ISB PROFILE EVALUATION THREAD - Post all Profile Eval Requests Here! : ISB - Page 266

Hello debayanb

You check the box on the academics (past scores) and work ex (the consultant role will have some interesting stories to tell and impact to showcase).
At the same same time, there are certain weaknesses that must be overcome-

Low (expected) GMAT- keep in mind that GMAT is as much a test of temperament as of knowledge. Maintaining a high level of concentration for hours at stretch requires stamina which in turn requires a lot of practice (one cannot run a marathon with no practice). The range of expected GMAT score is too wide (600 to 700 is quite a stretch) and considering your IT profile, would recommend a high score in order to stand out within the competitive and large pool of applicants.

Low Diversity- the IT background pits you against a tough competition- ask yourself how can you showcase diversity in your profile. Ask yourself what are the qualities, experiences, extracurricular activities that will help you add value to the experience of your batchmates inside and outside the classroom.

Low clarity on career goals- while I understand where you are coming from, but ISB will need a more specific definition of your career goals. They are looking for leaders with clarity of vision (wouldn't want to spend a year and a large sum of money with no plan in mind). What is the long term vision of your career (and why- what is your personal motivation to have this goal). What is the short term goal (that is, what role do you wish to work for a few years to gain enough learning and experience to be able to transition into your long term goal). Finally, how will ISB act as a stepping stone to help you land this short term role (what companies are you targeting, are they realistic from your past experience and ISB point of view). What exact existing skills will ISB help build upon and what missing skills will ISB add that will help you land your targeted short term goal. Yes, this is how clear you need to be. At the same time, ensure that these are all realistic.

Work on the above if you wish to get into ISB (or any top school for that matter).

You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

debayanb wrote:Hello, Everyone

I'd like receiving views from current/ex ISB grads (and possibly from admissions team at ISB) on my profile. To follow my career ambitions, I've been exploring possibilities of doing an MBA, but only from a well reputed business school such as ISB.

Work experience:

2016-20
Infosys, Senior engineer

2020-23 (currently)
PwC, Senior Consultant

Education:
Class 10, CBSE (87%)
Class 12, CBSE (77%)
B.Tech (NIT Agartala) (8.3 CGPA, 2nd rank in our branch)

I've won many client recommendations during my stint at both the firms. I am fairly visible to the leadership team at my firm. Hopefully, I can draw decent recommendation letters from my contacts and manager. My clients have been from all around the world. I have exposure towards working with people from Germany, US, UK and a couple more European countries.

I've also worked as a Freelancer (Content writer) during my B.Tech years (all 4 of them). I've never received a review less than 4 stars from any of my clients.

My concern is that I dont test well in a time constrained environment. I've never really taken a GMAT mock test but most of the questions that people seem to solve so easily here, appear daunting to me. But I could gather a score of 600-700 in GMAT.

Currently, I play a senior role within my team at PwC, where I help my team mates with their professional matters. I also play an active part in recruitement for our team.

Why do I want to do an MBA? Honestly, I want to change my field of work. Areas such as finance, economics and business interest me. While I'm excellent at the work I do (IT consultant), I would like to explore other areas.

I'll be grateful if you can give a profile evaluation, based on a cursory glance of my profile.

Thanks!
Debayan

Posted from my mobile device

Hello @aayushlovelife'

Very impressive profile from a Work, Diversity and Career Goals aspect. You will have enough stories to tell the adcom.
Only weakness is the below par GRE (though past scores are decent). Is that a deal breaker- not necessarily in your specific case- given decent essays and interview you could get in with this score too. However, since there is still time, I'll recommend a retake with a target of ~325 and you will have a very strong shot.

All the best

Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

aayushlovelife wrote:Hi all! Your critique of my profile will be greatly appreciated:

Some stats:
Indian Male: 25
GRE: 319 (Q166V153)
GPA: 2.96/4.3 (top 20% rank)
Class 12th: 95% (Science + Economics)
Class 10th: 10.0 CGPA

Education:
Civil Engineering from University of Hong Kong (global rank top 20 for the course) + Exchange program at Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Academic Scholarship for all 4 years and a summer school stint in Spain. Graduated in 2019

Work ex total 4 years (by the time I apply this year for next year intake):
Started a startup upon graduation based in Hong Kong in Greentech (cleaning plastic waste pollution from water bodies) and found success in Indonesia as well. Successfully exited the company.
Joined a medium sized firm based in Singapore office, showed rapid progression and managed 6 consultants by the time I left.
Moved to Hong Kong to work in a fortune 500 company (asia HQ office) and currently still working here.

