How does the adcom view going back to your old company?

This question is an important one for me; I come from a family business setting and intend to return to the company after obtaining a MBA (perhaps after several years working elsewhere for a different perspective). I would like to think that the adcom views this positively because it shows your commitment to grow with a company you believe it. Also, it supports the idea that you want to have a lasting impact on the business (thanks to a MBA from [x]).

I agree with Class2012. I think the adcom with either view it in a neutral or positive manner. I can't see why it would be a negative.

It's important that your goals are reasonable. Why? Because employment stats have a large impact on school rankings.

So in addition to well thought out careers goals, I would assume that returning to your old company would make your placement even more likely.

RF

Family businesses are definitely their own special case. I know a few programs (Kellogg in particular has a fantastic family business program) look particularly favorably on family business applicants.

I think these days its going to be looked at in a very positive light. Lots of people returned to their former employers for the summer and a pretty hefty number of grads headed back too. While its not something many schools talk about, employability is something they care about. So knowing you pretty much can walk back into a job thats going to help your cause.

I would suggest you research sponsorship. Some companies dont have dedicated programs like consulting companies but are willing to do one off sponsorships for certain schools. They may not want to sponsor a local no-name program but if you are heading to a top 5 school it might be possible depending on the company...and definitely is worth looking into.