Unemployed but 7 yrs of work experience

[kendallrose]

Hi Stacy,
I am in dilemma and I do not know who to ask. I hope you can shed some light on my future path.

Female, 32yrs old
1470 GRE score
3.1 GPA
Worked for 7 yrs in a family retailing business(as a merchandise buyer) and some office jobs.
Currently unemployed

I applied on R3 this year and I am still waiting for the decision from schools. I think it's a slim chance to get admitted this year:( but I am determined to go to business school(I am interested in working in retailing business) and I do not know what to do during this time around. I am thinking to take some classes and think of this time as a sabbatical. What can I do to improve my credentials?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear kendallrose,

The best thing you can do at this point is to formulate a plan to stay current professionally--have something to put on your resume, (hopefully) make some money, and keep moving forward towards your goals. You can take some classes if you believe they will be helpful preparation for business school, but I also encourage you to seek out work. Perhaps this is a time for you to pursue a temporary project with a nonprofit of interest to you? or to do some freelance consulting for retailers? or to seek a position with a large retailer to gain complementary experience? You want to have plan and show you have continued to move forward on both your resume and future applications (if necessary).

Good luck,
Lisa

[kendallrose]

Thank you for your advice and input. I will then seek out employment opportunity.