Profile Evaluation - Organizational Behavior / Economic Sociology

[dodger]

Hi All,

I’m interested in applying to PhD Programs in the fall for Organizational Behavior [and Economic Sociology, depending on the school] at INSEAD.

Background: Canadian. Age 30-32. Currently living and working in the UK.

Undergrad: Bachelors at Top Canadian University [GPA 3.50/4.00, Top 10% of graduating class; ranked #1/approx 500 in faculty]. 2 exit scholarships

Grad Program: Master of Arts in International Affairs [focus on international security and political economy] at Harvard/Yale/Princeton/Stanford. No GPA recorded. Won 5 competitive grants.

Math Background:

Calc – Semester I (C-)
Calc – Semester II (F)
Calc – Semester I Retake (C-)
Linear Algebra – Semester I (D-)

I got these abysmal grades when I was 18 years old and enrolled as an engineering student. I was completely unfocused and disinterested in my studies, and my grades reflect that, unfortunately.

Since then, I have re-taken some courses and received grades of:

Calc I – Semester I and II Retake (A-)
Statistics – Semester I (B+)
Calc – Semester I and II (First Class Honours; 4.0 equiv.)
Linear Algebra – Semester I and II (First Class Honours; 4.0 equiv)

Are 2 semesters of Calculus & Linear Algebra, and 1 semester of Probability and Statistics sufficient for Organizational Behavior PhD admissions?

Econ Background:

Intermediate Microeconomics – Grad (High Pass) (1 semester)
Econometrics – Grad (Audit) (1 semester)

Is this sufficient background for OB [and economic sociology]?

GMAT: 740

Research Experience:

• 1-year research fellowship overseas from grad school. This led to a working paper and a conference presentation with academics and policy experts.
• 4 month research assistant to leading political science scholar at my graduate school. Credited for contributions in a World Bank working paper.
• 3 month researcher at an international security organization – focused on economic development initiatives
• 3 month internship at the UN – managed compilation of research handbook on institutional governance; credited for contribution in finalized publication.

Work Experience & Other Experiences:

• Currently working as a finance manager at a market-leading Fortune 500 [2.5 years]
• Started up a non-profit organization in a developing country – engaged with senior policy experts, corporations, and government officials in the country, US, and UK.
• Participated in several government/business forums in developing country; presented policy papers ranging from education reform to privatization of the manufacturing industry
• Editor-in-Chief of a well-known graduate school publication in International Affairs which receives contributions/submissions from former heads-of-state, Nobel laureates, etc.
• Staff Writer and Department Editor of well-known student-run economics journal. Wrote two articles and interviewed former Finance Minister of European Country.

Intangibles – Pro & Con:

• Native English; proficient in 2 other languages [can conduct original research]; intermediate in 2 other languages
• Letters of Recommendation will be from graduate school professors and should be solid. But are from international relations/political science.

I am interested primarily in identity-related issues and their influence on social networks within public and private organizations. I will be focusing on a specific world-region, in which I speak/read the languages, have significant regional expertise via coursework, and have 2+ years of experience living/conducting research in.

Thanks!

[dodger]

anyone?

[daffodil5435]

too long, condense and re-post.

[dodger]

too long, condense and re-post.

condensed and edited. thanks!

[Indus]

@ Dodger: welcome to the forum!

You look pretty well set to me. I can't comment on a specific school (as in INSEAD), but based on your profile you would be very competitive at most T10 schools.

My only concern would be your research interests, which are not mentioned in the post. Think them through and write a good SOP.

All the best!

[Bloomsbury]

Why only INSEAD? Broaden your horizons...
In general, I think you have a strong profile and should apply widely in the US. The elements of your applications to be stressed:
- impressive research experience
- your grad program
No big deal that the recommendation is out of the field. It was the same for me. As long as they are strong in their field and say that you are the best of all, that's fine.