I know it may look a bit late, considering that I plan to submit my applications by Round 2 (Fall '09) in my schools of choice (thats roughly 5 to 10 days from now). But I just found this forum today, and I would really like to get an objective assessment of my chances, and any last minute tips, if applicable. My essays and other components of my application are mostly ready, but if you have any key inputs, I would be very grateful. Please be as frank as possible.
Target schools:
HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Columbia, INSEAD
My profile:
27 year old male from the Philippines
GMAT (taken once):
760 (V-45/Q-49)
Academic:
University: a Full Scholar at Ateneo de Manila University (ranked #254 in the world, #1 in the Philippines.)
Major: Management Engineering
GPA: 3.13 / 4.00
Note: I understand that this may be on the lower end for applicants in these schools, but I have used the essays to explain my growth process as an undergrad. The last two semesters in college, I averaged 3.6. Furthermore, I believe my GMAT score can serve as testament to my academic capability.
(As another side note: I did not actually use the optional essays to address this, rather - I used HBS's question about undergrad academic experience, Kellogg and Wharton's open ended question on anything else i wanted to share with the admissions committee. Do you find any issue with this?)
Work experience:
I believe I have chalked up a respectable career so far, having spent five years in a multinational UK-based bank (Standard Chartered Bank - top 25 FTSE 100 companies), and having been in several diverse leadership roles:
-Entered in 2004 as an operations officer
-Joined the Global Management Trainee Program in 2005 (One of 120 accepted globally, out of 5,000+ applicants). Spent two years under the program, and achieved the following:
-As product manager, led a major credit card re-launch in 2005, driving a team of 10 departments consisting of 100+ staff. Increased sales acquisition by 350%.
-Redesigned and revamped a service-redemption process, leading 4 departments involving 30 staff, and reduced turnaround time by 70% and costs by 40%.
-In 2006, led a team of 4 foreign nationals in a project in Indonesia to study current operations and recommend solutions to increase productivity. Improved revenue/staff cost by 38%
-In 2007, supervising a team of 4, led the exit process for the mortgage business of the Philippines branch of the bank, resulting into savings amounting 25% of the business's 2007 revenue.
-Product manager and driver of the launch of the new Platinum credit card, supervising a team of 3 and leading 10 departments consisting of 100+ staff. Acquired 10,000 new customers in a span of 12 months.
-In March 2008, in an effort to broaden my learnings, I moved to the Financial Markets division, where I now work as a foreign exchange trader.
Extra-curricular activities:
-Volunteer Math and English teacher in a public tutorial school in college
-Project head for two major fundraisers in college
-Amateur Event and Landscape Photographer
-Freelance graphic designer
-Member of an amateur band - plays guitar and drums
-Volunteer for a charity aimed to fund the livelihood of teens in crime-stricken and drug-infested areas in Manila
-Active participant of the Standard Chartered Bank corporate social responsibility initiatives
Languages spoken:
-Speaks fluent English and Filipino
-Can speak basic Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia
Post MBA goals:
My immediate goal after taking an MBA is to enter management consultancy. Having been exposed in a variety of roles and teams within my bank, I feel that an MBA can help me synthesize these and prepare me for such a career shift. After a few years as a management consultant, I plan to move into general management, particularly in the manufacturing industry.
This went a bit longer than expected, so thanks very much for taking the time to read through my profile. I appreciate it.
Target schools:
HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Columbia, INSEAD
My profile:
27 year old male from the Philippines
GMAT (taken once):
760 (V-45/Q-49)
Academic:
University: a Full Scholar at Ateneo de Manila University (ranked #254 in the world, #1 in the Philippines.)
Major: Management Engineering
GPA: 3.13 / 4.00
Note: I understand that this may be on the lower end for applicants in these schools, but I have used the essays to explain my growth process as an undergrad. The last two semesters in college, I averaged 3.6. Furthermore, I believe my GMAT score can serve as testament to my academic capability.
(As another side note: I did not actually use the optional essays to address this, rather - I used HBS's question about undergrad academic experience, Kellogg and Wharton's open ended question on anything else i wanted to share with the admissions committee. Do you find any issue with this?)
Work experience:
I believe I have chalked up a respectable career so far, having spent five years in a multinational UK-based bank (Standard Chartered Bank - top 25 FTSE 100 companies), and having been in several diverse leadership roles:
-Entered in 2004 as an operations officer
-Joined the Global Management Trainee Program in 2005 (One of 120 accepted globally, out of 5,000+ applicants). Spent two years under the program, and achieved the following:
-As product manager, led a major credit card re-launch in 2005, driving a team of 10 departments consisting of 100+ staff. Increased sales acquisition by 350%.
-Redesigned and revamped a service-redemption process, leading 4 departments involving 30 staff, and reduced turnaround time by 70% and costs by 40%.
-In 2006, led a team of 4 foreign nationals in a project in Indonesia to study current operations and recommend solutions to increase productivity. Improved revenue/staff cost by 38%
-In 2007, supervising a team of 4, led the exit process for the mortgage business of the Philippines branch of the bank, resulting into savings amounting 25% of the business's 2007 revenue.
-Product manager and driver of the launch of the new Platinum credit card, supervising a team of 3 and leading 10 departments consisting of 100+ staff. Acquired 10,000 new customers in a span of 12 months.
-In March 2008, in an effort to broaden my learnings, I moved to the Financial Markets division, where I now work as a foreign exchange trader.
Extra-curricular activities:
-Volunteer Math and English teacher in a public tutorial school in college
-Project head for two major fundraisers in college
-Amateur Event and Landscape Photographer
-Freelance graphic designer
-Member of an amateur band - plays guitar and drums
-Volunteer for a charity aimed to fund the livelihood of teens in crime-stricken and drug-infested areas in Manila
-Active participant of the Standard Chartered Bank corporate social responsibility initiatives
Languages spoken:
-Speaks fluent English and Filipino
-Can speak basic Spanish and Bahasa Indonesia
Post MBA goals:
My immediate goal after taking an MBA is to enter management consultancy. Having been exposed in a variety of roles and teams within my bank, I feel that an MBA can help me synthesize these and prepare me for such a career shift. After a few years as a management consultant, I plan to move into general management, particularly in the manufacturing industry.
This went a bit longer than expected, so thanks very much for taking the time to read through my profile. I appreciate it.
