Woodencrawdad wrote:
As someone with a faith-based background (3 years as a pastor, 4 years as a church consultant, now a buyer in retail), how do you all think that will come across to schools? With a 690 GMAT, I'm looking at programs in the 10-20 range. My story makes sense (I want to work for a major retailer and then go back into the largest faith-based retailer in the country in an executive capacity) but I don't assume many b-schools get people with my background. Curious if you all could weigh in...
I think that would create a fairly unique profile which could be perceived as valuable. It is not going to decide your admission for you, however. There is a decent number of applicants from strong Mormon backgrounds and other religious groups; however, I don't think many can have the resume you do. My suggestion would be to focus on the positives and things you are open minded as I don't think anyone wants to have a religious fanatic or close-minded among the class and alumni base. Also, another item to look out for would be how to describe "achievements" and accompaniments in that job... so the best be you have is to be memorable, unique, and admirable.
I would suggest that you pose this question (e.g. how to leverage my religous experience in the mba application) in the Ask Admissions Consultants forum and see what suggestions you may get. Someone had to have worked with applicants with similar background (even non profits).
Good Luck! and Kudos for planning early!