Which level of schools are appropriate for me?

[ScottD]

Hello!

I'm interested in applying to MBA schools for one main reason: get out of engineering.

While I know what I want to major in, I don't know what schools are realistic for me. I have just started studying for the GMAT (scores are not known yet), but I do have some rather interesting work experiences. I began working for Schlumberger (non-corrupt and superior competitor to Halliburton) as Field Engineer drilling oil wells (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Logging_while_drilling specifically, if you care to read) in Angola, West Africa. I worked there for ~3 years before being transferred back to the US to perform the same job, just in a different location. This is extremely challenging and culturally awakening work that I feel separates me from the pack.

I majored in Chemical Engineering at University of Colorado at Boulder and ended up with a GPA of 3.0. I understand that is somewhat low and is a sticking point for me, at least in my head.

I would like to apply to Ross (U of Michigan) as my #1 choice, but I am curious if this is realistic. I would prefer to stay in the mid-west or east coast if possible. I also plan to apply to Indiana, Michigan State so far. What level of schools (examples appreciated) are realistic for someone such as myself?

Something to consider:
Do MBA programs place a decent amount of the application process on diversity of undergrad majors, and different work backgrounds?

Given my direct supervisor has been the same most of the time, would it be advantageous to ask for a LOR from a higher ranking Schlumberger manager (thinking president of a business segment)?

Thanks for the help, it is VERY much appreciated!

[essaysnark]

I'm interested in applying to MBA schools for one main reason: get out of engineering.

EssaySnark says, this is quite common, and thus competitive -- meaning, to some extent, you'll be competing against other guys like you, who are engineers wanting to switch careers. Very important in choosing schools is mapping out career goals. Leaving engineering is not the key point; what you want to do next, is. And, of course, EssaySnark knows you'd never do this, but it must be phrased to the adcom in terms of taking on a new challenge -- not running screaming from something you've grown to loathe.

While I know what I want to major in

Great! Tell us what that is and we'll have an easier time answering your questions about which schools.

**snip description of engineering stuff in Angola**
This is extremely challenging and culturally awakening work that I feel separates me from the pack.

Possibly. "Culturally awakening" can be appealing to the adcom. Depends on how it's positioned. Most schools like to see international experience. So yes, you should have something to work with here. How much it "separates you" is up to you, in terms of delivery. And you still need to get in the running with a good GMAT.

I majored in Chemical Engineering at University of Colorado at Boulder and ended up with a GPA of 3.0. I understand that is somewhat low and is a sticking point for me, at least in my head.

It is low, although chem eng is tough, and CU-Boulder is a good school, so you get some brownie points for that. Might want to take a class to give the adcom more confidence in your academic abilities. And the GMAT is going to matter a lot. See this post on how to offset a low GPA: https://essaysnark.blocked/2010/05/ ... -days.html (PS: The "675" target score per your profile is not legit -- GMAT scores are reported in increments of 10 - you'll want to be 680 or above for a school like Ross.)

I would like to apply to Ross (U of Michigan) as my #1 choice, but I am curious if this is realistic. I would prefer to stay in the mid-west or east coast if possible. I also plan to apply to Indiana, Michigan State so far. What level of schools (examples appreciated) are realistic for someone such as myself?

Ross? Maybe. They do like the global thing. Totally depends on career goals, though. The GPA is a risk there. Kelley and Michigan State should also both be options for you. These are decent schools that are not crazy competitive.

Do MBA programs place a decent amount of the application process on diversity of undergrad majors, and different work backgrounds?

Yes. Just remember, yours isn't really all that diverse. Using bschool to move from eng to something else is so common that it's almost a stereotype. You'll need to emphasize LEADERSHIP in how you present. That's where you can make it distinctive. And yes, the international stuff could help significantly. Just stating you spent time in Africa doesn't add value though. You'll need to find ways to integrate those stories of "cultural awakening" as you put it.

Given my direct supervisor has been the same most of the time, would it be advantageous to ask for a LOR from a higher ranking Schlumberger manager (thinking president of a business segment)?

You mean, for your 2nd LOR? Sure, maybe, if the higher manager has direct knowledge of your work product, skills, strengths. Your current direct sup should be your primary recommender obviously. And you'll want to offer a broader perspective than just "engineer" in your app so another Schlumberger person may not be the right choice. Probably wouldn't hurt though, provided this person can talk in detail about what you've achieved there and your contributions.

EssaySnark assumes that this is going to create more questions for you, but that's probably good at the early stages of the research process. Sounds like you're going about things the right way.

Good luck with it!

[ScottD]

Thanks for the response EssaySnark.

I want to pursue Finance to become a Financial Analyst. I would like to be an analyst for an investment firm and look into energy companies, given that I have some first had experience of what makes good vs. bad energy companies.

I like the idea of taking an additional class in the meantime to demonstrate my ability to earn a worthwhile GPA. I'm looking to find an Accounting class online that I can take at my own pace (given the complete unpredictability of my job) since it is one of the areas in which I have no experience, and has been recommended by a few people.

While I know engineering isn't terribly diverse, my question was more focused on the industry from which people come.
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Do MBA programs place a decent amount of the application process on diversity of undergrad majors, and different work backgrounds?
<<<
Given that I am working in the oil industry, would some universities take this into consideration as diversity?

Thanks again!

[essaysnark]

I want to pursue Finance to become a Financial Analyst. I would like to be an analyst for an investment firm and look into energy companies, given that I have some first had experience of what makes good vs. bad energy companies.

Believe it or not, this is a common career path. Over the years, EssaySnark has had many clients doing something very similar. That doesn't mean it's not a good path for you to pursue, but it's just not all that unique.

Given that I am working in the oil industry, would some universities take this into consideration as diversity?

Not so much, per above. Yes, it's less common than the typical finance candidate coming from an associate role in a PE firm or a bank -- there's a lot of those guys out there applying. But there will also be more than a few with profiles like yours. EssaySnark hasn't seen a whole lot of *American* candidates with this profile -- mostly they're Asian males. Assuming, with the name of "Scott," that you're US born and bred, we can slice it up as you competing against other American male engineers looking to go into finance. Then yes, you've got a slightly differentiated profile.

Don't sweat it too much on this point. Your background and goals will make sense to the adcom. Don't try to adjust the goals to find differentiation. Leverage that stuff we discussed in the prior post (being an ex-pat in Africa, cultural experiences, leadership, etc.) and you should be fine.

Hope this helps!