I am from India (Chennai) and posses a decent academic record. I had been amongst the top rankers during my Secondary and Higher Secondary education. I did my undergraduate studies from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
UG Score - 8.59 on 10 (Class of 2009).
I am currently employed as a product development engineer with a leading construction equipment and heavy machinery firm (a US-Fortune 50 company) , having previously interned with a Fortune 500 Petrochemicals major.
I have decent extra-curriculars (National level Bridge player, association with the Scouts Movement, Positions of responsibility during my UG days) and an about average community service background.
I had a few queries.
1) Does an engineering background put me at a disadvantage ? Do I need to look for a work profile more business related in the next few years ?
2) "Ideally", how many years should I give myself before I apply for B Schools ? 3 or more ?
3) What should be the best time to write GMAT ? Now , when I am just out of school and still in touch with the rigors of studying or later. much closer to the actual application date.
4) Do I stand a chance in the top 5 programs considering that I intend to apply with just 2-3 years of work ex ?
GMAT Forum
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- pattrow.iitm
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- mbamission
- Students
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Re: Profile Evaluation
Thank you for your questions. I have provided some thoughts below:
1) Does an engineering background put me at a disadvantage ? Do I need to look for a work profile more business related in the next few years ?
Engineers are valued by MBA programs, however you will certainly be a part of an overrepresented pool of applicants (male, Indian engineers). I do not believe you need to change your career path to get into b-school. The focus should be on demonstrating your story, why you chose your career path and what you are interested in achieving in the future (your goals). A new career path can potentially "disrupt" your story and do more harm than good.
2) "Ideally", how many years should I give myself before I apply for B Schools ? 3 or more ?
There is no ideal amount of work experience per se. With that said, some schools are trending younger (HBS) while other schools value more experience (Haas, Tuck). The bottom line is that "quality" of work experience is more important than "quantity".
3) What should be the best time to write GMAT ? Now , when I am just out of school and still in touch with the rigors of studying or later. much closer to the actual application date.
This really depends on your test taking abilities. Take the exam when you have the most time to prepare!
4) Do I stand a chance in the top 5 programs considering that I intend to apply with just 2-3 years of work ex ?
Your career progression, leadership experiences (at work and in the community) and personal story will dictate whether or not you are competitive at the top 5 programs. Based on the information provided, I think these programs will be reaches for you.
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with the process!
Monica Okrah
Senior Consultant, mbaMission
http://www.mbamission.com
1) Does an engineering background put me at a disadvantage ? Do I need to look for a work profile more business related in the next few years ?
Engineers are valued by MBA programs, however you will certainly be a part of an overrepresented pool of applicants (male, Indian engineers). I do not believe you need to change your career path to get into b-school. The focus should be on demonstrating your story, why you chose your career path and what you are interested in achieving in the future (your goals). A new career path can potentially "disrupt" your story and do more harm than good.
2) "Ideally", how many years should I give myself before I apply for B Schools ? 3 or more ?
There is no ideal amount of work experience per se. With that said, some schools are trending younger (HBS) while other schools value more experience (Haas, Tuck). The bottom line is that "quality" of work experience is more important than "quantity".
3) What should be the best time to write GMAT ? Now , when I am just out of school and still in touch with the rigors of studying or later. much closer to the actual application date.
This really depends on your test taking abilities. Take the exam when you have the most time to prepare!
4) Do I stand a chance in the top 5 programs considering that I intend to apply with just 2-3 years of work ex ?
Your career progression, leadership experiences (at work and in the community) and personal story will dictate whether or not you are competitive at the top 5 programs. Based on the information provided, I think these programs will be reaches for you.
I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck with the process!
Monica Okrah
Senior Consultant, mbaMission
http://www.mbamission.com
2 posts Page 1 of 1