Intern
Joined: 29 Apr 2016
Posts: 11
Given Kudos: 2
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
GPA: 3.2
Dealing with Unemployment at Application Time
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20 Jul 2016, 16:28
I have been planning to apply for full-time MBA programs this Fall. Unfortunately for me, I became unemployed four months ago due to an issue at work (which was partly my fault). During this time, I've been looking for a new job in my present industry and with a similar role. But such jobs have been hard to come by. Even contract positions have been scarce. If I were to get something soon it would not only be close to Round 1 application deadlines, but also I would feel guilty knowing I would stay less than a year at that job if I were to return to school next fall.
My question is: do I have to be employed at the time of my application in order to have a shot at being admitted to a top-20 program? Is it acceptable to show that I've been staying busy during my unemployment (besides studying for and taking the GMAT, I've been learning to play Golf, learning Chinese, doing a documentary film as a personal project, and traveled a bit though domestically. I'm also starting a regular volunteering opportunity at a local park).
Also, could it hurt my application if I were to apply soon after starting a new job (if I do get one in the next month or two)?
I've been getting conflicting answers to this question from different people, from admissions consultants to even a couple AdCom members that I've been fortunate to speak with. I know I might get more conflicting answers from you all, but I would like to hear as many viewpoints as possible.