UCI Merage MBA News

I took two GRE, 337 (Q170, 2020) and 336 (Q170, 2023)

My bachelor's degree is in Marketing, with a GPA of 2.7. Due to a family member's hardship, I had to balance my responsibilities at home with my academic pursuits.

After graduation, I worked as a data scientist in the business department of a Fortune 500 company for 3years, achieving top performance. Later, I pursued a master's degree in business analytics, earning a GPA of 3.79 at a well-known public university in the United States.

For approximately 2 years, I have been a data scientist in the business department of a top automotive company in the U.S., and I have also volunteered for data science and analytics at the American Red Cross for approximately 3 years.

I want pivot to consulting, specifically focusing on the automotive sector. My personality naturally gravitates towards engaging with people rather than solely working with machines. This transition aligns with my desire for more human interaction and the opportunity to apply my analytical skills in a consultative role.

Work Experience:
I am in risk management at a well-known bank and had two promotions in three years. Additionally, I have been a people manager for the last 1.5 years. I’ve also won our most prestigious award (less than 1% of employees receive it each year).
My career moves prior to my current company were short but interesting (reporting and time at a later stage start-up).
I have worked for my family business part-time for 5 years and tend to be the catch all person when things go wrong or for tasks that can be conducted remotely. This experience has served as a primer for my long-term goals.
I’d have six years experience upon matriculation and have started to wonder if I’m getting to be too old based on more young 2+2 candidates being in the classes.

GMAT
I got a 645 on the GMAT - 80Q, 85V, 81DI. I have done better on some practice tests but have often found myself doing worse on tests than broader coursework, especially for math-related courses. I'm having a very hard time motivating to re-take it but know this is my weakest link.
I also took the GRE without studying just to check it out. I got a 322 - 163V, 159Q.

Education
I have a 3.6 (HYP) in the humanities. I also have a Master's from a university that is top 2 for the field with a 3.9 GPA.
I was president of three different clubs in undergrad.

Outside of Work
I volunteer significantly with my undergrad and our local alumni club. One of my favorite parts of that commitment is mentoring current students and speaking on career-related panels.
I volunteer for a local non-profit and have held various roles (managing our budget, mentoring new members).

Long-Term Goals
I will be taking over my family business in manufacturing. While I could do this without an MBA, I would like to bring the most value possible and grow my network.

Short-Term Goals
Consulting at MBB to gain more breadth of knowledge/prepare for my long-term goal.

I would like to pursue an MBA to grow my strategy, finance, and operations skillset to make a career pivot into Consulting where I would be able to really develop my strategy experience. Post consulting, I would like to make a move into a strategy role at an ecommerce company focused on the LatAm region. This is why I am very interested in international focused/strong MBA programs.

Double majored in Psychology and Language, minored in Business Finance at a competitive school. Balanced part-time work, leadership roles in extracurriculars and international experiences (internship, experiential corporate learning programs in, study abroad and business programs).

Post-graduation, began an operations role in a large financial services company before pivoting into an automation role where I was promoted 3 times. Completed several professional certificates including Project Management and Data Analytics, automation, Microsoft. Currently enrolled in Python Programming certificate and a leadership program. Leadership role in employee resource group, involved in a case study program at work.

Confident in letters of recommendation from VP and Sr. Manager. Applying to R1 for scholarship. Less confident in test scores and GPA.

Interested in MBA to build business acumen and leadership/strategy skills to advance career. Post-MBA goal tech strategy/consulting