Joe,
No, age would be less of a negative factor at European schools. I understand your point about the new position expanding your skills, but top schools do look for evidence of 'fast track' career progress as well as a sense that your own goals are evolving, becoming more focused. So in that sense demonstrating greater breadth in skills by making a lateral or even backward move would potentially weaken your chances. Keep in mind, that business schools define being 'well rounded' not primarily in professional terms in personal terms (the totality of your profile), and since they see their programs as a way of diversifying your skill set they would not expect you to achieve that through your career path before business school.
If you plan to apply to B-school in the next few months, then you may want to apply from within your current job. If you plan to apply later and are unhappy in your current job, then find a new one, just try to make it a step forward that fits your long-term career goals.
--Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School,
https://www.paulsbodine.com/testimonialsJoe00 wrote:
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your answer. To clarify, I would aim at a high rank school yes, not necessarily Tier 1 but definitely something in the top 30 let’s say, but I would consider something less selective as fallback option.
Would age be such a key factor in European schools, where average age is higher (38% at Insead are in the 29-31 bracket)?
My other question is, would a spell at a new job still at junior level, rather than staying longer in my job and achieve a role promotion, actually diminish my profile ? I know that in reality I would be a much stronger and well-rounded candidate in terms of experience and skills, but I am not sure of the impression on paper.
As you rightly assume, I would need a minimum of 3-4 months to put together a good GMAT/application, which means I would still need to apply next Sept at 28 for most programs. If I move job now, I could still apply a year later at 29, without wasting other 1 / 2 years at my current job.
Thanks again
close
19 Nov 2012, 10:32
