Resume Gap Question

[mtnman]

Hello,

I just recently finished up undergrad with a 3.9 from an average state school and am entering the military as an officer. Unfortunately, the specific branch's officer training is backed up for the next 8 months and I can't start until the fall. Thus, I am looking at a potential significant gap in my resume. My goal is to get an MBA from a top U.S. program when I get out after 4 years.

I am currently taking two economics courses at a local university and plan to travel, volunteer, get a >700 GMAT, and do a summer internship before I commission in the fall.

My questions are:

As long as I can logically explain why these activities will help my career aspirations/progression would these activities make up for the gap or should I aim for more significant experience?

Does it matter to the admissions committees that the employment gap is out of my control?

Is it less of an issue since the gap is between undergrad and my future job?


Thanks a lot for your help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear mtnman,

If your gap is less than a year due to the scheduling of the training, then you don't need to worry about that as a "significant gap". You also appear to be busy during this time between your classes, activities and travels, so you would have something to talk about in the event you are asked. It is not uncommon anymore to see a 3-9 month period between graduation and staring a full-time job based on when the company (or in your case the military) schedules you to start. If you had no plans during this time to stay productive and contribute to your personal development, I would be more concerned. Since you do have some planned activities, then I think you will be fine.

Good luck with your training,
Lisa