Laid off before starting application process

Free advice from the world's top MBA consultants
This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:09 am
Hi,

My question is regarding how laid off applicants are viewed.

I joined a financial analyst rotational program at a multinational firm after graduation in 2007. After completion of the program in July 2009, I joined a corporate strategy team working on various high-level internal consulting projects. During this period, I realized that I was ready to pursue an MBA and I planned to apply to bschools in fall 2010.

Unfortunately, due to a big firm restructuring, half my team has been laid off and I have been unemployed since late March 2010. Currently, I am actively seeking a new job.

If I do not find a job by the time I apply, or if I find a job that does not seem to fit in with my career progression (e.g. pay cut, different industry, less "glamorous" position, etc.), would this be viewed negatively by admissions committees?

Also, how do you suggest I write about this in my essays? Appreciate any constructive feedback.
Source: — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant |

User avatar
Legendary Member
Posts: 590
Joined: Mon Sep 08, 2008 3:51 pm
Location: New York
Thanked: 47 times
Followed by:7 members

by Cindy Tokumitsu » Mon May 03, 2010 5:39 am
Hello,

While it's ideal to apply while being employed, the adcoms are well aware of the current economic turmoil, especially in the finance sector. Many accepted applicants in this current MBA season were admitted having been recently laid off. You can "turn a lemon into lemonade" by being extremely proactive and productive while looking for a new job.

You can, for example:
- do creative research regarding your goals, such as informational interviews, attending industry events, etc.
- volunteer or increase your volunteering, taking initiative and leadership roles
- join and take a leadership role in professional networking groups
- take a course (a reputable online one is fine) related to your goals or some other point of interest
- continue to nurture relationships with prospective recommenders, keeping them abreast of your activities and professional interests

All the above activities will help directly and/or indirectly in your application. The best thing is to show that you continue to be both focused and productive, and that you are extremely resourceful. Show that you are well equipped to face adversity not defensively but proactively and creatively.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com