Please Evaluate - GMAT: 690, Research Chemist, Indian Male

[dutchgerman17]

Dear Experts,

Please evaluate my profile.

Nationality: Indian
Age: 29
GMAT: 690 (Quantitative: 45, Verbal: 38, AWA: Not Known - No TOEFL/IELTS score yet.

Educational Background:
1. SSLC: 91.2%
2. Diploma in Chemical Technology: 3 years - 75.7% (First Class with distinction), Institute: Kongu Polytechnic, India
3. Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering - 3 years - 74.8% (First Class), Institute: Periyar University, India
4. Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering - 2 years - 1.7 (B+, Good), Institute: University of Kiel, Germany

Professional Background: Experience: 4-5 years
a) Full time jobs
1. Since 2008, I have been working as a research chemist for a chemical company in Netherlands.
I execute complex, multi-disciplinary research activities that contribute to the development of (new) product principles, that through further development lead to new products or the solving of (new) application and process problems with existing products. I execute, improve and develop laboratory tests with predictive value towards field performance (performance in steel/tin plate rolling mills). A proper execution of research activities, managed as projects, is my primary responsibility.
To be more specific, I develop environmental friendly, but low cost, rolling oils, lubricants, wet temper fluids and corrosion preventives for steel/tin plate rolling mills. I deal with the problems faced by the customers-Arcelor Mittal, Corus/Tata Steel, China Steel Corporation-not only in Europe but also in China.

2) In 2007, I worked as a Junior Researcher/Intern for Mitsubishi Chemical Science and Technology Research Center in Japan.
I was involved in developing batteries for hybrid electric vehicles. Though I did internship after finishing masters, I am not sure whether I could consider my internship as my full time experience.

b) Part time jobs
2004-2006: 2 years - I worked as research assistant for University of Kiel and Max Planck Research Institute in Germany.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

1. Treasurer of Amnesty International Group in Amsterdam - since 2010 - Present : I Organize yearly money collection
2. Member of Greenpeace, Netherlands - My background in chemistry and chemical engineering helps me to support the environmental causes of Greenpeace
3. Member of Dutch Refugee Council, Netherlands - I helped/help the refugees from Srilanka who speak Tamil

4. National Cadet Corps, India - 3 years - Passed the B certificate exam
5. National Social Service Scheme, India - 3 years - Participated in social harmony and youth development program
6. Scouts, India - 2 years

7. I won a few prizes in sports and games and in quiz competition

Languages known: Tamil, English, Hindi, Dutch, German

International Exposure: 26 months in Germany, 7 months in Japan and 48 months in Netherlands

Reason for doing an MBA: Career switch
Area of interest: General Management, International Business
Target Schools: INSEAD, IMD and LBS

As I am a bit older and have low GMAT score (compared to highly competitive Indian male group), I am reluctant to apply to US schools. At the same time, as I am planning for a career switch, I worry about doing 1 year MBA in Europe.

(Within a year I can get the permanent resident status in Netherlands, the status will allow me to find jobs at least in a few European countries without work permit)

I request you to evaluate my profile and let me know the schools I have good chances at. Thanks in advance for your help.

DutchGerman

[FutureWorks]

Hi There

Looking at the previous LBS MBA class profile the Middle 80% GMAT scores ranged from 640 to 750 and the median score was 710. Hence a score above 700 is advisable when applying to top schools abroad. We would advise you o improve your gmat by 10-20 points so can be in a secure position gmat wise when you apply.

However GMAT alone won't determine your chances of admission; beyond the academics will also help you in determining your candidature and your work experience plays a vital role as well. Beyond academics plays an equally important role so make sure you showcase it well. Generally most of the applicants have a good 4-5 years of work experience. Although it is not just the work experience that counts but also what you did there like-what were your achievements, what initiative you took, what changes you drove in your workplace etc. So to leverage this if you can show that in 4 years you have demonstrated the skills business schools are looking for you could put in a strong set of essays. Insead generally prefer students with global work experience so that could make your case stronger. Hence the quality of your work, your academics and beyond academics will play an important role in determining your candidature.

Start thinking what makes you unique and what's that 'hook' that will be key to your application.

Find out where you stand with our Free Assessment Test or drop your resume at [email protected]

[Jon@Admissionado]

OR, apply to European programs that are excellent but more "flexible" in terms of GMAT. RSM is not a bad idea, HEC is certainly worth looking into, as are IE, ESADE, IESE, Oxfrod and Cambrdige could be good options. There are also some up and coming school in Germany that you might look into.

Your current placement in Europe, and ability to get permanent papers will also be very helpful.

[dutchgerman17]

@ Futureworks, Thanks many for your suggestion. I will be taking GMAT again to improve my score.

@ Precision Essay, Thanks many for your suggestion. Though I consider INSEAD, IMD and LBS my dream schools, I will be realistic and looking into the schools suggested by you.

