Hello all -
I wanted to take this opportunity to first, and foremost, thank all of you for being part of this community. The information found herein is invaluable for people like me who one day expect to achieve their dreams with the help of an advanced degree in Business.
On to the introduction:
My name is Santiago and I am originally from Colombia. I currently live in FL and I graduated from a State University here (think Florida, Florida State, Florida International, etc), where I majored in International Business and Marketing.
I started planning for grad school early on my Junior year, but I realized what I specifically wanted to do in the summer after commencement (December).
Needless to say, my situation is not as comparable as what the majority of MBA/Master's applicants share:
- I am what is considered in the United States as a Dreamer: immigrant brought early on to the US,overstayed my visa, undocumented for many years, had the opportunity to receive an education, and have a thirst for more.
I planned on taking the GMAT during my senior year in college, but due to my immigration situation in the US, I had to postpone taking the test until the situation was more favorable - which at the moment wasn't.
This is what happened:
Long story short, interned in a petroleum trading firm both Junior and Senior year, went back as a temp to hire after commencement, and was offered a full time position. However, due to my immigration situation, I could not be 'legally employed' and had to leave the company. I was very depressed and that is why I could not study well for the GMAT.
Since I could not work legally, I did some odd jobs, saved some money, and spent some months as a volunteer in the Bronx, NY (which changed my life, btw).
Came back home to South Florida, and worked as an independent consultant for a couple of start-ups. Kept volunteering in the area, Deferred Action was offered by the Obama Admin., qualified, got accepted and received a work permit.
After some time, I was able to secure a temp to hire position at a major spirits company (think Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi) and now I am hopeful, once again, that I will be able to achieve my dream.
If my post is longer than usual, I apologize, but I believe a sense of transparency in the community will allow for a more valuable, genuine advice and guidance from more experienced individuals.
After intro, on to target schools:
- Thanks to countless hours of hard work, I graduated with a very competitive GPA (3.8+). Therefore, I concluded that I could keep the pace and develop a very marketable application for Powerhouses in Finance: Booth, Stern, Wharton, Columbia, (Sloan?). For some time, I also considered IESE in Spain and LBS, but due to my immigration situation, I would not be able to attend them. Hence, my choices for very competitive U.S. programs. Sure, they are very hard to get into, but if many people have been able to attend them throughout the existence of these institutions, why won't us hopefuls be able to as well if that is what we strive for?
Without further elaboration, that is my story in a nutshell.
In addition, I plan to invest around 6 months to study for the GMAT, starting after I learn what will happen with my immigration situation (think, Immigration Reform - Dream Act, etc)
My ask is for an honest review of my profile (up until now, EX GMAT), and I look forward to interacting with all of you and if you currently live in the South Florida area (or anywhere for that matter), please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be glad to develop a very supportive friendship.
Thanks once again to all of you for your continuous contributions and support during the 'bumpy road' that leads to an MBA/Master's program.
Any advice, words of support/encouragement, or even constructive criticism, is kindly appreciated.
Many thanks, much success, and the best of regards,
Santiago.
I wanted to take this opportunity to first, and foremost, thank all of you for being part of this community. The information found herein is invaluable for people like me who one day expect to achieve their dreams with the help of an advanced degree in Business.
On to the introduction:
My name is Santiago and I am originally from Colombia. I currently live in FL and I graduated from a State University here (think Florida, Florida State, Florida International, etc), where I majored in International Business and Marketing.
I started planning for grad school early on my Junior year, but I realized what I specifically wanted to do in the summer after commencement (December).
Needless to say, my situation is not as comparable as what the majority of MBA/Master's applicants share:
- I am what is considered in the United States as a Dreamer: immigrant brought early on to the US,overstayed my visa, undocumented for many years, had the opportunity to receive an education, and have a thirst for more.
I planned on taking the GMAT during my senior year in college, but due to my immigration situation in the US, I had to postpone taking the test until the situation was more favorable - which at the moment wasn't.
This is what happened:
Long story short, interned in a petroleum trading firm both Junior and Senior year, went back as a temp to hire after commencement, and was offered a full time position. However, due to my immigration situation, I could not be 'legally employed' and had to leave the company. I was very depressed and that is why I could not study well for the GMAT.
Since I could not work legally, I did some odd jobs, saved some money, and spent some months as a volunteer in the Bronx, NY (which changed my life, btw).
Came back home to South Florida, and worked as an independent consultant for a couple of start-ups. Kept volunteering in the area, Deferred Action was offered by the Obama Admin., qualified, got accepted and received a work permit.
After some time, I was able to secure a temp to hire position at a major spirits company (think Diageo, Pernod Ricard, Bacardi) and now I am hopeful, once again, that I will be able to achieve my dream.
If my post is longer than usual, I apologize, but I believe a sense of transparency in the community will allow for a more valuable, genuine advice and guidance from more experienced individuals.
After intro, on to target schools:
- Thanks to countless hours of hard work, I graduated with a very competitive GPA (3.8+). Therefore, I concluded that I could keep the pace and develop a very marketable application for Powerhouses in Finance: Booth, Stern, Wharton, Columbia, (Sloan?). For some time, I also considered IESE in Spain and LBS, but due to my immigration situation, I would not be able to attend them. Hence, my choices for very competitive U.S. programs. Sure, they are very hard to get into, but if many people have been able to attend them throughout the existence of these institutions, why won't us hopefuls be able to as well if that is what we strive for?
Without further elaboration, that is my story in a nutshell.
In addition, I plan to invest around 6 months to study for the GMAT, starting after I learn what will happen with my immigration situation (think, Immigration Reform - Dream Act, etc)
My ask is for an honest review of my profile (up until now, EX GMAT), and I look forward to interacting with all of you and if you currently live in the South Florida area (or anywhere for that matter), please do not hesitate to contact me. I would be glad to develop a very supportive friendship.
Thanks once again to all of you for your continuous contributions and support during the 'bumpy road' that leads to an MBA/Master's program.
Any advice, words of support/encouragement, or even constructive criticism, is kindly appreciated.
Many thanks, much success, and the best of regards,
Santiago.
