In guiding B school applicants, we have seen various scenarios that have led people to take a career break. However crucial it may be for a person’s personal development or health situation, we have seen that most applicants panic at the idea of having to explain their career breaks in MBA applications. In this article, I will discuss various scenarios that are common among the clientele I work with and what are some strategies the applicants can utilize.
1. The Competitive Examination Preparation BreakAmong Indian applicants eyeing top B-schools, a fairly common hiatus involves individuals striving to crack the ultra-competitive civil service exams, boasting a success rate of less than 0.2%. They often take a substantial 2-3 year break solely for intense exam preparation. While the zeal for civil services is commendable, this extended hiatus purely for exam readiness doesn't sit well with many B-school admission committees, especially the non Indian business schools.
And applicants often defend this pause, even to me, emphasizing their aspirations to contribute significantly to the nation's progress. They argue that this break shouldn't dilute their otherwise stellar profiles, especially those backed by a top-tier undergraduate degree like the IIT. However, this reasoning highly contradicts the B school's value system that core ethos of pursuing an MBA lies in seizing opportunities and driving immediate change, rather than waiting for an exam to validate action. So while the story behind this type of career break may seem like an engaging script for an OTT drama, it doesn't quite align with what top-tier MBA programs are seeking. If you find yourself in this scenario, seeking guidance from someone well-versed in B-school admissions can help navigate the impact of this substantial career break.
2. The burnout career breakPeople who have had one or more short career breaks, especially if they come from fields that typically require high-performance traits, longer hours and rapid growth, such as consulting firms or start-ups, usually do not have to worry about hiding their career breaks if the breaks last 1-6 months between jobs. On the contrary, it's good to show how these individuals can take time off for personal growth, mindfulness or learning something new that will help improve their overall outlook. In the past, I have worked with successful candidates whose burnout breaks extended over a year or even longer. These were pretty tricky situations that needed to be explained well in the application.
If you plan to make your burnout break longer than ideal, it's best to pick a solid passion project during this time. For example, one of my admits to HEC Paris took a one-year career break during which he became certified as a mindfulness and yoga teacher and even started working for a philanthropic organization as one. In another example, another candidate I assisted had an 18-month break from job. During this period, she demonstrated she took charge of the operational facets of her family's medical enterprise, driving an expansion in the clinic's business operations. Subsequently, she resumed her role with the same employer, underscoring her adaptability and agility in career decisions. B-schools do not want an MBA to be your first attempt at doing something new, so having variety in your break periods makes your profile much more interesting.
3. The healthcare break or maternity breakIt's common for applicants to attribute gaps in their careers to health reasons. The positive aspect is that schools take a holistic approach when assessing profiles and take health adversities into account when assessing overall performance and strengths.
For many women, an MBA is a good way to re-enter the workforce after a maternity break. Schools are supportive of this transition, but applicants need to thoroughly reflect on their careers and experiences gained during maternity leave. They must demonstrate their resilience and willingness to develop professionally.
Having spoken to numerous new mothers at INSEAD, I've found that B-Schools place a great deal of emphasis on applicants demonstrating their commitment and willingness to continue their academic and professional development, especially when facing personal or health challenges, often evidenced by a good GMAT score or strong performance in certain academic areas.
4. Lay offs Experiencing an unexpected job loss can also be one of the reasons for career break. The situation becomes even more tricky when layoffs occur outside of the publicly announced (as we are seeing at small and mid-sized startups) or downsizing in industries like technology management, consulting, or banking. It's important to approach this setback right before the MBA application season with a well-thought-out plan. Here are a few effective strategies to successfully navigate the challenges that arise from these unforeseen circumstances.
1. Demonstrate CompetenceWhen considering to apply to an MBA program following a sudden layoff, it is critical to showcase your competence and dispel any misconceptions about your performance. Often, upon hearing about individuals who were let go, one might assume they belonged to the bottom performers. Admissions evaluators might have similar concerns. Therefore, it is essential to highlight your exceptional achievements and contributions.
Recommendation LettersSecuring a compelling letter of recommendation is crucial, particularly if you have an outstanding professional track record and a strong commitment to your previous position. A recommendation letter from the employer who terminated your employment can effectively address any doubts surrounding your dismissal and attest to your competence and dedication.
Read more- The Secret Sauce for Outstanding Letters of Recommendation 2. Address Cultural Misalignments with employerCultural misalignment is a common reason for employee separations and layoffs. If you believe that a cultural mismatch impacted your performance, it is important to address this issue thoughtfully in your MBA applications. Avoid blaming others or getting caught up in office politics when explaining the employment gap, especially in your optional essay.
Transitions from start-ups to larger bureaucratic organizations, or vice versa, often result in a sense of cultural misfit, potentially leading to layoffs. Similarly, individuals accustomed to large organizations may struggle with the fast-paced and dynamic nature of start-ups. Regardless of which professional culture resonates with you, crafting an authentic narrative that demonstrates how you will thrive in that environment post-MBA is essential. This strategic approach will help you identify schools that align with your preferred style and culture.
For all the scenarios above Transform the Employment Gap into a period of Personal GrowthEffectively managing the employment gap requires proactive steps and careful consideration. Even if you attribute the layoff to cultural or economic factors, it may take several months to secure a new job, particularly in a challenging economy. During this period, consider joining a non-profit organization or working on something you are interested in but never had a chance to pursue. This will not only allow you to utilize your skills outside of your core area and gain validation but also enable you to make a positive impact while rebuilding your financial security and self-confidence. Focus on regaining stability and momentum in your career journey. Continue to actively look for roles.
In your B School applications, be honest about your reason behind the employment gap but also illustrate how you grew as a person during this period. We have helped several applicants with significant employment gaps get into the top B Schools of their choice. The employment gap has traditionally been a dreaded topic of conversation for job seekers and MBA applicants alike. But optimistically, the employment gap can also be seen as an opportunity to pursue passion projects or activities that give your life meaning. Presenting your conviction to remain productive and learn new skills during the employment gap can have a positive impact on your applicant profile.
Still confused what might be the best strategy for your MBA applications. Reach out to me.
Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer)MBAGuideConsulting
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