Profile for MBA (product development and innovation)

[jzdchou]

Hello

Can you evaluate my chances for the following PART TIME programs

Entry: Fall 2010 (I will be 33/34)

GMAT: 640 (V35/74%, Q43/68%) AWA 5.0. Please evaluate me with 700, I know with this score, I am not going to be competitive. I WILL get 700

UG GPA: 3.3/3.4 from Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science (Dean honor list for the last 2 years)

Master of mechanical engineering from Johns Hopkins University (Full fellowship)

WE: 10 years (Mechanical Engineer in telecomm, defense, and consumer electronics)

First generation immigrant (moved here when I was 14) from Taiwan, fluent in Mandarin and other Chinese dialects

My post MBA goal is to stay in the engineering/technology sector. My short-term goal is to get into product management with the long term goal being in a leadership position responsible for new product development with emphasis on innovation.

I believe my background in design and manufacturing with electronics (either be military or consumer) will be important components with my goal

Part-Time program

NYU

Carnegie Mellon (The specialty track of innovation and product development)

Michigan

UCLA (decision, operation, technology management and/or high-technology management)

Berkeley (similar as above)

Kellog (technology industry management)

NYU because I am local and attending part time means I don't have to relocate. But I am willing to relocate and find a job where I get accepted (I believe my diverse engineering background should land me a job thru the part-time duration). I have already taken Booth off the list.

International experience wise, my lastest company has manufacturing facilities in China and I work closely with them and have traveled there on multiple occasions to support production. And this is the main reason I am considering an MBA at this point. I believe my knowledge in manufacturing with my cultural/language advantage will supplement the whole innovation/development process very well.

I see several weaknesses

1. GMAT is horrible. It is funny for someone like me to get better grades on V than Q.

2. EC: weak/non-exist EC in college. Post-UG, I served a year on the board for my CO-OP building and to me it was actually a very good business experience

3. Flat career progress. The companies I have worked for all have very flat structures so I have not had many fancy title changes.

4. I am wondering if I should take Michigan off the list. It seems like it is a great school for operation and I don't want other school adcom to see this as a lack of focus? I believe I will be able to defend my decision of having NYU as an option.

Thanks....

[Scottie@VeritasPrep]

Your GMAT is a bit low but not horrible. Retaking it and getting closer to a 700 will definitely boost your profile. I don't think having Michigan on your list is a weakness nor does it show a lack of focus if you have a compelling reason for applying and it is in line with your stated goals.

You have an impressive amount of work experience. Even if you have not had a lot of title changes, you should still try to communicate a progression of roles and responsibilities throughout your career.

Finally, be sure to mention your EC experience and what you learned from it. Also, discuss any outside interests or skills you may have.