Start-up stint: Have neither joining letter nor work-ex letter :-(

Question

Hello, all. I've got 700 in test centre GMAT (Q48, V39, IR5) and now am applying to B-schools. I'm a journalist. I worked full-time in two newspapers as a sub-editor, and then as senior sub-editor and later as chief sub-editor, for 4.3 years. I had then quit full-time work to start a band, gave it three years, called it quits, started working with a journalism start-up... And this is where problem begins. I began with the start-up as one of its many freelance reporters. Its founder is a junior of mine from my journalism college and I have also known him since we both worked in the same newspapers, although stationed in different cities. He liked my work and gradually, my role in the company grew to the point that he said I'm a co-founder, I have Employee Stock Options (ESoPs). I knew the guy, admired his body of work as a journalist, so didn't insist on paperwork when he didn't give any. I had joined them super early when they didn't even have those documents. It was a few years after I joined that I drafted all the policy documents, employee agreement and everything. So, I don't have any joining letter. Initially, I was not working full-time, but then my role gradually grew into full-time, though I was still paid for half-time work. I didn't bother because it was a start-up, and I was supposedly a co-founder. The founder used to tell me he's not drawing any salary. He manipulated me, I got manipulated. On three occasions he asked me to send me his postal address to send ESoP papers, which he never sent. Out of hesitation (and I'm a wuss when it comes to asking for anything), I kept waiting patiently instead of asking him, but the papers never arrived.

For my GMAT prep, I went on a study leave. As my prep stretched into 7-8 months and then 10 months, and I said I must rejoin work since GMAT prep is taking way too long (anxiety, basically). He didn't let me rejoin. He said finish your GMAT, then we'll talk, despite my insistence that I must rejoin. My relatives and co-owners of our ancestral house were telling us to vacate (sudden shock). The media start-up began publishing plagiarised stories and botched stories out of carelessness. Began singling out reporters for voicing their frustrations with the system. Out of frustration, I said I'm quitting. My resignation was never formally accepted, but that was the end of me. Gone. A co-founder treated like a daily wage labourer. Gone in an instant.

When I finally got to speak with the Founder a few months later and asked him about my ESoPs, he was beating around the bush, didn't tell me how many shares I have, what their worth is. He said I can't give you an experience letter saying you're a co-founder because then this-that, I'll have to make changes in company records. I was stunned. Dude, you said I'm a co-founder, that's how you got me to work for peanuts for more than five freaking years. I was incensed, so I called him out in an email later and asked him to come clean and talk straight-up instead of beating around the bush. That moron blocked me everywhere and called my friend to threaten that if I talk about it on social media, he can ruin my career since my future employers would come to him for reference check when I apply.

This was the background. Now, I have to apply to B-schools. I'm applying to Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. It wants me to show joining letter, relieving letter, payslips etc. I have no joining letter. I have no relieving letter. My payslips say my designation is consultant. Am I screwed or am I screwed? In my defence, I have an email in which the founder is introducing me to a client as a founding member of the company. I have the call recording in which he is telling me that you are a founding member. But I have no other document. So how do I go about explaining this in my applications. I'm worried that my application will be rejected. Will the email from the founder suffice to show that I have indeed worked as a co-founder? Or are colleges super-ultra insistent about having relieving letter, joining letter etc.? If my college application says I worked as a co-founder but the payslip says consultant, am I screwed?

Important question: Will the college call all the companies to verify whether I worked there in the capacity I claim to have worked there? The founder who cheated me is a vindictive a-hole and he'd definitely say I was no co-founder (never mind the emails and call recordings I have). So what do I do in this situation?

First he cheated me, now he can harm me by denying me documents (I asked for it in an email last week, no reply yet, none expected either). What do I do? I'm panicking. I took my GMAT two days ago in a state of this panic, that's why got a low score.

