Hi Lisa,
I was wondering what schools thought of applicants from second-tier MC firms who nevertheless have high stats. I have a 3.8 GPA and a 770 GMAT, which seems like it would normally make me extremely competitive in admissions, except that I will be applying from an Accenture/Deloitte level firm (in the business strategy/operations practice). Since the management consulting pool of applicants is enormously competitive and I'm not at a marquee firm (McK/BCG/Bain), how much do my chances at Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford suffer? My firm is kind of the best that you can get in MC out of my undergrad which is of course gratifying for me, but it seems that due to my uninspiring undergrad institution and mediocre firm, i'll still be at a disadvantage vis-a-vis my competition.
Secondly, how exactly do you recommend that I deal with this in my essays? Complaining about immaturity in high school leading to a poor college and bad job prospects seems whiny, especially because i'm not in a bad position, per se, but just an uncompetitive one.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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Admissions from second tier firms?
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pissantvache
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Lisa Anderson
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Dear pissantvache,
I actually think your perspective on this is completely wrong. There is nothing in the brief profile given that puts you at a disadvantage. Work experience in terms of industry and firm is not an issue; it is what you did in your work experience that matters. It is important to highlight your contribution and accomplishments, demonstrate your advancement, and give concrete examples. If you have been in the same job with no increase in responsibilities for 4 years, you will not be as competitive as a candidate with demonstrable increases in responsibility (i.e., promotions, supervising others, budget growth, etc.) for 4 years.
To be competitive, you want to speak confidently and positively about your work experience. Use your essays, resume and interview to communicate the positive impact you have had and your advancement in the firm. Lastly, leverage your experience as the foundation for your move to your post-MBA career.
Good luck,
Lisa
I actually think your perspective on this is completely wrong. There is nothing in the brief profile given that puts you at a disadvantage. Work experience in terms of industry and firm is not an issue; it is what you did in your work experience that matters. It is important to highlight your contribution and accomplishments, demonstrate your advancement, and give concrete examples. If you have been in the same job with no increase in responsibilities for 4 years, you will not be as competitive as a candidate with demonstrable increases in responsibility (i.e., promotions, supervising others, budget growth, etc.) for 4 years.
To be competitive, you want to speak confidently and positively about your work experience. Use your essays, resume and interview to communicate the positive impact you have had and your advancement in the firm. Lastly, leverage your experience as the foundation for your move to your post-MBA career.
Good luck,
Lisa
