Ask Stacy Blackman

Hi.. Thanks much in advance!!

I started the whole journey last year and then decided I am better off waiting for one more year before starting Business school and here I am!

Background: Born in small village in India. Moved to Nepal when I was a yr old. Did all my schooling in Nepal. I come from a very poor family and no one is educated so me completing high school was a big deal. (My dad’s studied the highest-8th grade). When I was starting my high school, dad started his own business and wanted me to be part of it. I helped him out for 2 yrs and then decided I need to study more. (I was a good student and my teachers were the one encouraged me to go to college). Now I wanted to get at least a college degree. Apart from working for my dad I used to work in small software firm in Nepal (ITNTI) as an administrative assistant. This is where I was introduced to computers and was fascinated by it. I decided I wanted to study further in computers but my family wanted me to look after the family business. I fought hard and when my dad didn’t give in, I pretty much got kicked out of the house. I got my visa, had saved enough money for my first semester and started my college. After leaving home I regretted leaving my family and understood their value. It was too late to go back but I started helping them from US. In my second yr. In college I went to China with my dad for a major expansion of his business. He has moved from selling on the streets with me to managing 6 stores and an office in China.

Education and Work Experience: Graduated with a 3.94 GPA from State University(Minnesota) at age of 20. Worked throughout the college and have held more than 15 jobs during college life. Got my internship at a big law firm and thus a full time job. Got promoted once within these 2 yrs(usual 5 yrs) and got interested in Business side of techonology. After getting tired to find something that would fit my professional needs, I decided to sell everything in MN and move to NYC. Now I work at Wall St in a QA dept. but really close to the Sales team and going to be joining the business side soon. 4.5 yrs of work experience before I get in the school.

Community Involvement: PLENTY! From President to Social chair of various org group..

Why I want my MBA or what do I want from my MBA?

I want to do my MBA in International Business. I believe Techonology is the support function for business but not business itself. Hence, the business side of Technology is where I want to go!! Intl Business Mgmt with Technology focus.

GMAT: Q50, V40 - 740

Target schools: Haas, UCLA, and may be eveennnn Stanford.. Can you help me add to this list. Georgetown seems to be a good fit when I think of In't Business and Management

My safety schools??

Thanks again

Hi dddork,

You have a great profile, as long as you can show a clear purpose and trajectory with your work experience. It could seem a bit fragmented unless you craft a strong story about why you made the choices you did.

I would look at MIT and Wharton in addition to your list. With your academic profile I think you have a good chance at the top schools, but the essays are going to be important for you.

Good luck!

Amy

Amy thanks for the kind words of encouragement. From the books I have read about the essays of various appicants in these schools, I seem to be shooting for the stars. For example, there was this book and the essays were from Major of Navy SEALS, and almost everyone seemed to have an Ivy league undergrad degree..

In my know I would need a good strong story... My problem is that coming from such a background, I didn't have oppurtunities. Growing up on the streets, we didn't have enough for a meal forget about academic/professional choices. I worked every inch, took whatever limited oppurtunity I had and made best of it..

Also, are you going to be in the conference on 23rd in NYC? I think Stacy is coming for sure but wasn't sure if you are going to be there too.. Its from Manhattan GMAT.

dddork, keep in mind that those applications in the books are the best of the best, cream of the crop. You look like you have a great chance IMO.

Hi dddork,

I won't be in NYC on the 23rd unfortunately, but it sounds like it will be great and helpful.

Showing persistence and vision through your hardships will be a great story. Not everyone has the same opportunities in life, and it is much more important to show that you have done the best with what you did have the opportunity to do.

Good luck!

Amy

Thanks Amy.. I will keep you updated and definitely would let you know about the session..