Hello Kate,
This is Deep, seeking for your advice because my career is at quite an unusual state at this point.
I did my B.Sc and M.Sc in Chemistry from India and pursued PhD in the same at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 2011. But in early 2016 (after 4.5 years into the program), due to my mother's sudden death, my dad's illness and other family issues I had to get back without finishing my PhD. (my supervisor was obviously not willing to let me have a year-long leave, which was the only option for me to take care of my dad and the family issues). After getting back to India, the industry jobs seemed to be not well-paid, since they were considering me as a Masters fresher.
This is why I am considering an option of doing MBA/Masters in Management with a GMAT score (will be appearing in Dec. 2016- Mock scores are in the range of 720-750 in
Manhattan Prep, GMAC, Veritas Prep – Q 50-51, V 39-43), to get better job opportunities later.
My academic background:
• 10th standard (2002): 86%,
• 12th standard (2004) (science): 88%,
• B.Sc (Chemistry) (2008): 59.5%, (GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 WES conversion),
• M.Sc (Chemistry) (2010): 66% (GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 WES conversion)]
Extracurricular activities:
• Chess champion in college.
• Actively involved with an NGO and an old age home.
• Proficiency in German, Spanish, French.
• Chief student organizer of cultural events and get-togethers in the department during my PhD stay in Canada and secretary of advertisement section for departmental reunion for 3 years in India.
Professional achievements:
• Best graduate teaching assistantship award in the department, University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 2015.
• Best graduate research assistantship award in the department, University of Saskatchewan, Canada in 2014.
My interests in business fields:
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Big Data Analytics
• Bio-tech and Pharmaceutical Management.
My questions:
1. a) MBA or MIM which one do you feel would be a more appropriate program for me? You need to consider that I don't have a full-time work experience and from a natural science background (I am prepared to take up any additional courses), but I am 29, so there will be an age gap from the average age for MIM students (I am comfortable with it though).
b) Even if I get into an MIM program, would my age be an issue while considering job offers post-graduation?
c) Although the graduate teaching assistantship in Canada for 4.5 years and also a graduate research assistant in the department (under direct payroll of the department, publications in US journals), would that be considered as any work experience?
d) Or in general, do you feel that my overall profile looks competitive enough with any extra edge from the international experience?
2. I am willing to stay abroad with a job-offer post-graduation at least for 2 years, or if possible, more. Considering that, would you suggest me any destination country (not considering North America)?
3. Some good universities (GGSB, ESCP France) with the more directed courses e.g. the Pharmaceutical management are not asking for GMAT, although they do so for MBA/MIM courses. Should I be careful about those courses without any requirement for GMAT scores or the non-requirement is just because the prospective students are already screened by their initial academic backgrounds?
Many thanks in advance, looking forward to your reply.