Work Experience / Longevity

Question

Hello everyone!

I was hoping to ask a question of the team to see what your thoughts would be.

I will be applying to business school for fall 2016 admittance. I recently got my GMAT back (770, AWA 6, IR 4).

I am 29, and have had 4 jobs since college (1 in teaching, 3 in tech startups). I have worked for over two years at the one I am currently at, and although there are a lot of great things about it, I am curious to see what else might be out there. Since I have only worked in tech outside of education, I am interested in jumping into a new field to see what I like/dislike about it, to better inform my decisions in and after business school.

My question is: does it affect my application negatively if I do leave this job and try something else for a year, or would it be better to stay here for the next year and show growth at this firm? I am somewhat tired of this job and excited by new prospects, even though I would only be at a new firm for a little over a year. (I would be asking my current company for recommendations, but I would make sure not to burn any bridges and leave on the best of terms.)

Does anyone have any experience that they can speak to here? Or, if I am in the wrong forum (apologies!), can someone direct me to the right place?

Thanks,

JW

myEssayReview · Answer

Hi, First of all , congratulations on your stellar GMAT score.

Now regarding your questions about job switch before B school application, if you are "somewhat tired of " your current job and are interested in jumping into a new field ", I think it's time to move on .However, you should have some clarity on what skills/ knowledge you want to gain by changing jobs and if that knowledge/ skills/ experience will help you reach your post MBA goals. I do not think there should be any problem with applying to B school one year after changing jobs as long as your story can convince the Ad Com that you are now ready for the next step- MBA. to move forward on your career path. The option to continue with your current job and show growth sounds good, too . However, to make that decision , you need to ask your self , " Can I grow at a job which has already tired me ? The choice is yours. I hope it helped.

Admissionado · Answer

770! 
Wow, what a GMAT score, dude. Congrats.

As for your question: If the opportunities you are pursuing are better (i.e. in terms of compensation, opportunities, and responsibilities) than your current position, you can change jobs as often as you like, and it won't harm your application.

Best,
Jon

fxMBAconsulting · Answer

Smart people get bored easily. They like to job hop. They think that all experience is a learning experience. I get where you are coming from. While corporate recruiters at MBA programs want to hire smart people....they are really looking for non-ecclectic smart people...the ones who will grind away within an organization come hell or high water.

Without seeing your resume and getting a feel for what 'story' emerges it's hard to give you a cut and dry piece of advice. If you're planning on applying in 2015 for a 2016 start AND you have 3 years of experience in your current position....from a strictly numbers perspective I'd say it's OK if you switch NOW and get at least 1.5 years of time in at the new employer before recruiting begins in November 2016. But I wouldn't want to see you all over the map in terms of a coherent series of jobs combined with ST and LT goals. I'm happy to take a look at your resume if you like.

Best,
Leah

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