Mr. Engineering To IB

Hi, this is JP, Senior Consultant at The MBA Exchange. You’re absolutely right to target LBS. International programs are THE way to go given your profile and goals. The international experience, ideally in a global business hub (London, Singapore, etc.) is what’s missing in your profile to really launch you on a successful career in finance. There are a number of non-US programs that have ties and exchanges with US programs (and vice-versa), which is really the best of both worlds. I wrote extensively about this and successfully guided many applicants into these programs, and I would be happy to give you more details. Email me at jpo@mbaexchange.com asap. A number of top schools have extended their final round deadlines, so there may be a window of opportunity for you before the expected flood of applicants in the fall.

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission! There’s a lot to like in your profile – an outstanding GMAT score, a solid GPA in a challenging major, and a progressive engineering/manufacturing career. What I want to understand (and what the admissions committee certainly will want to understand) is: why do you want to make a career pivot to investment banking? It is certainly possible, but do explain in your application clearly what professional/personal experiences and observations have led you to this path (and along with that, what has sparked your passion for green/sustainable businesses – perhaps it’s something you’ve seen in the manufacturing process?)

Additionally, have you been involved in any extracurriculars, in college and post-college? Community involvement (of any type, whether “traditional” volunteerism, sports, or alumni associations) can strengthen a profile as well. I know it’s not easy to jump into something now given the situation we’re in, but if you’re able to pick up an activity you were meaningfully involved in during college for example, that could provide some continuity and show the schools that you are multidimensional in your interests and likely to be an involved student once you get to campus.

Regarding your school list – given your interest in finance and sustainability, I’d add CBS, Stern, Yale, and Fuqua to your list. I hope that this information helps – best of luck!

Hi Mr. Engineering to IB, this is Donna Bauman with Stratus Admissions and it is a pleasure to weigh in on your profile. I think you are going to get a lot of attention with that GMAT score and your engineering background will help as well. I think this could be a great time to apply to Wharton even in this R3 if you have not already done so and I’d add CBS, Yale and Kellogg to that list as well. I like your chances at LBS but I would think about your recruiting goals and be sure you attend a program that has success placing you in the firms that interest you most. Given you are looking for some experiential learning to help you make the transition to i-banking, consider also a program like Ross with their hands-on MAP programs. I can see you making a strong case at a lot of programs if you present yourself in a compelling way in the application and essays. I did not see a lot of extracurriculars—and while this is important in general—in this market and with all the covid craziness your 770 may be such a draw that programs won’t notice or care as much about your involvement. Obviously, think about how you can show leadership as well so that you are the complete package—but I encourage you to look at some of the R3 options as I think there are many programs who would be interested in you. If you would like more guidance or discuss more specifics on this, I’m happy to do a free consult with you.