Early Career Applicant

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Early Career Applicant

by str1der » Fri Oct 22, 2010 7:00 am
Hi MbaMission,

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

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by jkhousto » Mon Oct 25, 2010 7:01 pm
Dear Ankit -
Thanks for posting your profile and questions. Congratulations on being ahead of the game and beginning to plan for next year's application season.
I will try to address each question one by one....
1. Am I being overambitious? I know you won't want to hear this, but it is truly hard to say. You are correct that your work experience and functional focus area (HR strategy and management) is pretty differentiating. However, while you believe that you stand out as a "consistent outperformer," I am sorry to tell you that this might not be as true as you believe. I have met many candidates who believe that are outperformers, and they may in fact be in their firm/industry/geographic region. However, remember that the Admissions Committee sees the entire universe of candidates, and they can pick from all of them to create the ideal class profile for their particular school. The key is to figure out what dimension it is that you truly stand out on - it can be leadership, team work, communication skills, entrepreneurial zeal, etc. I think HBS and Stanford are reach schools for almost everyone, and that includes you. Sloan, Tuck, NYU and Columbia might be more attainable for you. Once you retake your GMAT, you may need to reassess.

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. Your community activities are good - not stellar. I might suggest you take on some community leadership roles. Can you lead an effort, rather than just volunteer with an NGO?

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. I think that would be a fabulous experience for you, regardless of the direct positive impact it should have on your business school applications.
Good luck to you,
Jennifer
Jennifer Houston, MBA
Consultant
mbaMission


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