Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant

Hello,

Thank you in advance for any insight regarding my profile and targets.

Target schools: INSEAD, Columbia, NYU Stern, LBS, Oxford (Said), Cambridge (Judge)

My profile:

I am a 30 year old female, dual Canadian/American citizen, currently residing in Paris, France. I work for a top New York Firm in the international arbitration department (commercial and international trade disputes) and am currently a third year associate. I have previously held a position as a legislative advisor in the Canadian government(1 year). I am admitted to the New York bar and I speak fluent French.

I hold an undergraduate degree (BA, hons) from McGill University (Canada) in Political Science/Philosophy (GPA 3.4)

and a Law degree (LLB, hons) from University College London (UK) (Upper Second Class honours/GPA 3.5), Editorial board of the Law Review (3 years)

GMAT: 680

Extra: Given the biglaw hours I've been working for the past 3 years not much, but I have done some pro bono, publications, volunteered in a legal aid clinic and for an election campaign where I managed a small team.

Goal: I would like to use the MBA as a platform to transition toward a role in public and corporate affairs/government relations within a large multinational, preferably in an industry that faces market access issues (i.e., tech/telecomms).

As you can see, my profile is very non-traditional for a lawyer. My concern is that I do not want to come off as another degree collecting lawyer apply to business school because they hate their job. I think the public affairs angle makes sense, connects logically to my education and work experience and that the MBA would allow me to approach regulatory issues from a strategic and financial point of vue in addition to a legal one. However, any opinions to the contrary, insight as to how my profile will be viewed by the adcoms as well as how to strengthen candidature would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much in advance,
Charlie

Hi Charlie,

I wouldn't be discouraged - many lawyers or people from non-business backgrounds want to make a major career switch at your age. A lot of schools like to take younger candidates but often take older ones who are in fact trying to change careers and need an MBA to do so.

Your GPA is fine and GMAT is as well -really depends on your quant and verbal scores. Are they in the 70th percentile and above?

Extracurricular is lacking a bit but you do have some. You can also touch on activities from your past or from this point forward, try and get more involved if you can so you can add it to your application.

For LBS and INSEAD, you would need international exposure so not sure what experience you have here in terms of living, working abroad or perhaps you do int'l client work?

Overall, I say go for it as you have a solid profile and obviously great work experience (also important to show progression/promotions/leadership abilities) but you'll have to explain exactly why you want the major change and how an MBA is key to getting you where you want to be.

If you'd like a more detailed consultation, we are happy to chat so reach out to us anytime at Fortuna.

All the best,

Oh and re: my comment on your int'l experience for INSEAD/LBS... I see now in your title you are an international arbitration lawyer so that will help cover some of the int'l aspect!