Hi gughanbose,
Thanks for your post.
Regarding your work experience, strong career progression (promotions, increases in responsibility, compensation increases) is generally the most important factor. In addition, jobs where are you able to gain the following skills are an asset to your application: leadership, teamwork, project management, analytics, cross-functional work, client service, senior management presentation.
Since you have already started working with a company and have only been there 5 months, I suggest you look at opportunities to take on additional responsibilities with your company, especially in areas that given you project or people management experience. You could also do this through more informal activities at work such as organizing a training session or a community service day.
Students at top US business schools typically have 5 years of work experience and are 28 years old upon matriculation on average. So for timing I suggest targeting the same.
Regarding the GMAT, your scores are valid for 5 years so you could prepare for and take the test in the next year. You are generally more "test ready" closer to graduating from college versus after being in the workforce for a few years.
Hope that helps! Best of luck in your first year starting your career.
Best,
Heidi
