Hi there! Well your stats are excellent, both GPA and GMAT so well done!
Your Corp Dev role sounds very strong too, highly strategic and analytical plus good interactions with executives too. I'm sure you'll have excellent recommendations. Your goals and reasons for MBA at this point make sense too. As you continue to refine your goal statement, identify a few specific target companies that fit what you're looking for and recruit at your target schools.
An employment gap on its own is not viewed negatively. But if there's no explanation or you didn't make good use of that time, it can be a red flag. I've had clients with much longer gaps accepted to top schools. You will need to write a brief optional essay explaining the circumstances and what you were up to during that time. I also wouldn't be too worried about leaving banking after 1 year, it happens and you've had great tenure at your current firm since then.
You don't say anything about extracurriculars/ leadership/ hobbies outside of work? Anything there? If not or not much, that would be the only concerning area I see.
Your school list looks good and I like that you've identified schools that are really known for general management. 6 schools in one round can be a lot so you might want to spread out over Round 1 and Round 2, depending on how quickly you work and how soon you can get started!
Good luck, and keep us posted if you need any help!
Kate
mr7183 wrote:
Demographic: White male, will be 29 upon matriculation
GPA: 3.6, top-ish liberal arts school (Lehigh, Lafayette, Colgate)
GMAT: 760. Q 49, V 45, IR 7, AWA 6.0
Work Experience: Started my career at a regional boutique IB; I was not satisfied professionally in the role and there were some distance issues that put stresses on my personal life. Subsequently, I made the decision to leave after my first year and ultimately transitioned from the firm after about 15 months. I had an employment gap between jobs: I took a month or so to figure out next steps, targeted a very specific geographic market for my next role, and was hired into a new role after 5 months. The gap ended up totaling 7 months due to a delayed start date. I've spent the last 3+ years in Corp. Dev. group at an S&P500, highly acquisitive industrial acquirer (think Danaher, Roper, etc.). I am well-regarded within the corporate office and have strong relationships with my peers, supervisors, and executives.
MBA Goal: I'd like to transition into a LDP and hopefully an executive role long-term; I don't have an engineering background which prevents me from doing so at my current company. Industry preference is a consumer facing company, CPG or consumer products, where an engineering background is not necessary at executive level.
Targets: HBS, Wharton, Kellogg, Tuck, Darden, Ross
Appreciate any responses. Now that I am past the GMAT, the new stress is how to position the employment gap. Will top schools automatically view it negatively?
_________________
Kate Richardson
mbaMission Senior Admissions Consultant
Chicago Booth Alum, over 80 5-star reviews on GMAT Club
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