Ask Stacy Blackman

G'day!

Lurking for at least a year, and I feel the time may be right to apply and look towards my next path, preferably in the US. Any comments/feedback on my profile and elements to emphasise in the application would be greatly appreciated.

Is there any benefit to emphasise that I am an Australian-born Asian? I have read through forums that it may be harder to compete against the pool of American Asians given the larger/more competitive pool, so maybe this may be a way to benefit from being a "diverse" candidate? Or is this just wishful thinking?

Age: 26 (27 at matriculation)
Ethnicity: Asian
UG: Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), Bachelor of Laws @ Top Australian university (think Sydney University / University of New South Wales)
GPA: Hard to convert, but I've got a Distinction average and Dean's Award (top 5% in finance)
Passed all 3 levels of CFA Program, but will need to wait till early next year before receiving Charter
GMAT: 740, pretty evenly split in terms of %ile


ECs/Community: 1) equity analyst during ugrad, with the role of analysing energy companies for a university investing club, which donates returns to charity; 2) peer mentor for 1st years during ugrad; 3) since graduating, I've taught newly-arrived migrants English and how to adjust in Australia

Work: 3.5 years (4.5 by matriculation) in the Markets division of bulge bracket investment bank (think BAML/MS), based in Australia. 1st year rotating, and in Commodities thereafter. Function is originating structured/physical commodity deals. I have travelled to HK/Singapore/China/NZ for work. Interned twice during ugrad: at another investment bank in IBD, and my current employer. Teaching assistant in finance for 4 semesters.

Post-MBA goal: work as analyst in private equity focusing on sustainable development, or commodity trader, e.g. Glencore, Mercuria.
Target programs: Top 10, but preferably CBS/Wharton/HBS/Stanford

Thanks in advance!