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Question

I have appeared for GMAT and got 740. There are few doubts in my mind. I am really seeking for an informative answer. To start with, I am sharing certain details below.

Work experience - I have started working with my father in our business. We basically have a shop registered in India since 1989 where we provide photocopy, laminating, binding solutions and we also trade in office stationery goods. I am working here since 2012. Presently we have almost 3 million Indian rupees as our revenue figure.

Education - BCom honours with 1st class from University of Burdwan, India.Presently CFA LEVEL 3 candidate.

Query - Can I use the above mentioned work experience as a valid work experience to apply for MBA in global b-schools? And from where I need to get LORs? I think I can't get it from my father, who is my on job supervisor.

99Colleges · Answer

That looks valid work experience. You can’t get LoRs from family members for the obvious reasons. The options you can explore are customers or others in the supply chain who can comment on your work.

ARLeeConsulting · Answer

You can definitely use that experience as work experience to apply for MBA. However, focus on your contribution to the business and your accomplishments. It would be great if you could link your contribution to an increase in revenues. For example, before 2012 500K indian rupees and now 3 million thanks to X, Y and Z.

Also, the admissions committee will wonder why you need an MBA. Is it to continue to run your family business? You need a compelling reason.

As for LORs, Anil is completely right. Try to use customers, vendors or any other party who can speak about you as a professional and leader. But never a family member.

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

You can absolutely use that work experience in your application. Given the more entrepreneurial and family business nature of this business you will just need to explain your involvement and experience a bit more than is typical for my more traditional employers. I would focus on conveying two thins in particular

1)Impact/ results
-Most important aspect of how schools will evaluate your work experience, so this should be super clear. Given this is a family business schools will have their antennas up to make sure you have a track record of driving result and impact

2)Interpersonal Skill Development
-MBA programs are all about leadership and teamwork, and they are laser focused on your experiences in this regard pre-matriculation, so you need to highlight your best experiences in this regard

So if you can materially showcase this while describing your work experience you should be in good shape

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hi,
1) Your WE and other issues, articulated well, can really become your top strengths. 
2) The way I see the main problem for you is to form your Post-MBA Goals and show the connection.

As already said, approach your big customers, preferably commercial enterprises for LORs. Is not as good as LORs from IBMs & Googles, but will nevertheless get you pass grade or better in that area.

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