Mr. Late Bloomer

Hi! This is JP from The MBA Exchange. Your profile looks very familiar as I’ve guided a number of similar applicants over the last ten years, especially in Asia. There are many encouraging factors about your profile. The fact that you’ve been exposed to different areas of business, and realize the value of understanding them, will be highly respected by the Admissions Committees! They know from experience that such people make for great MBA students willing to learn (and share). Secondly, manufacturing is often under-represented in MBA programs. This will give you an edge as an applicant. You would be seen as an asset if you can demonstrate that you are able to share your professional experiences with your classmates. From here, you need a strong GMAT, a clear application strategy and interactions with the target schools. Consider engaging experts to guide you through the process. You have most of the pieces needed for application success and just need the right path and approach.

Hello Mr. Late Bloomer! I’m very intrigued by the name! Krista Nannery from mbaMission here. I’m very intrigued by your school list and how you narrowed things down to Jones, McCombs, and NUS. I think they are all great choices for you but I am curious just the same.
One thing you mention is that post-MBA, you want to get back to India in a “few years.” If that’s the case, I want you to really look at the STEM-certified MBA programs so you have a better shot of staying in the US post MBA. There are different lists online so you’ll have to poke around a bit to make sure you’ve caught everyone.
The other thing I want you to do is download the employment reports of the schools you are targeting. Make sure that FCMG companies are hiring. And don’t hesitate to reach out to Career offices directly to ask about leadership development programs and who is coming to campus.
Then, make sure your resume shows business impact. The title “Executive Assistant” might throw people off but the way you describe how you “run a manufacturing unit of 18 members” is more what I want to read. We have a great resume guide on our website if you need help polishing your experience.
I think you have an interesting background and a very realistic list of schools. I’d encourage you to add one or two other options just in case — and look into that STEM certification — and I’m sure you’ll do great!
Krista

Mr. Late Bloomer, it’s Lisa Cummings of Stratus Admissions, a former adcomm at MIT Sloan. When read your name I thought you’d perhaps be a more seasoned applicant looking for an EMBA. Don’t worry, 27 is the age of most MBA students. Perhaps you mean you have just started to focus on your goals? You aren’t late to that party either. As you describe it in your blurb, your manufacturing and engineering background could be a real draw for Jones or other programs, you will need to carefully craft your story for your target schools using language that will resonate with them. That should include details about your leadership skills and the impact you have had at work. You can capitalize on your “eye opening” exposure to the business side. Is this one of the drivers behind your decision to get an MBA? You will want to connect the dots for your schools as to why you want and need the degree. You may want to consider a few other programs too. Many grads from Purdue’s Krannert School land manufacturing roles, as do students from Case Western’s Weatherhead School, and Michigan State’s Eli Broad program, to name a few. You many want to consider expanding your list of target schools. Best of luck!