Work Experience

[menacher]

I'm about to graduate with a degree in Electrical Engineering and am trying to decide which of the two jobs I'm pursuing would be better for getting into a top MBA program. Both jobs are at the same company.

Job 1: Analog Design Engineer (very prestigious job in the engineering world)
Pro: Large salary for hours that aren't too bad (50ish)
Con: I will be very isolated within the company. Leadership opportunities will be limited.

Job 2: Product Planner (different than product manager) Manage a portfolio of products and determine the future of the product line. Experiences will include financial modeling, market analysis, customer interaction, intellectual property, M&A exposure.
Pro: Exposure to a large number of people, both inside the company and outside. Room to be a superstar if I put in the hours.
Con: Decent salary for 60+ hours

I realize Job 2 will look better on an application but the difference in pay is significant. Is $30k pay difference worth the experience? Or can I do really well at my job as an engineer and apply to a top MBA program.

Also, is a company considered "blue chip" if it's part of a conglomerate? E.g. the parent company is fortune 100 but the company itself isn't

[Jon@Admissionado]

Tough to say man. It's hard to predict form the outside what might happen, and no one can predict the future. (Plus only you know what's good for you) Personally, I'd likely go for the money. 30k is no laughing matter, and look at it this way - all the salaries you get for the rest of your life will go up based on your first salary

But once again, I say what I'd personally do (maybe... cause I'm missing details).

But if the other job is sooo much more exciting for you, it may be worth it.