Top 10 or Top 20 capable?

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Oct 31, 2008 2:41 pm
Location: London, UK
Thanked: 5 times
GMAT Score:770

Top 10 or Top 20 capable?

by cjb » Mon Nov 03, 2008 4:30 pm
Can anyone give any suggestions as to how I should present myself and my story?

My ideal schools include places like Judge (Cambridge), the London Business School, or MIT, so the bar will be pretty high. I think I have some weaknesses that need to be explained and balanced out, so any tips would be gratefully received!

My career goal is to show how software development and IT management can be done profitably and efficiently in rapidly-growing companies that are not naturally IT focussed. Having seen the same mistakes made in more than one company, I would like to use a combination of writing and consulting to show how it can be done well. First of all, though, I need direct experience of technology management, and a better understanding of the concerns of senior management. That's why I think an MBA would be helpful.


Brief Resume:
Good grades at school

1995-1998
Physics & Philosophy, University of Nottingham - BSc (Ordinary)
I didn't even get a third because I spent too much in the student union building!

98-2000
Awful job, but moved into technical work

2000-02
MSc Computer Science, Anglia Polytechnic University - Awarded with Distinction
Poor university, but got best grade possible. Couldn't get in to a better one due to undergraduate degree result.

2002-04
Developer in small company, did not distinguish myself.

2004-06
Developer for FMCG company, began to distinguish myself and get more responsibility. Tried to start some innovative programmes of work in conjunction with a couple of other people, got some interest from directors, but timing was wrong.

2006-present
Senior developer with a financial information company, transitioning into junior management. Can definitely say I have added value - have started some traditions and processes, and tried to keep peoples' attention on the long-term.

Outside interests - piano, fitness, dancing and DJing salsa


Looking at MBA starting in 2009 if possible, 2010 otherwise. Will take GMAT in January, an anticipating a score of > 750 - hopefully this will make up for the undergraduate degree!


So, does my career goal make sense in terms of my experience? Do four good years after going back to university make up for some less spectacular ones earlier? How can I best sell myself?

Thanks in advance for any advice :)
80% of success is showing up -- Woody Allen
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |