Forum Home > GMAT > Quantitative > Problem Solving (PS)
Events & Promotions
|
|
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.
Customized
for You
Track
Your Progress
Practice
Pays
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Dec 1210:00 AM EST
-10:30 AM EST
Did you know you can lock in a spot at an elite MBA program years in advance of attending? Learn everything about Deferred MBA programs and why they’re becoming a game-changer for students and professionals.
Dec 1208:00 PM PST
-09:00 PM PST
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!
Dec 1308:30 AM EST
-09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Dec 1408:00 AM PST
-11:30 AM PST
Join us for an exclusive Admit Weekend designed to help you navigate the exciting yet challenging process of choosing between multiple MBA offers and provide valuable guidance on financial aid, scholarship negotiation, visa processes, and more.
Dec 1511:00 AM EST
-11:30 AM EST
Meet Tuck at an informal student or staff-hosted coffee chat in a city near you!- Dec 16
08:00 AM PST
-11:59 PM PST
GMAT Club 12 Days of Christmas is a 4th Annual GMAT Club Winter Competition based on solving questions. This is the Winter GMAT competition on GMAT Club with an amazing opportunity to win over $40,000 worth of prizes! 
Dec 2109:00 PM IST
-10:00 PM IST
Dreaming of a successful post-MBA career? Explore the 2026 career pathways in consulting, tech, finance, and dive into the exciting opportunities and the potential ROI these industries offer, helping you make informed decisions and more.
HqLife
Joined: 04 Sep 2019
Last visit: 12 Dec 2024
Posts: 204
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 17
Location: United States (MD)
Concentration: Strategy, General Management
Schools: HBS '27 (D) MIT '27 (I) Booth '27 (WL) Stanford '27 (D) Columbia '27 (D) Tuck '27 (I) Yale '27 (A) Darden '27 (A) Fuqua '27 (I) Johnson '27 (A$) Ross '27 (A$$)
GMAT Focus 1: 615 Q80 V80 DI81 
GMAT Focus 2: 675 Q90 V83 DI77
GPA: 3.16
Schools: HBS '27 (D) MIT '27 (I) Booth '27 (WL) Stanford '27 (D) Columbia '27 (D) Tuck '27 (I) Yale '27 (A) Darden '27 (A) Fuqua '27 (I) Johnson '27 (A$) Ross '27 (A$$)
GMAT Focus 2: 675 Q90 V83 DI77
Posts: 204
Kudos:
79
05 Apr 2022, 08:30
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hello Experts!
A bit in a dilemma here and looking for some help.
Currently I have 4 years of experience and I am at my 3rd company. I may have "potentially" have an offer from a 4th company - which is something I want to pursue post-MBA.
My story/reason for job switches:
1st Job - Ops Analyst at a BB in a MCOL. Spent 1 year and 4 months at the job - was a top performer. Unfortunately Ops as a whole went through a restructure and so my office location laid of ~300 individuals in one day. I was one of them.
2nd Job - I have Army /National Guard background so I pursue a finance role in defense industry. The industry was relatable to my Army experience and being close to DC/it is the biggest industry around. Loved the job - Amazing LoRs if needed - Spent 2 years. Left the job because 1) Went to a prestigious consulting firm pursuing the same role, but in a different industry. This was a lateral move. 2) Higher compensation.
3rd Job - Consulting firm - Permanent Remote role - non client facing - 8 months within the role now. I want to switch to strategy consulting and most importantly move to Middle East. I have tried networking within the firm for a move and have been shot down immediately.
Networked with outside folks and had no luck. Was told MBA would the be only way to break in - given my background. Good thing, I started GMAT prep a while ago and this was already in my plan. Aiming for GMAT Exam early June and based on the score apply this coming cycle or next year.
4th role - 'Somehow' got reached out by recruiter for a client-facing strategy consulting role at Big 4. Have been in the interview process and hoping there is an offer. BUT - I am having second thoughts. 4 years - 4 jobs? I am still going to pursue an MBA - how bad does this look? Plus if I pursue an MBA this year - I will only be at the job for 2-3 months before asking for LoRs. Given my short time at this role and my last role, I may have to reach out to my 2nd Job for an amazing LoR. How will this impact my MBA? If I stay at my current role - I will continue to forge the relationship and ask them for an LoR in August.
Why do I still want to pursue an MBA if I receive an offer from my "dream job"?
1) I want to eventually transition to a Strategy Consulting role closer to my family (Middle East). So I wonder how easy it would be to make a lateral move to these locations.
2) Open myself up to Plan B. Everyone wants to pursue consulting - eventually get tired after 3 years and transition out. If I don't like consulting prior to my MBA - I want to have a clear head where I can pursue my plan B (Tech).
