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13 Feb 2023, 09:44
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Hello, hoping to get some honest feedback as I'm a Singaporean and expect for competition to be strong, currently applying.
Background
- 27-8 y/o F, Singaporean Chinese
- English (Native), Chinese (Mother Tongue), German (O-Level, but now basic)
- 4+ YoE by end of 2023
-> First 2 years in strat consulting (one of the Big 4s) doing deals advisory work. >10 projects across industries and APAC markets
-> Next 2 years (most recent) in the Strategy and Operations team at a Series C/D start-up in SEA, working closely with leadership across markets and functions. Was promoted once and currently a Manager. Likely to be promoted by start of next year to a CoS role equivalent. Consecutive exceed expectations
1. Academics
- GPA: Second upper from local (NUS/SMU/NTU) Business School with a double degree in Economics + university scholars programme
- GMAT: 740
- CFA Level 1
- Top high school
2. International motivation
- Work experience thus far have been very regional / APAC-focused. I work with people outside of Singapore on a day-to-day basis. in my previous workplace, though it was SG-based team, I was one of the 5 Singaporeans out of 30 ppl in the team with others coming from UK, Netherlands, France, and rest of SEA.
- In university, been on multiple study trips (Iran, Kazakhstan, amongst many others) and overseas internships (Israel for 6 months)
- Have been to more than 25 countries thus far; recently came back from 3-week Europe Honeymoon backpacking; planning a trip to LATAM end of the year
- In general, I've always been extremely keen to work and interact with different cultures as I think that broadens my perspectives and mind - this is especially important in an increasingly global and borderless work environment
- (Not a high priority point I want to highlight) But there's a possibility that my husband is getting seconded to another market in Asia (Australia/Thailand/Indonesia) the year after, and I hope to find a job and follow him there post-MBA
3. Leadership skills
- Works closely with leadership; promoted and considered with future leadership role within co. - I think this is the strongest point
- (Won't mention in apps as outdated) Was an exco member in co-curriculars throughout school (e.g. High-school - Sectional Leaders, Class Rep, etc; University consulting projects - Team Leader)
4. Ability to contribute
- My wide diversity across start-ups + corporates, as well as work with Asian colleagues allows me to bring more perspectives and add value to discussions in the classroom
- Actively involved in volunteering and mentorship which shows my willingness in giving back to the program - always been a passion of mine to help those younger than me - e.g. was Project Advisor to undergrads, volunteer mentor and advisor to elementary and middle school students in separate programs, currently enrolling myself in another mentorship program for high school students)
5. Post-MBA goals
- Short-term: Get into one of the MBBs - being in my current role and working so closely with leadership makes me realise a biz acumen + soft leadership gap; also because in a small co. there are fewer best practices to learn from; want to go back consulting to work with established co.s and hone these aspects + build more biz confidence. Out of MBBs, esp Bain, given I know many ex-Bainies and am impressed by their commitment to investing in its people
- Long-term: Own P&L in APAC region in a more mature health-tech / ed-tech / fintech global company, which mission is to bring services to the underserved (whether not having access of proper healthcare, formal education, or are currently underbanked)
6. Other Co-Curriculars
- Road cycling - completed 200km Audax last year; took a break and gunning for 300km this year
- Volunteering as above throughout my school days till now
- (Won't mention in apps as outdated) Intending to pick up Golf this year + used to play and be involved in various performing arts playing 3 instruments in elementary to middle school
7. Strengths and Weaknesses
- #1 - Set high goals and willing to work hard towards them; conversely led to burn out and now learnt how to self-manage
- #2 - High people-oriented in work-settings; conversely can sometimes shoulder burden of other workload and now learnt to be more aservative and set boundaries
LORs - current and former supervisors - both did MBAs or MBA equivalents
Concerns / Questions:
- Do I need to refine my post-MBA goals?
- I feel my essays are not written with much "flair" and struggle to bring out a "Personal Brand" which makes me feel my application is bland - is this a real concern?
- Also, as I hold a "Strat" function, many of my achievements cannot really be quantified - how do I better illustrate the impact I create / deliver?
Would love any feedback wrt strength of profile and how to stand out more in the essays.
Background
- 27-8 y/o F, Singaporean Chinese
- English (Native), Chinese (Mother Tongue), German (O-Level, but now basic)
- 4+ YoE by end of 2023
-> First 2 years in strat consulting (one of the Big 4s) doing deals advisory work. >10 projects across industries and APAC markets
-> Next 2 years (most recent) in the Strategy and Operations team at a Series C/D start-up in SEA, working closely with leadership across markets and functions. Was promoted once and currently a Manager. Likely to be promoted by start of next year to a CoS role equivalent. Consecutive exceed expectations
1. Academics
- GPA: Second upper from local (NUS/SMU/NTU) Business School with a double degree in Economics + university scholars programme
- GMAT: 740
- CFA Level 1
- Top high school
2. International motivation
- Work experience thus far have been very regional / APAC-focused. I work with people outside of Singapore on a day-to-day basis. in my previous workplace, though it was SG-based team, I was one of the 5 Singaporeans out of 30 ppl in the team with others coming from UK, Netherlands, France, and rest of SEA.
