Hi
I would appreciate if you can advise me on my best possible course of action.
Background
I am from Singapore. Native Chinese. 27 years of age. Good command of english. Served mandatory National Service in the Civil Defence Force for 2 years.
Undergrad
Initially, i was enrolled in a Polytechnic as an Engineering student but didnt like it so i dropped out and I did the University of London External Degree in Accoounting and Finance in Singapore but only graduated with a second class lower honours. the reason for my low grade is not because i played too hard but becuase i took my first year part time while i was serving national service and had to work part-time as a waiter to fund my second and final years.
Current situation
I have 2 yrs of work experience. 1 year in the sales team of a mutual fund house. 1 year corporate banking role at an int'l bank. although both roles were in front office teams, i was mainly restricted to a support role.
i have been told by industry insiders that my 2nd lower external degree is the thing that is holding me back from jobs which i would like to pursue such as investment banking or consultancy.
Now, i have saved enough to fund my further education. and i am preparing for my GMAT. Assuming i score 650-7XX, do i have a decent chance in being accepted to the top 15 MBA progs?
If not, realistically, what MBA progs should i consider?
&
Are MBAs not from the tier1 programmes even worth it? i dont want to spend only to find out that it does not add value to my career prospects.
Sorry for the long post. I woudl greatly appreciate your input.
MBA, my chances, possible options? Please advise me.
This topic has expert replies
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- MBA Admissions Consultant
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- Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 12:51 pm
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- GMAT Score:750+
Hi Jon,
Thanks for your post!
You have good credentials and could be competitive for a top MBA program. As you know, its hard to gauge your candidacy based on profile/stats, as much of the decision is based on your essays, LORs, interview. That said - here is my feedback.
Since you have somewhat diverse WE (military, sales, finance), its important for you to have a good 'story' of why you went this route and how these experiences are linked together and how they will help you in the MBA program and also your post-MBA career. Maybe think of positing each one as separate business skills (i.e. military - teamwork skills, finance - analytical skills).
I am not sure how to interpret your undergrad GPA, however you mentioned it is a bit lower than average. Therefore, you really need a strong showing on your GMAT. You should shoot for 700.
Top 15 might be a stretch... unfortunately you are in a competitive applicant pools - International/Asian applicants. I would recommend doing research on schools and figure out which would be a good fit for you based on your background and interests - there are many good schools in the 10-25 ranking range that will help you achieve your post-MBA goals.
For more help on schools, also check out Veritas Prep free School Selector application, which can give you a sense of schools could fit your background. See top post for link.
Good luck!
NP
Thanks for your post!
You have good credentials and could be competitive for a top MBA program. As you know, its hard to gauge your candidacy based on profile/stats, as much of the decision is based on your essays, LORs, interview. That said - here is my feedback.
Since you have somewhat diverse WE (military, sales, finance), its important for you to have a good 'story' of why you went this route and how these experiences are linked together and how they will help you in the MBA program and also your post-MBA career. Maybe think of positing each one as separate business skills (i.e. military - teamwork skills, finance - analytical skills).
I am not sure how to interpret your undergrad GPA, however you mentioned it is a bit lower than average. Therefore, you really need a strong showing on your GMAT. You should shoot for 700.
Top 15 might be a stretch... unfortunately you are in a competitive applicant pools - International/Asian applicants. I would recommend doing research on schools and figure out which would be a good fit for you based on your background and interests - there are many good schools in the 10-25 ranking range that will help you achieve your post-MBA goals.
For more help on schools, also check out Veritas Prep free School Selector application, which can give you a sense of schools could fit your background. See top post for link.
Good luck!
NP
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep
Hi Nikhil, thanks for the reply.
a 2nd lower is prob a GPA of 2.8-3.0 (at the very most)
would an MBA from outside the top 15, lets say a rank 40+ type of school add value to my career prospects?
would my chances be good in landing a job in the US/EU in the MNCs/international banks/Big4?
Thanks
a 2nd lower is prob a GPA of 2.8-3.0 (at the very most)
would an MBA from outside the top 15, lets say a rank 40+ type of school add value to my career prospects?
would my chances be good in landing a job in the US/EU in the MNCs/international banks/Big4?
Thanks
-
- MBA Admissions Consultant
- Posts: 690
- Joined: Thu May 01, 2008 12:51 pm
- Thanked: 39 times
- Followed by:3 members
- GMAT Score:750+
Hi Jon,
Most top MBA programs will help in your career. The key is to find the right school with right opportunites/resources/connections in your career interests (including function, industry, region). I am sure you can find this within the 15-40 range.
Regardless of what program you attend (whether it is a top 10 or top 50 program), the onus is on you to effectively utilize the school's resources to get the carer you want.
For example, a school like USC is not typically ranked in the top 15, but has an incredible alumni network, strong ties to Southern California businesses and great programs in M&E, Marketing and Finance. There are many great schools that are under the Top10/25 radar.
Regards,
NP
Most top MBA programs will help in your career. The key is to find the right school with right opportunites/resources/connections in your career interests (including function, industry, region). I am sure you can find this within the 15-40 range.
Regardless of what program you attend (whether it is a top 10 or top 50 program), the onus is on you to effectively utilize the school's resources to get the carer you want.
For example, a school like USC is not typically ranked in the top 15, but has an incredible alumni network, strong ties to Southern California businesses and great programs in M&E, Marketing and Finance. There are many great schools that are under the Top10/25 radar.
Regards,
NP
Nikhil P. | Admissions Consultant | Veritas Prep