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Anasthaesium
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bakfed
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Anasthaesium
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To tell you the truth, I don't know exactly how 'blue' one's resume needs to be to be an HBS-admit. I think that'll be a bit hard to distinguish, given so many variables in the admission factors. I totally understand your point of A+B=C and I think if this new position will you learn and lead (even at a lower rank), it'll make a difference in your application.
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riverripper
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I wouldnt take a demotion for a brand in a field where its very clear what the rank of a job is (unless you are getting a big pay bump too). I mean going from chief mate to 3rd is probably going to look worse than having a lesser known brand. Honestly, being a merchant marine is an oddball career so its not like being in a rotational leadership program at a fortune 100 company. Having an interesting story is going to do more for you than who you are working for.

You would also be shocking what admins know about random fields and careers. They have seen it all over the years and while it may not be common the strange careers are going to be far more memorable than someone from a consulting background. I mean if you were on a ship attacked by pirates your essays will be a little more interesting than someone who used frameworks for a job. I have a lot of friends who work in the industry and some of them have amazingly interesting stories.
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Anasthaesium
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riverripper
I mean if you were on a ship attacked by pirates your essays will be a little more interesting than someone who used frameworks for a job. I have a lot of friends who work in the industry and some of them have amazingly interesting stories.

Well riverripper, I guess you must be a little familiar with the field too then. And believe me, this is exactly the same advice I have been receiving from any alum I spoke to over this matter.

And as a matter of fact, one of my vessels has been attacked by pirates when sailing from Mombasa (fortunately not captured) and it was a terrifying experience to say the least.
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One of my friends ship was taken and then the pirates were defeated...needless to say a tale like that would go a long way towards creating memorable essays.
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southernstunna
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What is "merchant marines"? I have never heard of this before.
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Anasthaesium
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