Ask Stacy Blackman

Stacy,

What do you think about my profile and my chance of getting into a top10 school?

Background
Yes, I am yet another Indian engineering graduate. Graduated from a Regional Engg. university. I cannot convert grade into GPA but I was ranked in the top 15 (class of 70).
Masters in Electrical Engineering from state school in US(ranked in Top30 in EE). GPA: 3.5

GMAT
730 (Q49-89%, V40-89%) Overall - 96%

Work Experience
7 yrs in top semiconductor company. Currently, I am a senior design engineer.

Community work & extra-curriculars
Involved with my company's social outreach program. Participated in tutoring program in a local school last semester. Will be continuing with the same student this semester. Mentored a group of middle-grade students in a engineering outreach program.

Raised funds and organized concerts for a music association in college.

Awards, Papers
Received a Regents tuition scholarship for my Masters degree.
Published technical papers during undergraduate studies

Sports, Hobbies
I am an avid skier. I've also played Table Tennis at school & collegiate level. Other hobbies including cycling (in summer) & building PCs(desktop computers). I sold a few early on but not anymore.

Career Goals: I have 7 yrs of tech experience, so I would love to leverage it in some way. I plan to focus on Product Management or Management Consulting career post-MBA.

Target schools: I think that only a FT MBA from the top10 would be justified as I will be giving up a well paying job to shift careers.
I am still shortlisting the schools. So, any suggestions are welcome.

Primary concerns:
Age - 31. Is it considered too old?

The "Why now question" - Product cycles in my field are extremely long ~1-2yrs. The last two took 3.5 yrs on my career. But the experience I gained in seeing it through the complete cycle is invaluable to me. I would like to shift from a contributing role to a managerial or advisory one. Hence, MBA.

Thanks in advance.

Amy, Stacy,

Can you please comment on my profile?

Thanks,
vrider

Hi vrider,

It looks like you have some great raw material to work with for your applications, and no major flaws to work on.

The main issue with your application is going to be setting yourself apart from your demographic. You'll need to make sure that your goals are clear, make sense and that you have a real passion for them that you can communicate. Think about what is truly unique about you, and make sure you are able to highlight those qualities.

Good luck!

Amy

Amy,

What about the age factor? Do you think, at 31, I have a chance at the top5? I am not interested in I-banking or Finance and would like to pursue an MBA in general management.

Also, the round 1 deadlines are early October to November for almost all. Given this, would I better served applying to schools between 5 & 10? After some research, I have been considering Columbia, Chicago, Haas, Tuck & Cornell.

Thanks
vrider

Hi vrider,

I don't think your age is a deal breaker. HBS tends to skew a bit younger, but if you look at the profiles of all programs there are certainly outliers in terms of age. It's more important for you in considering recruiting, because you may be taking the same job at the same pay as someone younger with less work experience. The MBA is a bit of an equalizer in recruiting.

I'm not sure what you are asking in your question about deadlines and the top 1-5 vs. 5-10. If you are asking me whether I think you should go for a less competitive program, I would say that the entire top 10 is quite competitive. I don't think you have any reason to be intimidated, it just means that no one is guaranteed a spot. That being said, you cannot control all of the other people applying or know who you are up against. You can only control putting together the best application in your power.

Good luck!

Amy