Motivation: Want to give back to my country, add value as an engineer and manager in infrastructure industry in India.

Co-curriculars:
Did a project in Myanmar under the engineering for sustainability program at university, building prototypes for water conservation for farmers in Yangon, Myanmar. (8 months, multi-disciplinary, sustainability team lead)
Part of a 3-week bootcamp (MEMSI) with students from MIT and students chosen all across Hong Kong to pitch ideas to investors in Shenzhen, China. (one of the winning teams in the end)
Alongside full-time role, worked as advisor to founder for a hydroponics farm based in Delhi (during COVID), grew the business from 5 employees to 50+ during my time, pitched multiple community outreach programs, helped decarbonization of the business operations and continue to advise to the Founder on and off. (9 months)
Won HKSAR government scholarship for projects in Greentech across southeast Asia.
Recently won a Green Hackathon at workplace among several teams and currently commercializing the idea into reality on the side.
12 years lawn tennis player, played for university and school at state and national level.

Career goals align with my motivation, looking to enter infrastructure consulting firms (major ones) post-MBA, continue to grow in this field garnering managerial skills to complement my engineering and Entreprenurial background. Give back to my country after having acquired skills and experience in an international setup.

Thank you for your time, advice and suggestions!

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!

Hello Shreybahadur

ISB and IIMs will evaluate your profile on a combination of four factors-

1. Academic potential- your past scores are decent, but you will surely need to show a closer to par score (~325) to have a good shot. In your specific case, can you get in with a 320?- definitely not impossible but lesser than that really reduces the confidence. The school wants to believe you will be able to handle the academic pressure of the program (one year MBA is especially tough). Additionally, a lower score means you should be able to compensate with some spike in other areas (see below).
2. Work experience- this seems to be your stand out strength, with good potential of storytelling, career progression, achievements and impact at work. If presented well, this is what will help compensate for a below average score.
3. Diversity- while your international/multi cultural exposure helps add diversity (you will still have to prove it via your stories), you might need to explore a few more areas that help you prove you are a unique addition to the batch who will help add value to the experience of your peers inside and outside the classroom. (Hint- extracurricular activities)
4. Career goals- this is where people are the weakest, they don't know the real reason why they want to pursue an MBA and exactly how it will help them achieve their goals. You seem pretty sorted here as your goals seem realistic, clear and organic. A bit more work might be needed to show fit with each specific school, but that isn't a weakness per se.

Build a strong application and you'll stand a decent shot with a 320ish.


You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

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!

Posted from my mobile device

Hi Everyone!

I would like to request my profile evaluation -

32Y/F
Mother of a toddler

Chartered accountant with 8+ (9 by the time I join mba program) years post qualification experience.

CA - 53% (Both groups cleared together; exemption in 2/8 & 5/7 subjects in Final & Inter respectively; articleship from a Big 4)
B. Com. - 71%
12th - 86%
10th - 91%

Experience -
1. Working as a Finance Manager in one of the Big 3s (2+ years in current role) Key responsibilities - Planning/ budgeting & tracking actuals against budget, performing margin analysis (critical KPI as drives partner bonus); Spearheading implementation of a new accounting standard/first time implementation of a new process & multiple other finance functions (consolidation, audit etc.)
Prior to this was an experienced manager in Big 4 and worked on end to end of an audit of all FS captions of diversified industries - Consumer goods, Fashion apparel, industrial goods (spent 6+ years post qualification).

Key professional highlights -
1. Throughout rated a high performer
2. Got An offer for secondment to US office
3. Promoted from Senior to AM within a year of joining (1 out of 13)
4. As a Manager 1 handled one of the biggest engagement of the firm erstwhile handled by an experienced SM
5. Secondment in Transfer pricing & Forensics department
6. Won multiple awards for performance, team management & exceptional client service
7. Have been actively involved on hiring drives, leading the onboarding efforts; imparting accounting & audit trainings (group size ~50) and handled team size/direct reportees ~20

Extracurricular - 1) Won painting competitions in school for multiple years and a prize at district level
2) Emceed multiple school events; participated in debates, quizes, drama etc.
3) Was invited to my school as a 'guest of honour' and a judge.

Motivation - Always wanted to pursue an MBA but couldn't due to personal/family reasons; then ROI seemed too high for taking a break. Now I am at a point where I want to do it before it is too late - for my personal growth; get a real college experience and pivot my career from a core technical accounting role to a role that is general management.