Admissionado · Answer

RiyaJain69 : I strongly recommend you look into hiring an admissions consultant. You have what seems like a very complicated situation and it's definitely a good idea to have someone on your side who can answer all of these questions and the inevitable others that will come down the road. There is also going to be a lot of planning needed to straighten our your story in a diplomatic, clear and advantageous way. You are not screwed, but it's going to require some tight rope walking and an expert on speed dial. My team and I are happy to chat with you, but of course there are countless good consultants who post here all the time who are standing by to help. https://admissionado.com/free-consultation/ Admissionado

MBAGuide · Answer

RiyaJain69 I am very sorry about your situation. This is extremely complicated, and you need to act wisely and courageously if you want to get out and use an MBA for a stable career afterward. If you are touting your experience as a co-founder, you will probably need to provide some evidence of co-ownership of a business. Or else, you could pitch your experience as a Founding member or founding employee, in which case you only need to provide salary proof and confirmation from a recommender/referrer, which may be someone you have worked with, or perhaps even a client who can attest to your skills. In this moment of desperation, no matter how bad things are between you and your last employer, you should try to let them know that you will take legal action if they do not provide you with the basic documentation you are required to submit for an MBA. This is a minimum requirement that he must meet, otherwise you can do a lot to bring the employer down publicly (yes, there are legal solutions for this). However, try to visit the employer in person and strike a subdued tone to get this work done (even avoid asking for Esops for now). Hopefully, unless your former employer is a jerk, he would see value in giving you a decent reference. Should you want my one-to-one guidance on preparing for the applications or interviews, do reach out. Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hello RiyaJain69 , I'm sorry to hear about the challenging situation you're facing. It's unfortunate when a professional relationship turns out to be difficult, especially when it involves issues like documentation for your MBA applications. Here are some suggestions on how to navigate this situation: 1. Explain the Situation in Optional Essays: 1. Use the optional essay section in your MBA applications to explain the circumstances surrounding your work experience at the startup. 2. Clearly mention that the startup was in its early stages, and documentation processes were not formalized during your initial involvement. 3. Highlight your significant contributions, your role as a co-founder (supported by the email and call recording), and the challenges you faced in obtaining formal documentation. 2. Support with Evidence: 1. Attach the email where the founder introduces you as a founding member to a client. 2. If possible, transcribe relevant portions of the call recording and provide it as additional evidence. 3. Address the Payslip Discrepancy: 1. In your optional essay, address the discrepancy in the payslip designation by explaining that, although the payslip indicates "consultant," your role evolved into that of a co-founder, as evidenced by your contributions and the founder's acknowledgment. 4. Contact Admissions Offices: 1. Reach out to the admissions offices of the schools you're applying to and explain your situation. They may provide guidance on how to handle this unique circumstance. 2. Some schools are more understanding of unconventional work experiences, especially in startups. 5. Prepare for Potential Verification: Admissions offices may contact your previous employers to verify your work experience. Be prepared for this possibility. In such cases, clear communication and providing evidence of your contributions can help address any discrepancies. Remember that MBA admissions committees understand that each applicant's journey is unique, and they take various factors into account. Focus on presenting your achievements, contributions, and growth within the startup in the most positive and truthful light. If you're honest and provide evidence to support your claims, admissions committees are likely to understand your situation. Good luck with your applications! We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week . We match you with the students and alums of top B-Schools according to your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools. Book a free profile evaluation call now and our experts will be able to give you detailed insights on how to deal with this situation! Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Meet our Panel of Consultants. Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

RiyaJain69 · Answer

Thank you for your suggestions,  Admissionado ,  MBAGuide  and  MBAandBeyond . And my apologies for the delay in getting back. The rush to meet the application deadlines of IIMs A, B and C. I called up the PGPx admission offices of all three: IIM B said I have payslips, so nothing to worry. IIM A and C listened to me patiently and asked me to send them a detailed mail with a list of documents that are available. IIM C said on the phone whether my case will be considered depends on the panel, nonetheless they asked me to recap my case on the mail for their record. IIM A folks were also understanding and have sought time to get back to me. The lady on the ISB admission phone number was very unkind and combative. I asked her if the suggestions made by you all (such as reference from other ex-employees, the founder's email identifying me as a head of department will do) will do, and she went into full condescending mode, saying these hacks don't work anywhere, no relieving letter means no admission.

Of the four colleges I wanted to try (IIM A, B, C and ISB), only IIMB said payslip will do. ISB has said a clear no and IIM A and C have said "let's see". Full-on panic. I spoke with a lawyer, he said that if my company's owner is in such a vindictive mood, a legal notice won't help me either since such a notice does not compel the receiver to do anything.

I want to thank you all for your suggestions. I wish I had the funds to avail of your services. After more than five years of working for peanuts (the founder dangled a carrot in front of me) and then two years of freelancing, I'm not in a position to spend. Thank you again for your tips. Hoping I sail past this situation!

Start-up stint: Have neither joining letter nor work-ex letter :-(

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards