Michigan / Ross - 04-04-2020 | Clear Admit ApplyWire

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April 4, 2020 9:47am ET

Applying: Michigan / Ross, Ohio State / Fisher, Rochester / Simon, USC / Marshall

Intake Year: 2020

Pre-MBA Career: Technical Sales Manager at the automotive division of a household adhesives brand.

Post-MBA Target Industry: MF, Auto, Aerospace Companies: Tesla , Other

GMAT: 740

GPA: 2.67

Years of Work Experience: 3

Location: Pakistan

Post MBA Location: United States

Notes:

28-yr old male from Pakistan with (3) years in the automotive industry.
Started out as a Design engineer at a Tier 1 supplier working with the Big 3. Promoted to Technical Sales Manager after (2) years and worked exclusively with Toyota. Grew account's sales by 20% within (6) months and pilot tested a new application with Toyota HQ.
Looking to move into strategy post-MBA, targeting autonomous driving infrastructure and industry transition to "utilitarian mobility". Target companies: Toyota and Tesla.
UG: Mechatronics Engg. from Pakistan's top university (2.67/4.0)
Grad: Mechanical and Aerospace Engg. from top-50 US university (3.6/4.0)
GMAT: 740 (Q49, V41)
Applying late because company initiated transfer to Mexico for a 2-yr rotation as Product Manager, but bureaucratic process impeding plans.

Like (1)

Show Comments (9) Last: April 13, 2020

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 I'm assuming that 2.67 undergrad GPA is low, any reasons for this? Grad work sounds good, GMAT is great (so, no doubt you're smart). Are you currently based in Pakistan, for your work? It does sound like you've dine well, important to show your impact. Are you involved in activities outside of work? It might be smart to explain why you're applying late in the process. I worry/wonder how this might impact getting a visa. I think your target schools are pretty realistic. (1)

anon67311 Likes Earned: 29 Work ex is at the lower end but you have other positives (grad school, GMAT). I’d add another T20 school if you have the time. (2)

anon10873 Likes Earned: 94 @alexbr4: Thank you for your feedback. Yes, my GPA is definitely low. The academic program was very rigorous, but I find myself shying away from mentioning that in my optional essay because it sounds like a cop-out. The true reason for my underwhelming grades is a combination of that, trouble adjusting to life in a new country (had a sheltered upbringing away from Pakistan), and a depressive feedback loop for not being able to recoup my grades after having been a straight-A student all through high school. For what it's worth, the transcript does show a general upward trend from 2.0 to 2.67. I've tried to turn things around since then, but of course UG is a big part of the application so I can't do much about it but explain everything honestly. All of my work experience is in the US, but I had to leave late last year because I couldn't get a work visa (H1b lottery). Don't have many high impact extracurriculars to tout, except that I'm involved with a local school in an underprivileged area. The visa process is most definitely going to be a challenge, but I'm willing to roll the dice. My original plan was to do the 2-yr stint in Mexico and then apply with some good international experience below my belt, but they are dragging their feet issuing me a visa. Apologies for the long post, and thanks again for your feedback. @anon67311: I really wanted to apply to a T10 like Yale and Kellogg, but decided to save them for R1 2023 applications. I'm still weighing my options, though. Thank you for your guidance. P.S. If you have any suggestions for schools particularly suited for my automotive background and post-MBA goals, I'd appreciate it. Cheers! (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 What have you been doing for the last several months, now you're in Pakistan? I think you need to address your GPA in the optional essay, while also including the Strong grad work & GMAT. It's a shame you couldn't go to MX, that would have likely been great additional experience. (0)

anon10873 Likes Earned: 94 Hey Alex. I took the first two months to prep for and take the GMAT. Since then, I have been working with a head-hunter to get my resume out to consulting firms here and in the MENA region. It's hard to get an opportunity that isn't regressive with my current experience. I've been told I can expect the MX visa within a month, but taking no chances with the COVID situation and the impending recession. I'm also prepping for the PMP and have taken up tutoring. (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 Yes, this COVID situation can wreck the best of plans. I really hope things come through, for you. (1)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 More details on this candidacy in this episode of Wire Taps: https://www.clearadmit.com/2020/04/episode-96-wire-taps/ (0)

anon10873 Likes Earned: 94 Hey Alex! Thanks for featuring this on the podcast. I appreciate your and Graham's advice and will keep it in mind for my applications to the rest of the schools. So far, I have only applied to Ross and was lucky enough to get an interview invite. I hope to follow up soon with some more good news here. Cheers! (0)

alexbr4 Verified User. Likes Earned: 1677 That's great that you revived an interview invite from Ross, well done! Check our interview archive for first hand reports/questions to prepare (1)