A request to evaluate my profile..

[anju]

Hi,

I have provided relevant information on my profile. Request you to evaluate my profile and my chances of getting into a B-school

GMAT: Appearing for GMAT this month. Target score is 700+
Demographic Info: Indian Female - Married - 29 yrs.
GPA: I do not know how to calculate this since I studied in India, but here are the details
10th : 78%
12th : 68%
Undergrad: Bachelor of Science in Computers with 73%
Incomplete Post Grad: cleared 1 level of ICFAI Distant Learning MBA but did not pursue further. I did not find distant MBA helpful. Distant MBA would have given me a degree and a bookish knowledge.

Work Experience: 8+ years as of April 2008. I've taken a break for a while for personal reasons.
- Worked with one of the top consulting firms for 7.5 years.
- Started my career in a small firm and worked for 9 months.
- Received 3 promotions in first 5 years before I switched track.
- Started my career into IT development - received 2 promotions during this period.
- Moved onto Project Management - received 1 promotion during this period. Performed Project Lead to Project Manager role. Managed a team of 6 - 8 resources
- Recognised as great motivator and team player.
- Recognised for delivering a complex project on time
- Changed track into Management Consulting/Business Analysis - have done multiple short term assignments with multiple clients. Managed project and delivery to clients. Worked with top executives from client organization and received appreciation for my work.

Recommendations: - Will get good recommendations from my past managers who are Sr. Executives

Leadership Experience:
- Deliverd multiple projects on critical conditions. Lead team of 6- 8 people.
- In my last role, although I wasn't leading a team, I was responsible for the overall delivery and a face for my organization.

Extracurricular activities:
- Noth Indian classical dancer (Kathak dance)- cleared 2 levels
- Yoga - Cleared 1 exam. Imparted yoga sessions for free for 2 years.
- Drawing and painting - cleared intermediate level
- Mountaineering - I was a part of a Mountaineering club for 2 years
- Karate - Learned Karate during my school.
- Worked for Help Age India during my schools and mobilised funds towards charity.

- A member of PMI - Project Management Institution

Certifications:
- PMP (Project management Professional) from PMI (Project Management stream)
- Lean Six Sigma Clack Belt (Process stream)
- SCJP - Sun Java Certification (Technical stream)

Goal :I am interested in pursuing MBA in Strategic Management. All of my education has been into technical stream. I would like to go for an MBA so that I understand the business perspective. After few years into Strategic Management, my plan is to be an enterpreneur.

Target Schools: Stanford/Wharton/Harvard/Kellogs/chicago Univ

Location: I live in chicago area so I'd preferr Kellogs or Univ of chicago. But location is my secondary preference.

Need help on:
1. Is my profile good for Top 10 B-schools or am I expecting too much? Please evaluate.
2. Is it a good idea to go for a full time MBA after working for 8 years?
I think a full time
rather than a Executive MBA, will help me achieve my goal, since all my education has been on technical side. Pls. let me know your views.
3. Which school is the best for Strategic Management?

Appreciate your response.

Regards,

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear anju,

Without knowing your GMAT score, it is hard to comment on your chances for particular programs. However, for the target schools you posted, you need to be at a 680+, but in the 700's is best. Any of these programs, as well as many others, will provide a foundation in strategic management. The differences amongst the programs for what you seek are subtle, but it will be important to attend a program that has a relationship with consulting firms and top companies and graduates working in the positions of interest to you.

To make the career change you aspire to, I agree that a full-time program is best. You will be on the high end of the age range but the opportunity to focus on school, do an internship, and have time to devote to your career search is critical for you to make a change.

With regards to schools, I think it is best to apply to schools that are the best match for your career aspirations but also where you have a reasonable chance of being admitted. Since the schools you list are all top 10, I would suggest looking at some schools in the top 15-30 range as other options.

Good luck,
Lisa

[anju]

Thanks, Lisa!

I have few more questions but I will wait to ask till I give my GMAT.

Regards,