Building my CV so that B-schools are desperate for me...

[jsl]

Hi all!

I'm wondering if you can give me advice on business school entrance. I am currently studying for my GMAT test and once I get that out the way, I am aiming at developing my CV for a few years before I apply to a top tier business school. I think I am in a unique position in that I am not in a desperate rush to start an MBA.

In terms of a baseline, let's assume I get a decent GMAT score, say 680 (hoping for 700+). I am a native Englishman and to date, I have worked in the Investment Banking industry for roughly 5 years within IT (Front Office, Capital Markets). I have worked for blue chip companies, namely UBS, Accenture and my current firm (top European Investment Bank).

My target schools are all US schools, namely (and in order of preference) Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, Yale and Columbia. In addition to loving the USA, I'm hoping my English"ness" will be a good excuse for them to diversify and go for me instead of an American!

My questions...

• 1. I am worried that I have had a very "normal" CV. I often hear that business schools get too many clever people from finance/consulting industries. Because of this, I hear that they seek to hire fewer people from these industries in order to help diversify the class. Is this true? If so, wouldn't I be much better off doing some work experience in something completely different such as boat building or running a music company? Does my CV profile (above) appear too "normal" given the other candidates you see?
  2. Assuming I want to continue working at my existing company until I apply for B-school, what other ways can I differentiate my CV?
  3. Can you provide the contact details of a representative in London, England so I can look at the pricing of one to one tuition/advice?

I'm thankful for any valuable advice you can offer!
Thanks, Jon

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Jon,

To answer your questions:

1. There is no reason to switch jobs or industries. What matters is what you have done in the time you have worked--have you progressed? been promoted? supervised people? managed a budget? managed successively larger projects? The more you can show you have succeeded in your current career, the stronger your application will be.

2. You can differentiate your CV through your other activities. Are you involved with any community organizations? Taking on a leadership role in a nonprofit or community organization can be leveraged in your application to showcase skills you do not necessarily use in your job. Are there any unique hobbies or interests? Have you traveled extensively? These are all things that show a personal side to you and can make you memorable in a positive way to the admissions committee.

3. I'm not aware of any local consultants in London. If you are interested in our services, please visit our website at www.stacyblackman.com for detail on services and pricing.

Best of luck,
Lisa