I’m kinda overwhelmed by the number of people who approach me for career advice these days, gives me this false sense of accomplishment which I constantly battle. It helps to understand that “BSchools like most organizations choose candidates based not on their capability or accomplishments but on their fit to the programme.”
As such, I’m writing a brief account of my journey so far. I hope It’ll be helpful for all those interested in the Masters in Management programme or in BSchools in general.
My Current Status:
Understanding my current status is crucial to ascertain how far the information you find below is suitable for you.
I’m a final year Computer Science Engineering Student from BITS Pilani.
I currently have admits from the following schools:
1. London Business School
2. HEC Paris
3. Duke Fuqua School of Business
4. ESCP Europe
Test Scores: GMAT: 760/800 (AWA-6/6) TOEFL:114/120( Not required for most MiMs)
Resume Overview: A couple of BIG name internships(Practice School is very helpful), substantial college leadership experience, moderate international experience, a couple of high impact projects and a social angle supporting my long term goals. For more specifics check my linked-in profile: http://in.linkedin.com/in/prateik
Job Offers: Bain Capability Center(BCC)- Gurgaon
I’m planning to pursue an MiM at LBS, though the decision has not been a straight forward one.
The Process:
1. Planning out a Career Path- Achieved through online research and talking to seniors, alumni etc. Best if one can define a clear set of short term and long term goals.
2. Preparing for GMAT- Some people are just good at it. For everyone else, two months of disciplined preparation is recommended. I prepared for a month, averaging around 2 hours of disciplined practice everyday. I recommend following two books 1. The Official Guide and 2. Either Kaplan or Princeton Review. I sat through 10 mock tests before the actual exam. I strongly believe temperament on the day of the exam is worth two weeks of preparation, atleast. I spent only one day preparing for the AWA section, following formats found online helps, a lot.
3. Writing the Essay Answers- Helps to be honest, it reflects in the essays. Beating around the bush is a certain no-no. Should reflect significant research on career paths and the school. Expect to prepare at least five drafts before arriving at the final version. Patience is valuable in this stage.
4. Recommendations- I got one from the manager of the firm where I was interning and one from a Professor I had worked with. Recommendations are very important.
5. Interview- Helps to read the essays answers before going. Being funny and charming yet grounded and nervous works. Helps to face atleast three mock interviews before the real thing. I have to thank Naveen for his “shock mock”. Always great to have background information on the interviewer, I thank Manish for that.
6. Choosing One path- The hardest step. I first labelled this step “Choosing the Right Path” then changed it to “Choosing One Path”. Understanding that all the options you have are good helps. Thinking about the opportunities you are giving up could lead to depression. Discussions with family and alumni help.
Conclusion:
A Masters in Management Programme is not for the faint hearted. The risk involved is substantial, especially keeping the current economic scenario in context. Look upon it as a long term investment and chance to experience/learn a lot at a very young age.
If you are the kind that likes to play it safe, I strongly recommend you work for 3-5 years before applying to an MBA programme.
Most of the views expressed above are my personal views, their appropriateness depends solely on their use and the nature of the user. I’m more than willing to help any future candidate through his/her application, please feel free to reach out to me.
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