Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hey guys,

I'm well into this race and thought I would try my luck and see if any of you could spare some time to give me some advice before I home in on my applications.

The basics:

- 24 yr old Indian male

- Bachelor of EE engineering. CGPA 9.38 on a scale of 10 Graduated July '08

- GMAT : 770 Q51 V44 99%ile

- 2 years with a premier oilfield service company working as a field engineer in the well completions product line - the work was hands-on stuff in the rig-site or the workshop. It involved coordinating all activities on the rigsite from logistics to execution of the technical aspects of the job, as well as supervising the rig crew and shop hands. I have a few leadership experiences on the job for which I received in-house awards. I can procure good recommendations from my base supervisor and field mentor.

I took a 3 month break from May - July '10 to facilitate moving to another city as well as to find time to study for the GMAT, since an oilfield job is rather unforgiving (though of course I would never venture any sort of excuses in my applications) I have now joined a small operator in India (a move up from the service side) to get some experience being on the customer's side of things, especially with respect to production optimization.

During school, college and university I consistently held positions of leadership in the student councils and clubs such as the quizzing & debating club and the drama club. I also sing and play the guitar and enjoy participating in talent competitions. I held merit scholarships throughout. I did 8 months of internships in university in marketing & sales, not sure how I can work this into my app without losing credibility? Perhaps a learning point?

I have consistent volunteer work mentoring young poor children, assisting orphanages with fund raising and medical camps, and working with children with special needs. Nothing major but I've been doing it throughout my life as I find time.

I am keen on a program such as that offered by Kellogg's MMM, Ross Tauber and MIT-LGO where I can use my engineering and operations experience, as well as hone my managerial, decision-making, and analytical skills. I am interested in learning more about supply chain & logistics, operations management and would love to have the added bonus of more engineering education.

1. How do you fancy my chances?
2. Are there any similar programs I can look at as well? Could you please recommend any safety schools? Also, is it reasonable to apply to a top 5 school such as HBS or stanford, or should I stick to the above?
3. Is it alright if both my recommenders are from my previous employer since I only joined this company in Aug' 11? I could explain this in an additional essay. Also one of my recommenders who was my mentoring senior, was not really a conventional supervisor but was crucial to the process of "breaking out" within my job and will have much to say about my experience. Is this ok?
4. How can I draft a resume that is not overly technical and conveys my aspirations of an MBA?

I'd really appreciate any advice you could give me! Thanks!