Does sales hurt my application?

Question

Little background. I went to a non-target state school and got my bachelors in Finance. I worked full time as an analyst at a local growing wealth management firm. I was given a lot of responsibility at a young age including managing portfolios and meeting with clients. I graduated with a 3.2gpa due to working full time. I left the firm to go to a known asset management firm as an inside sales person. My goal is to attend a top 20 MBA program in two years. If I can break 700 on the gmat (preferably 720), will I have a shot? I plan to tell my family story as to why I stayed local and worked full time. But will my experience doing inside sales hurt me?

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Thank you for your post. We work with folks in sales every year and some sales roles are not as attractive as yours so don't sell yourself too short. That said it would be great to see your resume. If you can bump the GMAT up a bit more then you should be in good shape. A 700 would be a stretch if you are a male and not a minority. Provide some more information though because if we can get you into the low 700s or mid 700s then things could look pretty good! scott@personalmbacoach.com Best, Scott

MBABoss · Answer

Sales experience probably helps your application!

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Buck92 · Answer

Bump.......anyone else?

Admissionado · Answer

It depends a bit on how the sales operations go down and also the size of clients/products as well as how you have done.

Yet, you are right that in terms of function sales would be usually seen as "lower-ranked" than say management, consulting, strategy.... things like that.

Hope this helps!
Best,

yashbabu · Answer

hey no sales on the contradictory you just make sure you elaborate all points

StratusDonna · Answer

I would say the benefit of being in sales is that you have results to report- focus on your impact and results and how you achieved them. Also leverage your industry knowledge if you are trying to transfer to a different role within the same industry. Adcom is looking for variety - so you can present well with any background! No school wants an entire class of bankers or consultants so it is good for some to have different work experience! And of course- having strong grades and a strong GMAT will also help....

99Colleges · Answer

Hi Buck92,

I don’t think your background in sales is going to hurt. Your progress, your work, your impact at workplace will matter more than your function. Moreover, you may have relatively less number of applicants applying with sales background. You may explain the reason for staying local (which probably means a lesser brand) so that it comes across as a choice you made given your unique circumstances and not as something you had no option but to accept.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

It is all about your impact and relative leadership. if you can highlight how have you made a difference at your firm and driven projects forward while making an impact then your work experience will seen positively. So focus less on whether you're at a blue chip firm or a trendy role focus on the impact and the results you have driven to set yourself apart

umodi · Answer

I think you have a very strong profile. Keep rolling !!

ARINGO · Answer

When creating your CV you must make the most out of your skills. In your case, I’m sure you gained many impressive skills whilst working as an analyst, but do not underestimate those that you gained whilst working in sales. Sales can enhance a person’s skillset in a multitude of ways. Perhaps you learnt communication skills, time management skills or organization skills. Maybe you learnt how to make connections with clients or how to work efficiently under pressure. These are all traits that admission officers could be looking for. Take time to consider what you got out of the job, do not assume that your position in sales impairs your skillset or your resume. I suggest you check out our free MBA chances estimation calculator. This will give you more perspective on what schools are looking for.
If you are able to achieve the GMAT score that you are hoping for, you stand a high chance of being admitted into a top 20 MBA program if the rest of your application is impeccable. In your case, hiring an MBA admissions consultant may be of help. It is their job to help clients with the application process, especially if their GMAT score is not up to par. They will be able to assist you in creating your CV in accordance with what admission officers are looking for. Many of their clients have gone on to pursue MBA degrees at tier 1 universities with GMAT scores below 700.
Once you complete your GMAT, feel free to contact us on www.ARINGO.com for any more help you may need.

Does sales hurt my application?

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