The MBA ProcessNot-so-random thoughts

Tarun Desikan

CEL-BITSAA Forum

May 13, 2007

Agenda

My Background

Application Details

Strengths & Weaknesses

At Stanford

Parting Words

Pre-MBA Timeline

2000 20042001 2002 2003 2005

Systems Design

ManufacturingSC Devices

Communications

Backstage

MB

Professional

Community

Personal

Some Logistics

Topic CommentsDecide to apply Early 2004

GMAT Sep 2004 (770)

Plan story Differentiate app, best fit

Recommendations Big boss, director, friend

Essays Sep – Dec, oh what a pain!

Feedback Close friends, MBAs

Interviews Jan/Feb, prepared with alums

SWOT Analysis

Startup experience- Many roles at company- Actually built product

Community work- Alumni involvement- India + Bay Area

Solid recos- Well-known entrepreneurs- Reinforce my story

Stanford connection- C-YA ~15% of class

Same job for 4 years- Hints of stagnation- Different industries?

No direct reports- No management stories

No social leadership- Only supporting roles- Didn’t start anything

Writing skills- 2 months on WMM essay!

Strengths Weaknesses

GSB Experience

Quality of industry contact

Study trips& travel

Cool kids to learn from

Free Advice

Interact with alumni- Feel for the school

- Essay advice

Check out Consultant applications- 2 + 2 model

- Polished products

Work with local non-profits- Active interest in your community

Think about admissions services- Better suited for some applicants