GMAT score and more

[mjjking]

Hi Amy,

I'm italian, and I've taken my GMAT test and scored 680 (Q43 70%, V40 89%). How is it? Is it balanced enough? I come from a humanities background, and I'm trying to build up an alternative transcript to show I can handle quantitative matters.
I have another question: I really love travelling, and it's a very important part of my life. I feel really at ease when I travel abroad, and my background in Anthropology (MA, GPA 3.49) and in History (BA, GPA 4/4) plus a natural inclination toward foreign languages (i speak fluently italian, spanish and english plus conversational finnsh and a bit of mandarin chinese and I'm studying indonesian) give me a strong international exposure (not mentioning I've visited 27 countries so far (I'm 25 y/o), volunteering for two weeks in Gambia and for two weeks in Romania and spending 1 year in Finland as exchange student plus one summer semester in the USA).
I'm getting my MA in Anthropology next January, but I've already been working for 3 months for an italian company (320 employees, growing company, dealing with cleaning services and supply management/logistics) as quality insurance vice-manager. I should be promoted soon to Quality Insurance manager, and so I will handle internal audits, ensure costumer satisfaction, etc. I'm also coaching an intern, and I really enjoy getting as many leadership roles as possible (for instance, I've recently convinced my boss I was the right person to be sent to an outsourcing convention held in Rome... and I actually succedeed, and the boss was very happy with the relation I wrote for him).
There's one thing going through my mind though: I'm thinking - in about 2 years - to take a teaching job in Asia (China or Indonesia), so that I can improve my skills and raise my international background, especially considering I'd really like to work n Asia or with Asia once I will get my MBA. But I don't know how wise it would be... What do you think? How admission committees would evaluate this step? After all, teaching shows leadership, doesn't it?

My target schools are top 11-30 in the Businessweek ranking, with a preference for Canegie Mellon, USC, UNC - Chapel Hill. Do I have a good chance at those schools given my background?
One very last thing: what subjects do you think I should study to get an alternative transcript? I was thinking about calculus, statistics, accounting...?

Well, thanks a lot and Merry Xmas!

Roberto

[mjjking]

Oh, I almost forgot... I've also started and run a small business while in college. A dvd resale thing, nothing too serious but it paid off my school debts and my study abroad program/travels... Should I mention it? I think i gained an insightful vision of business from that, as I had to manage orders, get the dvds (mostly used or wholesale lots), manage shipping and take care of costumer satisfaction...
thanks!

[Amy]

Hi Rob,

Congratulations on your improved GMAT, that's great and can only help.

I'm not sure I have a lot to add to what Stacy told you before:

I cannot really comment on your current job prospects, but it does not matter so much what you do, it's how you perform and advance in your position. I am sure you could get into one of the schools that you listed, but with solid work experience, you could expand your list of schools. Since you have specific career goals, you want to make sure that target companies recruit at the schools you are applying to.

And what I said before about teaching:

Rob,

It sounds like living abroad fits with your goals. Therefore, as I said before, it makes sense.

I don't think life decisions should be made because they will look good on an application, however, they will look good on an application if they are well considered and have relevance to where you want to be in your career and your life.

Good luck!

Amy

I also commented before that your experience selling DVDs shows an entrepreneurial spirit that is always great. Since most Chinese sourced DVDs are pirated, you may not want to discuss your source in too much detail.

Good luck!

Amy

[Amy]

Hi Rob,

As for your alternate transcript question, the most useful classes are calculus, and statistics, and then micro economics may be useful if you want a third.

Good luck!

Amy

[mjjking]

Hi Amy,
I appreciate your answer but... will teaching experience provide me with a insight on management? How would B-schools look at it? I mean, it would be great international exposure, wouldn't it? I would leave my compoany fter only 9 months, I feel like this is not my right way... What should I do?
thanks!

[Amy]

Hi Rob,

I think you need to pursue the path that makes sense for you and your career goals, and that's how you will position it to schools when you apply. I would not advise making life choices based on how they will appear on your MBA application.

Good luck!

Amy