Areas of Study
The MBA program is an academic degree, so the course of study is import. The core curriculum of the leading programs generally does not change much, over time. But options and additional areas of study become available as the business landscape continues to evolve. For some MBA candidates, a specific area of focus may be fundamental to their choice of MBA.
Recent trends in terms of interest of students include a more globally focused MBA experience, some of which may be a result of competition among schools from European MBA programs that are traditionally more globally oriented. Globalization may be addressed with more globally oriented case studies, or in the extra curriculars, with trips scheduled overseas.
Tech is also a recent interest that has translated into significant career opportunities as new tech firms become much more mature in the business environment. MBAs with a tech-focus, including Sloan, Haas and Stanford, are well positioned for this growth in interest.
Similar to tech, entrepreneurship has seen an upswing in interest, further igniting the debate whether entrepreneurs really need an MBA. Business schools continue to develop entrepreneurially focused coursework, to complement their extra-curricular activities, including business plan contests.
Social responsibility and business sustainability have also become an interest for some MBA candidates.
MBA Applywire
I have primarily worked with venture funds and startups covering a range of tax advisory projects from M&A, due diligence, venture fund setup etc. I want to go beyond tax and step into strategy consulting roles, with a focus on fund strategy and portfolio acceleration in private equity.
Extracurricular : Involved with Rotaract for 2.5 years, taken part in multiple corporate responsibility initiatives at the firm , volunteer in pet rescue initiatives for the community
- South Asian (Non-Indian), Male, 25 year old
- Bachelor in Finance and Economics (1st in Class) Graduated May 2023
- Activities:
Debating (Coached National Debate Team to its best performance in the World Championship, 3x Asian Top 10 debater, won/competed in finals of Oxford Intervarsity, UCL Intervarsity, Durham-Oxford-Cambridge Open, and many more prestigious competitions, Mentored 100+ debaters across 15 countries and advised Debate Organizations in Australia and China).
Non Profit (Founding member of a student org; Conducted 5 city-wide projects on Food Security, Clothing for the poor in Winter, and Improving sanitation in slums that received national coverage)
- More on Work: My focus is on Growth Tech (Startups and fast scaling businesses) and Public Sector practice area. I have led the writing of a report we co-published with a client (my name is on the acknowledgement section). The client and Partners loved my work and have now staffed me in writing another report for the same client. Evals are highly positive and have endorsements from 2 Senior Partners in the org (who are happy to write my recc)
- What I am doing outside of work now: I had a merit scholarship offer from LBS for its MiM program upon graduation. I have been helping folks from my country get into top tier early career master's programs pro-bono (Most people here cannot afford Western Admissions consultants as the charges are exorbitant for us given the country is an LDC). Since joining work, I have continued to work as a selector for National Debate Team and I take pro-bono sessions for disadvantaged schools. I have also taken sessions at local consulting firms to teach them what I have learned from my MBB experience (I am the first from my country to make it to an MBB after a local undergrad; MBBs do not have offices in my country)
- Future Plan: Continue at MBB and specialize in Venture Capital/ Startups. I have a very good network with VCs and founders in my home country. I would love to raise a fund to help the startup ecosystem of my country in the future or work in the capacity of mentoring founders.
- Target: Full-rides to top schools such as HBS, Wharton, CBS, Sloan. Looking for tips to develop my profile for 2027 Fall entry. I believe that I have what it takes to make it to an M7 but would love to take the 2 years to solidify my profile so that I can be in the mix for a good scholarship
Interests: Martial Arts, Reading (I have read books from Wharton Professors such as Adam Grant, Angela Duckworth, and Katy Milkman) Weightlifting, Marathon Running (I am aware this is super cliche haha)
Side-note: My GRE split is 166 Q (84%ile), 169 V (99%ile), and 5.5 AWA (98%ile). I can improve my Quant to 169-170 but I doubt the extra effort needed now will make a material difference. Would love to have your thoughts
Background in design. Graduate degree in design from Harvard. Transitioned public sector consulting and planning work.