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Expert replies
by chriswu000 » Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:35 pm
Dear Stacy,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to these posts. I was wondering what you thought of my prospects. It's long, but I wanted to give you a complete snapshot of my situation. Thanks in advance for taking a look at it.

I graduated Princeton in 2002 with a 3.1 GPA engineering degree in computer science. I got a 740 on my GMAT. I worked for 5.5 years as a software programmer/designer at a small NY software firm (12-14 people). Since it was small, my responsibilities ran the gamut from program manager, software developer, meeting with clients, training people on our new software, working with the servers.

I liked my job alot and got along with everyone, except for the VP. He started the company with the President (they were best friends growing up). He was an abusive manager and didn't work well with anyone except the president. Long story short, I got into a dispute with him that resulted in me getting fired in Junes 2007.

I took about a year off to take some time to think about what I wanted to do next. I traveled and visited family, getting spending money by playing poker part time (It was great fun, I was ok, I got by, but I was not nearly good enough to make a living off it, nor would I want to).

I spent the last 4 months at Columbia's post-bach program taking 4 classes for a business certificate that I felt would help me in my Bschool apps to show the seriousness of my intent (as well as mitigate my middling undergrad GPA). I have enjoyed the classes and so far gotten very good grades in the 4.0+ range.

The main reason I want to goto Bschool is to learn management and fulfill my long held goal of starting my own business. I feel I have alot of leadership ability, but I feel that is not the same thing as being a good manager. My experience with this VP also made me realize the critical importance of good management. I want to eventually start my own company.

What I was wondering is, will this 1 year absence and the fact I was fired be a deal-breaker for me at top schools? I am still on good terms with the President of the company and he has written me a recommendation (my other recs were also from this same company). Will the Columbia post-back program make an impact on my app?

Thanks again for taking a look at my post.
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Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

by Lisa Anderson » Fri Nov 21, 2008 5:37 pm
Dear chriswu000,

It is possible some schools might view your "sabbatical" negatively. However, it is your job to make this past year (and the time prior to b-school) have value and communicate how your activities have benefited you both personally and professionally. Most admissions committee folk will forgive your unemployment if you have a plan and have spent your time wisely--doing things that contribute to your development and growth. I do think the courses at Columbia will be helpful to your application and demonstrate your motivation. Of course, I always recommend folks have some safety schools as a back up plan, so you might want to apply to 1-2 schools outside the top 20 with strong entrepreneurship programs.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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