Company vs Title

Question

Hi All,

I wanted to get some insight on what everyone thinks looks better for MBA applications.

Currently I’m an associate at my company (Big Bank, but in Internal Audit). Recently though, I’ve been contacted by a smaller bank that would like to make me a VP at their firm.

Based off this, I would like to know what you think is more valued by MBA programs? I found good success this current cycle staying at my current job and was accepted into a T15, but due to personal reasons I’m declining and applying to other schools in Fall 2024 so I don’t want to do anything that could jeopardize my chances the next time I apply.

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admitStreet · Answer

dxo150530 - a few points I'd consider, keeping in mind MBA applications: 1. Do you foresee a promotion at your current company before the next cycle? If so, I'd stay, as progression is a great positive 2. What role did the smaller bank offer? Having a good brand helps, but (more important than the title) if there would be a substantial change in your responsibilities/ impact in the smaller bank and can showcase growth, perhaps worth thinking about. The trade-off is that you wouldn't be in the role for long (assuming you're applying in Sep round), so it'd have to be well worth it to consider. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

dxo150530 · Answer

Hey thanks for your response, below are my responses to your questions:

1) So my manager made it seem very unlikely I would be getting promoted. But even if I could convince him I’m ready to be promoted, I wouldn’t know until December so it would be after I applied

2) The role for the other company is a VP role, same field as I am now so if I do it then I’ll be moving up and taking on more responsibilities than what I’m doing at my current job

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

Either option could work, with the right narrative in your application. If you stay in the current company, try to be proactive and pick up more or bigger responsibilities/ projects to show your growth arc. Moving to another company can be justified indicating growth potential, however, keep in mind you might not have a lot of impact in ~6 months in the new role. Personally, I'd pick the first option, as it's the safer bet and the brand is stronger. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

TheRedPen · Answer

Hi  dxo150530 ,

A job switch at this point will give you ample growth opportunities which will surely help you craft compelling essays. However, do keep in mind the limited time you will have at the new firm as you will be applying for the September 25 intake.

We recommend you  schedule a complimentary strategic call  with our MBA consultants who have helped multiple applicants submit compelling applications to leading business schools.

You can also connect with our MBA team via call at 91 77807 69732

MBAGuide · Answer

dxo150530 I have a slightly different view. If, with the new offer, you feel you will significantly improve in any two of these areas, namely Learning, Earning, or Growth, then you should take the new opportunity. You did not mention your career trajectory before your current job, but for simplicity's sake, let's assume you have only been in large organizations with standard processes where nothing seemed to go wrong. You have risen through the ranks to reach where you are. Then the new job would give you an opportunity to showcase that you were keen to experiment with something new, even though you started applying for a B-school soon after you joined the new company. And in my opinion, you should not let the B-school application timelines define how you should make your career decisions. What if you don't get into your reach school on the first attempt? In the long run, your VP role at a smaller bank, with new challenges to solve, a business to scale, and where you have more hands-on experience and leadership responsibilities, will ultimately be better for your future, especially if you decide to reapply to top schools later. Job switches don't affect your B-school chances; rather, how you talk about your growth as a continuous phenomenon determines how the adcoms perceive you. Feel free to seek professional guidance. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Admissionado · Answer

dxo150530 :

I think it's worth going for this new role. If you are going to apply to schools again, you might need a little change. It's early in the year, so you'll have enough time under your belt in this new role at the new company to hopefully have an impact. Just be assertive early on.

Congrats on the acceptances and the opportunity. Let us know how it goes and when you decide to apply again.

Admissionado

Company vs Title

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