Work experience/recommendations

[vanesslondon]

Hi Lisa,

I am concerned about my work experience and recommendations and would be grateful for yuor advice.

My first question is the following: do you think admissions committies care about the amount of work experince you have at the point of applying or more particularly by the time you join?

I would have two full years prior to joining, but only one and a bit at the point of applying. It may make a difference that I have finished law school in England, so will actually have been out of college for four years by the time I started my MBA. Do you think it is too soon to apply?
If it makes a difference, I went to Cambridge University and am working at a top tier law firm. I will have spent six months with an internationally known client (a corporate).
I have compelling reasons for not waiting another year - I have realised law isn't for me, but as a corporate lawyer I know the business side of the transaction appeals to me.

I am also concerened about references as I haven't had much leadership experience. I am not worried about converying leadership in essays, and I have many EC's, but I am not sure how I can help my supervisors relay my experience in terms of leadership, junior attorneys normally don't have a lot of leadership experience.

Any help would be truly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Vanessa

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Vanessa:

Schools usually ask on the application how much work experience you will have at the time you enter the program as that is how it is supposed to be reported to various publications. So it is how much you will have at the time of entry that counts. Only you can determine if the time is right to apply--you seem to be unhappy in your current career choice and believe the MBA will help you to redirect your career. As such, it is critical you convey, in a concise logical manner, why you want your MBA and why now in your application.

As for your recommendations, it is important that your recommenders write positive letters that highlight many skills that will serve you well in business not just leadership. Leadership potential can be demonstrated in many ways, including but not limited to, professional experience. Perhaps you have some leadership examples from your extracurriculars or from law school? or from other work experience like an internship?

Remember, you have several opportunities to communicate your skills: essays, interview, recommendations, and resume. While these items will be similar to some degree, you also have the chance to highlight different skills through the different components.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[vanesslondon]

Hi Lisa,
Many thanks for your response, which is very helpful. I appreciate it.
Kind regards,
Vanessa

[sampleresume]

Good luck, Vanessa