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romych007
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Application advice 17 Mar 2024, 11:33
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­Good evening!I'm preparing to apply for an MBA in the USA. I have 4 years of work experience as a software developer, but for the last few years I realized I didn't want to work as a software developer or in similar jobs, so I want to switch to finance. I'm all set for MBA admission, took all the tests, etc.

I have 8–10 months before the applications open, and I already quit my job to migrate from my country (there is an extremely repressive government).

I need some more work experience to hit the chosen schools' average number of years of work experience and avoid having a gap in employment by the time of matriculation.

The questions are:

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?
What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)
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Application advice 18 Mar 2024, 12:14
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romych007:

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?

A: There are many opportunities out there. If you want to go into finance, you should target something in the field given the chance you have to show your interest. Finance is a very large field so I would suggest thinking about what you like, your preferred work-life balance, and other factors that can help narrow down the process.

What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)

A: Not really. I wouldn't take a back office job or something too removed from what you want to do post-MBA. That might complicate your story.

This is a very specific, ad hoc matter, so it might be best to get some coaching and guidance. If you are interested, please contact us so we can get you set up with a consultant.

https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/
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Application advice 18 Mar 2024, 13:58
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romych007:

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?

A: There are many opportunities out there. If you want to go into finance, you should target something in the field given the chance you have to show your interest. Finance is a very large field so I would suggest thinking about what you like, your preferred work-life balance, and other factors that can help narrow down the process.

What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)

A: Not really. I wouldn't take a back office job or something too removed from what you want to do post-MBA. That might complicate your story.

This is a very specific, ad hoc matter, so it might be best to get some coaching and guidance. If you are interested, please contact us so we can get you set up with a consultant.


 
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Sounds interesting. I will definitely try your free consultation.
A quick question.
After the MBA, if things go well, I will be in the Associate role. So, if I now get some entry-level job in finance, like financial analyst, data analyst, or business analyst, will that be good for admissions?

­
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Application advice 19 Mar 2024, 08:09
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MBAGuide

romych007
­Good evening!I'm preparing to apply for an MBA in the USA. I have 4 years of work experience as a software developer, but for the last few years I realized I didn't want to work as a software developer or in similar jobs, so I want to switch to finance. I'm all set for MBA admission, took all the tests, etc.

I have 8–10 months before the applications open, and I already quit my job to migrate from my country (there is an extremely repressive government).

I need some more work experience to hit the chosen schools' average number of years of work experience and avoid having a gap in employment by the time of matriculation.

The questions are:

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?
What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)
­romych007

At the top level, US business schools or any top B schools segment applicants by geographic region and industry. Certain groups may be overrepresented. For example, the majority of professionals from South Asia are employed in the technology sector. It is only natural that these groups are the most represented among MBA applicants, and therefore business schools are spoilt for choice. For this very reason, applicants (like you) from this sub-group may have to work hard on their applications to get noticed by the top B-schools.

Very often, MBA aspirants from the IT/software sector have had limited opportunities to progress/get promoted/get exposed to clients and have taken limited steps themselves to break out of the humdrum experience. For many from these sectors, an MBA is often the first time they have even considered leaving and using an MBA as a stepping stone rather than making the exit on their own. Business schools, at least the good ones, want to see that an MBA is NOT the first time someone is trying to move outside their comfort zone professionally. Top B-schools abroad would be all the more suspicious if you tout a very steep career jump as a post-MBA goal, as in your case, moving from software to finance. Ideally, business schools want to see evidence that you have made an effort to try new things and initiate a career change under your own steam.

If you have a compelling story, evidence of a growth mindset, diverse experience and a solid GMAT/GRE score, schools will definitely give you due consideration.

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?
Look for roles where you can experience steep learning while working closely with leaders or company founders. I would say startups would be your best bet because you can learn a lot and they may allow you to take up a role in the Finance/FP&A side if you are smart enough to navigate. You could also try for consulting or corporate strategy roles (analyst level)

What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)
Roles that are viewed as red flags are those where individuals become overly comfortable and fail to extract significant long-term growth opportunities. For example, if you want to get into finance post MBA, get into finance now! Any further continuation in the software space can be seen as a red flag. (Not trying to discourage you, just keeping things real)

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Reach out should you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]­
 ­


 
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Thank you for your valuable insights.
1) I am actually from Eastern Europe, Belarus. I don't know if it makes things any easier.
2) I see the need to enter something in finance, but almost always the companies require relevant degree and/ or work experience. I have neither. But, I'll try harder anyway.
­
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Application advice 20 Mar 2024, 03:53
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romych007

MBAGuide

romych007
­Good evening!I'm preparing to apply for an MBA in the USA. I have 4 years of work experience as a software developer, but for the last few years I realized I didn't want to work as a software developer or in similar jobs, so I want to switch to finance. I'm all set for MBA admission, took all the tests, etc.

