Profile Evaluation/Advice Request

Question

I am currently a senior in undergrad just a month from graduating. I have a job offer already which I will be starting in July, right now I am studying for the GMAT and while I haven't taken it yet based off practice tests I am using a conservative guess of a 710. I am assuming I will be at my job for the next couple years and then move into either a buyside role at something like a tech PE shop or I will do business development with a start-up. Long term goal is to end up in VC.

I am looking for an evaluation of my "pro forma" profile as well as suggestions on how to strengthen my profile and fill in any gaps in the next five years.

1) 2 years in restructuring for technology, media, and telecommunication companies. Consulting on strategic turnarounds as well as extensive sell side M&A. 2-3 more years in either tech PE or BD at a start-up. (What are pros/cons of each from admissions perspective?)
2) GMAT: 710 
3) Fordham University: Gabelli School of Business GPA: 3.4/4.0 Major: 3.7/4.0 
4) Undergrad founded Investment Banking Society at Fordham and continued mentorship role post-grad. Young Alumni Board member, Young Fellow at Morgan Museum, Mayor's Alliance of NYC 
5) No noteworthy certifications at this time
6) Looking for top programs, Full time H/S/W, or something like part-time Columbia
7) Planning to apply R1,R2, or R3 for 2020-2022 
8) Looking to establish my credentials as a business expert and take that into a VC/PE or start-up role.

Appreciate any and all advice.

VeritasPrepMarcus · Answer

Great thinking about this early.

You need a more solid GMAT eventually, but can worry about that later.

You are also putting yourself in a very competitive finance pool. Certainly great skills to learn there but difficult to differentiate especially if not coming from top tier firms. Restructuring is something I have seen offer great opportunities to learning b skills and also to take on senior level responsibilities (depending on firm, of course). Moving to tech startup, assuming that is part of long term career goal and why MBA, sounds like a good move from admissions pov. Try to get involved in startup community early on. If in NYC, there are great resources for that - this is part of what you need to do to build credibility as subject matter expert. Start now, it will take time. VC or PE post MBA can be a hard sell given few spots, btw.

Dont apply R3.

NdoOutdoInPaloAlto · Answer

Wondering your opinion on a target GMAT score and the problem with applying R3?

bryantmichaels · Answer

Have you considered the deferral programs such as HBS 2+2? You're eligible to apply as a senior in college, but that goes away once you graduate. You'd still be able to take the job you have lined up. HBS has a bunch of its incoming student body coming from the VC world now, so it could be a short-track into that industry if you make the right connections early. Indeed it is a difficult road out of b-school historically. The 2+2 admissions process is highly competitive, but since you have already established a penchant for leadership, you could have a shot if you get GMAT up a bit more.

NdoOutdoInPaloAlto · Answer

That program looks awesome although it looks like R3 deadline was 4/6. Definitely wish I had known about that.

bryantmichaels · Answer

Check out Yale Silver Scholars as well--not sure if their deadline is different...

VeritasPrepMarcus · Answer

Reg R3, generally there most spots are taken at that point, so chances of admissions are much lower than R1 or R2.

Reg GMAT, aim to beat school's average if possible. Obviously other factors come into play, and not everyone is able to do that, but that gives you a target to shoot for.

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