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May 2110:00 AM EDT
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Most candidates submit a resume built for a recruiter. Admissions committees are reading for something else entirely. This session covers what adcoms actually evaluate, where strong candidates lose ground before a single essay is written, and why...
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30 Mar 2016, 18:06
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I have an accounting / audit background. Started at the Big4, ended up doing internal audit in house (was manager for a year), and am now a "contractor."
To be honest, I did work hard when at the Big4, and my time in industry - I might get some good stories and letters of rec there. But I have gaps in my professional career since then. I've really lost my way. Never liked audit or accounting, never was good at it, and only out of desperation am I NOW applying to grad school to see if I can gain new skills. By the time I became a contractor this past year, I've worked primarily with one company on their clients I've assisted on. The work itself is not sexy at all - straight SOX compliance and work maybe any 1st or 2nd year associate can do. I really checked out here, didn't put my full effort, BS'd around and of course such s*tty work doesn't go unnoticed. Probably my first time in life working just to pay the bills. They haven't called in for more work in the last 2 months.
1. I know that I need 2 letters of rec in which 1 needs to be "current." I'm afraid to ask it from any managers / clients I've worked with in the past year. There's really NO compelling stories, and honestly I don't think I did such a good job. As an aside, I do a lot of random volunteer work, but nothing consistent or substantial (I don't sit on a board). I can't think of any other places I could get a letter of rec.
2. After a failed interview at an attempt on a job outside of accounting / audit, I feel quite defeated. Right now I am about 2 months out without substantial work, and I REALLY do not want to go back to audit / accounting. I don't even know if I could secure anything of the type of substance & title I used to have now. I'm planning to use April to study hardcore for the GMAT. And then in May I'll probably reach out to find more contracting work to perhaps to fill in the gap for my resume and hopefully get a letter of rec somehow out of it? I think I am afraid that at this point, everyone sees me as a loser and I won't get any work come May.
Anyone have thoughts on my failed career, how to explain it in my application, and somehow getting a letter of rec? In terms of my interest, I'm just interested in ANYTHING on the business side (business development, project management, etc). I'm so tired of being a back-end process. Should I just shoot for an entry-level position somewhere or would that hurt my admissions (other than my pride)?
To be honest, I did work hard when at the Big4, and my time in industry - I might get some good stories and letters of rec there. But I have gaps in my professional career since then. I've really lost my way. Never liked audit or accounting, never was good at it, and only out of desperation am I NOW applying to grad school to see if I can gain new skills. By the time I became a contractor this past year, I've worked primarily with one company on their clients I've assisted on. The work itself is not sexy at all - straight SOX compliance and work maybe any 1st or 2nd year associate can do. I really checked out here, didn't put my full effort, BS'd around and of course such s*tty work doesn't go unnoticed. Probably my first time in life working just to pay the bills. They haven't called in for more work in the last 2 months.
1. I know that I need 2 letters of rec in which 1 needs to be "current." I'm afraid to ask it from any managers / clients I've worked with in the past year. There's really NO compelling stories, and honestly I don't think I did such a good job. As an aside, I do a lot of random volunteer work, but nothing consistent or substantial (I don't sit on a board). I can't think of any other places I could get a letter of rec.
2. After a failed interview at an attempt on a job outside of accounting / audit, I feel quite defeated. Right now I am about 2 months out without substantial work, and I REALLY do not want to go back to audit / accounting. I don't even know if I could secure anything of the type of substance & title I used to have now. I'm planning to use April to study hardcore for the GMAT. And then in May I'll probably reach out to find more contracting work to perhaps to fill in the gap for my resume and hopefully get a letter of rec somehow out of it? I think I am afraid that at this point, everyone sees me as a loser and I won't get any work come May.
Anyone have thoughts on my failed career, how to explain it in my application, and somehow getting a letter of rec? In terms of my interest, I'm just interested in ANYTHING on the business side (business development, project management, etc). I'm so tired of being a back-end process. Should I just shoot for an entry-level position somewhere or would that hurt my admissions (other than my pride)?
nachobioteck
GMAT 2: 700 Q47 V40
Posts: 147
31 Mar 2016, 09:20
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basilcarlita
I think sometimes to reach somewhere you have to swallow things you don't like. You may not like accounting/auditing, but doing it for maybe a year or two may be worth the effort. I know that was my case, I did two years of work I really don't like but it has payed off. It looks good on the resume and got me a nice rec letter, I am now going to a top school. My advice is tough it up, do something you don't like for one or two year, so you can get something that you like for the next 30.
02 Apr 2016, 16:27
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basilcarlita
First of all I totally agree that it's good you have big 4 on your resume, even if you weren't a superstar performer, and didn't like it. Regarding the recommendation, most people know how the game works, and few will give you a poor recommendation if they like you personally. So go with that - you will only need ONE from Big4 and then one from whatever future employer you will find (and yes, you will, and yes you have to
). From Big-4 just choose the manager you worked with who liked you best, and then with a bit of help you will get a great rec.As for your future plan - kicking ass on the GMAT is key, and yes, put lots of energy into that. But I'd suggest putting at least half of that energy into finding a new job, because you will have to have one and be gainfully employed when you apply, otherwise your chances will be awful (and whether it's a good idea to apply this year or wait a bit is another question altogether).
Finally, regarding your job search, I don't necessarily agree with the above poster that you have to "toughen it up" and take something you really dislike. It's completely fair for you to find something you like (at least look for it, and at least like it somewhat). I think you can put aside this idea of a being a loser, and maybe you weren't motivated because the job was uninteresting for you, which is fair. From an MBA application perspective, think about a mix of both what you want to do, and what will get you where you want to be in the long-term. So, wanna work in health care? real estate investment? manufacturing? whatever.... look at other people's CVs who have gotten where you want to be, and see if you can take a similar path. Finally, get some help with your resume and cover letters. It's a small investment which can have a huge payoff (and you are welcome to contact us if you need help with that stuff).
Chin up dude, and just keep hacking away at those job applications and GMAT, and it'll all come together.
Jon
