Profile Evaluation : Ask mbaMission

I am an officer in the Indian Armed Forces currently managing the Network Operations Centre of Airforce.
I am looking forward to transitioning from military to corporate in July 2024 and targeting B schools for September 2024 intake.
I want to apply to 1 year programs.

Following are the highlights of my career :-
GMAT 1st Attempt - 700 (Q47 V39 IR6)
10th - 92 percent
12th - 88 percent
BTech (2008-2012) - Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram University of Science and Technology (ECE) ; 8.25 CGPA
2012-2014 - Ericsson India Pvt Ltd (Software Engineer) - Shell and Perl Scripting for Mobile GSM Nodes.
2014 - ZS Associates (Business Technology Associate) - R Scripting for Statistical Analysis
2014- Present - Indian Air Force

* 10+ years of experience in the field of information and communication technologies.
* Experience in handling large-scale military communication system design. Understanding of the complete spectrum of Networking Technology i.e Optical/Satcom/Radio, IP/MPLS, SD-WAN, SD-ACCESS, ACI and Security.
* Understanding of C4ISR system architecture and its complex integration with various sensors and shooters.
* Experience in designing and implementing the ACI technology in the data centres of Indian Airforce.
* Experience in technology-oriented planning and strategic goal setting.
* An effective people manager with proven abilities in leading, training & motivating a large cross-functional workforce.
* Awarded by Air Officer Commanding in Chief , South Western Air Command for distinguished service to the nation.

During my career in Indian Air Force, I have been involved in configuring, troubleshooting and managing the Airforce network which is the fourth largest VOIP network in the world.
I have developed good competency in networking and cybersecurity, working on enterprise networks, provider networks and data centres. I am managing the Network Operations Centre (Mid Level Management) at present.
I have also led various teams (100 personnel) in Leh and Kargil (our highest operational base) to maintain the communication in the operational state and managed communication in various events as as Aero India and other operational exercises.
I have also represented Delhi at 33rd National Games in Lawn Bowls.

Following are some of the queries :-
Should I retake the GMAT?
Which 1 year B Schools in Europe/India/USA should I target?

Hello and thanks for your post.
It looks like you have had an impressive career in the Armed Forces and it makes sense to pursue 1-year programs in order to transition to a corporate role. The application process is truly holistic, and committees will look at your stats (GPA and GMAT/GRE), work experience, and extracurriculars.

Your GPA is strong, so that is a good start. Your GMAT is decent, though compared to others in your demographic, it is about the average. To answer your first question, I suggest taking it up to 3-4 times. You have nothing to lose since schools will only look at your highest score. And even a slight increase can boost your profile. You may still want to illustrate to the schools that you have the academic ability to succeed in the classroom. You could showcase your quant ability in your resume, your recommenders could do the same in their recommendations, or you could even take a supplemental course such as stats or calculus, since you do have the time.
Your work experience overall looks impressive, and you have shown a lot of leadership in the Armed Forces. This is something you should definitely emphasize in your applications. It will also be important to explain why you want your MBA, and to also illustrate the skills you already have which are transferable to your post-MBA goals. Be sure your story makes sense, and is realistic and specific.
And regarding extracurriculars, make sure to really emphasize any leadership roles you have taken on.
Without knowing much about you, it is hard to suggest specific programs for you, but to name a few that you could research, perhaps look at Duke Fuqua, Cornell, and Notre Dame, as well as LBS, IMD, IESE, and HEC Paris.
These range in competitiveness, but if you slightly increase your GMAT and put together a really strong application, you will have a chance at the world’s top 1-year programs.
Good luck!