Hi there,
This is my first time posting on the forum so I hope I've covered the high level categories! I would really appreciate your input on how I might come across as a potential candidate and which B-schools might be suitable - I will consider applying with in the next year or two.
Personal background - Age: 28
- Immigrated to Australia/NZ with family at ~11 from Asia. Think it was a fairly old-enough age to move about where I can now fully appreciate/comprehend the differences between different cultures/communities etc. Also speak multiple languages.
Academic background - Undergrad Bachelors in Engineering with 2nd class Honors (not an excellent grade, a few unfortunate year-long family events contributed to lack of focus on academics)
- Made up for it with excellent marks in Final year of engineering, granted summer research scholarship under Head of Department
- Granted full scholarship toward Masters in Engineering Management from a Govt-backed foundation and a Corporate sponsor
- Currently a CFA Level 2 candidate (passed Level 1 on first attempt in 2012)
- GMAT not taken yet, but expect 700+ based on comparisons with good friends/colleagues.
Professional background - Due to scholarship from Corporate sponsor, was offered to join the firm upon graduation (one of the largest Energy firms). In first 2 years worked as an Commercial & Investment analyst covering large investment valuations & risk analysis, involved in several JV/acquisition projects, business strategy and led several annual business planning rounds.
- Headhunted by another large Infrastructure/Technology firm (one of the largest listed firms in the country) 2 years ago and have had several roles, predominantly in Group Strategy as an analyst with projects spanning corporate/market/product strategies; with increasing seniority and experience I'm also expected to mentor new analysts. Recently moved to a new role as Product & Marketing Manager to expand beyond strategy/financial analyst capabilities and build operational/execution experience and having P&L responsibilities.
Longer term thoughts - I would like to move into General Management in the longer term, but am actually interested in a lot of sectors. Naturally I have an interest in finance/strategy oriented areas (fund managment etc), but will very likely enjoy not-for-profit or health industries as well (wife is a doctor).
- With the CFA studies, I found that studying for the second time after some work has been particularly rewarding (appreciate it far more and much better now at relating material back to real world). I do intend to finish the CFA as well but might choose to do postpone final level until after MBA.
I thought an MBA is a great path in terms of exposure to excellent people and forcing me to expand my own horizons (and obviously, contribute to other people's learning too) so I would like to push for as high a tier a B-school as I can. LBS would be my most prefered school but obviously I realise these schools are after basically spotless/perfect candidates. I will hopefully have covered for my accidental sub-par grades in undergraduate years with CFA (probably passed Level II by the time I apply for MBA) and look to invest a bit of time in GMAT preparations so any inputs on the academic front would be great. On the extracurricular front, I've competed in provincial level sports, a junior martial arts instructor, and will look to pick up strategy-oriented charity work.
Again, any of your inputs on potential tier of B-schools based on my very rough background would be great! Also, any advice on any areas that I haven't covered would be well appreciated!
Many many thanks for your time & thoughts!
J