Hi Paul,
I was hoping to get some advice from you on what type of schools I can target, based on my experience and goals. I know you probably hear this a lot but please be brutally honest! Thanks in advance. Here's a brief description of my profile:
a.
Age: 25,
Nationality: Indian,
Gender: Female,
GMAT: 690 [writing it again in 2 weeks]
b.
Work Experience:- Worked at a top global bank for just over 2 years in Consumer Banking. As part of the Management Associate Program based in Singapore, I was given the opportunity to take on the role of Product Manager for a relatively new product (primarily a sales & marketing function, with some operational responsibilities) and I was able to grow the product accounts base by more than a 100% in the first year. I was lucky enough to be given direct managerial responsibilities early on and I took on a team of 4 sales staff to help grow the product further.
-While working with Citibank, I also actively involved myself in community service activities (my part-time passion at the time, which I've recently converted into a full-time one). I led the Citibank Community and Volunteerism committee and mobilized funds and volunteers to conduct city-wide events involving over 4,000 people annually. I also conceptualized and led an expedition of 14 members from Singapore to India to spend 2 weeks in a slum, building houses and interacting closely with the residents of the slum community. These were both extracurricular activities but I've put it down here to show why I decided to make a switch to the development sector.
- I now work full-time at an India-based Education Non-Profit with international presence, with over 7,000 employees based across India. I run a nation-wide program for vocational skilling of underprivileged youth and directly assist the CEO with overall budgeting, planning and analysis. I lead a team of 10 people to carry out these responsibilities and I have been selected for a program for the 35 top leaders in the organization from across the country.
c.
Education: Undergraduate degree - dual major in Information Systems Management & Marketing at a top university in Singapore with a GPA of 3.63/4.0 with a Magna Cum Laude distinction
d.
Goals: I've very recently also set up my own education related startup based on a profit model but it's at a very nascent stage. I'd like to take it to scale and expand. In order to do this though, I need to build a strong international network, and build my management, finance and entrepreneurial skills that an MBA program will give me.
e.
Extra-curricular activities: Music - Singing (Occasional performances as vocalist with different bands and I used to lead an A Cappella group in college). Provided remedial teaching for a year to a group of disadvantaged children in Singapore.
Hope this is not too much information! I'm also a little concerned about financing options at different schools.
Thanks again. Hope to hear from you soon.