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

To what area are you switching your career? This will help us advise you about other schools.

[dutchgerman]

@ MBAPrepAdvantage, Thanks a lot for your reply. I hope to work in Consulting (Strategy/Energy). The next option for me is Industry (oil and energy/chemicals). Investment banking/Finance and Entrepreneurship aren't my options.

[Jon@Admissionado]

I would go with Industry. I mean what advantage do you have going up against consulting people? not so much. There will be people coming INTO the MBA from good consulting firms. Instead you should play on your uniqueness, and your strengths, i.e. industry.

[dutchgerman]

@ PrecisionEssay

Thanks a lot for your valuable suggestion. You are right. I will focus on my strength. Thanks again.

[Jon@Admissionado]

You're welcome sir.
Best of luck to ya!

[apphelp]

Hi,

Your GMAT score should not be an issue and European schools prefer applicants with higher experience and are fine with low GMAT scores.

Your international experience will help you a lot.

1 yr programs might not be a good option to make a career switch into finance as that requires understanding fundamentals etc. But to move into general management etc 1 yr is good enough.

We would recommend you to keep a couple of safer options such as Cambridge Judge/ HEC Paris as well.

Apphelp Team

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

I agree with Jon in targeting industry. Here is a methodology for shortlisting schools for further research:

Determine which companies you would like to target post-MBA schools. Look for leadership rotational programs like BASF MBA Leadership Development Program (https://www.basf.com/group/corporate/us/ ... nt/mba-ldp), Dow MBA General Management Program (https://www.dow.com/careers/programs/corp_gen.htm), Air Products MBA Career Development Program (https://www.airproducts.com/en/careers/u ... m/mba.aspx) and W.R. Grace Leadership Program (https://www.grace.com/careers/Students/L ... ogram.aspx) within Chemicals.

Then go to the Career Services page for each school and download their employment report. Cross reference your target programs/companies with the companies that recruit from those schools. If there is a match research those schools further.

Best of luck,

[dutchgerman17]

@ AppHelp

Thanks plenty for evaluating my profile.

[dutchgerman17]

@ MBAPrep Advantage

I cant thank you enough for showing me a methodology for shortlisting schools. The methodology is extremely helpful. Thank you Michael.

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

I am glad. Please keep us up-to-date about which schools you select and your results.

Best of luck,

[medha.kanwar]

HI ,

Could someone please evaluate my profile ?
It would be great if you could list some US b-schools from which I have good chances of getting interview call.
I am applying for full-time MBA course.


My profile as follows;


1) age- 26
, gender- Female
nationality- Indian

2) undergrad major- BTech- computers
, GPA- 7.2/10
GMAT score- 690 (Q49, V34)
IELTS- 8
TOEFL- 108
grad work you've done- worked as analyst in summer intern with Bhutan Hydroelectricity Project Authority

3)
what is your current role- My last role was IT consultant, before that as IT developer
Have you had any promotions?- 2 promotions
What industry do you work in? - IT
For how long have you worked?- 5+ years (Accenture 3.6 years, IBM 2 months,Construction Company 1 year, Non-profit 1 month(present))

ROLES: Interaction with one of the Market Analysts of my client( US bank).
Designing processes on the bases of marketing strategies to deign marketing campaigns , targeting millions of credit card, and home loan customers in US. In team of 3 people , I was the only one who was handling designing of caller response customers processes.
The project was million dollar marketing department.

Other than handling my own responsibilities . I created an effective cost cutting model for inter- project training programs and also participated as trainer in my technology skill field.

Construction Company- Operation manager (technology and operations)- Cost control, designing plan for improvement and implementation, organizing trainings in offices all over India.

4) Extracurriculars:
a) When I was in school I organized small awareness camps on issues relating to struggle of Tibetians led by Dalai Lama.
b) was part of literary team and won award
c) In college was part of festival organizing team

d) During work- Was part of CRY- worked in project on basic right for children- 1 year
ROLE- Writing memorandum , which was presented to Member of legislative Assembly and dully approved for funds needed to build school building of anganwadi of the area under my team involving 3 people.
Achievement- New infrastructure was built for the school, got some funds diverted for mid day meals for children and supplements for women of the minority community.

Greenpeace
ROLE- Volunteer- Worked to increase awareness on various effects of use of BT brinjal and other genetically modified products. Organized seminars in my company and in localities.

VSO
Organized a fundraiser for Tanzania cause 2009.
Raised around US$400.

Play organization and writing
I learned creative writing , story writing , play writing from an Indian writer.
Organized a couple of plays , wrote one story (never published and is still a draft)

5) Short/Long term goals: I wish to work as a Financial Analyst in an Investment Banking .
Gain experience of the global financial market and then go for studies in foreign services.
US is my geographical preference

I really appreciate your help.

Thanks a lot