Help me with my profile please!

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Help me with my profile please!

by cuzimsomoney » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:48 am
Hi,
I wanted to ask for some advice with regards to my situation. My profile is below, could you possibly suggest schools which I would be competitive at. I have named some below but have concerns about shooting higher due to my low GPA and percieved lack of career progression

About me:
24 years old from a small european country which is very under represented in MBA programs. Lived in 12 countries growing up and have travelled to many more. Held leadership positions throughout college (all sporting) and contibuted to some academic societies.

Extra curriculars:
Very sporting. Play rugby to a high standard, Surf, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (have travelled to Brazil and Singapore to compete), Extensive charity work including a spell volunteering in Cambodia.


Work experience:
I currently have 1.5 years of work experience and would be planning on applying in another 1.5 years (giving me 3 years at application and 4 upon matriculation). Since graduating I have been engaged in a start up which focuses on the oil and gas industry. I have been employed in this role by two VP's who are very senior within the industry and their respective countries. Services include access to VC funding ($5m), international marketing for companies wishing to expand internationally, and the provision of executive consultative services. With work I have travelled to Singapore, Norway and Aberdeen. things are tough at the moment due to the economy and progression has slowed. I set up the business from scratch as the gents I work for remain fully employed.

I have also spent the past few months working with the head of a very large multi-national asset management firm to develop new investment vehicles. My work was presented to the board of directors and focused on Alternative investments within the energy industry. This will finish soon as my work is nearly completed.

I can provide excellent recommendations from both companies.

GMAT:
720

Future Plans:
Possibly an MSc in Financial services or International business
Studying for CFA Level 1
Some college level courses to address a low GPA


Weakness: Very low GPA due to illness. Problems which have since been addressed. not sure what it converts too from the european system but I would estimate around a 2.0.

Target schools:
In no order UT@Austin, Duke, Darden, Yale, Georgetown, ASU, UNC

I have a clear vision of why I want to do the MBA and where it would take me.

Thanks for any help,guidance or advice you can offer!
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by Stacey Oyler » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:39 am
Hi,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you have quite an interesting background with your work experience to date, GMAT score, and personal hobbies/extracurricular activities. I would suggest seeking out leadership opportunities in the workplace over the next year in order to strengthen your profile and also provide you with potential essay topics when you do apply.

In regard to your low GPA , you will want to write an optional essay for each school you apply and explain the circumstances around your illness and how it as a result impacted your GPA. I wouldn't call this a deal breaker, but it is certainly worth explaining.

You've compiled a solid list of schools and I believe you can be competitive at all of them given the information you've shared.

Best of luck in the coming year!

Stacey
Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

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