yashtotla
Hi! I recently gave my first attempt of GMAT. I am quite overwhelmed with all the information about admissions and schools. I want to get some clarity on where does my profile stand.
This is my first post on GMAT Club. So do let me know if this post should go elsewhere.
GMAT: 720 (Q51 V36 IR7)About meIndian, Engineer, Male
UG DetailsUniversity: BITS Pilani
Degree: B.E. Electrical and Electronics (Graduated in Aug 2020)
CGPA: 8.56 / 10
POR: Treasurer, IEEE Chapter
Work ExperienceFull time
- Full stack founding engineer at a fintech startup (Sep 2022 - present)
- Software Development Engineer at a unicorn (Mar 2022 - Aug 2022)
- Member Technical Staff at a fortune 100 company (Sep 2020 - Feb 2022)
Part time
- Software consulting for three startups so far
Extra curricular activitiesNone
Post MBA Goals- Global exposure
- Consulting / Product / Strategy roles in the fintech space
Preferred MBA ProgramsI am at a very early stage in my school research. Ideally I would prefer a shorter, full time program. such as the tech MBA programs at Stern and Cornell. Post MBA I want to work in Fintech, so programs at Oxford and LBS that offer a specialisation in Finance also seem quite appealing to me. Having said that, if there is a possibility that I can get into an M7 program with few changes to my profile, I will take that any day.
I have worked extensively with international folks in almost all my roles so far. I think these experiences should supplement my post MBA goal of global exposure quite well.
- Current job – The entire team is based in London. I have had multiple opportunities to interact with users and stakeholders from several European countries
- Fortune 100 – I worked with teams in the US, Canada and Germany
- Part time – Companies in Dubai and Singapore
Similarly, I think I will be able to define my motivations for Product, Strategy and Consulting roles well with my career trajectory so far.
I know that my GMAT Score is not adequate considering I am a part of the over represented pool. If necessary, I will retake the GMAT exam.
Some specific questions- How to shortlist schools? My GMAT score, work experience is not too far off of the class profiles of some of the top programs. But I don't quite understand how to factor in my demographic disadvantage while self-evaluating my chances.
- Do my post MBA goals make sense?
- What aspects should I focus on in my choice of schools & their applications?
Please let me know if there are any problems with the above. Any suggestions, comments, questions are welcome.
👋 Hey
yashtotla,
I came across your profile evaluation query on the forum and thought I'd reach out to offer some assistance from my own experience.
So here is what I would suggest:
Strengths:➡️ Diverse Work Experience 🛠️: Your work at a fintech startup, a unicorn company, and a Fortune 100 shows a good trajectory in a short time. It's rare to see such diversity within a span of just a few years, which bodes well for your applications.
➡️ International Exposure 🌍: Having collaborated with teams across the US, Canada, Germany, Dubai, Singapore, and Europe provides a solid foundation for your post-MBA goal of gaining global exposure.
➡️ Technical Background 💻: Your role as a full-stack engineer in fintech and your consulting for startups highlight technical proficiency. Such experiences can position you well for roles in product management or strategy in fintech post-MBA.
➡️ Academic Pedigree 📘: BITS Pilani is a well-recognized institution, and a CGPA of 8.56 is commendable. Your position as the Treasurer for the IEEE Chapter further augments your leadership in academic pursuits.
Areas for Consideration & Suggestions:➡️ GMAT Score 📈: While a score of 720 is incredible, but remember that GMAT is just 25% of your whole application so you would also need to craft a solid application which can showcase the impact you made during your work ex, extra-curriculars, and startup experience, etc.
➡️ Extracurricular Activities 🌟: The absence of significant extracurricular activities might create a gap. It’s not just about what you've achieved professionally; business schools value holistic profiles. Consider getting involved in community service or volunteeting outside of work.
➡️ Application Narrative 📜: With a technical background, ensure your essays and recommendations weave a compelling story about your transition into strategy/consulting roles in fintech. Your work experiences can be valuable here.
➡️ M7 Schools 🎓: Getting into an M7 school is highly competitive. You may stand a chance, but ensure you're also applying to a good mix of schools including target, competitive, and safety options.
Answers to Specific Questions:Shortlisting Schools 🏫: When factoring in demographic disadvantage, understand that many top schools have numerous applications from the same pool. This is why they seek uniqueness in stories and experiences. Dive deep into each program's culture, teaching methodology, and employment reports. Align these with your goals.
Post MBA Goals 🎯: Your goals make sense given your background, but clarity is crucial. Whether you lean towards consulting, product, or strategy, ensure that the roles you aspire for are clearly articulated in fintech.
Focus Areas 🔍: Emphasize your international exposure, highlight your progression and achievements at work, and demonstrate your understanding and passion for fintech. For applications, each essay, recommendation, and interview should weave into your overall story and aspirations.
Outlook on MBA Targets 🏫:➡️ Dream: Oxford, LBS, Wharton, Booth
➡️ Competitive: Duke, Kellogg, Tech MBA programs at Stern and Cornell
➡️ Safe: Foster, Boston, Babson
To conclude, you have a solid profile with good potential. Create a compelling narrative, and diving deep into extracurriculars can further strengthen your application.
If you need more help, we'd be happy to set up a
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