Profile Eval: Fulltime MBA or PhD

[muhamad1]

Hello,

I completed my undergraduate studies at Michigan State University with s 3.5 overall GPA. I completed a dual bachelor program - one in Accounting and one in Economics.

I currently have 4.5 years of experience with a multinational manufacturing program in its accounting/finance rotational program. I've worked the controllers function, supply chain, and most recently, internal audit.

I was involved in many extra-extracurricular activities in the b-school at Michigan State (team based competition, leadership events, etc.). I'm also working as part of a non-profit start up aimed at improving resource allocation/use for relief orgs.

GMAT score: 710

I am planning on limit my applications to top 10 programs only (i.e. MBA programs: U Michigan, U Chicago, Northwestern, HBS, etc. PhD Accounting Programs: U Michigan, Michigan Sate, UT Austin, U Washington, etc.)

Thanks,

Muhamad

[mbamission]

Hi - Just to clarify, are you asking for thoughts on your competitiveness for those MBA programs or are you asking about PhD programs? The subject line of your email seems to indicate that you are also considering PhD programs?

Thanks,
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[muhamad1]

Hi - Just to clarify, are you asking for thoughts on your competitiveness for those MBA programs or are you asking about PhD programs? The subject line of your email seems to indicate that you are also considering PhD programs?

Thanks,
Erin

Hi Erin,

Thanks for the response, and sorry about the confusion. I am planning on applying to both MBA and PhD programs.

Given the nature of what people ask here, I'm only expecting a profile eval for MBA programs (unless you can provide insight on both, which would be greatly appreciated).

Thanks,

[mbamission]

Hi Muhamad,

In terms of your competitiveness for top 10 MBA programs, your GMAT score and academic record are solid. Your work experience sounds like it has also provided interesting cross-functional exposure. Have you received any promotions? Can you show an upward trajectory throughout your 4.5 years?

Regarding your community service, I would say that given you are ~5 years removed from your time at MSU, it might be best to focus on more recent activities. However, if there are very exceptional stories from your extracurriculars during college then perhaps you could consider this. Regarding your current work with the non-profit, do you have a leadership role? How does the organization fit within your personal interests and goals?

Based on the information you provided, I would think that schools like HBS/Wharton might be "stretches." Michigan may be more realistic. If you are looking for a dual PhD/MBA program, Michigan is well-known for offering over 20 dual degrees and even allowing students to create any dual degree of their choosing.

I hope this helps.
Regards,
Erin

Erin Schuhmacher
MBA Mission
646-485-8844
Website: www.mbamission.com
Blog: www.mbamission.com/blog
MBA Mission Insider’s Guides: www.mbamission.com/store.php
Free Consultation: www.mbamission.com/consult.php

[muhamad1]

Thanks again for the info Erin.

My main desire to use examples from my MSU: I was very active in the b-school activities. I was part of two leadership events where my team won (and both times I was "brain", if you will, behind the idea and presentation. Both events were about recent/modern issues and coming up with viable/sustainable solutions). I was also very active for the first couple years after I graduated, going back to speak in classes about work, work/life balance, career choices, etc..

I won't have too much to show for an upward trajectory through my years at my current employer. My first boss was the type of guy who, no matter what anyone did, made sure your annual review was par to sub-par. Going as far as saying "I don't understand why (client X) likes you so much" when he contacted the people I supported for feedback (he was not honest when it came to promises). That set the tone for me as later supervisors used the previous evaluation as a "starting point". That being said, one of my former team leader was aware of my contributions to the department and she will be writing one of my letters of recommendation. She can write about my accomplishments (things such as: ensuring client satisfaction, increasing responsibility/workload (2x workload within one year of joining), training new hires/interns/visiting joint venture employees, process improvements, etc.).

Regarding the non-profit, I am the Executive Director of the organization. I came up with the concept, and I am working to see it through. The organization's goals fits within my personal interests/goals (what I would like to do with a PhD or an MBA). Currently, the non-profit is in its infancy (still waiting on exempt IRS status).

Thanks again for the feedback. It is greatly appreciated.

Muhamad