Profile Evaluation w/ Strange Work History

[bjam2]

At time of application for 2010:

Age: 24
Gender: Male
Undergrad Major: Mechanical Engineering
Undergrad Minor: International Studies
GMAT: 690
GPA: 91.62 (3.5 to 3.7 depending on scale)
Full Time Work Experience: 2.5 years
Co-op Work Experience: 2 years (my school did 3 months in class, 3 months full time co-op job rotations for the entirety)
Applying to: IE, IESE, Harvard, London Business School


So my co-op experience was mostly in product development and test engineering at automotive related companies. Then I went to work as a field engineer on offshore oil rigs for a highly regarded oilfield service company. I have a lot of leadership experience in my current job and in multiple organizations in college. I also have a good amount of international experience having done study abroad in Germany, having spent part of my full time work in France, and loving to travel. I think my biggest weak spot is that I have no real community service to speak of since graduating but thats mainly due to my hectic schedule since I work offshore.

My question is, do I have a good chance at my listed schools or should I work for another year and apply in 2011? Also, what is the re-application process like? If I apply this year and don't get in, would it leave a scar on my application next year?

[money9111]

Also, what is the re-application process like? If I apply this year and don't get in, would it leave a scar on my application next year?

It won't hurt you unless you can't explain why your candidacy is better the 2nd time around.

[Betsy Massar]

Hi,
I like a "strange" work history, although I actually don't think that it is that strange, just a bit unusual, and unusual is often interesting.
The admissions committees often look at the choices the applicant has made, and how he or she made the most of those choices. They are also looking for a logical and reasonable career progression -- and in your case, they will want to know what you got out of working in the co-op environment. If you can prove that you have the maturity, self-awareness and the leadership traits at this stage of your nascent career, then why not apply now? I like the fact that you have had leadership experience in university and on the job. Not too worried about the community service, because of your work situation. I do think that in your job you are likely to be doing some kind of service (mentoring perhaps?), and that should show your ability to help others in your current community.

Also, working offshore is really topical, and will certainly add to the lively discussion of larger business and management issues.

As for re-applying, there's no harm in reapplying after having additional solid work experience. If it makes sense in terms of your career progression, and you do get to learn more about yourself and your community, then you aren't doing any harm by applying a second time if it doesn't work out the first time.

With best regards,

Betsy Massar
Master Admissions
www.masteradmissions.com