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Question

GMAT : 710 (48, 38) , Project Manager, Family Business

Start of course : September 2013

GMAT : 710 (48, 38)

Graduate : BE in Information Science From PESIT, Visveswaraya Technology University.
Graduate Score : 76%

Work Experience : 4 years

* Working as a Project Manager in an IT major mentoring 8 direct-reports and handling Recruitment, Performance Appraisals and Budget proposals. (Grew team from 2 members (including me) to 12 members in less than 2 years)

* Simultaneously gained Business work experience & knowledge in Export/Import; E-Scrap; Mining; Taxation matters; Corporate law

Community Service

* Co-founder of the school alumni fund which caters to financially-weak and meritorious students

Extra Curricular

* Traveled and set foot in 16 different countries ranging in 3 continents for both business and pleasure

Post MBA Goal :

* Long-term : Want to start an international business of Electronic Scrap recycling
 * Short-term : Be an Operations consultant and gain knowledge/experience which will help me in my long-term goal

My Questions :

* I want to apply to only US schools. What should be my target schools? What are Realistic, Safe and Sure schools for me?
 * What are my chances of getting into these start up schools? 
 * How are the prospects of Scholarships?
 * Should I retake my GMAT (target >740) to get into the Top 10 schools?
 * What is the scope / future prospects of Operations consulting?

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hey riteshisthebest,

Thanks for reaching out to me. Let's see if I can do your questions justice.

* I want to apply to only US schools. What should be my target schools? What are Realistic, Safe and Sure schools for me?
pretty much any school can get you to a job in operations consulting. If you can increase your GMAT score by 20+ points, then I would say that you can start taking a look at schools in the top 10 or so. With your current score, you are looking at top 15 or 20. With Indian applicants, I've seen good results had Michigan, Darden, Chicago, UCLA and Haas in particular. What I mean is is that I believe these schools to be Indian applicant friendly, and hand out some money as well. I think that safe schools would be programs like USC and Emory. It's also worth taking a look at programs like Texas and UNC as safe schools.

* What are my chances of getting into these start up schools?

To be honest, I have no idea what you mean by "startup" schools. I'm scratching my head here.

* How are the prospects of Scholarships?

there are generally very few scholarships available at the graduate level. If they are, they come in the form of a fellowship. At the MBA level, you really will find that much money floating around out there. The only people that I've seen get a substantial amount of money were the applicant's that had substantial GMAT scores. I'm talking about 740+. That being said, see my next answer.

* Should I retake my GMAT (target >740) to get into the Top 10 schools?

Yes, you should retake the GMAT. You know the drill – your score is just too low for your demographic. The difference between a 710 N/A 740 is not only acceptance, but the probability of scholarship money being directed your way.

* What is the scope / future prospects of Operations consulting?

Well, I wish I had a crystal ball. Seriously, this is a very, very broad question. Even though the world might be struck by an asteroid on Wednesday, he I believe that in our careers and lifetime there will remain a need for operations consultants. If you want more specific state of the industry outlooks, I suggest you pick up magazines focused on the consulting industry. You can also look at US government labor data and I will tell you projected figures.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

ritzoo · Answer

Thanks for the reply Paul. 
One follow up question :

Some follow up questions :
1. Since I have a business background that I developed side-by-side, wouldn't that stand out in my profile? 
Can I target to schools such as Kellogg, Haas?
2. How should I showcase my business along with the Project management experience that I have? Should it be on resume? or just on the essays? 
3. Since I had managed to do both IT Project management and Family business, would this backfire? (on ethical grounds)

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hey riteshisthebest,

1. It could but all that I can tell is that it is in the scrap/metals business. If it is making money, then you might be okay. However, they really care about what your full-time gig is. You can probably target Haas, Kellogg is still a bit of a stretch - but as long as you hedge your bets, go for it.
2. Look for schools that ask for multiple leadership examples by way of asking you to answer multiple leadership essay prompts. That is how you get both in there. Abbreviated applications will do you no favors.
3 . There is no ethical problems with it unless the 2 businesses were competing.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

ritzoo · Answer

Thanks for your reply Paul. 1. It could but all that I can tell is that it is in the scrap/metals business. If it is making money, then you might be okay. However, they really care about what your full-time gig is. You can probably target Haas, Kellogg is still a bit of a stretch - but as long as you hedge your bets, go for it. Yep, it is a metal/scrap business along with recycling. However, I have been an achiever in my full-time work ex. Just need to put it well in words

2. Look for schools that ask for multiple leadership examples by way of asking you to answer multiple leadership essay prompts. That is how you get both in there. Abbreviated applications will do you no favors. That's great advice paul! Thanks! I will highlight leadership in my essays, however should I include the achievements and skills on Resume in the "Additional Information" section. So differentiate my profile with other IT applicants? 3 . There is no ethical problems with it unless the 2 businesses were competing. Nope, the businesses were not competing in any field

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hey riteshisthebest,

Thanks for reaching out to me again ... Lol. Yes, it looks like the more essays, the more you will have a chance to break free from the bonds of being an Indian male in the IT world. It hard out there for a pimp!

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

ritzoo · Answer

Hi Paul,

One dilemma I am in is regarding the Letter of Recommendation :
Apart from the LOR from my immediate manager in the company that I work for (full time), I can get a Letter of Recommendation from a senior manager (2nd to CEO) of the only Copper mining company in India. I have interacted a lot with him over past 4 years for my family business and he will surely have a word or two of praise for me.

Would it be okay to take a LOR from him ?
(One from my manager and one from him)

Would it be okay to take a LOR from him ? (One from my manager and one from him)

timothychi565 · Answer

Thanks for reaching out to me again ... Lol. Yes, it looks like the more essays, the more you will have a chance to break free from the bonds of being an Indian male in the IT world. It hard out there for a pimp!

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