work experience

[jossie87]

Hello,

I was wondering how to deal with a job termination on your application. Is this a necessary disclosure? Will it keep a candidate out of a particular school even if you disclose this info in an essay?

Thanks!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jossie87,

You need to give a complete and accurate job history on your application. Obviously, you want to choose your words carefully in noting your reason for leaving, but you do want to be honest. Depending on the reason for termination, there might be consequences for future opportunities. However, I can't think of a reason that would necessarily result in a rejection from business school. If your termination is for something illegal or is that serious in nature, then it could be a problem, but it would greatly depend on the circumstances and what you are doing/have done to rectify the situation. Schools do background checks on occasion, so they can determine if you have left a job off of your application or if you put down misinformation (which would be fraud). If you do not disclose a full and accurate history, then that would be automatic grounds for rejection as that would be seen as a fraudulent application.

Good luck,
Lisa

[jossie87]

Thanks Lisa.

If the reasons for termination were something like "not a good fit" or "didn't align with career goals" would that be acceptable if you could justify how you've learned in an optional essay?

Just checking because I'd rather not abandon my dreams of attending a top b-school because of my first job out of school 4 years ago that lasted for only a few months.

[jossie87]

Also, out of curiosity, have you (Stacy Blackman Consulting) worked with candidates who have been terminated from their jobs and have still secured admissions at top schools?

thanks again.

[maxonline]

excellent article on this topic ..

https://www.geekmba360.com/seven-lessons ... unemployed

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear jossie87,

If you were terminated due to "fit" issues, then I don't think it is going to be a significant factor in your overall evaluation as an MBA applicant. In addition, the fact it was your first job out of college and it was over 4 years ago makes the job even less of a factor. I do think it could make for an interesting "lessons learned" type of essay though. I definitely don't think you should hesitate to apply to any school because of the termination.

Stacy Blackman Consulting has worked with a diverse clientele from all over the globe with many interesting stories in their backgrounds. I encourage you to visit our website and request a free consultation if you are interested in our services as a consultant could help you present that small part of your career history in the best light.

Good luck,
Lisa