JackDaniels wrote:
Hi Linda,
No worries if you are too busy to respond, but I was wondering whether you have time to review my profile, as there is not a lot of information out there for lawyers who like to attend an MBA school. I will apply to B-school in 3 years from now, yet based on my past experiences and a continuation of this pattern I am curious how you would assess my chances.
Work experience
3 years at a top law firm (V5) in Finance / M&A law, interned at another top law firm and boutique IB on M&A.
GMAT
730 (might retake)
Education
Decent Continental European College (top 3 % of my class, no GPA), major in business law, '11.
Columbia University, postgrad in Finance & Accounting '12 , 3.9 GPA.
Extracurricular activities
Organized worldwide law competition for students from 30 different countries, tutor for first year law students, student assistant, several publications at most read magazine for lawyers, speaker at international conferences. [Only up until now. I am definitely planning on participating in ECs more focused on true leadership roles the next couple of years.
Community service include volunteering at a institute for mentally disabled persons for a year (average ~8 hours a week).
Important certifications
Considering CFA - not sure whether it's worth the effort.
Target Programs
Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, Booth, MIT, Kellogg, NYU (backup), Haas (backup), LBS (backup) - not sure if they are realistic? Hard to assess for law.
Your post-MBA goal.
Investment Banking, preferably in a way I can leverage my law experience. Will have to come up with a solid and convincing story here.
You will have a competitive profile for you target programs provided you can show that you need an MBA to achieve your goals. From an admissions perspective, I don't see why you need the CFA. Obviously if you need for what you want to do, then you might as well go for it. Your plans for ECs sound good.
Basically, keep doing what you're doing.
Best,
Linda