Promotion but no Raise?

Question

How do MBA Admissions Committees view a candidate who has received a promotion, but no raise? Positive? Negative? No effect? Same effect as if the candidate didn't receive the promotion at all? (I assume that is a minor negative)

I would assume that since the Adcoms are able to see your resume as well as a compensation history, they would be able to put two and two together.

Thanks.

Two64 · Answer

In general, an expansion of responsibilities is a positive thing and a lack of a raise doesn't take away from that at all. MBA Adcoms want to see that you've made a difference; this can be seen in your responsibilities and job titles over time. While your lack of a raise will not hurt you at all, a candidate whose current compensation is a lot higher than his starting pay will surely create an impression. For your application and possible interviews, I would focus on the developmental opportunities and initiatives over time. I highly doubt anyone would even ask about or even give two pennies over your pay over two points of time.

Note: I am still a candidate and have not started a program. My advice comes from being a management professional and a lot of research on this forum.

Note: I am still a candidate and have not started a program. My advice comes from being a management professional and a lot of research on this forum.

bryantmichaels · Answer

I agree wholeheartedly. You should be a consultant!

rni · Answer

Another question which I would like to ask is whether adcoms compare salaries of applicants? I believe that salaries across geographical locations cannot be compared due to a variety of reasons.What are your thoughts about this comparison within and across geographical regions?

NYCAnalyst · Answer

Interesting question.

One could make a case that the higher the average salary for the incoming class, the better, since a larger starting salary represents a stronger pool of students.

One could also make a case that the lower the average salary for the incoming class, the better, since the school can present a greater pre-MBA to post-MBA salary increase (percentage, and dollars wise) in their marketing materials.

Hmm?

rni · Answer

Interesting

bryantmichaels · Answer

My experience was that the adcom where i served did not consider salary of the applicants much less compare them to one another.

Promotion but no Raise?

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