Profile Evaluation

[MBAboy2012]

I am researching to see if I stand a good chance to get a seat at one of the top B schools.

I want to start my MBA in 2011 fall. I will be 34 at matriculation.
My profile -
Male - 33 years.
Indian origin - German citizen. Currently living in Germany for the last 8 years.
Education - Bachelors in Engineering - Mechanical Engineering. Average acads.
Extra curricular at university - cricket captain and played at league levels
Yet to take GMAT, Targeting - 650+
2 years of Management consulting - right after university in India- Worked with sick industries in analysis and providing recommendations.
Then moved to Germany, to get international exp, but moved to IT field.
Working with IT firm in Germany since the last 8 years, mainly as senior developer, but led the team to solve many customer related issues.
I am a certified Project Management Professional, and recently I have taken up Project management work additional to my regular work.
Languages - Very good German, English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.
Extra curricular activities - active member at Indian Association in Germany, cricket associations, language course, member of the Youth for Understanding in Germany.

Post MBA - I want to move to management consulting again. I want to pursue an MBA to learn more about different business functions, and some areas like Finance, accounting, marketing etc, which I have lost touch in the last 8 years. MBA is an avenue for me to switch career lines too.

My concern - My age. The average in most of the colleges is 28-30. I may be seen as an average IT applicant with Indian origins too. Do I stand a good chance in any of the top European schools? Is it worth applying? I am looking at 1 year courses.

Any advice on school selection depending on my profile is helpful!

Thanks a lot!

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi MBAboy,

Thanks for your post. You certainly seem to have an interesting profile. One concern I have is that bschools will wonder why you left consulting if ultimately that is where you wish to be post MBA. You'll certainly want to have a sound explanation for leaving the industry as well as a good reason for wishing to return.

You are correct that your age may indeed make gaining admission a bit challenging. Going back to your goals, you'll want to have a solid reason for waiting until this stage in your career to seek your MBA. Lastly, I strongly suggest a target MBA score of 700+ in order to be competitive.

I hope this helps!

Best,

Stacey