Hi missionMBA team
Thanks in advance for going through this.
I am planning to apply to select schools in R2 this year. Would love to get some insight from you on what I can expect, given my profile:
Profile: Female, Indian, Married.
GMAT: 740 (Q50, V39)
Education:
1. MBA from a top management school in India - Passed in first class -- 66%
2. Engineering undergraduate from a leading engineering college in India -- Passed with distinction - 80%. Was awarded scholarships in each year for being in the top 10% of the class.
3. Passed Level 3 of the CFA program -- will be getting Charter soon.
Work Ex:
1. Currently working with an investment banking firm for the last 4 years. Joined here as a manager and was promoted to Associate Vice President in 1.5 years. Have successfully closed 4 transactions across Private Equity, Cross-border M&A and structured finance.Have been rated as the highest performer in the organization.
2. Prior to this, worked in India's largest private sector bank for 2 years. Started out as management trainee in the International Banking domain. I was in-charge of setting up the investment banking desk for our international clients based in the Middle East. Had significant exposure to transactions, networking with private equity investors, analyzing investments of the top fund houses etc.
Plan Ahead:
I have always planned on doing a second MBA. In India, MBAs are typically fresh undergraduates and having worked for 6 years, now I know that the real value-add of an MBA can only be appreciated when one has spent some time working in a corporate setup.
My reason to do a second MBA and to do one now, particularly are linked to that. I believe that I am now in a stage of life professionally, wherein, my takeaways from an MBA program will be immense. As for career goals, I want to switch to the buy-side of the Investing table - PE and VC. Given my early MBA in a non-IIM school in India, it is difficult for me to move to PE. I believe that an MBA from one of the top US schools will allow me to establish pedigree as well as gain experience in a developed geography where most businesses are mature. In the long run, I would like to use this experience and apply it to the emerging market scenario. I know this needs to be fleshed out in detail.
The Catch: I am planning to apply very selectively to schools. Since I already have an MBA, it does not make sense for me to spend crazy amounts of money to go to a school which is not up there. SO, for me, it's either the top or status quo. Also, I have a 20 month old son. I understand the rigors of a business school very well, and I know that a young child and a b-school life is a complicated mixture.
I would like to get a sense of 3-4 schools, where I stand a good chance as well as knowing what the strengths and weaknesses in my profile are.
Looking forward to your input.
Thanks!