how to make my failures look like a learning experience

[tohellandback]

Hi Stacy,
let me first give you an overview of what I am talking about and then I will shoot the question.
I come from a remote village(Electricity and toilets are yet to come there) in India. But because my parents understood the value of education, they did everything they could to provide us the best education they could afford. Long story short, i am not a software engineer working in japan for the last 1 year. Before that I have worked for the Indian company Infosys for 2 years.
Failures:
1) I failed in my senior high school. In MATHS. had to take the test second time.
2) Not a big deal GPA. 75 percent on a 100 percent scale.
3) Haven't done any public service. we were so poor that these last 3 years whatever I have earned went for paying off the debt etc etc.

success:
1) Of course what I am now. First engineer from my village and of course the first one to go abroad.
2) I failed in maths but maths was always my favourite subject. scored 98 out of 100 the next time.
3) I have reasons for the failure. I did NOT like the crap they teach in Indian schools. I was in hostel during my high school. it was the first time I could see the world thru my eyes. i started travelling my stuff. I failed my studies, but if I hadn't I wouldn't have know how a lot of people in other parts of my country live in worst condidtions that I did.
4) Wasn't the topper in my engineering school. But I was among the best and I am in what I loved to do. i.e. software engineering. Did a lot of projects for small companies while in school. Only 2 people were selected for Infosys among the 400 something people from school. (and just to let you know about the competition, Infoys selection rate is 0.8%)

I am taking GMAT in September. I am targeting for the 710+score. I want to apply for top 15 B schools in US(I will apply to 5-6 of them, two top ones, 4-5 second best ones).
I will also apply to the 15 best schools in Europe.

Now question is: How am I gonna make my profile look good?
work:ex 3.5 years
last one year in japan. by the time I will apply for B-schools, it will be 1.5 years in Japan.

Thanks,
-Prem

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Prem,

To be competitive for a top 15 program, you will definitely need a GMAT score above a 710. In addition to having a high GMAT, your application must provide a compelling case for admission and convey a solid rationale for going to business school in relation to your past experience and future career goals. As such, your essays, recommendations, and interviews are critical to the ultimate decision. I think you have some interesting professional experience that should distinguish you from other applicants from India. However, I encourage you to also consider applying to a few schools in the top 20-40 range as competition for a top 15 program is quite high.

Good luck,
Lisa

[tohellandback]

Thank you Lisa,
I will consider that.

Thanks,
-Prem

[yogami]

I have a similar background as yours - engineering, infosys, IT professional and 6 yrs exp in US path. But Why did I chose this at the first place?? The problem with our culture back home is that it puts way too much emphasis on two fields 1) Engineering 2) Medical. The importance is not based on the principles of these fields but the amount of moolah that one can reap by becoming a doctor or an engineer. Looking back in time I realized that I had no choice. It was the social pressure to chose to become and engineer and not something which came from within. I was a better musician, a better soccer player and a better chess player. But for some odd reason my whole ego identification was based on my academic achievements(including getting into infosys). Looking back I think I wasted my time learning ridiculous electrical engineering, applied mechanics, civil engineering principles instead of partying with friends and working on my social skills and I am not too proud of the four years of life I spent in engineering. Infosys was a huge waste of time as it trained me to become a code monkey.
After being exposed to this culture and realizing my individual goals I was caught in a conflict and this conflict was apparent when I quit as a programmer and transitioned to something which was more fun and involved talking to people instead of computers - sales and marketing. Meeting all kinds of people from all backgrounds, not stereotyping someone as less smart if he is not an engineer and doctor, appreciating other cultures has gotten me to a point where I have stopped identifying myself with my ego. I want to project this in my application to ISB, Hyderabad and I am not sure how well it will be received. I know that I am about 75% sure on what I want to do but I am 100% sure about what I do not want to do (engineering, IT and programming) and I hope ISB and any other business school realizes that I am not applying to their program as an IT Indian candidate.

[tohellandback]

Thank you Yogami,
I sure understand what you mean. Especially when I am from a remote village in a state called 'Bihar'. like you, I want to get off the IT band wagon too. Whatever I have done till now was more of a requirement than a choice. But now I am looking for my options. Here in Japan, I realised what prosperity is. I think I know what my career goal is and I will put it on my application. Now if we are compared to a candidate from a prosperous country or even to a candidate from a metropolitan city in India, it might seem like we haven't achieved much. But yes, if the conditions are taken into consideration, I am sure I have a good profile. Now this is what I am thinking. How to prepare my application to highlight all these things.

Let's see.
Thanks,
Prem

[yogami]

Yes. This is exactly what I mean. Your application should project the real you and what made you who you are. My upbringing wasn't in the rural part of India but was in a metro but under economically ridiculous conditions and having to deal with extreme closet racism. So for people like us there is definitely one phase in life to become successful to at least make up for what we've lost in our childhood. But that phase is long gone for me. Money doesn't drive me anymore. Only passion does and that passion has died for me in IT. I would suggest contacting the alumni of your dream school, not just through email but through facebook, linkedin and other social networking sites, develop a friendship with them and ask them to help evaluate your application. Otherwise if you have enough money you can hire an admission consultant who not only helps you with your app process but also works with you in unraveling the real you!!. My situation is that I am broke (yeah blew it all away on music and fun) and can't afford seeking consultation. But I am going to pour my heart out in my app and let the Adcom decide. If they don't like me and my vision then its their loss.
(An analogy to how a woman rejects you in a bar or a club when you are not her type just based on looks without giving a shot to your incredible personality. I take it as her loss, not mine)