Career gap and MBA

[Skapila]

I am a prospective MBA applicant and would like to request for my profile evaluation.
I am an electrical engineer and have worked in Information technology sector for four years with IBM and Infosys.
I have had a good career progression and have performed at different roles within the firm. Worked at client locations in the UK and Switzerland in both technical and functional roles.

I have a GMAT score of 720 and a GPA of 6.7/10.

I had to move to US after I got married and since there were several limitations of VISA and other issues , I wasn't able to get a full time job in US. I was working part-time with a tutoring service and have worked as an instructor for GMAT and CFA for last year and a half.

During this period volunteered my services to American Red cross and The FreeGirl Foundation and contributed a lot to their marketing strategies .

It would be great if you can evaluate my profile and let me know if the career gap of two years would be a major stumbling block in my candidature for the B school.

I have shortlisted the following B schools:

1. Ross school of Business, University of Michigan ( Reapplicant)
2.Fuqua school of Business, Duke University( Reapplicant)
3.NYU stern
4.Yale University
5.Darden
6.Tuck
7.ISB ( Indian School of Business)

Thanks so much for your help,

Regards,
Shilpa

[Cindy Tokumitsu]

Hello,

Even though your reasons are perfectly justifiable and understandable, the career gap will be something of a deficit in the application. How much of one will depend on your goals and how your "story" comes together as a whole. The service activities you've been involved in will certainly be viewed positively. If you can make the case that you are resourceful by dealing with this setback, and you can demonstrate in these activities initiative, leadership, and a connection to your goals, then the drawback of the work gap will be less significant. However, if you haven't been pursuing activities related to the goals you describe in your essays, it will raise questions. Even if you couldn't work, there may be professional steps you could take related to your goals, such as being active in a professional association, holding informational interviews, etc.

The schools you mention are all very competitive. You appear to be qualified at least by the numbers and initial work experience. To be a truly viable candidate, you will need to pull your story together in a compelling and coherent way.

Best regards,
Cindy Tokumitsu
Senior Editor, Accepted.com
www.Accepted.com