Hi,

I am a Second Year student at IIM Lucknow. After working for 2-3 years, I plan to do a Second MBA/Ph. D from one of the ivy-league US Bschools (Harvard/Wharton/Stanford/Kellogg).
My main concern was my average performance at IIM Lucknow. I do not have a particularly good CGPA (somewhere around the median). However, my previous academic record has been pretty good (Commerce fresher from Bombay). However, I am currently pursuing an exchange program at the European Business School (although it is not well-known outside Europe, it is pretty well-known in Europe esp. among I-banking recruiters)
I am confident of securing a good GMAT score (around 720). However, would the average academic performance at IIM Lucknow hinder my chances of getting into an ivy-league B-school? How much would the value-addition of doing a double MBA be? If it is not really value-adding, would I be better off doing a Ph. D. (I intend to perhaps settle down in the US in the future)? What sort of workexperience would be appropriate (would the brand name of the company matter or the job profile matter?).
I would be grateful if someone could answer my queries.

Aditya

Hey

Here are some answers to your questions

Q1) However, would the average academic performance at IIM Lucknow hinder my chances of getting into an ivy-league B-school?
A1) Unlike in India, global B-Schools rely on a combination of factors when considering their candidate pool. This is not to say that acads are not important but it allows you to show that you have done well in other areas e.g. extra-curriculars, community service, work experience, GMAT, etc. I would not get worried too much by acads at IIM. Rather than try and reason your poor performance, I would concentrate on highlighting some of the other positives that you may have. That fact that you chose or got selected to undertake an exchange is in itself a positive indicator of your performance at School.

Q2) How much would the value-addition of doing a double MBA be?
A2) As someone pursuing a second management degree himself, I can say that this can add significant value especially if you have undertaken the first program straight after an undergrad degree. Moreover it is often a good route to a career change, international careers and significantly different learning.

Q3) If it is not really value-adding, would I be better off doing a Ph. D. (I intend to perhaps settle down in the US in the future)?
A3) Your choice between a PhD and an MBA should be based on your future career plans. Do you want to specialise in a specific area or undertake academic work? By all means, a PhD might work better for you but also remember that it requires a significantly higher commitment of time and is a challenge in itself.

Q4) What sort of work experience would be appropriate (would the brand name of the company matter or the job profile matter?).
A4) It is a combination of both. I would also add international exposure to this. What Schools look for is that in the context of the length of your work experience have you been able to get exposure to team work/team management, did you have a fast-track career record, your reasons for shifting/choosing firms, etc. Obviously, you are not expected to be leading a team from day 1 and if you only have 3 years of work experience compared to others who may have 7-8, you are not expected to have had the same responsibilities as the latter.

Hope this answers your query.

Atul Monga