Quitting job before R2 interviews

Question

Okay, so mine seems like a regular situation but I'd like to know what you guys think.

I have an R1 admit to a school. And I have a few R2 applications in play. If I don't get into these R2 schools, I'm definitely taking up my R1 admit.

So, here's my question. Can I quit right away? I feel like the following are items to consider:

If I get an interview invite from one of my R2 schools, should I mention I've quit my job? Does that reflect poorly on me? 
  Or should I talk like I'm still in it? I've worked at my job long enough to be able to "talk" like I'm still in it, even though I may not be. 
  Do schools ask for employment proof when they take official documents during admission? Can they say something like "You claimed to be employed during your interview, but your records show you were not. Sorry, no admit for you!"

Help, all ye wise brethren.

engineer1234 · Answer

Are you quitting and will have an internship in your target field at the time of interview or will be doing something else constructive? If not, sounds like a terrible idea. I don't see why they would take someone that quit to chill for 8 months over someone else when admissions are so competitive. If you'll be starting a company or interning or gearing up for 6 months in the peace corps that's a different story though.

DinaFortuna · Answer

Hello Dudey,
 First, the answer to your second question is easy - No, you should not "talk like you're still in it" if in fact you are not working at the time of your R2 interviews. Character and judgment are qualities that Admissions look at so in no way do you want to say something that's dishonest about your work status. If you are planning to quit your job prior to the summer, I suggest that you have a plan to do something constructive rather than just take time off to hang out. 
 Even if you are admitted to other top schools, when it comes time to interview for summer internships and full time jobs after your MBA, you'll need to account for any extended periods of time when you were not employed. What you choose to with your time after quitting your current job will reflect some of your personal qualities and you want recruiters to get the sense that you are a dedicated worker who will be an asset to their company. If, for example, you have worked straight through since college without taking any extended vacations then it would make sense if you decide to travel or do something else that you will enjoy. Think about what kinds of activities or experiences you can involve yourself after you quit your job and think about how they would be perceived by future employers. Hopefully this helps and good luck with your R2 apps.
Take care,
Dina

Admissionado · Answer

You can quit if you want, but AFTER you have gotten accepted. I mean you wouldn't be lying because obviously your employment is considered at the moment you applied, cause that's when you sent in the app. But if you get in, nobody will retract their admit if you decide you need a few months off.

Best,
JF

jz4analytics · Answer

Why would you consider quitting? This seems like a terrible idea unless you have something specific in mind (for instance, building a start-up company).

Either way, don't lie to admissions if you do quit. I think we're all in agreement on that.

dudey · Answer

Thanks a ton for your responses, guys. Makes a lot of sense. Sorry for this late acknowledgement, I got really busy with a couple interviews, and also, didn't realize there were responses on this thread.

Well, let me give you some more background. I've worked in the same company for 9.5 years. Been a consistently recognized performer throughout. However, I also have a parallel career in the arts as an actor and director. My intention to quit is so I can have some time to pursue this passion. Perhaps make a short film, or direct a play -- something that I've been wanting to do forever.

How will this appear to potential recruiters most-MBA? My post-MBA target function/industry in Strategy/IT, so that obviously is not related to my creative field. Does it sound horrible if I were to say that I took 6 months off to do something I've always wanted to do, before the blender-without-a-top life that is the MBA? Or does it say indicate that, hey, here's a guy with diverse interests, someone who took some time off to pursue a passion?

Your thoughts, as usual, will be invaluable.

Thanks!

Quitting job before R2 interviews

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