The Application Process

So, in the past 2 years, I have worked for 2 different firms, and I might be switching to another firm within the next 6 months. Would this have an adverse effect on my application?

The first switch was lateral (I can explain it as not liking that first and switching to a role I liked more, taking a paycut in the process). The second switch - if it happens - will be to a more advanced role. Definitely a move up.

I've read in many places that adcoms frown on job switchers, citing that they can't settle down. How true is this? Would they consider the reasons for leaving, such as grasping at an incredible opportunity?

I would love to hear the community's thoughts on this, please.

Thank you

It's not true that changing jobs is looked negatively upon - but you need to make sure you help admissions officers understand why you have made the decisions that you have.

Is everything in the same industry? If you can show distinct reasons why it was a good decision for your career it is okay. What you don't want is to jump to completely different roles multiple times. Shows you don't know what you want.

Adcoms frown upon irrationality, weak business acumen, sad cover up acts, and not job switchers.

Management acumen is much about logical reasoning and analytical skills. Therefore, anything different or even weak in your profile is human and quite okay as long as you are able to justify your decisions and moves.

If you can potentially relate your efficiency to your inner peace & job satisfaction and demonstrate the same to the adcom, your lateral shift can be accommodated. Working on a reasonably fruitful opportunity is any day wise.

However, the trick here will be to keep yourself clearly off the sphere of an opportunist, irresponsible, and greedy. Your reliability index needs to stay intact. This can be slightly challenging for you with noticeably frequent shifts. Staying clear and confident about your decisions is the best rescue.

Therefore, even headed adcoms and convincing you (if that happens) can go a long distance.

Thanks for the advice, folks.

My first job out of college and the job I have now are in a similar if not completely the same industry. The roles require similar skills, and both are large well-known firms.

The offer I have received and am considering taking is in an altogether new industry, and is in a higher-level role. In terms of skills etc., I would be leveraging what I have learned and developed in the past couple of years. I am still not sure if I should make the switch though (not for adcom-related reasons, but for more personal ones).