Looking for renewable energy marketing / VC / Entrpr. School

Thanks for the props. Let me know if you need anything else.
-PL

Hi Paul. Thanks again for your reply and insight. Quick question for you. Do you know if my Federal work experience is something that is unique compared to that of other typical applicants? Does this help me or hurt me?

Just to give more context, here is some more information on my work experience.

I have worked every year of my undergrad career, and during my senior year, I interned at the US Environmental Protection Agency (which turned into a full time job right after graduation). I was accepted straight out of undergrad into an exclusive (25 people accepted nationwide) management and leadership program at EPA headquarters. This 2 year program allows me to do 4 rotations throughout the government, and I am given various developmental and managerial trainings throughout the two years (such as 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and Situational Self-Leadership). I am also put on a fast-track salary ladder, meaning my salary increases faster than a typical employee as long as my annual reviews are exemplary.

My first rotation lasted for 1 year, and I worked directly for a Presidential political appointee (whose name is very recognizable to those in the environmental and /or political business). As her special assistant, I did everything from preparing her for her meetings, writing her speeches, organizing events she was attending, editing press releases, summarizing meetings for her, and I also become somewhat of an adviser to her for her policy decisions. At the culmination of my year with her, she awarded me the Superior Accomplishment Recognition Award (also $1500 came with it) for going "above and beyond what was required of me, and creating a more efficient, productive office in the most turbulent of times." I was also given a $10,000 promotion due to an excellent annual performance review.

I then moved on to a higher office within EPA, where I worked on Smart Growth initiatives for local businesses and communities, as well as for state governments. Many of my tasks were quantitatively heavy, with statistical and economic analysis being key for my major project - an internal white paper describing the consumption patterns of Generation Y and its implications on the market, economy, Smart Growth and the business community. I also performed various data gathering tasks for the President's America's Great Outdoors Initiative, and created a fact sheet regarding the economic benefits of urban parks - which was used in a meeting with the President shortly thereafter.

Currently, I am the energy and environment fellow for a U.S. Senator on capitol hill. I work in his D.C. office under his legislative assistant for energy and environment. There, I work on both national and state energy and environment issues, drafting talking points, researching various energy and environment topics, working with other offices to introduce bills to advance green energy and green jobs, as well as overall climate and green jobs marketing (convincing the people that climate change is not only real, but is a business reality and that there is immense opportunity for American businesses to become major players in this emerging, global market).


In terms of letters of recommendation, I would be able to get very strong letters from all of my bosses from each of these positions. Again, do you think my work experience is unique to the overall applicant pool, and is that a good or bad thing?

Thanks so much!

Yes, I think it is unique and it is hugely helpful and positive (and also helps with being younger, as it takes you off the beaten path) IF you make sure to take all of this great stuff, identify the transferability, and really connect it with the post-MBA goals. We work with a lot of "non-traditional" applicants, so you should check us out with a free consultation. PM me or email mba@amerasiaconsulting.com and we'll get you set up.

-PL