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FatRiverPuff
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Is my pre-MBA job killing my chances? 20 Mar 2010, 21:17
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I'm planning to apply to INSEAD and LBS this year, and I'm currently working for a Nobel Peace laureate as a "technical writer" (i.e. I draft his speeches, Q&A's, articles, do fact finding etc). I've just been told now by a friend that this would be considered to be secretarial work by AdCom and thus, not so impressive. I've been pushing to get more involved in the business side of things (i.e. helping put together a business development plan for the office's financial sustainability). Would you say that ghostwriting/drafting is generally considered to be secretarial work?

I took on this job because I wanted to learn more about the ideas of this man (and I am, because I'm writing what he says) but I don't want to be seen as a secretary either. There are around 10 full-time employees in this office and everyone does a little bit of everything (i.e. we all do correspondence, scheduling, event management, media relations etc). I want to get an MBA to break into consulting (I'm also helping to develop the consulting services that our office could offer in order to generate income), and I run a non-profit bakery on the side so I'm hoping that will help my application.

Thanks for your help!
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Accepted.com
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Is my pre-MBA job killing my chances? 21 Mar 2010, 14:04
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sharshar84
I'm planning to apply to INSEAD and LBS this year, and I'm currently working for a Nobel Peace laureate as a "technical writer" (i.e. I draft his speeches, Q&A's, articles, do fact finding etc). I've just been told now by a friend that this would be considered to be secretarial work by AdCom and thus, not so impressive. I've been pushing to get more involved in the business side of things (i.e. helping put together a business development plan for the office's financial sustainability). Would you say that ghostwriting/drafting is generally considered to be secretarial work?

I took on this job because I wanted to learn more about the ideas of this man (and I am, because I'm writing what he says) but I don't want to be seen as a secretary either. There are around 10 full-time employees in this office and everyone does a little bit of everything (i.e. we all do correspondence, scheduling, event management, media relations etc). I want to get an MBA to break into consulting (I'm also helping to develop the consulting services that our office could offer in order to generate income), and I run a non-profit bakery on the side so I'm hoping that will help my application.

Thanks for your help!
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I realize that your work is more than secretarial work, but also am not convinced that it is competitive with much of the experience that your competition will bring to the table. You will need to explain your reasons for taking the position and how it fits into your overall career plan. In addition the adcom will consider your NFP work and any other jobs you have had.

Best,
Linda
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vannbj
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Is my pre-MBA job killing my chances? 21 Mar 2010, 18:01
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You have a non-profit bakery? Do tell. Could you do it for profit and support yourself?