In an email conversation and Q&A with BITS2BSCHOOL, Ramya Laxman talks about her app-ing experience and what urged her to go for an MBA. Read on to find out about more in her own words…
Sealing the deal
I graduated from BITS in 2004 with an Information Systems degree. I accepted my campus job from Dell Bangalore and after a successful 3 year stint, I joined Yahoo. Throughout, I have been working in the Oracle ERP space in different domains of CRM, SCM, Finance and HRMS.
Then I moved to Houston in the US and started working as a consultant. I was soon absorbed as a full-time employee in an Oil and Gas company. After working for more than 2 years, I wanted to gain more exposure and explore other domains that lead me to pursue an MBA degree.
On my application journey, I applied very selectively to a few schools that excel in the Technology Leadership space. CMU-Tepper School of Business was obviously my first choice in this set of schools. I visited Tepper for a diversity weekend and that sealed the deal. It was an amazing environment, wonderful adcom and nice set of people I met during this event. However, I also applied to a couple of other schools for personal reasons. I got recommendations from different companies I worked for and worked hard on my essays! The Tepper admit was a welcome reward with the fellowship being the icing on the cake.
1. On applying to Tepper.
As far as Tepper tips are concerned, I would encourage students to do their research and visit the campus for sure. This would tell them what they are in for. Students sometimes blindly apply to schools and that comes across in their applications. So that would be my blanket suggestion. Please take some time and effort to identify what exactly you want to do, understand the different specializations offered and pick one! I found Tepper’s website extremely resourceful, so please exploit that option. Also reach out to the BITSAA community, a very friendly and useful resource.
2. What was the differentiating factor that you portrayed to the adcoms?
The Differentiating factor I would say – at work was my varied experience. I was working in an Oil and Gas company while applying for my MBA and before that I was in an Internet industry (Yahoo) and Manufacturing (Dell) bef. I actually started off my career interning at a R&D company (HP Labs). And on my co-curricular activities, I was a Radio Jockey while at Houston and I think it was a clear differentiator in terms of helping me showcase my other side apart from work!
3. Your GMAT score.
690
4. The other admits you got.
I applied only to schools with a Technology focus and also ones that were geographically suitable for my spouse’s relocation. I got admits from Georgia Tech and RICE (I was local to Houston!)
5. Any advice you want to give to people who want to become a Fellow – what outstanding traits they should possess?
Tepper was very clear about their requirements for Fellowship. Fit and merit were the 2 things they were looking for. So I would just advise people to highlight why they want to join the school and why the school should take them. Explain clearly why it is a win-win situation for both! As far as the merits are concerned, we just need to make sure the right ones are highlighted.
To gain access to more such resources and B-School guidance from Alumni, join bits2bschool@yahoogroups.com