I have 8–10 months before the applications open, and I already quit my job to migrate from my country (there is an extremely repressive government).

I need some more work experience to hit the chosen schools' average number of years of work experience and avoid having a gap in employment by the time of matriculation.

The questions are:

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?
What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)
­romych007

At the top level, US business schools or any top B schools segment applicants by geographic region and industry. Certain groups may be overrepresented. For example, the majority of professionals from South Asia are employed in the technology sector. It is only natural that these groups are the most represented among MBA applicants, and therefore business schools are spoilt for choice. For this very reason, applicants (like you) from this sub-group may have to work hard on their applications to get noticed by the top B-schools.

Very often, MBA aspirants from the IT/software sector have had limited opportunities to progress/get promoted/get exposed to clients and have taken limited steps themselves to break out of the humdrum experience. For many from these sectors, an MBA is often the first time they have even considered leaving and using an MBA as a stepping stone rather than making the exit on their own. Business schools, at least the good ones, want to see that an MBA is NOT the first time someone is trying to move outside their comfort zone professionally. Top B-schools abroad would be all the more suspicious if you tout a very steep career jump as a post-MBA goal, as in your case, moving from software to finance. Ideally, business schools want to see evidence that you have made an effort to try new things and initiate a career change under your own steam.

If you have a compelling story, evidence of a growth mindset, diverse experience and a solid GMAT/GRE score, schools will definitely give you due consideration.

What types of jobs can I pursue considering the current job market?
Look for roles where you can experience steep learning while working closely with leaders or company founders. I would say startups would be your best bet because you can learn a lot and they may allow you to take up a role in the Finance/FP&A side if you are smart enough to navigate. You could also try for consulting or corporate strategy roles (analyst level)

What types of jobs can be considered a red flag for an MBA? (Like lower-ranked ones?)
Roles that are viewed as red flags are those where individuals become overly comfortable and fail to extract significant long-term growth opportunities. For example, if you want to get into finance post MBA, get into finance now! Any further continuation in the software space can be seen as a red flag. (Not trying to discourage you, just keeping things real)

Get personalized advice tailored to your specific situation. Reach out should you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. We do not cap discussion hours.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]­
 ­



 
Thank you for your valuable insights.
1) I am actually from Eastern Europe, Belarus. I don't know if it makes things any easier.
2) I see the need to enter something in finance, but almost always the companies require relevant degree and/ or work experience. I have neither. But, I'll try harder anyway.
­
Show more
­romych007 If finances are not a concern, look for multiple internship opportunities in Finance to showcase your intent and risk taking ability. That will definitely help build a solid application when its time to apply. 

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- [email protected]­
 ­
 ­
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Application advice 23 Mar 2024, 08:57
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romych007:

Regarding your question:

"After the MBA, if things go well, I will be in the Associate role. So, if I now get some entry-level job in finance, like financial analyst, data analyst, or business analyst, will that be good for admissions?"

It could help, but it's not entirely necessary. Don't stress out too much about landing such a job. There are several finance jobs at the associate level that don't require pre-MBA finance experience. The MBA, like undergrad, is one such entry point.

I wouldn't find a new job that's totally unrelated (e.g., healthcare marketing). That could complicate things both from a admissions standpoint and a post-MBA job search.

Were you able to sign up for a free consultation?

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Application advice 23 Mar 2024, 09:29
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romych007:

Regarding your question:

"After the MBA, if things go well, I will be in the Associate role. So, if I now get some entry-level job in finance, like financial analyst, data analyst, or business analyst, will that be good for admissions?"

It could help, but it's not entirely necessary. Don't stress out too much about landing such a job. There are several finance jobs at the associate level that don't require pre-MBA finance experience. The MBA, like undergrad, is one such entry point.

I wouldn't find a new job that's totally unrelated (e.g., healthcare marketing). That could complicate things both from a admissions standpoint and a post-MBA job search.

Were you able to sign up for a free consultation?

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­Sounds good! Thank you.
And yes, I was able to sign up for a free consultation.
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Application advice 23 Mar 2024, 13:06
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Great, someone will reach out soon then so you can talk to a consultant on the team.