Clarification on employment gaps

[El Rey]

I graduated in 2011 as an software engg. in India and was immediately employed in a consumer product industry as an information system consultant, I've worked on both operational business processes and on reporting business analytical. However, I dreamt a bigger vision of being an investment professional and hence I quit my job with 2.5 years of experience in October of 2013. I've spent an year learning investment online and other courses and I've a gmat score of 710. Please advise if this one year break would impact my admission in any top tier American universities? How do I tackle it positively?
Thanks in advance!

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

Did you make any investments during this time? If so, you can position your time as a self-employed trader so that this is not a gap in employment.

Good luck,

[El Rey]

Hi, not yet. I only was able to bridge my gap in knowledge.
It's bit of a worry on how I'd get recommendations from, and proceed on. Please advise.
Thanks.

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

You obviously couldn't get recommendations from this time period, but can do so from before. I would recommend you finding some aspect of using this time as working for yourself in investments and position it that way. Honestly, if I were an admissions officer, I would be concerned that you spent a whole year researching investments without trading even one share of one stock and without doing any other meaningful activity like increase your involvement with an NGO.

Good luck,

[CriticalSquareMBA]

I'm with Michael here - you can try to spin this but at the end of the day it doesn't seem like you have any concrete accomplishments to show for this year. At least when you're studying a school gives you a stamp letting the world know you were there. Yours doesn't even follow that set of structure or curriculum. If you want to make that time count, get investing - fast!

Bhavik

[El Rey]

Hi Michael, Bhavik, Thank for your advise, I'm working on the next steps. Thanks for useful inputs.

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

You are welcome. Keep us posted!!!

[manyaabroadtpr]

Hi, not yet. I only was able to bridge my gap in knowledge.
It's bit of a worry on how I'd get recommendations from, and proceed on. Please advise.
Thanks.

Hi,

We feel the suggestions mentioned by above experts are highly relevant. Just in case, investment is not an option, you can consider spending some time with an NGO and getting associated with them for a meaningful project.
The point that you bridged your gap in knowledge may become relevant if you can really demonstrate your expertise on the subject for which you acquired the knowledge. If you are not confident on that, we would recommend to think of an alternative fast.
Do keep us posted on how you approach this and if you need any further assistance, please do let us know. We would be happy to help. We have the right experience, have guided thousands of students and are a leading GMAT/GRE coaching institute

[CriticalSquareMBA]

You're welcome and good luck!

[bass]

Hey

Sorry to jump in and hijack this thread, but I have a question along similar lines.

I decided to devote around 18 months after I graduated to music. I pursued it full-time and played many shows and shared the stage with some Grammy winners as well. I do have press coverage of my involvement in the music industry but I don't know if something like this is accepted as 'Work Experience.'

Your thoughts?

Regards,
Bass

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hey Bass - that might not be stereotypical experience but it counts! Yeah, no spreadsheets, but it'll do! It will come down to how you incorporate it into your story!

Bhavik

[MBAPrepAdvantage]

That is solid work experience. I had a successful client to Wharton spend his entire 20's in a rock band touring the world.