Profile Evaluation/Concerns

[anb]

Greetings Stacey,

Many thanks for all your wonderful comments!

I have begun my preparation for the 2010 application. Purchased "Your MBA Game Plan" and have started looking into my own game plan.

Background:
Engineer from top university program - 3.3 GPA
~4 years work experience: 2.5 with a Japanese Auto company
GMAT 690 (Q47, V37) - took me 3 times but finally got a good score
Good Extra Curricular activities – Church Youth Group Leader and teacher of a hymns class (including a foreign language); also produce music on the side for local artists and have begun writing a movie script (just some entertainment passions that I have).

I have a couple concerns. I haven’t exactly nailed what I want to do post MBA. I’m using the MBA as a transition from engineering into the business world. I have it narrowed down to 2 fields, but how crucial is it for me to just decide between the two and go with it to complete my essays? I’m wondering if it’s going to make the essays much more difficult as I don’t have a concrete path.

My other question is…I took a break from engineering to work at a law firm (patent law). I wasn’t thrilled with engineering – I wanted more of the big picture. Well, I found law to be too isoloated/individualized; hence, my passion for business. As a result of leaving engineering to explore other opportunities, I haven’t really had high-title positions or many promotions. I do have great experience, but I can’t really brag about how I got promoted or managed 10 other engineers. I’m thinking my best leadership examples will come from my extra curricular activities…SO, I have now gone back to engineering (since Dec 08) to further develop my analytical and teamwork skills until B-school (I’m actually out on the water working as a field engineer for a Harbor Improvement Company – pretty cool!!). However, lately, I’ve begun to wonder if it’s worth it for me to apply for Fall 2011 (over 2010), to allow time for a promotion and a chance for more leadership opportunities?? I also MIGHT get the chance to travel internationally if I stay longer…..decisions, decisions. I really would like to attend sooner rather than later, as I am not going to pursue a long term career in engineering, but waiting 1 year to be more competitive might be worth it.

I really think that if I play my cards right, I can have a good shot at any of the top schools….any comments on my profile in regards to the top schools??? My target schools so far are Chicago, NW, Michigan, Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, and NYU. I do have more as I have not yet finalized my school list, but I figure I would just list some that I had in mind. I know I’ve asked a lot….if I can get just one question answered that would be good enough! Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear anb,

First, I want to commend you for your planning and self-analysis in preparation for business school. You are on your way to submitting a compelling application if you continue on this path. To answer your questions:

I’m using the MBA as a transition from engineering into the business world. I have it narrowed down to 2 fields, but how crucial is it for me to just decide between the two and go with it to complete my essays? I’m wondering if it’s going to make the essays much more difficult as I don’t have a concrete path.
You do not have to have the exact title in a specific company. However, it is best to have your desired path narrowed down to a minimum of industry and function. Of course, you can always change once in business school as you are exposed to other areas. Schools just want to see that you have also done some thought work on your career aspirations and goals which led you to determine that business school is a step in that direction.

As a result of leaving engineering to explore other opportunities, I haven’t really had high-title positions or many promotions. I do have great experience, but I can’t really brag about how I got promoted or managed 10 other engineers. I’m thinking my best leadership examples will come from my extra curricular activities...However, lately, I’ve begun to wonder if it’s worth it for me to apply for Fall 2011 (over 2010), to allow time for a promotion and a chance for more leadership opportunities??
It is not a negative that you have not achieved a high title or managed a large group of people. It is a negative if you have not progressed in some way in your career. Since you have moved between industries, you have broadened your knowledge and experience. If you can show an increase in responsibility with each step, then that will serve you well. It is also helpful to have leadership examples from your extracurricular activities. Whether or not to apply for 2010 versus 2011 is up to you. If you feel you will have some career opportunities between now and fall 2011 that you think will be beneficial, then you might think about waiting. However, if you are ready to start school in 2010, then it that might be the best time. Basically, you need to weigh the benefit of waiting against the cost of not waiting.

Finally, I would encourage you to look at some schools outside the top 15. All of the schools you mention are the most selective, so it would be prudent to have some options on your list that are more of a safety option. I do think you should apply to some of the top 15 that are the best match for you, but I also think you should apply to a couple of schools that are a good match and not as fiercely competitive.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[anb]

Thank you Lisa for your very helpful comments! I really appreciated it.

In regards to waiting another year - I do think I'm ready to begin in 2010. I just don't know how it's going to look to the adcom, that I was only at my current employer for a 1/1.5 years. I guess that's my main concern. Just looks better to have 2/2.5 years. If it's going to make me more competitive then I think I would sacrifice and wait one more year. Do you know typically, when the cut-off mark is for work experience? When you submit the app? Do schools include the time you work during the application process?

I will look at school outside of the top 15. There just aren't that many that I have a passion for to attend. And if I don't truly want to be at the school, I don't think it's worth it. But, you never know, maybe I can get a really good scholarship to make it worthwhile.

Once again, thank you for your comments.

[Lisa Anderson]

The number of years work experience includes the time up until you enroll in school. Thus the number of years or months is between the time you graduated with your bachelor's degree up until August 2010 if you enter fall 2010.

Regards,
Lisa