Mr. MC Banker

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission. It looks like you’ve had a progressive career in banking, and I love seeing that you’re involved in your community as well via the Chamber of Commerce leadership.

I’m intrigued by your goals – why are you interested in switching from banking to product management? Since that’s a pretty big leap, schools will want to understand what professional and personal experiences to date have led you to this desired path. They’ll also want to understand your transferable skills, since they want to make sure that the transition is realistic. I should note that in some tech companies (particularly, FAANG) product managers are required to have technical backgrounds (i.e. engineering or CS undergrad). However, other companies, such as those in the retail industry, are more open. In any case, you’ll want to make it clear why PM and what type of impact you want to make in both the short-term and long-term – what kind of business do you envision building in the future, and what is the need that it will fill?

While Yale is an excellent school, I think the other MBA programs you’re considering are stronger for product management. Since you’re on the upper end in terms of work experience, I’d also cast a broader net. I’d add Kellogg as a reach school, and NYU Stern since it is building strong connections in the tech space. To maximize your chances at these programs, I’d consider retaking GMAT to pick up 10+ more points, since schools are accustomed to seeing high scores from bankers.

Hope that helps – if you’d like to discuss in more detail, please sign up for a free consultation with me. Best of luck!

Hi Mr. MC Banker, Melisa here from Stratus Admissions. My biggest question when I look at the limited information in your profile is why now for an MBA? It sounds like you’ve had a solid trajectory at your bank and the change from finance to tech could be pretty large. Because you are on the higher end of years of experience, schools are going to want to know why you are looking to get an MBA now – and didn’t consider the option 2-3 years ago. And what type of tech company would you like to PM for? If you are thinking Fintech – then I can see you would have transferable skills. If it is another type of tech, then you will need to explain why this change to admissions. Also think about what size of company you want to be a PM for – a smaller start up might be hungrier for someone with finance skills. Or might there be an interim step where you take more of a finance role in a tech company? Because of your higher years of experience, and depending upon the shift you want to make – you could consider either Cornell or NYU’s Tech MBAs. These programs were designed specifically to help professionals move into the tech world. I worked with a client this year moving from banking to tech who will be attending Cornell Tech MBA next year. A technology focused school that is not on your list is Tepper – which is a close knit class focused on technology. Getting a 10 to 20 point bump on your GMAT would help your chances at Yale. Please sign up for a consult if you’d like to discuss your profile in more detail. My assessment is for Yale, but would increase for the other schools on your list.