Cambridge / Judge - 05-26-2021 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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May 26, 2021 1:40am ET

Applying: Cambridge / Judge, Cornell / Johnson, IESE, INSEAD, MIT Sloan, NYU Stern, Oxford / Saïd, Stanford GSB

Intake Year: 2022

Pre-MBA Career: Travel & Tourism

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Consumer Goods, Entrepreneurship

GPA: 4.0

Years of Work Experience: 10

Location: Berlin

Notes:

I’ve been thinking about getting an MBA on and off for a few years and at this point (I am 35 years old with 2 kids), I feel like it’s now or never!
I am from Germany and my background is in Travel & Tourism, where I have a BA with great grades from a UK university. I’ve been working in the field for 10+ years now and can show clear career progression – from an entry level job in travel planning to Head of PR at a national tourist board in NYC (where I lived for 6 years). Since then and while starting a family I’ve been working closely with the CEO of a global travel startup and have been project managing a worldwide competition for social entrepreneurship in travel.
With my kids now 1 and 4, I want to kickstart my career again with the goal of reaching a leadership position in the next 2-5 years.
While my background is mostly in marketing and PR, looking at the electives at different schools, I am very interested in learning more about sustainable business and tackling current issues. I could see myself staying in travel or moving into sustainable consumer products or women’s health with a top MBA under my belt to make that career switch viable.
Given my age and family situation, I want to get into a top MBA and am leaning towards a 1-year program in Europe but would love to hear if people think a degree from Oxford, Cambridge or INSEAD is as reputable as an Ivy League MBA from the US. (My husband being from the US, we plan to move there again in the medium-term). Finally, what would be my chances of securing a scholarship, which would make a 2-year program more feasible?
(I have not taken the GMAT/GRE yet but generally prepare and test well.)
Thanks so much in advance for everyone’s input! I’ve been enjoying the podcast and webinars and am excited to hear people think about my chances of getting into a top school.

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Show Comments (4) Last: June 1, 2021

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 If you know you want to be in the US, post MBA, then getting an MBA from there will likely yield more opportunities. That said, with an MBA from a top Euro program, and a lot of determination on your part, re recruiting, you should be fine. One year will go by quickly. I’d really encourage you to think hard about that post MBA goal. This will help focus your applications, as well as improve your MBA experience. As an older applicant, you’ll also need to show fit. Show that you will fully engage inside and outside the classroom. (0)

lisahm Likes Earned: 0 Thanks Alex for your input! In your experience, what is a good way to show fit and engagement? I imagine researching Clubs I'd want to be a part of would be good (and I've already had a look at that). Anything else you think would be important? I'll also have a good think on career goals...! Cheers (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 Yes. Know the clubs you’d plan to participate at each of the programs, would be a great first step. (1)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 More details on this candidacy in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2021/05/episode-164-wire-taps/ (0)