Profile Evaluation - non profit healthcare

[davidfelts]

Hello,
I am looking for feedback on my profile for a full time MBA program starting in the fall of 2011 at the following schools:
- Haas
- Columbia
- Kellogg
- Darden

Profile:
- White male
- Southeast US
- GMAT - 730 (Q 87%, V 92%)
- GPA - 3.6 in Finance - competitive regional liberal arts college but not a national brand
- 3 years of i-banking
- 2 years (matriculate with 3 years) of corporate finance experience with a large regional non-profit healthcare system.

My first concern is that I have not been promoted in either of my positions. I have done well in both positions and will have good recommendations but no promotion due to circumstances/timing. In banking, I was extended a third year but left to work for a non-profit before promotion to associate. The non-profit position is second-tier (banking associate equivalent) but I will not be up for promotion until after applications are due. Is this something I should address directly?

My second concern is that I did not go to a top undergrad program.

I would like to work in healthcare or non-profit consulting/management upon completion of my MBA.

I would appreciate thoughts on the strength on my application and suggestions on how to address stated concerns.
Thanks,

[mbamission]

Thanks for your question! Your grades and GMAT are both strong and based on the information you provided, it sounds like you have a clear understanding of your professional goals. Regarding your concerns, the lack of promotions will not be a deal breaker for your applications. If your recommenders can discuss how you have progressed, that should help to strengthen your application. If you have taken on greater responsibility or operated in a role beyond your title, those are ways you can highlight "progression" in your essays. Your second concern shouldn't be too much of a concern either. Schools are looking for diversity and they admit people from a wide range of schools.

You did not mention anything about community leadership or extracurricular activities. If you havent' done much outside of work, this will be a weakness in your profile. Is there more there?

Monica Okrah
mbaMission

[davidfelts]

Thanks for the feedback Monica. I've had a moderate amount of community involvement. I'm on a healthcare funds allocation committee for the United Way and volunteer with a local AIDS network group. I say moderate involvment because I have not held titled positions with these organizations. Should this level of involvement be a concern for my application?

[mbamission]

Thanks for the feedback Monica. I've had a moderate amount of community involvement. I'm on a healthcare funds allocation committee for the United Way and volunteer with a local AIDS network group. I say moderate involvment because I have not held titled positions with these organizations. Should this level of involvement be a concern for my application?

Regarding community activities, leadership and not a "titled position" is not what matters. Have you done anything extraordinary with your volunteer work (i.e. initiated improvements in the organization....led fundraisers....contributed/executed on unique ideas)? Your community leadership and personal story/journey both have an important role to play in your application. Your list of target schools is reasonable, but I would encourage you to examine all aspects of your experiences (professional, personal, community and extra-curricular) to determine the best stories to present in your application.

Best of luck!

Monica Okrah
mbaMission