I know my extracurricular is quiet weak. I do have some ideas that I can work on but i'm confused as to what's the key to choosing - is it volunteering for an NGO/social cause but volunteering in my skills as a CA is fine or volunteering in a different role and thus make it really an extracurricular

Posted from my mobile device

Hello Saakshi2407

ISB will evaluate your candidature on four factors-
1. Academic potential- your past scores seem to check the box, but what will really seal the deal here is the GMAT/GRE score (at least an expected score). CAs usually tend to get in even with a sightly below average score but don't let that make you complacent, you should target a 710+ to have a strong chance.
2. Work experience - this seems to be your stand out strength. CA experience is valued as it has measurable impact and achievements to talk about. You seem to have good exposure, strong brand on the CV, career progression looks solid and most accomplishments show good potential for story telling. As long as you present your experience well in the essays, letters of recommendation and interviews, you should be in a good position.
3. Diversity- ISB loves to boast how diverse its class is. Your question around extracurricular is actually answered if you understand the what and why behind diversity. As long as you have something in your profile (be it extracurricular or otherwise) that helps you prove that you will be able to add value to the experience of your batch mates inside and outside the classroom, you are good to go (it must be unique of course, and must be articulated well). Otherwise, why should a b school care whether you played badminton at state level or teach underprivileged children at an NGO for example. What matters is how you make it relevant to the b school experience.
4. Career goals- clarity of vision in a leader is a must. If you can't define your own life's vision, how will you do it for an organisation in the future. While your goals seem organic, they must be made more specific. What roles and companies are you targeting post MBA. How will this role help you achieve the long term vision of your career. What is the long term vision of your career and what is your personal motivation behind it. What existing skills do you want to build upon and what missing skills do you want to acquire at ISB. What courses, clubs and activities will be your priority at ISB to help you achieve all of the above. You will need to work towards articulating this to present yourself as a leader with conviction.

You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA message for a quicker response)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

Saakshi2407 wrote:Hi Everyone!

I would like to request my profile evaluation -

32Y/F
Mother of a toddler

Chartered accountant with 8+ (9 by the time I join mba program) years post qualification experience.

CA - 53% (Both groups cleared together; exemption in 2/8 & 5/7 subjects in Final & Inter respectively; articleship from a Big 4)
B. Com. - 71%
12th - 86%
10th - 91%

Experience -
1. Working as a Finance Manager in one of the Big 3s (2+ years in current role) Key responsibilities - Planning/ budgeting & tracking actuals against budget, performing margin analysis (critical KPI as drives partner bonus); Spearheading implementation of a new accounting standard/first time implementation of a new process & multiple other finance functions (consolidation, audit etc.)
Prior to this was an experienced manager in Big 4 and worked on end to end of an audit of all FS captions of diversified industries - Consumer goods, Fashion apparel, industrial goods (spent 6+ years post qualification).

Key professional highlights -
1. Throughout rated a high performer
2. Got An offer for secondment to US office
3. Promoted from Senior to AM within a year of joining (1 out of 13)
4. As a Manager 1 handled one of the biggest engagement of the firm erstwhile handled by an experienced SM
5. Secondment in Transfer pricing & Forensics department
6. Won multiple awards for performance, team management & exceptional client service
7. Have been actively involved on hiring drives, leading the onboarding efforts; imparting accounting & audit trainings (group size ~50) and handled team size/direct reportees ~20

Extracurricular - 1) Won painting competitions in school for multiple years and a prize at district level
2) Emceed multiple school events; participated in debates, quizes, drama etc.
3) Was invited to my school as a 'guest of honour' and a judge.

Motivation - Always wanted to pursue an MBA but couldn't due to personal/family reasons; then ROI seemed too high for taking a break. Now I am at a point where I want to do it before it is too late - for my personal growth; get a real college experience and pivot my career from a core technical accounting role to a role that is general management.

I know my extracurricular is quiet weak. I do have some ideas that I can work on but i'm confused as to what's the key to choosing - is it volunteering for an NGO/social cause but volunteering in my skills as a CA is fine or volunteering in a different role and thus make it really an extracurricular

Posted from my mobile device

Shreybahadur wrote:GRE: Expected (315-320)

This is really not helping your cause Shreybahadur.

There are still few months before the application season kicks in. Work hard and see if you can push this score up to at least 325.

Good luck!
--
Ashish.

