Profile evaluation and a few questions

[kris1441]

Hi,

I would greatly appreciate your evaluation and advice regarding a few things.

I plan to apply to several top 10 schools in the first round of applications in the fall to start an MBA program in Aug 2012.

A brief profile:

3.58 GPA - Electrical Engineering - US State School
GMAT - 780 50Q 48V AWA 6.0

Returned in May from nearly two years overseas working for an NGO in Afghanistan, where I managed/oversaw several development projects, paid salaries to over 30 staff, managed the budget and all finances, learned to speak, read and write the language, and learned about the people and culture.

My plan post MBA is to return to the developing world and continue to aid in the development process through helping to create jobs and possibly through training local business leaders.

My main question regards what I should do for this year between returning from overseas and starting a full time MBA program. Will it weaken my application a lot if I apply in September (2011), after being back in the states for 3 months, while simply working a low level job to pay the bills until starting a full time MBA program the coming August? If so, what type of things should I explore as far as jobs/internships are concerned? It is too short of a period for me to land any decent job, so I am unsure where to even start looking, or if I need to be too picky.

Second question: What do you think of my candidacy in general applying to the top schools? Any advice/things to focus on while filling out the applications?

Lastly, should I wait till I land another job before submitting the applications, and how should I address a job I have only been at for a month or so in an app?

Thank you for your help

[Stacey Oyler]

Hi,

Thanks for your post. Please see my comments below:

My main question regards what I should do for this year between returning from overseas and starting a full time MBA program. Will it weaken my application a lot if I apply in September (2011), after being back in the states for 3 months, while simply working a low level job to pay the bills until starting a full time MBA program the coming August? If so, what type of things should I explore as far as jobs/internships are concerned? It is too short of a period for me to land any decent job, so I am unsure where to even start looking, or if I need to be too picky.

You should look for a job that helps you achieve your post MBA goals or supports other interests. Just taking a job to pay the bills won't look great to adcoms. It could appear presumptuous of you to assume this job is temporary and that you will be admitted to bschool.

Second question: What do you think of my candidacy in general applying to the top schools? Any advice/things to focus on while filling out the applications?

I think you have a great profile. Your experience in Afghanistan combined with your stellar academics puts you in a great position. You can certainly be competitive for admission at top US programs.

Lastly, should I wait till I land another job before submitting the applications, and how should I address a job I have only been at for a month or so in an app?

You need not wait to get another job, but I do encourage you to start your search asap. You can mention in your optional essay your reason for taking a job to pay the bills while you look for something in your industry.

Regards,

Stacey