SOS pls! Profile evaluation for an advertising professional.

[vaibhavj]

Hi,
Below is my profile followed by a few questions:

(Thanks a million in advance (: )

Name: Vaibhav Jain
Age: 25
Undergrad: Bachelor of Management Studies from Mumbai University. (65% - don't know the best GPA conversion)
Current GMAT Score: 640 (re-appearing on 18th Dec.)
Work Exp: 5 years 4 months

My experience ranges in marketing and advertising with my most recent employment being with Rediffusion-Wunderman, Mumbai as an Account Supervisor. At Wunderman, I have worked with clients such as Birla Sun Life Insurance, HomeTown - Future Group, TATA, Kingfisher, Ambuja Cement. Key Exposure areas across my career: Marketing, Branding, Digital & Direct Marketing, CRM. Been working with a team of four account executives and have several national campaign successes to our credit.

I have worked on the agency and client side both and my immediate goal post MBA is to work in a luxury, consumer or tech brand - in a marketing/brand related role. I don't intend to come back to India.

Extra-Curricular: I am a certified clinical hypnotherapist and take clients over weekend. Part-time therapy work gives me immense joy. My spiritual interests led to me conducting meditation sessions in office. I've recently sold 2 of my paintings and am exploring that further. I have been a volunteer with the Art of Living foundation for over a year.

With little over 5yrs in my kitty, I have recently quit my job and am going to Thailand for a month to volunteer with an NGO named ISARA (something I have always wanted to do - travel & volunteer - and it made most sense to get a break like this before an MBA)

I want to go for a 1 year or max. an 18 month program. 'Baffled' is the word when it comes to deciding about institutes. Some of the options I am considering are(post the better score):

Melbourne Business School
Richard Ivey
National University of Singapore
Singapore Management University
Esade / IE / IESE / HEC

Questions: Based on my profile, which I think is relatively non-conventional, are my choices realistic? Could you recommend something I haven't yet considered?

Which programs are good for Marketing?

This may seem like a naive question, but I need to ask someone, somewhere -
With the current economic scenario, is it wise to choose a European B-school? Would it be a problem to secure a job in Europe as a foreign national, with language being a possible concern apart from visa regulations,etc.

I've been advised to focus on Asia Pacific so far. But I need an expert's opinion on this. Would really appreciate clarity in this regard.

Thank you so much once again!

[vaibhavj]

Hi Mili,

A gentle reminder. Awaiting you response. :)


Thanks,
Vaibhav

[vaibhavj]

One more question:

How should I tackle the the fact that I have moved from my current role to pursue a volunteer opportunity. Would that affect my candidacy in a negative manner? I have been offered the role of a Brand Strategist with a Brand Consultancy in Mumbai, but I intend to take a final call on that once I return from the volunteer experience.

I really want to get into a competitive program and start my MBA in 2013. I know I am a bit late in applying for some of the programs.

Once again, your feedback and comments, highly highly appreciated!

Thanks,
Vaibhav

[vaibhavj]

Gmat update : 660!
Not a big change... really disappointed coz all my MGMAT practice scores were 700-720.

[vaibhavj]

Hey Mili,

Wish you a happy new year...

Awaiting you reply.

Thanks/

[mili]

Hi Vaibhav!

Thanks for your patience - my sincere apologies for the delayed response.

I think your nontraditional background is an advantage. Seems like you've had great exposure on that front. Extracurricular-wise, you've got some interesting things there... could you spin your part time work as a small business? That might help make it more legit.

The GMAT score is somewhat low as you know, but not awful. As for the quitting your job to volunteer for a month... that could be seen as a negative. It really depends on the school, but generally, they don't like to see candidates unemployed at the time of applying.

If you are looking to get into branding anyway, the offer you've received seems like an awesome bridge to that career path. And, it would be better to show that you've taken steps towards that career path even if you do still apply to bschool.

I think NUS might be a reach, but I'd still apply. IESE, ESADE, ... also tough. HEC seems like a great fit given your interest in luxury brands/marketing.

Your concern about Europe is a very valid one. I don't have any 'expert' answer on this, except that you may be right that with the economic conditions as they are, it may not be easy to find employment post-MBA. That said, you could always attend a European bschool and return to India for work. (Sounds like you don't want to do that, though).

I hope this helps - I'd suggest taking the offer you have, applying if you want to either way, and then making a decision if/when the opportunity arises. Either you'll stay at the brand consulting firm or you'll go to business school!

Best of luck and thanks again for your patience.
Mili

Mili Mittal
Senior Consultant
http://www.mbamission.com

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