3) If I like consulting - maybe have employee sponsor my MBA (don't know if the big 4 firm will do it). But would also like to have a graduate degree regardless.
4) Open myself up to the network. My current network - BLOWS.
A bit in a dilemma here and looking for some help.
Currently I have 4 years of experience and I am at my 3rd company. I may have "potentially" have an offer from a 4th company - which is something I want to pursue post-MBA.
My story/reason for job switches:
1st Job - Ops Analyst at a BB in a MCOL. Spent 1 year and 4 months at the job - was a top performer. Unfortunately Ops as a whole went through a restructure and so my office location laid of ~300 individuals in one day. I was one of them.
2nd Job - I have Army /National Guard background so I pursue a finance role in defense industry. The industry was relatable to my Army experience and being close to DC/it is the biggest industry around. Loved the job - Amazing LoRs if needed - Spent 2 years. Left the job because 1) Went to a prestigious consulting firm pursuing the same role, but in a different industry. This was a lateral move. 2) Higher compensation.
3rd Job - Consulting firm - Permanent Remote role - non client facing - 8 months within the role now. I want to switch to strategy consulting and most importantly move to Middle East. I have tried networking within the firm for a move and have been shot down immediately.
Networked with outside folks and had no luck. Was told MBA would the be only way to break in - given my background. Good thing, I started GMAT prep a while ago and this was already in my plan. Aiming for GMAT Exam early June and based on the score apply this coming cycle or next year.
4th role - 'Somehow' got reached out by recruiter for a client-facing strategy consulting role at Big 4. Have been in the interview process and hoping there is an offer. BUT - I am having second thoughts. 4 years - 4 jobs? I am still going to pursue an MBA - how bad does this look? Plus if I pursue an MBA this year - I will only be at the job for 2-3 months before asking for LoRs. Given my short time at this role and my last role, I may have to reach out to my 2nd Job for an amazing LoR. How will this impact my MBA? If I stay at my current role - I will continue to forge the relationship and ask them for an LoR in August.
Why do I still want to pursue an MBA if I receive an offer from my "dream job"?
1) I want to eventually transition to a Strategy Consulting role closer to my family (Middle East). So I wonder how easy it would be to make a lateral move to these locations.
2) Open myself up to Plan B. Everyone wants to pursue consulting - eventually get tired after 3 years and transition out. If I don't like consulting prior to my MBA - I want to have a clear head where I can pursue my plan B (Tech).
3) If I like consulting - maybe have employee sponsor my MBA (don't know if the big 4 firm will do it). But would also like to have a graduate degree regardless.
4) Open myself up to the network. My current network - BLOWS.
05 Apr 2022, 21:13
Kudos
Bookmarks
HqLife, your career arc indeed looks pretty eclectic. While that can be alright, the frequent job changes is likely to be a handicap.
That being said, the move is likely to boost your prospect given the experience so far appears to be with non-feeder (?) employers. The ideal thing to do here would be to wait at least another year, get attached to the Big 4 brand, bring stability to your profile and then apply. And in that time, make sure to build your profile well.
That being said, the move is likely to boost your prospect given the experience so far appears to be with non-feeder (?) employers. The ideal thing to do here would be to wait at least another year, get attached to the Big 4 brand, bring stability to your profile and then apply. And in that time, make sure to build your profile well.
MBAGuide
Joined: 24 Jul 2019
Last visit: 04 Dec 2024
Posts: 2,014
Own Kudos:
Given Kudos: 28
Location: India
Concentration: Operations, Marketing
Schools: Insead Sept'18 (A$$) ISB '19 (A)
05 Apr 2022, 22:33
Kudos
Bookmarks
HqLife
Hello Experts!
A bit in a dilemma here and looking for some help.
Currently I have 4 years of experience and I am at my 3rd company. I may have "potentially" have an offer from a 4th company - which is something I want to pursue post-MBA.
My story/reason for job switches:
1st Job - Ops Analyst at a BB in a MCOL. Spent 1 year and 4 months at the job - was a top performer. Unfortunately Ops as a whole went through a restructure and so my office location laid of ~300 individuals in one day. I was one of them.
2nd Job - I have Army /National Guard background so I pursue a finance role in defense industry. The industry was relatable to my Army experience and being close to DC/it is the biggest industry around. Loved the job - Amazing LoRs if needed - Spent 2 years. Left the job because 1) Went to a prestigious consulting firm pursuing the same role, but in a different industry. This was a lateral move. 2) Higher compensation.
3rd Job - Consulting firm - Permanent Remote role - non client facing - 8 months within the role now. I want to switch to strategy consulting and most importantly move to Middle East. I have tried networking within the firm for a move and have been shot down immediately.
