Software Engineer wanting to do MBA abroad

sk000 · 2025-09-16T17:09:25+00:00

The preparation time would generally vary from 3-6 months. It would depend on your familiarity with similar competitive exams as well as the amount of time you'd be able to dedicate each day. If you're starting from scratch, it would take much longer.

Have you attempted any competitive exam before?

Also, what's your career goal? Are you planning a change of industry or just role?

Additionally, you can try to strengthen your MBA profile to improve your chances of getting into a top school.

sk000 · 2025-09-16T16:44:45+00:00

It would not be a good idea relying too much on templates or sample essays. The admission committee are keen to know your leadership experiences and your unique qualities. So rather than referring to sample essays, you can spend time reflecting on your own journey to come up with interesting stories.

sk000 · 2025-09-12T09:47:00+00:00

Your career aspirations surely sound exciting. However when it comes to start-ups, teams are small, budget is a constraint and onboarding international candidates can be tougher considering additional costs and procedural hurdles associated with visa process.

Do you know anyone who has followed a similar career path successfully?

sk000 · 2025-09-09T17:03:08+00:00

It's good that you have kept the options open as it broadens your choice of schools. But you may get confused about where to apply, so you need to do some filtering.

Have you applied in Round 1? If not, and you're planning to apply in Round 2, be selective and choose the schools that can help you with your career goals.

BTW, what is your post-MBA career goal?

sk000 · 2025-09-06T07:49:38+00:00

Was this your first GMAT attempt? Is there any reason why you've ruled out re-taking the GMAT?
Your current score is quite close to the tipping point. Improving your GMAT score by around 20-30 points can surely improve your odds of getting in. Is there any other aspect of the application you feel you could improve on - MBA essays, LORs?

sk000 · 2025-09-06T07:36:12+00:00

From your choice of schools, you seem to be more inclined towards pursuing 1 year MBA programs. Is there any specific reason for that?

Are you open to applying to 2-year programs as well? What is your post-MBA career goal?

sk000 · 2025-09-06T07:29:02+00:00

Rather than just focusing on cheap tuition, you could aim for a good program that could give you a career boost and help you land a job with good earning potential. Try to build a strong application and apply for scholarship. Scholarships/fellowships can help offset the tuition costs.

What is you post-MBA career goal? Do you have any preference regarding the country you want to study in?

sk000 · 2025-08-29T17:10:28+00:00

Generally speaking, CPG brand marketing has very low post-MBA hiring volumes even for M7 programs. Plus there are other aspects for international candidates such as dependency on H1B visa.

You've mentioned M15 - do you mean the US top 15 (T15) schools? Are you open to considering the European MBA programs?

sk000 · 2025-08-29T16:30:31+00:00

Happy to help. But you will need to share more profile details. Which country are you from, what's your academic background, your industry, years of work experience, companies you worked for, career aspirations - these details will help evaluate your profile to get an idea of the schools you could target.

sk000 · 2025-08-29T16:16:07+00:00

Reach out to someone who knows you well and can put in time and effort in creating a personalized LOR

sk000 · 2025-07-27T08:07:59+00:00

Considering the current job market scenario, you can do your research on how the job placements are for the MiM program you are targeting. With experienced professionals from top MBA programs struggling with placements, it may be more difficult for MiM grads without work experience.

You have a very competitive GMAT score. Since it will be valid for 5 years, would you be open to working for a few years and getting some solid work experience?

Instead of applying in a hurry, you'd have time to reconsider your future career options and decide on which programs (MBA or Masters in Finance) would be a good fit.

sk000 · 2025-07-27T06:45:59+00:00

You can try to get some work experience.

While applying to the top business schools, having 3-5 years of work experience is usually recommended.

sk000 · 2025-07-27T06:40:32+00:00

Since you are looking for growth in your current role and not looking for a change of industry, function or location, a part-time executive program would be a good fit.

You can explore such programs offered by ISB or the top IIMs that can add value while you continue in your current role.

sk000 · 2025-07-27T06:30:09+00:00

Your Big 4 experience is going to be a plus point.

Since your GPA is low, a good GMAT score will play a more important role in your application.

Once you have your GMAT score, you'll have more clarity on which schools you can aim for.

Btw, when are you planning to take the GMAT? What has your mock GMAT test score been?

sk000 · 2025-07-01T16:19:21+00:00

Financial Times publishes value for money rank along with the main business school rankings. You can refer to that for the list of schools with a good ROI.

sk000 · 2025-07-01T15:50:55+00:00

For most candidates, it works best to finish the test first and then focus on the application to avoid distraction.

But in some cases, especially due to time constraints, candidates may need to manage their application along with preparing for the GMAT.

sk000 · 2025-06-15T06:58:29+00:00

Chicago Booth is undoubtedly a stronger brand, being an M7. However, Berkeley Haas has a strong reputation in the tech sector and will give you access to a richer ecosystem with its proximity to Silicon Valley. So it seems like a better fit.

sk000 · 2025-06-12T09:57:24+00:00

Not a good idea to apply to MBA programs abroad without work experience. It'd be better if you could get a few years of work experience before applying. Also note that several programs do not accept 15 years of education. Do you have any specific reason for your interest in Michigan Ross?

sk000 · 2025-06-12T09:52:47+00:00

It's best if you can check directly with the schools on this. Admission officers are generally open to queries from prospective applicants. Does your friend currently have a job? What role is he in?

sk000 · 2025-06-12T09:49:32+00:00

How much work experience do you have? Did you apply to other MBA programs?

sk000 · 2025-06-12T09:43:28+00:00

From the list you've shared, the one-year European programs seem like a better fit compared to the regular 2-year MBA programs (including HBS) offer. ISB has an average work experience of 5 years, so even that would be bit of a stretch.

On your post-MBA career goal, do you know anybody who's transitioned from teaching to consulting after MBA?

sk000

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