Saakshi2407 wrote:I would like to request my profile evaluation

So many details Saakshi2407, but not even a mention of GMAT/GRE? Not even the expected score?

Hope you are not underestimating the importance of a good GMAT/GRE score, since this is a very crucial component of your profile.

The same profile, with a score of 650 will look very ordinary Saakshi, while this profile with a 700+ will look very compelling.

Good luck!
--
Ashish.

debayanb wrote:I could gather a score of 600-700 in GMAT.

That's an extremely broad range debayanb. A score of 600 will not even merit an application to ISB, while a 700 will provide you with a very decent shot.

If you are serious about your ISB aspirations, you have to be serious about GMAT. So, get over your apprehensions about not doing well in standardized tests and buckle up for some very serious preparation and long hours of GMAT prep.

Without a good GMAT score, your ISB dream will remain just that: dream.

Good luck!
--
Ashish.

Hi, Need profile evaluation

Male; 30; GMAT score:740; 9 years work exp in automotive(single company); multiple departments:Sourcing, pricing, strategy;B.tech production engineering (NIT Trichy) 8.45 CGPA, Head of a department for college cultural festival;12th :93 percent;10th: 93 percent. No major EC achievements.

Posted from my mobile device

Hello Sriram99

ISB looks at 1. Academic potential, 2. Work ex, 3. Diversity and 4. Career goals.
Your post touches primarily upon 1. Academic Background (which looks pretty strong both based on past scores and GMAT) and 2. Work Experience (apart from years and industry, very little to go about in terms of quality of work experience - such as career progression, achievements etc. However, multiple roles gives some confidence on story telling potential). Other details such as 3. Diversity (automotive industry helps a bit here, but lack of extracurricular could hurt. Irrespective, will need to build a story around any other unique traits or qualities that you can bring in to add value to the experience of your batch mates inside and outside the class room). 4. Career goals seem to be missing completely here and are an extremely important piece of the admissions puzzle. Please work on building a narrative that is clear, realistic and organic.

You may want to read here on what factors work in a profile and here to add to your research on career goals.

Best
Varun Sharma
+918452954888 (WA message for a quicker response)
MBAkarma.com
info@mbakarma.com

Sriram99 wrote:Hi, Need profile evaluation

Male; 30; GMAT score:740; 9 years work exp in automotive(single company); multiple departments:Sourcing, pricing, strategy;B.tech production engineering (NIT Trichy) 8.45 CGPA, Head of a department for college cultural festival;12th :93 percent;10th: 93 percent. No major EC achievements.

Posted from my mobile device

Hello aayushlovelife

Some important pointers about your profile which you would already know are your international education and rich international work experience with strong focus in extracurricular activities.

However, your short term goal after MBA is wanting to enter into Infrastructure consulting firms(Major Ones) is not impossible but also not easy. You will have to make a strong case for yourself by talking about relevant work experience and how doing PGP from ISB will help you transition into MBB consulting or some big Infrastructure Companies through the essays, application and the LOR.

Your GRE score seems to be OK considering your education and professional experience but to better your scholarship chances, we recommend that you improve your score from 319 to a GRE score between 324 and 330. As you haven't worked in India in the infrastructure space, developing industry knowledge will also help you during the application/interview process.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Team ISBMantra
https://www.isbmantra.com | info@isbmantra.com

aayushlovelife wrote:Hi all! Your critique of my profile will be greatly appreciated:

Some stats:
Indian Male: 25
GRE: 319 (Q166V153)
GPA: 2.96/4.3 (top 20% rank)
Class 12th: 95% (Science + Economics)
Class 10th: 10.0 CGPA

Education:
Civil Engineering from University of Hong Kong (global rank top 20 for the course) + Exchange program at Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Academic Scholarship for all 4 years and a summer school stint in Spain. Graduated in 2019

Work ex total 4 years (by the time I apply this year for next year intake):
Started a startup upon graduation based in Hong Kong in Greentech (cleaning plastic waste pollution from water bodies) and found success in Indonesia as well. Successfully exited the company.
Joined a medium sized firm based in Singapore office, showed rapid progression and managed 6 consultants by the time I left.
Moved to Hong Kong to work in a fortune 500 company (asia HQ office) and currently still working here.

Motivation: Want to give back to my country, add value as an engineer and manager in infrastructure industry in India.

