Profile Evaluation please

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Profile Evaluation please

by Claret » Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:04 am
I would like you to evaluate my profile. Here are the details-

Nationality: Indian

Age/GMAT: 25/F

Education Background: BE (Civil) from a top 20 university in India

GPA: 7.4/10

Work experience:
- 3 years in IT with role changes from Test Analyst (Quality Assurance) to Developer (Software Programmer) at a very respected IT services company. I was working for the company's major pharma client.

- 6 months of gap due to relocating to a new place, had to be with my mom who has undergone ankle surgery. During this time I was involved with a local NGO that spread awareness about global warming and climate change.

- 1 year as an Academic Associate at a world renowned b school, assisting a Marketing professor with researching on courses/case studies, designing curriculum etc. I chose this over an IT job because I want to align my pre-MBA experience with post-MBA goals.

Total work ex on matriculation: 4 years

GMAT score: 700 (Q49, V35), AWA 5.5

Extra Curricular:
- Have been a member of my college magazine
- Have won prizes in singing at college level
- Headed a 15 member publicity team at inter-university cultural & technical event
- Know basic level Spanish
- Been a member of winning cricket team
- Participated in various cultural events in the company
- Involved with an NGO


Why MBA: I am looking at a career switch from IT to marketing. Although I do possess the raw skills such as creativity and good communication and people skills that are prerequisites for a successful career in marketing, an MBA degree will help me refine them further.

Short-term goals: To make a foray into IT services marketing sector graduating into product/brand management roles. My initial interest would in leveraging IT services in pharmaceutical/life sciences field as I have gained ample domain knowledge in the same.

Long-term goals: I want to extend my marketing expertise into the retail sector (FMCG). My ultimate goal would be getting exposed to major business dynamics and work my way up in a general management role.

Schools short listed: Kenan-Flagler, McCombs, Kelley, Emory.

Questions:

- Do you think I stand a fair chance at the above schools? Please recommend a couple of more schools that would be in line with my career aspirations. Would schools like Ross, Cornell long shots for me? Can you suggest some more schools?
- How do I project my 6-month work gap in a positive light?
- Will my experience as an Academic Associate work against me?

Regards,
Claret
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by Lisa Anderson » Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:31 pm
Dear Claret,

I think you have a chance at your target schools assuming your submit a strong application. It will be imperative you present a compelling case for your admission through your essays, resume, recommendations and interview. Michigan and Cornell would be reach schools for you, but might be worth applying to if you feel they are good match and you believe your essays, recommendations and interviews will be strong. You might think of adding 1-2 safety schools to the mix. These schools will have a solid marketing curriculum and a GMAT average in the 640-670 range.

With regards to your gap in employment and Academic Associate experience, I think you just have to be truthful and not try to spin it a certain way. For your gap, you state that you moved to help your family and had to a look for a new job when you arrived. As for the Academic Associate role, you give the rationale you posted. You felt the experience would be helpful for your future career. Some might view it as a step back in your career, so it is up to you to demonstrate why the experience is important in your overall career path.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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by Claret » Thu Oct 01, 2009 11:44 am
Thank you, Lisa! Will keep your pointers in mind while applying.