How to build your profile for an MBA

This is a question that is frequently asked by students and is of utmost importance – How to build your profile for an MBA? So before we delve into the answer, let’s evaluate what elements make up a profile.

Academic Performance

Your grades in X, XII, and graduation.

Work Experience

The number of months of work experience you have.

Academic Pedigree

The reputation of the institution from which you have graduated or will graduate.

Academic Achievements

Ranks secured at school (X & XII), college and university level, and performance in national or state-level entrance tests.

Co-Curricular Achievements

Ranks in Olympiads, NTSE, paper presentations, journal publications, and any other academic-related contests outside of regular school and college work.

Extra-Curricular Achievements

Achievements in non-academic pursuits such as sports, games, NCC, martial arts, Model UN, etc.

Positions of Responsibilities

Official posts held at a school, college, and university-level, or in organizations such as AIESEC, Rotract, etc.

Pursuits of Special Interests

Any extra-curricular interest pursued out of passion, such as reading, writing, sports, dancing, painting, etc.

Most of the things that would go on your resume can be categorized under one of the above labels. So what makes a “good profile”? A good profile is one that rates as “average” or “above-average” on most of these elements and has a standout achievement in at least one of them. This standout achievement is known as a “spike”.

For example, an academic spike could be having above 90% in X, XII, and graduation. A sports spike could be participating in individual or team sports at a district, state, or national level. Other spikes can include leadership, extra-curricular activities, or pursuits of special interests.

So How to build your profile for an MBA aspirations? Your profile plays a major role in three things:

Getting a Call from Premier Institutions

Each business school has its own criteria for shortlisting applicants. Factors such as CAT score, academic profile, and work experience are considered and assigned different weightages to calculate a composite score. Freshers need not worry, as many business schools admit a significant percentage of freshers. The quantity of work experience plays a role in getting a call, but the brand of the firm you work for does not matter at this stage. Academic pedigree also does not play a part.

The Conversation in Your Personal Interview

Most top colleges require you to fill out a form before the personal interview. This form asks for details about your academic profile, work experience, achievements, and interests. The panel will ask questions based on this form. Even without a form, the interview will focus on elements of your profile that are not captured in the CAT application. The brand value of your college and firm are not evaluated objectively but will impact your overall marks in the interview.

Getting Shortlisted for Summer Internships and Final Placements

For your summer placements, your profile at the time of admission is what matters. The brand value of your college and firm become important at this stage, as firms tend to give preference to candidates with big brand names on their resumes.

So, how can you build your profile? Focus on what you can change in your present and future, rather than dwelling on the past. The selection process is based on various factors, and it’s important to understand how each element of your profile can affect your chances of success.