Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hi All,

I wanted to get some advice on my profile for applying to B Schools early next year (Round 1) for entry in 2012. I know I am asking early, but also believe in planning well in advance to set expectations accordingly. Please find below some details around my experience and qualifications.

I am currently working in a strategic research firm in the Human Resources team. I work in a specialist function called allocations. My firm was founded by one of the largest consulting firms in the world, and allocations is a legacy function they founded and implement with much rigor in their own offices. A brief snapshot of what my responsibilities are:

- Plan staffing for 200+ associates across company offices in 3 countries. I manage staffing for all levels (Analysts through Directors) and hence get the opportunity to interact closely with the senior folks in office
- I lead a team of 3 in an overall function size of 5
- I also plan capacity utilization and have designed various models for forecasting billability, revenue targets expectations vs. ability to meet them etc.
- I report to the Head and Manager of HR, but closely work with other senior stakeholders such as the Country Head and MD
- I am in charge of the firm's revenue management and oversee billing at a multi million dollar scale
- I have consistently been recognized as an Outstanding Peformer through my evaluation cycles and have consistently received the highest levels of performance ratings in my reviews
- I have also been very involved in extra currics at office and am a lead member of 2 of our coveted teams on employee engagement activities

I graduated from a well renowned engineering college in India with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering (First Class). I was a consistent school topper and have good leadership experience during my secondary education. I also volunteered with NGOs in school to teach underprivileged children and ran blood donation camps as a member of my school alumni board. I am an avid traveler and have traveled to the Far East, Middle East, Western Europe and the US. I am currently learning French and have just begun basic Japanese.

I took my GMAT in 2008 and had a score of 690. I got admissions at LSE and Cornell in masters courses but chose not to pursue these with an aim to enroll in an MBA later. I intend to re take my GMAT this year/early next year and am aiming at a score of 720+. My target schools are HBS, Stanford, Tuck, NYU and Columbia but my absolute dream school is MIT Sloan. I would have 3 years of full time work experience once I enter college, with atleast 1 fast track promotion and (hopefully) another on the way whilst I write my applications (would ask my recommenders to include this in their recommendation if it's not been formalized by then). I would be able to get good recommendations from senior people at my firm, whom I have worked with and not because of their designations as such.

I would like to get a third person view on my plans and aspirations from a consultant's perspective. I believe I have differentiated myself from other Indian applicants in the following light:
1. I am a computer engineer, working for a research firm, in their HR function despite being hired as a research analyst
2. I have been a consistent outperformer, receiving higher ratings than my peers
3. I have distinguished achievements (I was India's youngest Microsoft Certified Professional when I was 13) to my credit, which are atypical

Apart from a general overview, I have the following questions to ask:

1. Am I being overambitious?
2. I didn't want to sound brash above - had to give the overall download regarding what all I have to put on my resume - however, are there any other points I am lacking from a 'fit' perspective? I have time on hand so can definitely work on these
3. I have the option to shift to operations - move to research from HR. I am confident that this will not hinder my growth, but would a.) shift my job function completely and b.) on a positive note, provide me the option to take a transfer to our international offices in China/South Africa for 6 months. I would still be working there by the time I apply for my MBA

Thank you very much for reviewing this and taking out time to reply to my post. I look forward to consultant thoughts on my post.

Best,
Ankit