The Application Process

I currently work in a business field for SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies). In putting together my MBA application, I noticed on some example resumes from publicly posted resume books that an explanation of a few of the companies were included if they were small/less well known.

In your opinion, how is SpaceX regarded within admissions consultant/adcom circles? Should I waste a line on my resume explaining what SpaceX is?

Thanks!

Hi Marlow,

I think you might get more responses posting this in the Application Process forum, so I'm going to move this thread.

Thanks,

Tom

Yes, you should include SpaceX on your resume. You could include a short description of the firm in terms of what they do, annual revenues, and/or number of employees.

Admissions professionals do not expect to know every company that exists. They will know industries and functional areas, and from that can understand any position. It's very easy to quickly check out a company with a google search or even to dig deeper into business databases (but usually not necessary).

By the way, Before becoming an MBA Admissions Consultant, I was the Director of MBA Admissions at a top-30 MBA program for 15 years. One of my former students went to work for SpaceX after she graduating with her MBA. I greatly enjoy reading her updates on Facebook on what is happening at SpaceX. So, it may not be as unknown as you think.

It is not at all a waste of space. A one to two line company description with great details helps situate the reader. And conversely, not including one can be annoying to an evaluator. I recommend to all my clients that they add lines like this:

A REIT specializing in the acquisition, asset management, and development of grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers in the US.

or

Private equity firm with $7 billion in AUM focused on investing in middle market companies in the United States and Canada.

Both of your responses helped greatly. I wasn't sure how much admissions committees look into what a company does, it's mission, reputation, etc., especially when top programs receive so many applications with only months to cipher through them. Thank you!