Networked with outside folks and had no luck. Was told MBA would the be only way to break in - given my background. Good thing, I started GMAT prep a while ago and this was already in my plan. Aiming for GMAT Exam early June and based on the score apply this coming cycle or next year.
4th role - 'Somehow' got reached out by recruiter for a client-facing strategy consulting role at Big 4. Have been in the interview process and hoping there is an offer. BUT - I am having second thoughts. 4 years - 4 jobs? I am still going to pursue an MBA - how bad does this look? Plus if I pursue an MBA this year - I will only be at the job for 2-3 months before asking for LoRs. Given my short time at this role and my last role, I may have to reach out to my 2nd Job for an amazing LoR. How will this impact my MBA? If I stay at my current role - I will continue to forge the relationship and ask them for an LoR in August.
Why do I still want to pursue an MBA if I receive an offer from my "dream job"?
1) I want to eventually transition to a Strategy Consulting role closer to my family (Middle East). So I wonder how easy it would be to make a lateral move to these locations.
2) Open myself up to Plan B. Everyone wants to pursue consulting - eventually get tired after 3 years and transition out. If I don't like consulting prior to my MBA - I want to have a clear head where I can pursue my plan B (Tech).
3) If I like consulting - maybe have employee sponsor my MBA (don't know if the big 4 firm will do it). But would also like to have a graduate degree regardless.
4) Open myself up to the network. My current network - BLOWS.
A bit in a dilemma here and looking for some help.
Currently I have 4 years of experience and I am at my 3rd company. I may have "potentially" have an offer from a 4th company - which is something I want to pursue post-MBA.
My story/reason for job switches:
1st Job - Ops Analyst at a BB in a MCOL. Spent 1 year and 4 months at the job - was a top performer. Unfortunately Ops as a whole went through a restructure and so my office location laid of ~300 individuals in one day. I was one of them.
2nd Job - I have Army /National Guard background so I pursue a finance role in defense industry. The industry was relatable to my Army experience and being close to DC/it is the biggest industry around. Loved the job - Amazing LoRs if needed - Spent 2 years. Left the job because 1) Went to a prestigious consulting firm pursuing the same role, but in a different industry. This was a lateral move. 2) Higher compensation.
3rd Job - Consulting firm - Permanent Remote role - non client facing - 8 months within the role now. I want to switch to strategy consulting and most importantly move to Middle East. I have tried networking within the firm for a move and have been shot down immediately.
Networked with outside folks and had no luck. Was told MBA would the be only way to break in - given my background. Good thing, I started GMAT prep a while ago and this was already in my plan. Aiming for GMAT Exam early June and based on the score apply this coming cycle or next year.
4th role - 'Somehow' got reached out by recruiter for a client-facing strategy consulting role at Big 4. Have been in the interview process and hoping there is an offer. BUT - I am having second thoughts. 4 years - 4 jobs? I am still going to pursue an MBA - how bad does this look? Plus if I pursue an MBA this year - I will only be at the job for 2-3 months before asking for LoRs. Given my short time at this role and my last role, I may have to reach out to my 2nd Job for an amazing LoR. How will this impact my MBA? If I stay at my current role - I will continue to forge the relationship and ask them for an LoR in August.
Why do I still want to pursue an MBA if I receive an offer from my "dream job"?
1) I want to eventually transition to a Strategy Consulting role closer to my family (Middle East). So I wonder how easy it would be to make a lateral move to these locations.
2) Open myself up to Plan B. Everyone wants to pursue consulting - eventually get tired after 3 years and transition out. If I don't like consulting prior to my MBA - I want to have a clear head where I can pursue my plan B (Tech).
3) If I like consulting - maybe have employee sponsor my MBA (don't know if the big 4 firm will do it). But would also like to have a graduate degree regardless.
4) Open myself up to the network. My current network - BLOWS.
Hi HqLife , hoping to pitch in some useful thoughts on your concerns
If anything, your move from company 3 to company 4 would show and substantiate your interest in pursuing client-facing strategy consulting roles.
However, a quick exit from company 4 may not seem appropriate since you would have no supervisors or managers lauding your work as a consultant, on the basis of which you hope to chalk out your post MBA plan. You could come across as someone who is ambitious but not necessarily a good project manager or an employee if you happen to make such quick job changes, especially in jobs 3 and 4 (job changes from 1 and 2 are justified).
You should prioritize what is more important to you at this point- (A)an MBA and then finding any job in the Middle East, or, (B)a Strategy Consulting role at Big 4 with good experience of 1-2 years that you could leverage to get a strategy consulting role in the Middle East or an MBA. It is likely that option B would help you get into better leagues of MBA programs (if that matters to you).
Best wishes
