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Profile evaluation request - GMAT 730 with employment gap.

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Profile evaluation request - GMAT 730 with employment gap.

by adi1031 » Sat Sep 18, 2010 6:00 pm
Hi,

I'm an applicant from India.

I worked with a top electronics manufacturer for just under 3 years. I quit my job due to take some time to prepare for GMAT as well as a well needed break - my past 2 years were spent shuttling between India and another country. Living for 2 years in hotels is enough to dis-illusion anyone.

Also, I took this opportunity to change my field.

My under-graduate degree is in Engineering from a very reputed institute in India and I have very good extra-curriculars.

My academics were not brilliant, but always remained above average.

I understand that an employment gap looks bad, but with a decent score like 730 and an almost 4 year work experience ( a lot of it International) before admission - what colleges should I try for and what realistic chance do I have in them ?
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by Tani » Sun Sep 19, 2010 7:33 pm
Hi Adi,

Your very good GMAT score will be a help, but I am not sure what you mean by an "above average" GPA. I recognize that the Indian system doesn't translate directly to the US 4-point system, but you should offer a GPA that translates to 3.4-5 or higher to have a good shot at the top schools. The number of years working is less important than the quality of your work and the experience you would bring to the classroom.

What is most concerning is your absence from the work force. Schools are looking for people who are dedicated to building successful business careers. Taking a year off to study for the GMAT gives two negative messages: first, the test is so difficult for you that you have to study full time to reach an acceptable score and second, you are not committed to having a career. You will need to work hard to convince the admissions staff that you won't drop out again the next time you have two tough years in your job.

The very top schools have so many exceptional candidates that they turn down talented and dedicated individuals by the thousands. You are also in the unfortunate position of being an Indian applicant with a technical degree, one of the most competitive applicant pools at any top school. There are undoubtedly many fine schools that will be interested in your international experience and solid GMAT score. If you have a dream school and a clear career goal, by all means apply, but if you are determined to go to school next fall you should be sure to include some "safety" schools on your list. Start by identifying schools whose curriculum and faculty mirror your interests and experiences. Then look for one or more schools at which your credentials put you well ahead of their averages.

Many people use business school to change fields or career direction. That is certainly acceptable, but you will need to be prepared to explain why you are changing, why the new field interests you, how it fits with your skills and experiences and why you believe you will be a success.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by adi1031 » Mon Sep 20, 2010 12:09 am
Dear Tani,

Thank you so much for taking time out to reply. It was truly kind of you.

I understand each element you have pointed out. After taking the GMAT, I found out certain facts -

1. Many many Indians apply and that also from technology field. Hence, the work experience I have in technology field is diluted.

2. I do have an employment gap of 3 months. I know this will hurt my chances also. (That's why I posted "with an employment gap" to know how much of a negative impact it has).

Due to this, and considering that my score is just 730, I've decided not to apply for the ultra elite schools, which would be a waste of effort. [770+ would have been appropriate for the ultra elite B-Schools]

3. My college does not have the GPA system.

But for each I have a reason - (Since, I did not know I would get a reply, I didn't think posting my whole profile would be beneficial)

1. I worked for Samsung Electronics and for nearly 2 years I was in South Korea. I was thinking that this level of exposure should set me slightly apart (the brand + duration of international stint). The quality of work was also good (I would like to think that), that's why I was repeatedly called back to Korea, plus I had to lead ALL new members in the team, all of whom were senior to me.

2. The reason for leaving was that the learning had stopped. I had reached saturation level. I did it so that I would be able to prep for GMAT as well as search for employment in a new field (it took a while). So, the employment gap of 3 months is present.
I could have done what many others do - take a fake medical leave, but I can never resort to such antics. I would rather remain truthful.

3. The above average academics means that I was a consistent performer, never had any dips. For conversion to GPA scale, I would have to consult my seniors who are in the US - how they managed to do that....

I am targeting around 7 universities (4 in R1 and 3 in R2)

1. UT Austin -- McCombs
2. Indiana U -- Kelley
3. UNC -- Kenan-Flagler
4. USC -- Marshall

5. CMU -- Tepper * (might try).

Do you think that even these univs are a stretch for me or have I selected achievable univs ?
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by Tani » Mon Sep 20, 2010 7:05 am
Your Samsung experience sounds interesting, but you will have to think about how to use it to underline your ability to contribute to an MBA program. The leadership aspect should be strong. As for your GPA, you might contact your undergraduate school. They may have experience with translating their system to the US system. Also, there are independent groups who will translate your academic record for a fee. The graduate schools you are targeting may have their own translation system or may be able to recommend a commercial service. All US schools have significant experience working with international grading systems.

You refer to a 3-month gap. Does that mean you are back at work now? A current responsible position would definitely help your application. If, however, you are planning to take off the next year as well, that will surely hurt your profile. (As for fake medical leaves, the top schools are pretty sophisticated about such stuff and that is probably pretty risky!)

With a clear and focused set of essays and strong recommendations, you should be an excellent candidate for the schools on your list. Be sure you understand their strengths and weaknesses and how those mesh with your career goals and educational needs.


Good luck,

Tani
Tani Wolff
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by adi1031 » Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:51 am
Dear Tani,

Thanks a lot for your advice. I was pretty relieved when you said that I had a competitive chance in these schools. Quite a lot of my fears were allayed.

I am now employed again, and this new field is very interesting, I'm getting loads to learn and building up on completely new skill sets which will help me in the long run. This 3 month break has really energized me up again like never before.

I just had to change my field and with all the more other factors, I did end up resigning from my job. This "break" is both good and bad. I've read about how adcoms want to receive applicants who are real (with flaws) and not the perfect candidate.

I want to portray how I learned along the way and eventually reached this decision and how I am capable enough for a B-School.
I do have strengths and weaknesses like everyone else. The strengths will add to my experience of the MBA, while I will get a chance to tackle my weaknesses. And the best part is that - I still have much to learn, which is all the more reason for me to pursue an MBA degree in a B-school :)

It's my personal opinion only --- that the PERFECT CANDIDATES for B-Schools, the ones who have FLAWLESS profiles, these people have spent time on building their profiles towards a B-School only and have really missed the whole crux of the MBA, where enriching experience counts, where people have made mistakes and learned from them.

That's why I feel that this break is going to be the point I must answer with utmost care, and could be a deciding factor for the admit, but I' taking this in a completely positive manner :)


I won't disturb you any further. All general concerns have been addressed in this forum, so I'll consult these :)

Thanks for all the help.

Regards,
Adi
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by Tani » Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:45 pm
You have put serious thought into your application and your career - that should serve you well. If you are doing something new and learning from it that will be positive. Be sure to address how your new background complements your original and how the knowledge of two industries/functions will give you a broader perspective.
Tani Wolff
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