Profile evaluation: Exp - 10+ yrs, GMAT - 750

[phooda0718]

Hi,

I would like to request experts to help me shortlist MBA schools. Considering my work experience, I'm more interested in 1 year program, but am open for 2 year MBA as well.

I've provided high-level details about my profile below. Please evaluate.

Total work ex: 10.2 yrs in IT
International work ex: 6 yrs in US
Industry: IT services
Country: India
Role: Project Manager

GMAT: 750
Bachelor of Engineering: 73%

Thanks!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Hey dude,
A few Qs for you first:
1. How old are you?
2. What did you DO in your job? (and how many promotions? and how much leadership?)
3. How about UG school and grades?

[phooda0718]

Hey dude,
A few Qs for you first:
1. How old are you?
2. What did you DO in your job? (and how many promotions? and how much leadership?)
3. How about UG school and grades?

Hey Jon,

Thanks for your response! I've responded to your questions below. Please let me know if you need more info to evaluate my profile.
1. I'm 32 now. Will be 33 by the time I join any school.

2. I'm managing a big project with a team size of 35. I have end-to-end bottom line responsibility for my projects. I've mentioned some of the key tasks I'm involved with.
- Participate in proposals
- Build teams
- Schedule, monitor, review and report project status
- Manage project risks
- Manage people
- Ensure successful delivery and implementation

I joined as a Software Engineer. Promoted to Analyst, Team Lead and then Project Manager couple of years back. I've been a part of and have contributed to one of the fastest growing account in my organization. I worked at both onsite (US) and offshore (India). It helped me broaden my point of view on different things. So, overall, I've done really well at my job.

3. I've done Bachelor of Engineering from an Indian University with top grades (top 5%).

Thanks!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Thanks for getting back to me dude.

Agewise you are a biiiiiit on the cusp for regular MBA programs. One year programs and Euro-programs are probably a better fit for you if you are gonna stick to fulltime programs, and you may want to consider EMBA programs given your age.

Looks like you have a LOT of management which is good. It's still not clear to me whether you have any official leads (this is stronger than project management) although whatever leadership you have is fantastic.

In the US outside of Top 10 programs you should have a shot (and Top20 will be very very tough) - your main obstacles are: your age, your applicant pool (Indian/Tech/Male) and your nonIIT with so-so grades UG.

So, I'd say choose one or two good Dream programs (say Cornell)
3-4 competitive programs (Babson? Marshall? Goizueta? other mid-range US schools? Euro schools???)
and one safe program,

If you have any follow up questions or anything at all, just drop a line,

[phooda0718]

Thanks for your feedback, Jon.

Considering my age, I was also inclined towards 1 year MBA from Euro or Asian schools. Which ones do you recommend?

[mbaguy2012]

Getting through a top B-School is not that difficult as many would project but be careful not to consider anything beyond INSEAD, IMD & LBS in Europe. Your profile (10+ yrs/IT/Indian/Male) is a slightly risky profile and you need to get through a top school. A tier 2 school won't be able to serve your purpose.

I would definitely recommend the 1 yr MBA program at IIM Ahmbaidabad in India. It has been making waves on the FT rankings and boasts of quick & on-campus recruitment, a challenge at most top schools worldwide.