Profile Evaluation : ISB

Hi Everyone,
Can I please request a profile evaluation from some of the experts in this group? My target programs are IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX), ISB (PGP) and IIM Bangalore (EPGP)

Education/Test Scores:

Masters in Civil Engineering (Construction Management) from North Carolina State University,Raleigh,North Carolina USA ; Graduated in 2016(GPA: 3.36/4)
B. Tech Civil Engineering : ITM Gurgaon (MDU Rohtak) ; Graduated in 2013 (GPA: 7.86/10)
12th : 85%
10th: 89%
GRE: Expected (315-320)
Certificate course in Leadership Principles from HBS Online
Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS),UK: A reputed and highly sought after certification in the field of Quantity Surveying/Cost Management.

Work Experience:

I have more than 8 years of experience in the construction industry in diverse sectors such as Infrastructure, Energy, Real Estate, Education and Life Sciences. My major area of work is Cost Management/Quantity Surveying across all phases of a construction project starting from inception to final close out. I also have experience in Construction Data Analytics and Business Intelligence programs. I have worked for 5 years in USA, 2.5 years in India and for the last six months in United Kingdom. I have worked n in construction markets of New York,San Francisco and London and have experience of working on projects in various other countries (China,Japan,Korea,Australia,Canada,Denmark,Mexico etc). Currently working with an Ireland based MNC cost consultant firm. Previous work experience was with a UK based MNC cost consultant firm


I can clearly show my career progression rising from an entry level individual contributor to a mid management role. I can get good recommendations from peers in the industry. I have been a member of educational and CSR committees at my workplace. I have also received a few good performer awards.

I have also provided mentorship to various students who are looking to study in USA (especially those who from a Civil Engineering background).

Motivation to do an MBA: Looking for a change in functional role and looking forward to work in a strategy/business development role in the Real Estate sector in India.

Post MBA Goals: To work in strategy/BD role for major Real Estate developers in India by developing management skills through MBA. Give back to my country after gaining significant skills and knowledge abroad.

Concerns: Really struggling to prepare for GRE after such a long gap and hectic work schedule. Is a really high score needed for someone with this much work experience?

Thank You for your time & suggestions!

Shreybahadur wrote:Hi Everyone,
Can I please request a profile evaluation from some of the experts in this group? My target programs are IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX), ISB (PGP) and IIM Bangalore (EPGP)

Education/Test Scores:

Masters in Civil Engineering (Construction Management) from North Carolina State University,Raleigh,North Carolina USA ; Graduated in 2016(GPA: 3.36/4)
B. Tech Civil Engineering : ITM Gurgaon (MDU Rohtak) ; Graduated in 2013 (GPA: 7.86/10)
12th : 85%
10th: 89%
GRE: Expected (315-320)
Certificate course in Leadership Principles from HBS Online
Member of Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS),UK: A reputed and highly sought after certification in the field of Quantity Surveying/Cost Management.

Work Experience:

I have more than 8 years of experience in the construction industry in diverse sectors such as Infrastructure, Energy, Real Estate, Education and Life Sciences. My major area of work is Cost Management/Quantity Surveying across all phases of a construction project starting from inception to final close out. I also have experience in Construction Data Analytics and Business Intelligence programs. I have worked for 5 years in USA, 2.5 years in India and for the last six months in United Kingdom. I have worked n in construction markets of New York,San Francisco and London and have experience of working on projects in various other countries (China,Japan,Korea,Australia,Canada,Denmark,Mexico etc). Currently working with an Ireland based MNC cost consultant firm. Previous work experience was with a UK based MNC cost consultant firm


I can clearly show my career progression rising from an entry level individual contributor to a mid management role. I can get good recommendations from peers in the industry. I have been a member of educational and CSR committees at my workplace. I have also received a few good performer awards.

I have also provided mentorship to various students who are looking to study in USA (especially those who from a Civil Engineering background).

Motivation to do an MBA: Looking for a change in functional role and looking forward to work in a strategy/business development role in the Real Estate sector in India.

Post MBA Goals: To work in strategy/BD role for major Real Estate developers in India by developing management skills through MBA. Give back to my country after gaining significant skills and knowledge abroad.

Concerns: Really struggling to prepare for GRE after such a long gap and hectic work schedule. Is a really high score needed for someone with this much work experience?

Thank You for your time & suggestions!

Happy to help. Here is our assessment and our advice:

- Your Master's in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University and B.Tech in Civil Engineering show a strong background in your field. Your GPA in both programs is decent, but not exceptional. The certificate course from HBS Online and your MRICS membership add value to your profile. However, the expected GRE score of 315-320 might be on the lower end for these programs, especially for ISB. Aim for a score of 322+ to make your application more competitive. This is not a must-have, but it helps tremendously.
- Your 8 years of international experience in construction across diverse sectors and markets is a major strength. Emphasize your experience in different countries and how you adapted to various work environments. Showcasing your career progression from entry-level to a mid-management role will help demonstrate your potential to grow further.
- Being a member of educational and CSR committees at work and mentoring students planning to study in the USA will contribute positively to your profile. Highlight the skills you developed and the impact you made through these activities.
- Your plan to work in a strategy/business development role in the Indian Real Estate sector is clear and achievable. In your application, explain how an MBA from your target programs will help you develop the necessary management skills and how your international experience will contribute to your goals.
- While preparing for the GRE can be challenging with a busy work schedule, a higher score will improve your chances of admission. Consider finding a study plan that works for your schedule and leveraging online resources or test prep services. A higher score, especially for someone with extensive work experience, can make your application stand out in the competitive applicant pool.

Hope this helps. Feel free to get in touch directly for a discussion on call if needed, or to come back with more queries here.