Profile Evaluation

Question

Asian American, Male, US Citizen
1) 3 years of Internal Audit work experience at a large governmental organization (one promotion)
2) GMAT - 730 (40V, 49Q)
3) Undergrad - UC Berkeley, 3.50, Economics major w/ Accounting minor
4) Limited EC, if any
5) CPA (in California) 
6) I need advice about which b-schools (target, reach and back-up) would be a good fit for me given my current background and post-MBA career goal
7) Post-MBA Goal - Career change into Asset/Investment Management

bryantmichaels · Answer

You shouldn't find yourself restricted by much with a 730 GMAT and Berkeley undergrad. Coupled with your WE and a solid post MBA goal, it really becomes about fit and where you want to be when you graduate. Most top schools are going to give you access to the Wall Street recruiters you will be seeking, but you may want to target some Wall Street freindly schools such as Columbia, Chicago Booth, Wharton, Tuck etc. As backups, check out Duke, Virginia, NYU, Sloan. Make sure you have a good case for how you plan to switch careers and how your background will be attractive to top asset managers.

rwbaut · Answer

Thanks for the feedback. I believe I can articulate how I plan to switch careers and how my background would be attractive to top asset managers. However, my leadership and non-work volunteer activities are somewhat lacking. Would this significantly reduce my likelihood of admission to the schools you mentioned? If so, how should I go about in strengthening theses aspects (leadership, non-work activities, etc.) of my background? On the other hand, if it is too late (I'm applying for Round 3 admission this year), how should I compensate for my weakness in these areas (leadership, non-work activities, etc.) in my application? Thanks again, and your comments are very deeply appreciated.

bryantmichaels · Answer

It's likely you have more leadership and involvement than you give yourself credit for. Even if you go back to your college days, surely there were clubs and organizations you were a part of. What usually resonates it some sort of consistency or theme of involvement which points towards a passion or interest rather than just random service which can come across as resume fodder. As for leadership, you don't have to have led an organization in a cabinet position to demonstrate leadership, in fact, leading when you are not in charge is a valuable tool. Try to indicate how you have impacted a group or organization whether or not you held an actual leadership position. Asset management is more about teamwork than leadership, so showing some deep experience working in teams, building consensus and co-governing analysis efforts in your career would be good.

rwbaut · Answer

Wow, that was really great advice. I never thought of it that way until I read you comments. I will incorporate those themes you mentioned into my essays, and notes that I am using to prepare for interviews. Thanks again!

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