Ms. Startup Enthusiast

Hi, this is Deepak Punwani from MBA Exchange. Right of the bat, let me say there is a lot to like in your profile and am bullish about your chances at INSEAD but will offer a few caveats towards the later part of this review. Firstly, congrats on a great GMAT score and also on making the move from software development to product management. INSEAD is currently really big on start up profiles and is more open to looking at younger applicants from India, so the “macro” trends are in your favour. That said, there is still work to be done to build on these positives. My first submission would be that you think long and hard on right timing for your MBA. Do you want to consolidate your experience in product management and hopefully gain a promotion before you apply to INSEAD (or Booth) ? Or do you feel ready for B school sooner rather than later? if so, why? These are important questions for you to consider and am hoping you have at least a draft answer ready ! If you apply earlier, your leadership experience, extra curricular experience and international experience should ideally reflect a profile thats 2-3 years ahead of the curve. What I mean is that you should demonstrate that in 2.5 years of working, you have gained experience worth 5 years. INSEAD makes exceptions for certain younger applicants if they see “quality and depth” in their experience. Lastly, if you can give more contours to your dream ie explain in detail what kind of company you would like to set up, that would also increase your chances. Good luck building that dream company.

Hi, Ms. Startup Enthusiast, Julie-Anne Heafey here with mbaMission. First, congratulations on a stellar GMAT score – a 750 is excellent, and well above the INSEAD average. I’m assuming you took it relatively recently? Luckily, the score lasts for 5 years, because I think you need to build more experience before applying. The INSEAD average is 6 years of experience…it’s higher than the average at most top US MBA programs. Beyond that, they’re looking for leadership and strong career goals (since it’s a short program). It’s great that you’ve moved roles and are getting a new perspective in product management…but you’ve only been there for 2 months. It doesn’t seem like you have a lot to talk about yet, and your goals are super vague. Starting your own global company – where? why? doing what exactly? how? Also, what can you demonstrate to them to show that you’ve got the vision and the appetite for risk and tenacity that it takes to be an entrepreneur? So take some time to build your experience and leadership…and take some steps toward entrepreneurial activities like side projects perhaps…then see about applying in a few years. Best of luck!