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todakdw
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Suggestions required: Which B-school and course? Updated on: 11 Nov 2019, 20:08
Originally posted by todakdw on 18 Sep 2005, 07:23.
Last edited by todakdw on 11 Nov 2019, 20:08, edited 1 time in total.
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Suggestions required: Which B-school and course? 19 Sep 2005, 15:50
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pradyot
Hello,

I am looking at pursuing MBA (course commencing July 2008) at a good USA B-school. Below I am outlining my goals, profile and would be grateful if you could give me your suggestions/opinion regarding the course and which schools I'd be competetive at.


Cultural Background: Asian Indian Male. Practising Buddhist. Currently 24 years old. Born, brought up and educated in India.


Academic Background: Throughout my academic career have been in the top 10% of the class. Consistently with over 80% scores (We didnt have the CGPA system). Graduated in 2002 with an Engineering Degree in Information Science from VTU, India (not a top tier university, but could be considered as a tier 2 university. It is the university to which _all_ Engineering colleges of my state are affiliated). I secured the 2nd rank for the university (not just college) during graduation.


Where I am today: I was campus recruited by Cognizant (NYSE: CTS) and was with them for 7 months before I moved to Oracle (NYSE: ORCL). As a developer in the Order Management team of Oracle, I learnt not just technology but also the domain of Order Mgmt and related areas in SCM. It was here that I realised that I didnt enjoy technology as much as I enjoyed the functional/business aspects that go into making a product successful. After 2 years with Oracle, I am now working as a Solution Management Specialist with SAP (NYSE: SAP) where I am into presales support and also the Global Topline Demo Owner. My job role involves prioritising and coordinating between field requests for demos of existing features and showcasing upcoming features. As a part of my job, I regularly interact with colleagues from Germany, USA and India.


Total Current Work Experience: Approx 3 years (37 months)


Expected work-ex by course start (July 2008): Approx 6 years (70 months).


Where I want to be (post MBA): After MBA, I'd like to be part of a team that is into marketing products - devising strategies, positioning the product, analysing the market environment and formulating a medium-long term vision.


Why MBA: With my current profile, I am able to understand customer's/sales needs and (to a limited extent) compare our product vis-a-vis our competitors. However, I do not get any exposure to the way in which strategies are formulated for product positioning and pricing; market dynamics that influence our internal decisions etc. I expect an MBA that will help bridge this gap by giving a theoretical overview of subjects such as marketing so that I am closer to my goals.


Strengths and Weaknesses: Strength is my strong academic background coupled with quality work experience which is different from those of the regular Indian Male applicants (most of who are programmers). Weakness is a lack of international (onsite) work experience although my role requires me to interact with people from around the world.


Other Interests: Throughout school/college, I have been involved in extra curriculars notably quizzing and debating. I have a CTM Award from Toastmaster's International and am the current Secretary of the local mensa chapter (https://www.mensabangalore.org). In addition, I have dabbled with Martial Arts and am interested in Zen philosophy. I love animals and was awarded the "Volunteer of the Year" (2004) by the Blue Cross of Hyderabad - an animal welfare and rescue home.


Which MBA and school?: I think that an MBA with focus on systems and marketing would be the best choice. I am looking at a school that has a strong course coupled with a reasonably good brand name. I would also require some form of Financial Aid. I am not restricting myself geographically and am open to looking at good schools anywhere in the USA and also other countries. Which schools would you suggest?


GMAT: So far have not taken the GMAT, but taken 3 practise tests with an average score of 720. For my above question, please assume that I score between 710-740 on the real GMAT. :)


Your suggestions (towards improving my profile further) and opinion (about the course and school) would be of immense help to me. I look forward to your reply. Thank you.

--
Best Regards,
Pradyot
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You have an impressive profile. I am sure you must have a good reason for wanting to wait an additional two years to apply, but I don't see why you are doing so from your post.

To improve your profile, I suggest you continue doing what you have been doing: increasing your level of responsibility, contribution, and impact at work. If you can, seek a posting outside of Indian to acquire greater int'l exposure. Continue your volunteer work.

Use the next several years to acqure a deeper understanding of the schools and how they would support your goals.

If you want more detail, my ebook Best Practices for 2005 MBA Admissions directly addresses what a candidate who is planning ahead can do to prepare for an MBA application months before he actually applies.

Look into Duke, Michigan, Haas, MIT, Columbia, NYU, Kellogg, and Tuck.

Good luck!
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todakdw
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Joined: 19 Aug 2005
Last visit: 11 Nov 2019
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Location: Bangalore
Posts: 34
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Suggestions required: Which B-school and course? Updated on: 11 Nov 2019, 20:08
Originally posted by todakdw on 03 Oct 2005, 04:25.
Last edited by todakdw on 11 Nov 2019, 20:08, edited 1 time in total.
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Suggestions required: Which B-school and course? 03 Oct 2005, 16:05
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pradyot
Hi Linda,

Thanks for replying to my previous query.

I have certain personal commitments which prevent me from starting an MBA course before July/Aug 2008.

However, even in mid-2008, I will be 27.5 yrs of age (and will have a tad short of 6 yrs of work ex), and I think that is pretty much around the average age of participants in B-schools? So I am hoping that wont be a serious concern...

Secondly, of the schools you have listed, are all "Schools where I'd be competetive at"? Or are there any stretch ones in there? I feel Kellogg and MIT Sloan maybe on the stretch side, but I'd like you to confirm.

As before, looking forward to your reply. Thank you.

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Pradyot
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I agree with your assessment regarding MIT and Kellogg but you are not so far off. I still think it pays to try.

Good luck!