Web3 communities, I’ve anonymously raised funds to help cats in Brazil with a specific disease. This disease kills within a day to a week if not treated with a medication that isn’t currently legal in Brazil. Due to the medication's high global cost and Brazil’s weak currency, it’s nearly impossible for owners to save their pets without help.

Why MBA / Plans Post-MBA
While I’ve taken myself a long way, I feel like I could do better by knowing more and having a better network. Also, having issues with my UK visa prompting me to move.
- In the short term, I plan to leverage my M&A and start-up experience, along with my connections with VCs and tech company venture arms, by joining a venture capital firm or venture builder in the tech sector.
- Long term, I have a 5-year plan to build a venture builder in collaboration with three of my contacts in London. This is the primary reason I want to pursue an MBA and gain relevant experience in the space beforehand. I want to gain a different perspective and experience outside of London, where my contacts have spent their entire careers.

Any advice will be helpful, but I’m mainly looking for guidance on the following:
- How strong is my profile? Do I stand a chance with my unconventional CV?
- What colleges should I target based on my profile?
- I’m planning on applying for R1 intake.
- What GMAT Score should I be aiming for? I'm taking the test in August after studying for the last few months. 
- Any other advice on what I can improve would be appreciated.
-Please recommend application consulting services, I would really like to speak to one though unsure on who is better.

Archit3110 · Answer

Try GFE 645 + REACH out to adcoms of schools you are interested in applying for better understanding your fitment with school and long term goals

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CrackAdmission · Answer

Dear @ Geomjr , Profile Analysis for MBA Admissions Strengths 1. Diverse International Experience: Lived and worked in multiple countries (US, Brazil, UK), showcasing adaptability and a global perspective. Experience in both emerging and developed markets, which is highly valuable in business schools. 2. Early Leadership and Initiative: Active involvement in the youth wing of the Brazilian Social Democracy Party, demonstrating early leadership and political engagement. Founded a Leo club, showing initiative and a commitment to community service from a young age. 3. Strong Academic Record: High GPA of 3.7 in Economics, which is a rigorous field of study, even from a 2nd-tier university. Managed high grades while juggling demanding internships, indicating strong time management and work ethic. 4. Robust Work Experience: Progressive career growth with substantial roles in M&A, business development, and a leadership position in a pioneering Crypto ETF issuer. Experience in high-pressure, high-responsibility roles, including overseeing capital raises and company strategy. Current role as COO in a tech venture builder, demonstrating ability to manage operations and teams effectively. 5. Unique Extra-Curricular Activity: Anonymous fundraising for cat disease treatment in Brazil. Despite its unconventional nature, it shows empathy, resourcefulness, and commitment to social causes, which can be compelling if framed correctly. 6. Clear Career Goals: Well-defined short-term and long-term career goals in venture capital and venture building. Alignment of MBA with career aspirations, seeking to leverage experience and network for future entrepreneurial endeavors. Weaknesses 1. Non-Target Undergraduate Institution: Attended a 2nd-tier private university, which may be viewed less favorably by top MBA programs compared to candidates from more prestigious institutions. This can be mitigated by emphasizing the high GPA and the demanding circumstances under which it was achieved. 2. Limited Post-College Extra-Curricular Activities: Lack of recent, significant extracurricular involvement, particularly after moving to London. The cat disease fundraising is impactful but needs to be presented carefully due to its semi-legal nature. 3. Visa Issues: Mention of visa issues might raise concerns about stability and continuity. It’s important to frame this as a minor hurdle rather than a major impediment. 4. Potential Perception of Career Hopping: Several short-term roles could be perceived as lack of stability or clarity in career direction. Important to frame these transitions as strategic moves for growth and learning, aligning with long-term goals. 5. Need for Strong Narrative: Must craft a compelling personal story connecting early life struggles, career choices, and future aspirations. Emphasize how these experiences have shaped resilience, adaptability, and leadership qualities. Recommendations 1. Emphasize Resilience and Adaptability: Highlight the journey from a low-income background to international success. Showcase how overcoming personal and professional challenges has built resilience and a unique perspective. 2. Strengthen the Case for Recent Extracurricular Involvement: Consider engaging in new activities or volunteering roles that align with your interests and can be quickly demonstrated in your application. If including the cat disease fundraising, frame it within a narrative of empathy and social responsibility, while being cautious about the legal aspects. 3. Clarify Career Transitions: Ensure each career move is portrayed as a deliberate step towards your long-term goal of building a venture builder. Highlight the skills and experiences gained at each stage and how they contribute to your overall career narrative. 4. Address Educational Background: Focus on the high GPA and the challenging circumstances under which it was achieved to offset concerns about the 2nd-tier university. If possible, obtain strong recommendations from influential figures or alumni of top schools to bolster your academic credibility. 5. Build a Strong Personal Narrative: Craft a cohesive story that links your background, career achievements, and future goals. Demonstrate how an MBA is the logical next step in your journey, and how it will help you achieve your long-term aspirations. By addressing these areas and presenting a well-rounded, compelling application, you can strengthen your candidacy for top MBA programs. Answers to the questions you had: Profile Strength: Your profile is strong with diverse international experience, leadership roles, and clear career goals. The unconventional aspects, like early leadership and unique fundraising efforts, add distinctiveness. However, your non-target university and limited recent extracurriculars need strategic presentation. Target Colleges: Consider targeting top MBA programs known for appreciating diverse backgrounds and career changers, such as: INSEAD London Business School (not sure if that can be a pro or a con considering your work permit situation) Stanford GSB Wharton MIT Sloan Columbia Business School R1 Intake: Applying in R1 is a good strategy. It demonstrates proactive planning and gives you a better chance before spots fill up as an International Applicant. GMAT Score: Aim for a GMAT score of 685+ to be competitive at top schools. This will help offset any concerns about your undergraduate institution. Additional Advice: Strengthen recent extracurriculars by engaging in new activities or volunteering. Obtain strong recommendations that highlight your achievements and potential. Craft a compelling narrative connecting your past, present, and future goals. Feel free to reach out to us at arijit.biswas@crackadmission.com in case you seek more guidance. Additionally, you can sign up for a session with us at https://calendly.com/crackadmission/profileevaluation Cheers and all the best !!

TheRedPen · Answer

Hi @Geomjr,

Your profile - A very interesting read! Your story is very strong which can work in your favor when you submit your applications to your dream business school.

With so much clarity in your goals and purpose, you're halfway through your applications. Our MBA experts would love to speak with you over a call to discuss your apprehensions as they would require detailed conversations and goal setting.

You can  schedule a complimentary call  with our team or connect directly via call at +91 7780769732

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