Please evaluate my profile (Thanks!)

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Please evaluate my profile (Thanks!)

by antoner » Sun May 25, 2008 9:51 am
Greetings,

My GPA out of college was a 3.8 from a top 10 National Liberal Arts college where I majored in Economics, minored in Computer Science, and took extensive classes in Politics and Philosophy.

My extracurricular activities in college included 3 concurrent part time jobs as a Computer Science tutor/grader, research assistant for one of my economics professors, and a research assistant / scholar position within a Political Economics research institution based in my alma mater.

My GMat score is 710 (Q49-89% / V37-82%) with an AWA of 4.5.

I began my career as business analyst with a technology startup company funded by a major aerospace manufacturer. My primary role there was to develop business cases for new product initiatives, present the financial value proposition to the airline customers, and develop / negotiate pricing with the airlines. I was promoted ahead of schedule in this company twice
during the 42 months I was there.

When the startup company had to shutdown and I moved to a larger division within the startup's parent company, which is where I presently work. My primary role has been to lead the analysis of strategic planning projects that involve new or derivative airplane business decisions that
may involve international joint ventures, partnerships, or entry into new markets. Later this month, I will also begin teaching internal classes to managers with non-business backgrounds on Decision Analysis and how to improve Business Acumen. I have been promoted once during the 18 months I have been here, which is also ahead of schedule.

I also plan to complete a Masters Certificate in Project Management and get my Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification in September of this year.

My extracurricular activities include serving as the President of my condominium's Homeowners Association. Last year, I also Volunteered to help lead alumni fundraising for my alma mater. I also participated in a business competition run by a professional association that I belong to.

My outside interests include contributing to the online Flight Simulation community by developing freeware cockpit panels for others to use. One of my designs received very positive reviews by a prominent online Flight Simulator Magazine.

I plan to apply to a full time MBA program in Fall 2009. Ideally I would like to attend a program that is strong in Finance and Entrepreneurial Studies. Wharton and Chicago are my top choices but because these schools are so difficult to get into, I would appreciate your help and guidance:

1. Is my profile even competitive for these schools?

2. Should I retake the GMAT given that my AWA and Verbal scores are on the low side?

3. Does working with and traveling to international customers (based in Latin America, Europe, and India) and collaborating with and traveling to business partners (from Russia and France) constitute international experience or do Business Schools only define international experience as being based in an international office for a specific period of time?

4. What areas should I focus on improving in the next few months?

Thank you very much!
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by Lisa Anderson » Sun May 25, 2008 1:21 pm
Dear antoner,

I think you have a solid foundation for the Chicago and Wharton. There are some other great finance/entrepreneurship programs in the top 40 that you might also consider (some as safety options, some might be a great fit).

I do not think you should retake your GMAT unless you feel you can get your score up at least 20-30 points. If you believe you can increase your score with some additional prep, then it might be worth it to get as close to/above the GMAT averages as possible.

I think you will find some variance on the definition of "international experience". Your work experience with international customers/partners and traveling to those countries does constitute international experience in my opinion. However, there might be some programs that choose to narrowly define international experience as living outside your home country.

Over the next few months, you should be researching schools and visiting those that make the top of your target list. In the event you choose to retake the GMAT, then you would also be spending quite a bit of time preparing. Once applications are released, then you need to put in the effort to write outstanding essays.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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by antoner » Mon May 26, 2008 8:42 am
Lisa,

Thank you for your prompt response (even during Memorial Day Weekend!) I will do a bit more research on others schools that might have a good fit and start gearing up for the application process.

Ronan