BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course

Redeem

Not currently FT employed, but Excellent work experience

Launched April 26, 2006
This topic has expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:39 pm

Not currently FT employed, but Excellent work experience

by Songon » Fri Nov 14, 2008 1:35 pm
Hi Stacy/Lisa,

I have a question to ask you guys. I graduated 3.5 years ago, from an ivey league school with a GPA of 3.6. I then graduated from an internal management training program with a Corporate 500 company in Corporate Finance. I liked my first two roles, but did not enjoy the last one. So I quit. I go a part-time contract job (research assitant/in a small consulting firm) but by the time I apply (Jan) the role will have just ended.

If I am unemployed when I apply, but had good marks, very, very strong extra curricular (head of many corporate volunteer groups), and hopefully a good GMAT, will this hinder my application? What should I do?

I would really appreciate your opinion on this matter. I plan on applying to Yale, INSEAD and HEC Paris.

Sonu
Top
Source: — Ask Stacy Blackman |

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Sat Nov 15, 2008 9:43 am
Dear Sonu,

It is possible your departure from your full-time job followed by a temporary part-time job will not be viewed favorably. It is important for you to address why you made these decisions as well as what you plan to do between now and business school. If you have a plan that you can articulate in your application and interview, which will broaden or enhance your skills in some way, then it might mitigate any concerns of the admissions committee.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:39 pm

Not currently FT employed, but Excellent work experience

by Songon » Sun Nov 16, 2008 5:38 pm
Lisa,

Great, thanks for your insight. Now, if the reason I was leaving was needing a change. I left my company on very good terms, and can attest with good references.

I left Oct 2008, and from Nov 2008-Dec 2008 there will be no time gap whatsoever of my being idle. After I apply to schools (Jan) I am planning on do project management work in a developing country with a volunteer program. I got accepted into a program geared towards business professionals, and they pay for everything - flight/accomodation/food + local salary. In January/February I will be doing intense training them so technically I always have something on my resume. I also want to stress that I am currently very heavily involved with extra-curricular, in leadership roles, and have always been so.

How would admissions of say (INSTEAD, HEC Paris, Queens, Yale) look at this? I want to make sure when I apply I am a strong candidate. I will try to target it in a manner that I was interesting in doing project management for developing countries, and try to use my business skills for a good cause. I was going to be aimiing at schools strong at consulting but also not for profit. Do you think if I gear towards Not for Profit schools like Yale, it will help my situation out better?

Any schools you recommend? From my research it seems like NYU is a good option.

Thanks again. I really appreciate your advice!

Sonu
Top

GMAT/MBA Expert

User avatar
MBA Admissions Consultant
Posts: 3845
Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pm
Location: Houston, TX
Thanked: 442 times
Followed by:148 members

by Lisa Anderson » Mon Nov 17, 2008 11:45 am
Dear Sonu,

I'm glad to hear you have a plan and will have an international experience you can share with your future classmates. Schools will also be happy to see what you will be doing and that it is a valuable use of your time. In terms of target schools, I think it makes sense to apply to programs that are the best fit for you and your career goals. All schools will view your international experience with interest--it is up to you to present it in the best light.

Best of luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

Learn more about me
Top
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 14
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2008 9:39 pm

Not currently FT employed, but Excellent work experience

by Songon » Mon Nov 17, 2008 12:45 pm
Lisa,

Thanks very much for your advice!!

So if I position it properly, as a growth and development experience (something I have always wanted to do), no school will see me as a floater/spotty employment?

- Sonu
Top
Post new topic Post Reply
• Page 1 of 1