- In university, been on multiple study trips (Iran, Kazakhstan, amongst many others) and overseas internships (Israel for 6 months)
- Have been to more than 25 countries thus far; recently came back from 3-week Europe Honeymoon backpacking; planning a trip to LATAM end of the year
- In general, I've always been extremely keen to work and interact with different cultures as I think that broadens my perspectives and mind - this is especially important in an increasingly global and borderless work environment
- (Not a high priority point I want to highlight) But there's a possibility that my husband is getting seconded to another market in Asia (Australia/Thailand/Indonesia) the year after, and I hope to find a job and follow him there post-MBA
3. Leadership skills
- Works closely with leadership; promoted and considered with future leadership role within co. - I think this is the strongest point
- (Won't mention in apps as outdated) Was an exco member in co-curriculars throughout school (e.g. High-school - Sectional Leaders, Class Rep, etc; University consulting projects - Team Leader)
4. Ability to contribute
- My wide diversity across start-ups + corporates, as well as work with Asian colleagues allows me to bring more perspectives and add value to discussions in the classroom
- Actively involved in volunteering and mentorship which shows my willingness in giving back to the program - always been a passion of mine to help those younger than me - e.g. was Project Advisor to undergrads, volunteer mentor and advisor to elementary and middle school students in separate programs, currently enrolling myself in another mentorship program for high school students)
5. Post-MBA goals
- Short-term: Get into one of the MBBs - being in my current role and working so closely with leadership makes me realise a biz acumen + soft leadership gap; also because in a small co. there are fewer best practices to learn from; want to go back consulting to work with established co.s and hone these aspects + build more biz confidence. Out of MBBs, esp Bain, given I know many ex-Bainies and am impressed by their commitment to investing in its people
- Long-term: Own P&L in APAC region in a more mature health-tech / ed-tech / fintech global company, which mission is to bring services to the underserved (whether not having access of proper healthcare, formal education, or are currently underbanked)
6. Other Co-Curriculars
- Road cycling - completed 200km Audax last year; took a break and gunning for 300km this year
- Volunteering as above throughout my school days till now
- (Won't mention in apps as outdated) Intending to pick up Golf this year + used to play and be involved in various performing arts playing 3 instruments in elementary to middle school
7. Strengths and Weaknesses
- #1 - Set high goals and willing to work hard towards them; conversely led to burn out and now learnt how to self-manage
- #2 - High people-oriented in work-settings; conversely can sometimes shoulder burden of other workload and now learnt to be more aservative and set boundaries
LORs - current and former supervisors - both did MBAs or MBA equivalents
Concerns / Questions:
- Do I need to refine my post-MBA goals?
- I feel my essays are not written with much "flair" and struggle to bring out a "Personal Brand" which makes me feel my application is bland - is this a real concern?
- Also, as I hold a "Strat" function, many of my achievements cannot really be quantified - how do I better illustrate the impact I create / deliver?
Would love any feedback wrt strength of profile and how to stand out more in the essays.
13 Feb 2023, 15:06
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi MBAprep123456,
This is Ale from MB Career Consultants. I am an INSEAD Alum and now Partner at MBB firm in London. I also provide MBA coaching services - feel free to check out more info about me at: http://www.mbcareerconsultants.com
Let me start by saying you have a great profile (good exposure to diff cultures, Strategy role at start ups is great, good career progression etc). And that GMAT score is excellent...well done!
You have a lot of material in my opinion to make for very interesting stories in your essays, so please make sure your personality comes through. It might benefit you to have a professional go through your essays on an hourly basis and give you high level feedback on the overall cohesiveness of your application.
In terms of your post MBA goals- they sound reasonable given your background, so that's fine as it is.
Lastly, you can absolutely quantify your work in strategy. I'll be happy to show you how through your resume and provide further feedback (no charge). Feel free to email me: [email protected]
Good luck,
Ale
Posted from my mobile device
This is Ale from MB Career Consultants. I am an INSEAD Alum and now Partner at MBB firm in London. I also provide MBA coaching services - feel free to check out more info about me at: http://www.mbcareerconsultants.com
Let me start by saying you have a great profile (good exposure to diff cultures, Strategy role at start ups is great, good career progression etc). And that GMAT score is excellent...well done!
