Ask mbaMission

Hi, I present relevant aspects of my application profile for your honest consideration. Thanks very much in advanced.

General:
Male
Age: 29 (when applying)
Nationality: Colombia
Other: 1 child (10yr old)

Undergrad:
Double Degree (BBA) in International Business and Finance
Berkeley College (New York): Relatively un-known college (GPA: 3.9/4.0) (Merit Scholarship-President´s List)
EAFIT University (Colombia): High ranked college in Colombia (GPA: 4.1/5.0)(aprox. 3.4/4.0)
GPA shows consistent ascending pattern throughout the entire career.
Extracurriculars in College: Member (but not director or founder) of Management Club. Received award for outstanding membership. In general however, I think this aspect is weak since I had to combine work and fatherhood during college.

Work experience:
Worked for 2 years as a research analyst at boutique investment bank in NY. (1 promotion)
Worked for 4 years (when submitting application) as senior analyst at biggest investment bank in Colombia (1 promotion)
Ample transaction summary. Closed several deals in M&A and Project Finance, both locally and internationally. Strongest point of the application. Good recommendation letters from current bosses.

Community & Activities:
Juror and advisor for the principal entrepreneurship contest in Colombia (last 2 yrs)
Undergraduate Professor of Financial Analysis at alma mater (Last 2 yrs at EAFIT)
Completed 3 pro-bono projects advising local NGO´s in expansion projects (last 3 yrs)
Lecturer and motivational speaker for low-income young people under Mayor´s Office plan
Recently founded a furnished- apartment rental business on the side for extra-income

GMAT:
Have not taken it yet (Practice tests b/w 650-700 but still completing the prep.)

SCHOOLS:
Sloan, Columbia, NYU, Haas

SPECIFIC QUESTIONS:
Any major holes you spot in my profile? Any interesting aspect that I should exploit more aggressively? Any tip to differentiate from other international Invt.Bankers?
Won´t be looking for job in the US since I´m returning to my employer. Will this give me any edge?
Might apply as Fulbright scholar through my sponsor. Given my profile, would this be a major boost or just another minor piece?

Thanks very much for your advice.

Juanse

Hi Juanse,

Thanks for your questions. Your academic/personal background are certainly not "typical" and I do think that you have achieved success despite the fact that you did not attend a top college and you had to devote a significant amount of your time to fatherhood during college.

Regarding your specific questions:

In terms of major holes, the college you attended can be a "hole" per se....but it is not something you can change. I suggest that you focus on your professional progress to show that you are capable of succeeding in a rigorous MBA program. In terms of how to differentiate yourself in your essays, I feel you can focus on the deals you have worked on in your career, highlight your extra-curricular leadership activities and tell your personal story. Returning to your employer after your MBA can be a positive thing since it shows that your employer values your contributions and is willing to sponsor your education. However, be sure that you show why the MBA is valuable for you. It has to be more than just about a "free" education.

Overall, I do think you are competitive at your target schools.

Best of luck with the application process!