MBA FOR SOCIAL SECTOR CONSULTING /NON-PROFIT

[gmat7501]

Hi , I worked for Tata consultancy services in india for 2 years after which I moved into government administration and worked with a state government in India for 3 years where I led various developmental projects at district level. I however moved to the united states 1.5 years ago(post marriage) and have not done a fulltime job except for volunteering for a small church. I gave my GMAT and scored a 750 and would like to know if MBA is the right choice to get into non-profit or social sector consulting. In case it is , will the gap period be a major obstacle in getting admission into a decent school?
Appreciate response!

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hmm, this is an interesting post.

TL;DR - great GMAT, gap is red flag, MBA would help with goals, doable even with gap

Longer version...

Firstly, congrats on the amazing GMAT!

A question to you is why didn't you work for 1.5 years? Couldn't find anything? As an international applicant, i can think this could be a stumbling block for you. Did you move here to follow your significant other's work?

I mean, there are a lot of people out there with gaps in their profiles. 1.5 years is pretty darn long, don't get me wrong, but it could potentially be explained.

If you're looking to get into consulting of any sort (non profit, social sector, etc.), yes, an MBA would definitely help you. Especially if you've been finding it hard to get a job recently.

Clearly, your work experience speaks for itself. Consultancy + 3 years in the exact industry you want to continue in is a good story. Is the 1.5 year break a red flag? Yup, it sure is, I won't lie to you. But is it going to end your dreams? Of course not!

This is what optional essays were MADE for

Let me know if you have any questions,

Bhavik

[gmat7501]

Hello Bhavik,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I followed my partner as he works here in the states. I did not work for the past 1.5 years because i was taking a break and also trying to make a decision regarding my next phase of career as I left a job that I so loved back home. The number of hrs worked with the small church I mentioned is minimal but I did learn about servant leadership unlike the authoritative leadership in my past. What could be the range of schools that I could apply for- with this huge red flag gap ?

[gmat7501]

Thanks

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hey there,

That makes sense - and it's not entirely uncommon. It isn't mainstream either but you aren't the first person to find yourself in this position.

So as for schools, here are a few that I think you should apply to. Ignore, for the moment, the rankings.

Yale is probably your best bet. Not only are they best known in the space, but with your profile, you stand a pretty good shot here. Other (realistic) options to consider are Haas, Columbia, Ross, Duke, and Stern. Obviously, Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton are great in this space as well.

Without an in depth knowledge of your profile, it's difficult to accurately assess your odds at each of the programs but this gives you a good range of schools to choose from.

You've got a great GMAT but other things are working to balance that out. I'd say you should shortlist to Yale, Haas, Columbia, Ross, and Duke.

I hope that helps!

Bhavik