Please Evaluate my profile

rbco80301 · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 4:10 pm Post subject: Please Evaluate my profile

Hi Stacy

Another one requesting your help. Please evaluate my profile.

Also, i took GMAT this weekend and am debating if i should go for rd2 this year (as in yr 2008) or wait it out and go for rd 1.

I am 33 yr old male from India. I have been working for about 11 years now and have been working in US since 1998 (not sure if that matters). I am a Green Card Holder (again not sure if that matters). My experience is in the IT industry. I started in 1996 working at a Major Indian Software House. Worked there for about two years. Then i am moved out to colorado and worked for a few telecom companies. In 2000 i joined a semiconductor company and worked there for about 2 years as Systems Software Engineer. In 2002 i took another job assignment in California with same company as Product Applications Engineer on the marketing side of things. In Jan 2005 I moved back to colorado and joined a top computer networking company as a Senior Software Engineer. So much so for my work experience.

I did my bachelors in Electrical Engg from Institute of Technology, BHU. I had a DGPA of 9.06/10.00. I am not sure how that translates to GPA 4.0. But i was ranked 4th out of 50 off people.

Extracurricular activies:- Hmm not a whole lot. I did some in india in my Dad's organisation. But thats ancient Smile

.
Did some volunteer work this past spring, helping poor people with their taxes. I know need to work on this one, could you suggest some avenues?

GMAT Score: 770 (Q51, V42)

I want to go for MBA in Finance. I want to shoot for Full time in top-ten B-school, but if that falls through settle for part-time from (Duke, UNC, UCLA, USC, Stern).

Also, I havent really worked on apps at all.
What do you think are my chances for rd 2 this year. The alternative is to wait it out an year, work on volunteering front and maybe change my job to sales/marketing side. At my age its really now or never Smile

. So just want to weigh my options carefully.

Appreciate your help. Thanks Stacy

Amy · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 7:05 am Post subject:

Hi rbco80301,

I think it may be worth applying this year and then re-applying next year with more volunteer activity if you are not admitted this year. Your academics are quite solid, and if you are able to communicate your background and career goals strongly I think it's worth the attempt this year (given your "now or never").

As for volunteering - you want to pick something where you can take an active leadership role. It's best to select an organization that holds either a personal or professional interest for you so that it "fits" with you overall.

Good luck!

Amy

rbco80301 · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 8:13 am Post subject: Hi

Hi Amy,

Thanks for your response. A follow up question on this. So how is reapplying perceived by the business schools? Is it seen as perseverance or "maan this guy just doesnt get it" Smile

.

With my ITish background, what are my chances to make it to top-5 schools? Do you think i need a job change on system/sales side to boost my chances?

Thanks for your tips on volunteering. I will continue to work on those.

By the way "now or never" meant, this is perhaps the best time for me to go back to school. Either 2008 or 2009 that is.

Thanks for your awesome advice.

Amy · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 11:40 pm Post subject:

Hi rbco80301,

Reapplying with exactly the same application wouldn't be a great idea, but if you are able to improve your candidacy it is certainly seen as persistent.

Your background will certainly not prevent you from being admitted to a top 5 school, it's just important to supplement your background with other elements (volunteering and essays, etc) that will set you apart.

Good luck!

Amy

rbco80301 · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 9:33 am Post subject:

Thanks Amy!

I had one more question for you. So i am 33 right now. I want to go in the field of finance. Do you think i am little too old for that?

Given the extra curr i have for now. Do you think i have a legitimate shot at MBA apps this yr for rd 2?

PS- i tried to contact you guys through your website. Hopefully you might have more info about me in the form i filled out.

Amy · Posted: Thu Oct 25, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject:

Hi rbco80301,

I think more and stronger extracurriculars can only help you, but you should apply at the time you are ready regardless.

I don't think you are too old to be recruited into the job you want post-MBA. The MBA really levels the field for recruiting, and companies typically hire MBAs into an "MBA slot" at a certain level. That level may be lower than what you were hoping for given your years of experience, but it's only an issue if that is a problem for you. If this is really your dream, I don't think it will matter to you.

Good luck!

Amy