Profile Review: From Banker to MBA

Hi BankerToMBA. You've got some strong academics there, and Goldman Sachs is an attractive name to have on your resume for sure... Quick clarification: are you currently an investment banking analyst wrapping up your second year and continuing for a third, or is the 2 years of work experience what you'll have when you matriculate so you only have 1 right now? Most applicants to top MBA programs bring closer to 4-5 years of work experience at matriculation, and while some have less, generally the programs want at least to see strong evidence of leadership and impact on the organiations you've been involved with. That can be a little hard to bring to your application if you've only got 1 or 2 years of experience when you are applying-- although certainly there can be exceptions-- and if you are one, I'd look to demonstrate that leadership in every corner of the app!

I also know that sometimes in Europe, the norm can be to apply a little younger, depending on industry and country. I'd look at other folks who have gone before you to see what a typical path for them is like and whether your timing is reasonable.

You also don't mention what you're pivoting to -- any ideas? Schools also look for some clarity of purpose, and while you can switch when you get there, they generally want to see that you have a direction when you apply. So you might need time to try something else or learn more.

Finally - your GMAT is comparatively low for the top US programs, and while of course they will make exceptions if they really want to enroll you, you generally want to try to apply with a score that is closer to/above the mean if you can. Your 700 will likely be more competitive at European programs like Oxford's than the ones in the US. So if the US is your target - I'd invest some time to raise your score if at all possible. If you can't raise it, that OK but I'd add some more schools to your list that

So if fancy MBA programs are your goal, and you haven't been able to confirm a reasonable timing from peers/those who went before you, I'd probably wait a year or two to strengthen your experience (maybe go work somewhere else after finishing your analyst program to confirm interest in your pivot, becoming a BankertoSomethingElsetoMBA), and in the meantime, gain some goal clarity and perhaps try to raise your GMAT if possible? If you absolutely must go now, then add some more names to your list (which ones to add will usually depend on your goals).

Hopefully this is helpful, best of luck!!!

Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMission