Hello! I would like to start getting some opinions on what to do from now until I apply to an MBA program- in about 2 years. I want to best mold myself to be as competitive as possible, and/or expand upon my current state.
Academic -
GMAT: Still studying for it - I know it is difficult to assess my competitiveness without a GMAT score, but practice tests have been 700 and 710.
GPA: 3.3 (from top Undergrad Program)
Majors: Double Major International Business; Management Strategy and Design and Change
My GPA, unfortunately, was severely impacted by my first year at school- the summer before I left for school I suffered brain damage through illness and lost my ability to speak, write, and do a lot of analytical work. I remained determined to go to school, against doctor's advice, and had trouble my first year-- doing college level work while regaining my skills was tough. My Major GPA is 3.7, and my last 3 years of school were above 3.5.
Professional -
Work experience: 3 years as a consultant in the IT Industry with a top level firm. I graduated in 2009, work was a little difficult to find, but I did manage to break through. Rookie of the year at my company, along with becoming a team lead after only 6 months.
Recommendations: I hope to get some good recommendation by the time I apply; I could get one from the CEO, as I train him for Triathlons, but something leads me to believe it is better to get colleague recs than ones from top level executives---unless of course I have done direct work with him/her. Correct me if I'm wrong?
I also started my own company in 2009 that utilizes government contract regulations to stimulate private business growth within the public sector. In FY 2011, grossed over a million dollars in revenue while still working full-time with the Consulting Firm.
Personal/Extra Curricular -
24 years old - Came to the USA during the Balkan War on political asylum as a refugee- half serb, half croatian. Captained my Division 1 college swim team my Junior and Senior year, and broke 5 school records during my 4 years. I ended up actually walking onto the team, as a freak injury during High School caused me to give up the sport (I was a top recruit at the time), but I needed a way to help pay for college. I also started an online nutrition and fitness consulting company during college, that was dedicated to improving the health of people of all ages.
I am the treasurer on my Condo Board (don't know if this helps?)- I was voted amongst my residents to manage over $560,000 in cash assets.
I also actively participate in a charity that provides support to underprivileged families affected by juvenile cancer.
Application -
Short-term goals: I appreciate the learning process and look forward to an MBA equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to continue to build my company.
Prospective Schools: While I would love a top program (Stanford, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg), I know I must be realistic, so am hoping for some guidance- top 15?
Languages: English, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish --- Learning Mandarin
I truly appreciate any insight one could provide!
Academic -
GMAT: Still studying for it - I know it is difficult to assess my competitiveness without a GMAT score, but practice tests have been 700 and 710.
GPA: 3.3 (from top Undergrad Program)
Majors: Double Major International Business; Management Strategy and Design and Change
My GPA, unfortunately, was severely impacted by my first year at school- the summer before I left for school I suffered brain damage through illness and lost my ability to speak, write, and do a lot of analytical work. I remained determined to go to school, against doctor's advice, and had trouble my first year-- doing college level work while regaining my skills was tough. My Major GPA is 3.7, and my last 3 years of school were above 3.5.
Professional -
Work experience: 3 years as a consultant in the IT Industry with a top level firm. I graduated in 2009, work was a little difficult to find, but I did manage to break through. Rookie of the year at my company, along with becoming a team lead after only 6 months.
Recommendations: I hope to get some good recommendation by the time I apply; I could get one from the CEO, as I train him for Triathlons, but something leads me to believe it is better to get colleague recs than ones from top level executives---unless of course I have done direct work with him/her. Correct me if I'm wrong?
I also started my own company in 2009 that utilizes government contract regulations to stimulate private business growth within the public sector. In FY 2011, grossed over a million dollars in revenue while still working full-time with the Consulting Firm.
Personal/Extra Curricular -
24 years old - Came to the USA during the Balkan War on political asylum as a refugee- half serb, half croatian. Captained my Division 1 college swim team my Junior and Senior year, and broke 5 school records during my 4 years. I ended up actually walking onto the team, as a freak injury during High School caused me to give up the sport (I was a top recruit at the time), but I needed a way to help pay for college. I also started an online nutrition and fitness consulting company during college, that was dedicated to improving the health of people of all ages.
I am the treasurer on my Condo Board (don't know if this helps?)- I was voted amongst my residents to manage over $560,000 in cash assets.
I also actively participate in a charity that provides support to underprivileged families affected by juvenile cancer.
Application -
Short-term goals: I appreciate the learning process and look forward to an MBA equipping me with the skills and knowledge needed to continue to build my company.
Prospective Schools: While I would love a top program (Stanford, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg), I know I must be realistic, so am hoping for some guidance- top 15?
Languages: English, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish --- Learning Mandarin
I truly appreciate any insight one could provide!
