Recent Job Change

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Recent Job Change

by jsmith54 » Fri Oct 08, 2010 2:47 pm
So, I have 6 years of tech and biotech experience, most of it in Silicon Valley. Not surprisingly, I've worked for 4 different companies. Even though I'm applying to schools right now (for R2), I may also accept a new job offer next week. The job title and industry are going to be pretty much the same, but I expect that the total compensation will be a rather large increase. My question is if this is good news or bad news for my app? Certainly some employers like to see a bit more loyalty and consistency, but I'm not abnormal for my industry. Additionally, I have some pretty good reasons for switching companies: one company went out of business, I switched from tech to biotech, etc. I don't think that I should be concealing this information on my app, but I will likely maintain a consulting relationship with my current company through the application process. So, if necessary, I could hide this, but I'd prefer not to, as long as the adcom is going to look favorably on my recent increase in compensation.

Any thoughts on how to address this in my app?
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by ashokkadam » Fri Oct 08, 2010 10:14 pm
I learned from an insead alumni that there has been a recent trend amongst adcoms to also assess the earning potential of the candidates before mba. hope that helps!
jsmith54 wrote:So, I have 6 years of tech and biotech experience, most of it in Silicon Valley. Not surprisingly, I've worked for 4 different companies. Even though I'm applying to schools right now (for R2), I may also accept a new job offer next week. The job title and industry are going to be pretty much the same, but I expect that the total compensation will be a rather large increase. My question is if this is good news or bad news for my app? Certainly some employers like to see a bit more loyalty and consistency, but I'm not abnormal for my industry. Additionally, I have some pretty good reasons for switching companies: one company went out of business, I switched from tech to biotech, etc. I don't think that I should be concealing this information on my app, but I will likely maintain a consulting relationship with my current company through the application process. So, if necessary, I could hide this, but I'd prefer not to, as long as the adcom is going to look favorably on my recent increase in compensation.

Any thoughts on how to address this in my app?
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by Tani » Sat Oct 09, 2010 4:30 pm
Certainly admissions committees are aware of the turnover ratio in high tech. Nevertheless, you want to make it clear that your reasons for moving have been sound. Don't belabor the issue, simply cover it and move on. The best way may be to work it into your career goals if you can show that you have used your moves to put you more directly in line for the work you seek long-term (e.g. the move to biotech).

Your comment about your current company is unclear. Do you mean that you will be consulting for your current employer after you move on to your new one. IF that is true and does not represent some kind of conflict, it should serve as an endorsement from your old copmany and an indication that your leaving was voluntary.
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