unique situation

[kshin78]

Hi Stacey,

I have a rather complicated situation right now and need your advice. I've been with the current company the last 3 1/2 yrs and have total of 5.5yrs of experience since college. (2 jobs total) I'll most likely apply to bschool this fall but open minded about applying next yr if i don't have a shot at top 25 programs.

Would it weigh negatively on my application if i were to switch jobs right now? It's a better opportunity and I'll be able to learn different things but I'm not sure how that'll be view upon by the board. It's not a huge upgrade from my current job, but just a different role. Can you please share your thoughts?

Schools I'm applying to are: Yale, UCLA (part-time), Chicago, Columbia

Thanks for your help.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear kshin78,

Do you want this job? If so, then I think it might be a good move for you. If it is an opportunity to gain professional experience that either broadens your experience or is a step up, then I think it would be worth making a change. You will be in the job for year before business school, so that is enough time to benefit from the position.

However, if you really don't want the job, then it is not a good idea to take it. Being in a job you don't like is never a good situation.

Good luck,
Lisa

[kshin78]

Thanks Lisa for your advice. But do you think switching jobs right before application is a good idea? Wouldn't the admission question why I switched jobs knowing that i'd be going to bschool?

Truth is, I just can't seem to stay at my current job for various reasons. One of them is i realized my current job is not best for my career and need a fresh start - hence for MBA. I thought I could wait it out for one more year, but it's just getting worse and worse. As you said, being in a job that I don't like is never a good situation.

I can't really state that on my application and I don't really know what to do. I can't stay but i feel like i can't quit either, feeling trapped...

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear kshin78,

As I stated before, you will be in the job for a year before starting business school. Thus there is no real concern, in my opinion, that you start a new job in the next couple of weeks. Since you are miserable in your current role, then it makes even more sense to me that you take a new job. Ultimately, you need to be comfortable with your decision, but from what you posted, it sounds like a new job is a good idea for you.

Good luck,
Lisa