Will switching companies pre-MBA affect my candidacy
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13 Oct 2013, 10:30
Hi everyone,
I would really appreciate some advice on an interesting situation I've found myself in. I wrote the GMAT in 2011 (710) after graduating from my undergrad and recently completed a 2 year rotational leadership development program at a global bank. I am currently working in the bank's Global Banking & Markets division for its Financial Institutions Group (Corporate Banking). My Managing Director left earlier this year to take an MD role at a bulge bracket investment bank, and has recently asked me if I would be interested in moving over to join her.
My GMAT is valid until April 2016, so I must apply to B-school before then. She knows about my MBA aspirations and while being in the role for only 2 years before leaving is on the shorter end of what she had in mind, she doesn't think it will be a big issue.
Some quick facts about the role she is offering:
- would be a 1-2 year early promotion from Analyst to Associate (Corporate banking)
- would involve about a 75% increase in base pay (potentially 100% increase including bonus)
- wider scope of roles/responsibilities (exposure to more sub-sectors and banking products/services)
- Opportunity to work for a great coach/leader and learn a lot
- Both firms are very international and well known, though my current employer is known more as a commercial/retail bank and the other is a bulge bracket investment bank with more 'prestige' in the industry.
Risks/Concerns:
- Will switching companies after just 2 years with my current employer reflect negatively on me for MBA applications?
- I don't want to burn bridges after my current employer just spent the last 2 years investing heavily in my development
- I have developed a strong reputation at my current firm and am well known by senior leadership. I also have two senior executive mentors who both support my MBA aspirations. If I move I would have to rebuild from scratch.
I'm happy with my current job and really like the team I'm working with. However, the offer is a great opportunity with significant benefits for my work experience and compensation.
So my question is: Should I take the job? How will this impact my MBA candidacy? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Profile:
GMAT: 710 (Q47 / V40)
GPA: 3.4 Overall, 4.09/4.33 (93%) in upper division courses
Work experience: Banking - 2.5 years. (5 years at matriculation)
Other: wide variety of volunteer/community involvement and play several sports.
Target schools:
- LBS
- HBS
- Berkeley
- Columbia
- Yale
- Cornell