Co-curriculars:
Did a project in Myanmar under the engineering for sustainability program at university, building prototypes for water conservation for farmers in Yangon, Myanmar. (8 months, multi-disciplinary, sustainability team lead)
Part of a 3-week bootcamp (MEMSI) with students from MIT and students chosen all across Hong Kong to pitch ideas to investors in Shenzhen, China. (one of the winning teams in the end)
Alongside full-time role, worked as advisor to founder for a hydroponics farm based in Delhi (during COVID), grew the business from 5 employees to 50+ during my time, pitched multiple community outreach programs, helped decarbonization of the business operations and continue to advise to the Founder on and off. (9 months)
Won HKSAR government scholarship for projects in Greentech across southeast Asia.
Recently won a Green Hackathon at workplace among several teams and currently commercializing the idea into reality on the side.
12 years lawn tennis player, played for university and school at state and national level.

Career goals align with my motivation, looking to enter infrastructure consulting firms (major ones) post-MBA, continue to grow in this field garnering managerial skills to complement my engineering and Entreprenurial background. Give back to my country after having acquired skills and experience in an international setup.

Thank you for your time, advice and suggestions!

ISBmantra wrote:Hello aayushlovelife

Some important pointers about your profile which you would already know are your international education and rich international work experience with strong focus in extracurricular activities.

However, your short term goal after MBA is wanting to enter into Infrastructure consulting firms(Major Ones) is not impossible but also not easy. You will have to make a strong case for yourself by talking about relevant work experience and how doing PGP from ISB will help you transition into MBB consulting or some big Infrastructure Companies through the essays, application and the LOR.

Your GRE score seems to be OK considering your education and professional experience but to better your scholarship chances, we recommend that you improve your score from 319 to a GRE score between 324 and 330. As you haven't worked in India in the infrastructure space, developing industry knowledge will also help you during the application/interview process.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Team ISBMantra
https://www.isbmantra.com | info@isbmantra.com

aayushlovelife wrote:Hi all! Your critique of my profile will be greatly appreciated:

Some stats:
Indian Male: 25
GRE: 319 (Q166V153)
GPA: 2.96/4.3 (top 20% rank)
Class 12th: 95% (Science + Economics)
Class 10th: 10.0 CGPA

Education:
Civil Engineering from University of Hong Kong (global rank top 20 for the course) + Exchange program at Nanyang Technological University Singapore
Academic Scholarship for all 4 years and a summer school stint in Spain. Graduated in 2019

Work ex total 4 years (by the time I apply this year for next year intake):
Started a startup upon graduation based in Hong Kong in Greentech (cleaning plastic waste pollution from water bodies) and found success in Indonesia as well. Successfully exited the company.
Joined a medium sized firm based in Singapore office, showed rapid progression and managed 6 consultants by the time I left.
Moved to Hong Kong to work in a fortune 500 company (asia HQ office) and currently still working here.

Motivation: Want to give back to my country, add value as an engineer and manager in infrastructure industry in India.

Co-curriculars:
Did a project in Myanmar under the engineering for sustainability program at university, building prototypes for water conservation for farmers in Yangon, Myanmar. (8 months, multi-disciplinary, sustainability team lead)
Part of a 3-week bootcamp (MEMSI) with students from MIT and students chosen all across Hong Kong to pitch ideas to investors in Shenzhen, China. (one of the winning teams in the end)
Alongside full-time role, worked as advisor to founder for a hydroponics farm based in Delhi (during COVID), grew the business from 5 employees to 50+ during my time, pitched multiple community outreach programs, helped decarbonization of the business operations and continue to advise to the Founder on and off. (9 months)
Won HKSAR government scholarship for projects in Greentech across southeast Asia.
Recently won a Green Hackathon at workplace among several teams and currently commercializing the idea into reality on the side.
12 years lawn tennis player, played for university and school at state and national level.

Career goals align with my motivation, looking to enter infrastructure consulting firms (major ones) post-MBA, continue to grow in this field garnering managerial skills to complement my engineering and Entreprenurial background. Give back to my country after having acquired skills and experience in an international setup.

Thank you for your time, advice and suggestions!

Hi thank you for your candid profile evaluation. To qualify/confirm some of the concerns I have PMed you and for further collaboration as well.

Regards

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!

Shreybahadur

Based on the information you have provided, you have a strong profile for the MBA programs you have listed. Your academic background seems to have been consistent. Through your Master's degree and certification such as Quantity Surveying/Cost Management can be used to showcase your technical expertise in the industry. Your diverse work experience across different sectors and geographies is a really really strong point in your profile, and not many people applying to IIMs and ISB will have that kind of experience. Additionally, your involvement in educational and CSR highlight your leadership potential and ability to take initiative. All of these can make for a very strong submission. Another huge positive is that your drive to achieve your goals is evident from whatever little you've written here. If we can build on this and demonstrate a strong passion for your goals, you will stand a good chance of admission.

