Mr. Waterflooder

Hi! This is JP, I’m Senior Consultant at The MBA Exchange. Having spent several years in Louisiana and launched post-Katrina rebuilding projects, I immediately connected with your profile on a personal level. I’m very bullish on your chances of MBA application success, as your background shows that you know how to get things done. What you’ll need is help formulating the right strategy – it’s all about identifying and highlighting which aspects of your background are relevant and valued by the Admissions committees. This will be absolutely critical, but the good news is that a professional can help you do it very effectively. If you want to discuss further, email me at jpo@mbaexchange.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Hi, it’s Nisha from mbaMission! Your username stands out, and I think your profile and personal story will as well. I really admire how you’ve been able to tackle the challenges that life has thrown your way. Your blend of impactful petro/operations enginerring experience at both a startup and an established company, along with your passion-driven side business, is quite compelling – what you’ll want to make sure to do is to fully communicate the impact you’ve made in these role (including the cash flow growth – wow!) on your resume and application. I think that your career path is quite logical – make sure to note examples of the challenges you’ve observed as part of the industry and how you wish to help companies address them.

I think your target schools make a lot of sense (I’ve worked sucessfully with people who had career backgrounds similar to yours for Fuqua, Tuck, and Kellogg) – however, I’d like to see a higher GMAT score (720+) to maximize your odds, especially at a place like Kellogg. Make sure to thoroughly research each school so that you can make a strong case for why each program is a strong fit for you based on its culture and resources within/outside of the classroom. Best of luck and please get in touch if you’d like to discuss.

Mr. Waterflooder – Thanks for posting your profile. Susan Cera here from Stratus. You definitely have a story that nobody else can tell. I’m impressed by the oil field turnaround and think that admissions committees will be as well. A few areas that I would suggest that you focus on as you move forward with the application process:
1) Retake the GMAT. While 700 is within the 80% range of all of your schools, a 720 or higher would make you more compelling.
2) Be thoughtful about selecting recommenders and guiding them – your formal work experience can be highlighted by your current immediate supervisor. Consider asking one of the mom and pops that you have worked with to share a different perspective on your professional work. Tuck is looking for students who are ‘nice’ and getting a more personal recommendation from a small business that you have guided may set you apart.
3) Think about the impact you have made in working with at risk youth. Also, what lessons have you learned from your mentorship that you have then applied in your more formal work environment.
4) Do your school research! Take a look at the resources available at Tuck through the Revers Center for Energy. Connect with Fuqua students who have been involved in the Duke Energy Conference (which brings together resources and experts from across the university). Think about how you see yourself contributing in these communities.

All the best!