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06 Mar 2017, 13:10
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Wanted to get y'alls quick input on something.
Given my profile of 1.2 year ad sales with a startup representing big video game platforms in Australia and now 1.5 years in apparel marketing in the US with a startup and having a post-mba goal brand management (either back in gaming or in apparel like nike/under armour/adidas) and schools I want to apply to (and aware of the reaches on this list):
UT McCombs
UC Berkeley Haas
Northwestern Kellogg
Notre Dame Mendoza
(possibly Oxford Said)
What would be a better move for my candidacy if you HAD to pick one:
- spend the next 14 months volunteering abroad with a non profit but not learning anything on a professional level
- spend a year essentially interning abroad at a relevant company (ubisoft/adidas/nike/electronic arts) in exchange for sponsorship/livable wage?
The first one is social benefit but lack of professional relevance; the second is professionally relevant but the role will likely be more junior in scope and there is no societal benefit. I have to be accepted for either option to be viable but for the sake of the argument I'm making the assumption I have the choice of which to pursue with more purpose.
Weird question I know but my current role isn't sustainable (not bad relationship with boss/coworkers or anything) and I know all the bouncing around is less than ideal but looking at all the pieces of my situation these two options are the best I can come up with.
May even end up waiting an additional year before applying depending on situation but this is what I have right now and would really appreciate your input on if one is probably a better stamp on my resume pre-MBA.
Given my profile of 1.2 year ad sales with a startup representing big video game platforms in Australia and now 1.5 years in apparel marketing in the US with a startup and having a post-mba goal brand management (either back in gaming or in apparel like nike/under armour/adidas) and schools I want to apply to (and aware of the reaches on this list):
UT McCombs
UC Berkeley Haas
Northwestern Kellogg
Notre Dame Mendoza
(possibly Oxford Said)
What would be a better move for my candidacy if you HAD to pick one:
- spend the next 14 months volunteering abroad with a non profit but not learning anything on a professional level
- spend a year essentially interning abroad at a relevant company (ubisoft/adidas/nike/electronic arts) in exchange for sponsorship/livable wage?
The first one is social benefit but lack of professional relevance; the second is professionally relevant but the role will likely be more junior in scope and there is no societal benefit. I have to be accepted for either option to be viable but for the sake of the argument I'm making the assumption I have the choice of which to pursue with more purpose.
Weird question I know but my current role isn't sustainable (not bad relationship with boss/coworkers or anything) and I know all the bouncing around is less than ideal but looking at all the pieces of my situation these two options are the best I can come up with.
May even end up waiting an additional year before applying depending on situation but this is what I have right now and would really appreciate your input on if one is probably a better stamp on my resume pre-MBA.
VantagePointMelody
Joined: 19 Apr 2016
Last visit: 26 Jun 2024
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Expert reply
06 Mar 2017, 16:23
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Hi there,
It sounds like you have 2 great options to choose from, both of which will offer valuable international experience! Too bad you can’t do both
In terms of developing your pre-MBA profile, I think the second option is going to be your best bet since it aligns much more closely with your career goals. While volunteer work is admirable and undoubtedly rewarding, I’m afraid you’ll risk adding to the “bouncing around” image if you deviate further from your current career path. I’m much less worried about the relevant company role being “more junior in scope” because you can always step up your game once you get there and contribute in more meaningful ways, raise your hand for additional projects, and demonstrate leadership in ways that are outside of your basic job description. But don’t sell yourself short – try to negotiate a full-time role instead of an internship, if you can. (I’m not sure I understand why the internship is your only option at this point.)
In terms of schools, have you also considered Ross or Fuqua? Both have strong marketing curriculums and solid track records with brand management recruiting.
Best wishes in your next steps!
Kindly,
Melody
It sounds like you have 2 great options to choose from, both of which will offer valuable international experience! Too bad you can’t do both
In terms of developing your pre-MBA profile, I think the second option is going to be your best bet since it aligns much more closely with your career goals. While volunteer work is admirable and undoubtedly rewarding, I’m afraid you’ll risk adding to the “bouncing around” image if you deviate further from your current career path. I’m much less worried about the relevant company role being “more junior in scope” because you can always step up your game once you get there and contribute in more meaningful ways, raise your hand for additional projects, and demonstrate leadership in ways that are outside of your basic job description. But don’t sell yourself short – try to negotiate a full-time role instead of an internship, if you can. (I’m not sure I understand why the internship is your only option at this point.)In terms of schools, have you also considered Ross or Fuqua? Both have strong marketing curriculums and solid track records with brand management recruiting.
Best wishes in your next steps!
Kindly,
Melody
06 Mar 2017, 17:06
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VantagePointMelody
Hi there,
...But don’t sell yourself short – try to negotiate a full-time role instead of an internship, if you can. (I’m not sure I understand why the internship is your only option at this point.)
In terms of schools, have you also considered Ross or Fuqua? Both have strong marketing curriculums and solid track records with brand management recruiting.
Kindly,
Melody
...But don’t sell yourself short – try to negotiate a full-time role instead of an internship, if you can. (I’m not sure I understand why the internship is your only option at this point.)
In terms of schools, have you also considered Ross or Fuqua? Both have strong marketing curriculums and solid track records with brand management recruiting.
Kindly,
Melody
Thank you for the detailed response! With regard to why internship, these places haven't had a relevant opening for some time and considering I would look to work for a department that hasn't really been hiring and would also require a sponsorship/visa I figured it'd be easier to just up the chances of getting a yes by lowering the ask. The work experience and international aspect are the important thing to me pre-MBA and the salary would just need to be enough to not die for a year basically.
With regard to those schools yes I have definitely looked at those, my GMAT tutor is determined for me to go to Fuqua but I haven't seen a single alumni from either of those programs in the 10 or so companies I have been looking at for post MBA brand management. That doesn't mean much though and given you've brought those names back up maybe I will continue speaking with alumni/looking into the programs.
