The London Business School 2010 thread

Congrats to folks admitted in R1. Well done !

I joined this forum late, but have been already preparing towards LBS Rd 2. I am ready with draft versions of my essays but badly need a second pair of eyes to provide critical feedback. Would appreciate if someone is willing to offer some help.

My profile - 8 years of experience in IT including 2 years of heading USA based start-up in India. Currently working in London as Senior Consultant for past 1.5 years. LBS is my first choice as I simply love this school for its diversity, location and reputation. Excellent academics, decent GMAT, diverse experiences (from an individual contributor to Director, Manager and now consultant) and good community experience as well.

My strength - Start-up experience, raising start-up from ground zero to a team of 25-30 people. Headed India development centre for couple of years, oversaw operations, launched product and conducted press releases with substantial media coverage. Played multiple roles of Director, Manager, HR, Product manager and possibly everything that was needed to get the company running. However, this experience was an eye opener to how badly I needed MBA. We ran out of funds and had to downsize. That's when I moved to another start-up, headed 3 products, formulated product strategy and managed teams.

My Weakness - Part of very common pool. IT male, India with a normal GMAT score.

My Aim - Entrepreneur in Technology Sector. In short term, I may join some product based IT companies before jumping onto launching my own Technology firm.

Thanks and regards

avatar2010,
You have a very strong profile with diverse experiences, you dont have a typical IT aka software programmer profile. That said, make sure that this strength comes across in your essays and resume well. I am an Indian/IT/Male myself and was successful in making the cut. What is your GMAT score, if it is around LBS average, you should be fine especially with the excellent academics you mention.

Hi prashok,

I have a question about recommendation letters. LBS stresses on getting one from current line manager or colleague. Is it possible to submit references only from previous employers rather than from current colleague / employer ? I guess answer is NO, but still want to get the info verified.

Thanks

happy Christmas all LBS admits and applicants (to those who celebrate it)!

anyone received an email regarding annual fund scholarships? I have! a very nice x-mas present indeed!

wow! Hearty congratulations! Can you tell us more and when did you receive the email?

hi avatar2010, i can answer that question for you. yes, you can submit references from previous employers only, and LBS appreciates the fact that people aren't always in the position to tell their employers that they are applying to b-school. however, not having any references from your current position, especially if you have been in that position for a while, might be a disadvantage. I think they would encourage you to try and obtain a reference from a colleague or a client of your current company, if you really need to avoid letting your bosses know. my advice though is that if you can, try to get current line manager reco - though 'legal', it might be a disadvantage not to have one.

good luck!!

hello humble, thanks very much! was quite surprised as I remembered reading somewhere that they would be sending those out sometime mid Jan. I got the email on the 23rd afternoon, about the same time as the portal log in. i think the admin office is closed until the 4th now, so I guess they would resume sending out more schols after that. I certainly hope a few more gmatclubbers will be getting some more of those emails in Jan!!

hi all admits...

i'm currently working on essay 5 (150 words)... did anyone write more than one significant experience?

thanks!

LBS asks this question in the data box-
We encourage applicants to consider the impact of studying for a London Business School programme on their family and friends. Who have you discussed your study plans with - and how did they respond? Feel free to give the names of any alumni, students, faculty or staff of London Business School (as appropriate).

How am I supposed to answer this question. Am I supposed to write how my family members/spouse feel about my MBA plans? In approx how may words did everyone else answer this question.
What confuses me is the last part of the question ....first they ask about family and then in the next part about alumni? Thanks in advance.