Applying to MBA 1 year after changing job

Question

Hi everyone,

I am hoping to get some advice on applying to business schools in 2019. I graduated from a top tier school in India and had 3+ years of experience there before joining for a reputed masters program in the United States. I have since been working as a Tech Analyst at a fortune 500 Bank for 1.5 years. I recently got a job offer and if I accept it, I would be starting my new job beginning October.

My concern is how a recent job switch would look like in my MBA application and would a recommendation from someone with whom I would have worked just for 9 months dilute its impact.

Please advice.

Regards,
Sid Sharma

MBAkarma · Answer

Hello sidsharma1989 It would not necessarily dilute the impact. If the referee can show that withing a short span you have creating a good impression or a strong impact on the business of the company you should be fine. But ideally the person should be in a supervisory role. Most schools require 2 recommendations, so you could take one from your old manager as well. That will cover both the bases. However, in the essays showcase why you are ready to move out of a new job into an MBA. Best Varun Sharma +919137133507 MBAkarma.com GMAT Score Predictor info@mbakarma.com

MBADecoder · Answer

If its a position that is better aligned with your post MBA career goal then it will be easy to justify. Although I am wondering why you need an MBA just 1.5 years after doing another Masters.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I think most consultants are split on the issue of changing jobs around the time of application. In a way, it does look opportunistic. Try to discern how expected it is for employees to turn over within a year for b-school.

However would recommend it if this is a significant bump up in terms of alignment with MBA goals, promotion in terms of responsibility a nd most of all, gives you some good, juicy leadership stories and interesting opportunity for impact (CV/Recs).

Make sure to stay friends with recommenders from the old company and if you haven't already, make sure to start doing community service, get on the board of something, where you could snag a letter from them, potentially (lots of leadership potential in volunteer work/board membership.)

Applying to MBA 1 year after changing job

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