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Help with a somewhat unusual profile

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Help with a somewhat unusual profile

by From700to780 » Thu Dec 04, 2008 7:05 pm
Mine is really unusual. I am originally from LAtin America. I came to the US and did a PhD in Engineering in a top school, with top academics (GPA:4.0, extensive published work).

I then joined a BB bank working as a quant for 2yrs. After that I moved to another BB to be a credit derivatives trader, all at the associate level. With the market turmoil I was laid off last month, but since then I secured a role at a start up hedge fund (no gaps in the resume).

I want to go back to the sell side, and I am planning to apply to a few MBA programs, I am 30yo now. I am thinking of INSEAD, Sloan, Chicago, Wharton.

I took the GMAT last week and I got 700 with virtually no preparation, I plan to retake at the end of the month. I think I can easily get to 740 or more.

I have awards, extra-curricular, etc. Is it realistic to bother to apply? What are the things I should worry about in the application?

thanks
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Re: Help with a somewhat unusual profile

by Linda Abraham » Thu Dec 04, 2008 9:20 pm
From700to780 wrote:Mine is really unusual. I am originally from LAtin America. I came to the US and did a PhD in Engineering in a top school, with top academics (GPA:4.0, extensive published work).

I then joined a BB bank working as a quant for 2yrs. After that I moved to another BB to be a credit derivatives trader, all at the associate level. With the market turmoil I was laid off last month, but since then I secured a role at a start up hedge fund (no gaps in the resume).

I want to go back to the sell side, and I am planning to apply to a few MBA programs, I am 30yo now. I am thinking of INSEAD, Sloan, Chicago, Wharton.

I took the GMAT last week and I got 700 with virtually no preparation, I plan to retake at the end of the month. I think I can easily get to 740 or more.

I have awards, extra-curricular, etc. Is it realistic to bother to apply? What are the things I should worry about in the application?

thanks
Yes, it is realistic for you to apply. I am a little surprised you didn't list LBS as one of your target programs.

Based on the limited info you provided, here are a few possible concerns:
1) You don't mention why you need an MBA to do what you want to do. You have to make that case and show how the target school will help you achieve your goals.
2) You don't discuss your extra-curriculars at all.
3) You don't discuss or demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or communications ability above.

You may have all the above bases covered, but it didn't come through it your quick post so I mentioned them.

Best,
Linda
Linda Abraham
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by Jay Allen » Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:29 pm
You should definitely apply. The most important piece of your application will be thinking through a story that ties together all of these experiences. You need to avoid the now common thread in applications: 'I just got laid off...why not b-school?'. If you can show that you have world class career ambitions but must have an MBA to achieve them, and specifically how that school's MBA program will meet your needs, than you have a excellent shot.

It will be very important to be strategic in showing off your various experiences. The 'why MBA' essay question is very tough already--for you, it will be even more challenging.

MBA Helpers offers a free essay edit. I'd be happy to read a draft for you and provide a free strategic consultation.

Best,


Jay
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