Coming to your concerns about the GRE score, a high GRE score is definitely an advantage but not a must-have for someone with your level of work experience. While it is true that these programs have a minimum GRE score requirement, most schools look at the application holistically, taking into account your work experience, leadership potential, academic achievements, and other relevant factors. However, make sure you score a minimum of 320 to maximize your chances of getting admitted.

Have no doubts about the need for an MBA at this stage. An MBA will help you develop the management and strategic skills required for a business development role or a strategy role. An MBA program would also provide opportunities for networking, learning from experienced industry professionals, and gaining exposure to different business functions and industries. Additionally, an MBA from a top school such as IIM Ahmedabad, ISB or IIM Bangalore could enhance your marketability and career prospects in the highly competitive job market. Firms tend to recruit heavily from top MBA programs, as they see them as a reliable source of highly talented and motivated individuals who have developed a solid foundation in business management and strategy

In summary, target minimum 320 GRE and create a compelling narrative through your essays to improve your chances.

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
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Saakshi2407 wrote:Hi Everyone!

I would like to request my profile evaluation -

32Y/F
Mother of a toddler

Chartered accountant with 8+ (9 by the time I join mba program) years post qualification experience.

CA - 53% (Both groups cleared together; exemption in 2/8 & 5/7 subjects in Final & Inter respectively; articleship from a Big 4)
B. Com. - 71%
12th - 86%
10th - 91%

Experience -
1. Working as a Finance Manager in one of the Big 3s (2+ years in current role) Key responsibilities - Planning/ budgeting & tracking actuals against budget, performing margin analysis (critical KPI as drives partner bonus); Spearheading implementation of a new accounting standard/first time implementation of a new process & multiple other finance functions (consolidation, audit etc.)
Prior to this was an experienced manager in Big 4 and worked on end to end of an audit of all FS captions of diversified industries - Consumer goods, Fashion apparel, industrial goods (spent 6+ years post qualification).

Key professional highlights -
1. Throughout rated a high performer
2. Got An offer for secondment to US office
3. Promoted from Senior to AM within a year of joining (1 out of 13)
4. As a Manager 1 handled one of the biggest engagement of the firm erstwhile handled by an experienced SM
5. Secondment in Transfer pricing & Forensics department
6. Won multiple awards for performance, team management & exceptional client service
7. Have been actively involved on hiring drives, leading the onboarding efforts; imparting accounting & audit trainings (group size ~50) and handled team size/direct reportees ~20

Extracurricular - 1) Won painting competitions in school for multiple years and a prize at district level
2) Emceed multiple school events; participated in debates, quizes, drama etc.
3) Was invited to my school as a 'guest of honour' and a judge.

Motivation - Always wanted to pursue an MBA but couldn't due to personal/family reasons; then ROI seemed too high for taking a break. Now I am at a point where I want to do it before it is too late - for my personal growth; get a real college experience and pivot my career from a core technical accounting role to a role that is general management.

I know my extracurricular is quiet weak. I do have some ideas that I can work on but i'm confused as to what's the key to choosing - is it volunteering for an NGO/social cause but volunteering in my skills as a CA is fine or volunteering in a different role and thus make it really an extracurricular

Posted from my mobile device

Saakshi2407

First of all, you must be extremely proud of yourself for contemplating an MBA while handling a toddler. Caring for a toddler is like a number of full-time jobs put-together

Coming to your profile, your academic background and work background are solid. Nothing to worry about there. What you must focus on is to get a good GMAT score (700+) and more importantly, show why you need the MBA now. All admissions committees are going to wonder why someone whose career is going well and who has a toddler to take care of would want to put herself through a rigorous MBA at this point. So you need have clarity on your goals and the need for an MBA.

Regarding your extracurricular activities, it is not necessary to have a broad range of extracurricular activities to be a strong MBA candidate. Admissions committees value quality over quantity, and your work achievements and leadership experiences can more than make up for any potential gaps in your extracurricular activities, if you portray them right. However, it is always good to have a well-rounded profile, so if you have any ideas for extracurricular activities that you are passionate about, you should pursue them in the coming months.

For a more detailed 1-1 strategy session, please write to contactus@admitexpert.com or fill the form at http://www.admitexpert.com

Good luck!
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