Ask Admissionado

Hi,

I'm planning to apply to INSEAD for the Sept 2015 intake. I hope you can give some feedback on my profile and where I need to improve.

GMAT score - 700 (2nd attempt, got a 690 earlier)

Qualification - BBA, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

Work experience - nearly 6 years in the editorial team of India's largest selling automotive magazine. I write for the magazine and website and have also started doing video reviews (one just clocked 60,000 hits!).

Awards - Was awarded performer of the year in 2013.

Career goal - I want to make a switch to the automotive industry and want to work at a car manufacturer. While I don't want to come across as uni-dimensional, cars have been a life-long passion and I believe I'd be happiest involved in the industry in some way. Marketing and strategy interest me most.

Why INSEAD - For starters, the automotive industry is as global as they come. That's also what got me interested in INSEAD - few schools have such a diverse student pool. I'm sure that would, in some way, help me in my planned career at a global car manufacturer. Thanks to my job,I have also got the opportunity to travel a fair bit. My travels, no matter how short, have always helped me gain an insight into the culture of a place. This zest to know more and see more is also one of the factors that is driving me to apply to INSEAD.

Extra-curriculars - I'll be honest, I wasn't too involved in such activities right till I started working. But today, I do run marathons (well, half marathons!), and am learning to play the drums and also to play tennis. I don't have any accomplishments to my name for any of the above but I have experienced how these activities have made me more confident as an individual.

Volunteer work - I worked for an NGO way back in 2006 for a month. The NGO, Pratham, is involved in primary education and is one of India's most recognised non-profit organisations. As part of my job, I drafted a detailed report for the particular centre I was assigned to. The report was further presented to donors.

It would be really nice if you could have a look and tell me what you think of my profile. INSEAD is my priority school but do let me know other schools you think I should apply to.

Thanks in advance,

Nikhil