Explaining a Big Gap in Work Experience

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Explaining a Big Gap in Work Experience

by RBranda79 » Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:23 pm
Hi! After being out of college for 10 years, I've decided to go back for my MBA. I'll be applying to a state university for the upcoming spring semester and I'm in the process of getting all my documents together. What concerns me most is that I have only 7 years' worth of work experience in the last 10. I have a glaring three-year gap of no employment at all due to serious illness and complications from it. Although I'm blessed to have conquered that, I really don't want that to be my essay topic. Should I even address this at all?

I am currently working as an Executive Assistant for a non-profit agency, an entry-level position I've held for the last 2 years after essentially "starting over" after my illness. It looks to me like my undergraduate record, is my strongest selling point; I have a BBA in finance from a private accredited university, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA. However, that was 10 years ago. What I've done recently is probably of more interest to an admissions director.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
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by apphelp » Tue Jun 28, 2011 9:09 pm
We think that you should explain everything clearly in essays and app form. Don't try to fake or show false experience. If you tell your story well then 7 yrs of experience is good enough to help you get into a decent B school.

PS: Just make sure that the essays dont sound sympathy seeking type.

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