My goal is to get into a top 10 BSchool. However, I don't feel like I have enough recent accomplishments to get me there - here is a snapshot of my profile:
College (Undergrad) - 3.0 Overall GPA Criminal Justice Major/3.5 GPA in Major - Sorority Financial Secretary and Admissions Leader - Peer Counselor, Youth Mentor, Homecoming Queen Runner Up.
Post College Graduation: 10 Years in HR as a recruiter. I've recruited for top companies in the Software Industry, Telecom Industry and Healthcare Industry.
I was laid off from my first recruiting job in 2001 and then I became a contract recruiter from 2002 - 2005 for various companies. In retrospect, I should have taken a permanent job and climbed the ladder but contracting gave me an opportunity to experience different companies and travel. I finally took a long term recruiting contract in 2005 with my current company. I did so well that I was promoted and hired permanently after 2 1/2 years from a contract recruiter to a recruiting manager role where I manage a team of three.
I feel like I work hard and aim to exceed expectations in every way that I can. On a daily basis, I hire people who have tangible track records of success. However, as a recruiter, I don't have a tangible track record (other than saying that I was promoted). I don't have a quota, nor any numerical data that i can discuss to demonstrate my excellence on the job. Although I get compliments from my clients....I just don't have any awards or accolades to put on my bschool applications (not yet anyway). I will be a career switcher, moving from HR to CEO of a global entertainment company that I start.
As for Extracurriculars: I've always volunteered, since a youth. Right now I'm on the board of directors for a youth leadership development organization but I dont have any stories to share from that (not yet anyway)...no other sports or triathlons or Mount Everest Climb's...
I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to 'sell' what I do with no tangible track record of success....other than compliments from my clients, boss and colleauges (which will come out in recommendation letters). By the way, I took the GMAT once and scored low (400's)...I"m studying now and my goal is to make a 700 which my teacher said is possible with very rigorous study.....With no specific accomplishments to share other than promotions and high client satisfaction, how can I make myself appealing to a Stanford/Harvard/Columbia?
