Stats/academic background: GMAT 730 (Q 49, V 40, AW 6, IR 7); big10 university honors college–science BS, liberal arts BA, and global studies minor; involved in undergrad research, study abroad, and 3 clubs with chair/exec position/national competition win. Also took the GRE 322 (Q 164, V 160, AW 5). First GMAT was 670. Not planning to re-take either test.
Professional: 3 yrs of work experience at same global CPG-food company in r&d/product development with 1 promotion (at-par with peers but not ahead). I primarily work cross-functionally as an individual contributor on compliance reformulation, technical brand maintenance, some new product development scoping+execution in the US with limited work in MX (Spanish skills). I’m involved in an employee group and intern recruiting at alma mater. I’ve done shadowing to learn about other functions and want to drive broader business impact and decision making.
Outside of work: Podcast junkie, huge fan of the ClearAdmit podcast first thing in the morning. Ongoing mentoring students for about a year, recently joined junior board of the same nonprofit. College alumni interviewing once/year. Live with and help take care of elderly family member. Love animals, before COVID I volunteered bi-weekly at animal shelter for over a year but haven’t continued in COVID to reduce risk to family at home.
Why full-time MBA and why 2022: Short term, I want to make functional pivot to brand/product management or in big CPG or small to midsize high-growth food company/incubator but also curious about product or project management for tech. Hopefully by 2022, full-time programs will be in person. With more work experience post-mba, it would be great to be involved with or leading category/platform expansion or rolling out product in new geographic markets. Perhaps school brand/international recognition may be more helpful years out?...
Other: currently doing MBAmath.com to strengthen app. White American female.
Qs: I’m concerned my work experience is very average for the handful of candidates from my background and that promotions are unlikely in the pandemic where everyone has obviously been working really hard under suboptimal conditions and resource constraints. I worry about showing impact/leadership when projects are very team driven.
Do you have any suggestions to mitigate this concern?
Should I be looking for a new role in the company to be in 6-months before applying?
Do schools weigh LORs the same? I feel like I can get a strong first rec, but am anxious about second.
Is my school range okay for R1 next year?