Is Rotational Experience Good Enough?

Question

I am currently in a rotational program for a financial service company, not necessarily #1, but Billion dollar revenue and recognizable. The program is 2 years of 4, 6 month rotations. I would finish the program Fall 16 and hopefully start a permanent position on or before that time. At the least, if I plan to enter Fall 17 (leaving my job around June) I would have 2 years 10 mos of experience, about 10 mos of that being with an actual permanent position. Is that experience good enough, or would it be better for me to have a longer tenure in a permanent job, vs the multiple rotations.

My other experience includes D1 athlete, 3.5 GPA, 720 GMAT, Dual Degree in Finance and a social science, heavily involved in extracurriculars in college. Currently volunteer with a youth program. Should I wait to apply to enter 2018? Or is my experience sufficient for 2017?

My other experience includes D1 athlete, 3.5 GPA, 720 GMAT, Dual Degree in Finance and a social science, heavily involved in extracurriculars in college. Currently volunteer with a youth program. Should I wait to apply to enter 2018? Or is my experience sufficient for 2017?

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Thanks for sharing your profile. I would say your work experience on it's face just meets the expected minimum threshold but I would really focus on your experience in the rotation more so. Do you feel like you will be in a position to add value to others in the classroom? Do you think this is the ideal time for you to apply? Just want to think through your motivations. Remember there is no rush just think through whether you can extract the most value out of business school when you leave the rotation. On paper I think many schools will be very attracted to your profile and you seem to hit a lot of the checkpoints that top MBA programs like to see.

wooday · Answer

Thanks for your reply! I am never sure if I can answer that question, because I do not not what value is needed in the classroom, as I have never been in an MBA classroom. I have been able to see how various parts of a business work together, and have experience with change and project management. If I have learned anything, it is that the field/function (finance) I am in is not where I feel I need to be, and I also want to be able to contribute more to a team than I already do, which I feel an MBA can help prepare me to do.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Yes it is a difficult question, I'd rather you answer it for me before having to deal with the AdComm. I was also a young candidate who received my admit at the age of 24 so I'm not dissuading you. There is tremendous career value in going a bit younger just know admissions will be trying to gauge your maturity throughout the process so come in prepared with a clear career gameplan and rationale for pursuing an MBA at your target schools!

wooday · Answer

Thanks so much! Well to attempt to answer, I can bring a fresh and humble mindset. I believe some with more experience may be less inclined to ask questions or dig deeper, as they may feel they know it already. My experience, coupled with my youth, ignites my curiousity. I have had the same, if not more, exposure to different parts of the business thanks to my rotational program...that is what I can quickly think of.

Would you mind sharing what values going back at a young age brought to your career? I will be 26 if I enter Fall 17.

Would you mind sharing what values going back at a young age brought to your career? I will be 26 if I enter Fall 17.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

I think your response above is the makings of a really good answer so I think that is the type of thoughtfulness schools are looking for. It was actually very similar I was coming from a consulting background so had developed a well rounded skill set in my experiences. I had identified a passion for the media industry and wanted to double down in an industry that was very youthful and going through a digital renaissance that rewarded more youthful ideas and creativity. So that angle worked out well for me

Is Rotational Experience Good Enough?

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