Candidate:

Mr. Dodgers Geek

About Me:

I’m a manager at a Big 4 public accounting firm, specializing in M&A advisory (former auditor), with 6 years of client service work experience. Currently seeking an MBA in order to make a lateral move into an investment banking associate position. I was a competitive swimmer for 15 years through undergrad, and also play classical & electric guitar.

Schools:

Target School: UCLA Anderson

Considering: USC Marshall, Berkeley Haas

See More Profiles For: UCLA Anderson

Application Status: Open

Details:

Undergrad School: Claremont McKenna College

Undergrad Major: Economics-Accounting

GPA: 3.39

GMAT: 710

Age: 28, Ethnicity: Asian or Indian

Other Degree/Certification: Certified Public Accountant (CA)

Extracurriculars: Varsity swim team for all 4 years at Claremont McKenna College, Member of Emerging Leaders Council at a local nonprofit, Study classical guitar and electric guitar with weekly lessons for the past 5 years

Work History:

Title: Manager, Transaction Services

Industry: Accounting

Company: Top Firm

Length of Employment: 2 yrs, 6 mos

Title: Senior Associate, Audit

Industry: Accounting

Company: Top Firm

Length of Employment: 3 yrs

Big Life Wins:

Passed CPA exams in 4 months out of school. Received a performance-based early promotion from associate to senior associate, one year ahead of standard. I also transferred into transaction services by navigating a highly competitive interview process, securing 1 of 2 spots out of a Superday applicant pool of 20+ candidates.

Post MBA Goal:

Looking to use my existing M&A and transaction background to make a lateral move into an investment banking associate position. The long-term goal is to use my combined accounting and banking background to move into an executive corporate development role at a F500 or high-growth startup.

Odds:

Join in! Click here to assess the odds of Mr. Dodgers Geek

The Experts Rate The Odds At: 42%

See what the industry experts have to say:

John A. Byrne, P&Q Founder & Editor-In-Chief | Odds Assessment: 40%

So after the sweep of the Padres, your team is going on to face the Braves. It will be quite a matchup. The big question, however, is can you sweep your way into Anderson. I like your odds. Your Big Four experience will obviously count for a lot, especially because of your early promotion and your early passage of the CPA exams. The fact that you were a competitive swimmer for 15 years through undergrad shows remarkable discipline and focus. Add in your passion for music, evidenced by your skill at playing classical & electric guitar, and you are a well-rounded, highly desirable candidate. I would really be surprised if UCLA passed on you.

So after the sweep of the Padres, your team is going on to face the Braves. It will be quite a matchup. The big question, however, is can you sweep your way into Anderson. I like your odds. Your Big Four experience will obviously count for a lot, especially because of your early promotion and your early passage of the CPA exams. The fact that you were a competitive swimmer for 15 years through undergrad shows remarkable discipline and focus. Add in your passion for music, evidenced by your skill at playing classical & electric guitar, and you are a well-rounded, highly desirable candidate. I would really be surprised if UCLA passed on you.

4 years ago
mbaMission Odds Assessment: 45%

Hi Mr. Dodgers Geek! This is Kate Richardson with mbaMission. I agree with John that you’re a well-rounded candidate. I’ve worked with other competitive swimmers in the past and they often share a work ethic, drive, and team spirit that I think will be very attractive to UCLA. As a former Big 4 person, I also really like that you switched from audit to transaction services. And your post-MBA goals are a logical outgrowth from your work background. Your stats are in range for UCLA too. I think with a well-executed app and some solid research/networking to show your interest in the program, you’ve got a great shot. (Btw, would put your odds at USC a bit higher, and Haas a bit lower).

Hi Mr. Dodgers Geek! This is Kate Richardson with mbaMission. I agree with John that you’re a well-rounded candidate. I’ve worked with other competitive swimmers in the past and they often share a work ethic, drive, and team spirit that I think will be very attractive to UCLA. As a former Big 4 person, I also really like that you switched from audit to transaction services. And your post-MBA goals are a logical outgrowth from your work background. Your stats are in range for UCLA too. I think with a well-executed app and some solid research/networking to show your interest in the program, you’ve got a great shot. (Btw, would put your odds at USC a bit higher, and Haas a bit lower).

4 years ago