You have a lot of material in my opinion to make for very interesting stories in your essays, so please make sure your personality comes through. It might benefit you to have a professional go through your essays on an hourly basis and give you high level feedback on the overall cohesiveness of your application.
In terms of your post MBA goals- they sound reasonable given your background, so that's fine as it is.
Lastly, you can absolutely quantify your work in strategy. I'll be happy to show you how through your resume and provide further feedback (no charge). Feel free to email me: [email protected]
Good luck,
Ale
Posted from my mobile device
14 Feb 2023, 03:44
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hey agproductguy2023,
Thanks for sharing your profile.
To begin with, your undergrad GPA seems decent. A 720+ GMAT score would be crucial for you to ensure success.
On the work front, 9 years of experience is sufficient to establish yourself as a leader. However, being a senior product manager you must be involved in several instances where you worked above and beyond your role to get the job done! So, it would be very important for you to highlight the significant impact on the company and specifically mention these instances of embracing leadership responsibilities! Moreover, It would also help if you mentioned some statistics related to important projects, teamwork, and stress on your experience working with clients from around the world. Working in startups also has its own benchmark and provides enormous learning opportunities, try highlighting your major learnings from those.
INSEAD evaluates your potential based of the following criteria:
1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics
I see a mix of all these in your profile.
Your ECs will surely add value to your application. Running a Youtube channel, cycling and learning new languages add diversity to your profile. I'm sure if you brainstorm, you’ll get some awesome stories to tell the AdComs. ECs play a very important role in your application, revealing your diverse personality; make sure to make the most of it. Your involvement in social activities and voluntary work should also be mentioned as they help display your social side to the AdComs. For your reference, I suggest you go through our article on How to draft Exemplary ECAs for MBA Application, to understand the importance of crafting ECAs essays that inspire!
Regarding your post- MBA goals, you should be clear and confident about it. The major highlight of your application is your clear view regarding INSEAD and your research associated with the school. It is important to convey this to the AdComs. Overall, if worked properly your profile stands a strong chance of acceptance to your desired school.
We are organizing an AMA session about Building a kickass INSEAD application. Speaker is GEN LI, a student at INSEAD. She is extremely knowledgeable about INSEAD, making this a fantastic opportunity for applicants to get all of their questions answered and improve their chances of admission, whether they are applying for the Jan. 24 or Sept. 24 intake.
Overall your profile is amazing and do have a shot at INSEAD. What's going to matter most about your application is how you link experiential dots and make a great narrative. If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and give you a better evaluation. Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us at your convenience.
Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: [email protected]
Thanks for sharing your profile.
To begin with, your undergrad GPA seems decent. A 720+ GMAT score would be crucial for you to ensure success.
On the work front, 9 years of experience is sufficient to establish yourself as a leader. However, being a senior product manager you must be involved in several instances where you worked above and beyond your role to get the job done! So, it would be very important for you to highlight the significant impact on the company and specifically mention these instances of embracing leadership responsibilities! Moreover, It would also help if you mentioned some statistics related to important projects, teamwork, and stress on your experience working with clients from around the world. Working in startups also has its own benchmark and provides enormous learning opportunities, try highlighting your major learnings from those.
INSEAD evaluates your potential based of the following criteria:
1. Ability to contribute
2. Leadership skills
3. International motivation
4. Academics
I see a mix of all these in your profile.
Your ECs will surely add value to your application. Running a Youtube channel, cycling and learning new languages add diversity to your profile. I'm sure if you brainstorm, you’ll get some awesome stories to tell the AdComs. ECs play a very important role in your application, revealing your diverse personality; make sure to make the most of it. Your involvement in social activities and voluntary work should also be mentioned as they help display your social side to the AdComs. For your reference, I suggest you go through our article on How to draft Exemplary ECAs for MBA Application, to understand the importance of crafting ECAs essays that inspire!
Regarding your post- MBA goals, you should be clear and confident about it. The major highlight of your application is your clear view regarding INSEAD and your research associated with the school. It is important to convey this to the AdComs. Overall, if worked properly your profile stands a strong chance of acceptance to your desired school.
We are organizing an AMA session about Building a kickass INSEAD application. Speaker is GEN LI, a student at INSEAD. She is extremely knowledgeable about INSEAD, making this a fantastic opportunity for applicants to get all of their questions answered and improve their chances of admission, whether they are applying for the Jan. 24 or Sept. 24 intake.
Overall your profile is amazing and do have a shot at INSEAD. What's going to matter most about your application is how you link experiential dots and make a great narrative. If you’d like, we are happy to get on a call with you sometime this week to discuss your profile in length and give you a better evaluation. Feel free to schedule a free profile evaluation call with us at your convenience.
Cheers!
Neha Hadke
Strategy Manager
Testimonials
Meet our Panel of Consultants.
Email: [email protected]
agproductguy2023
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