How many Job Switches Prior to MBA are too much?

I am wondering how many job switches you can have prior to your MBA application, before it starts to negatively affect you?


My background/story to justify job switches -

1) Operations Analyst - Organizational Restructure within the department lead to ~300 individuals being laid off. I being one of them. Performance review was great as well. Time in job: 1 year 4 months.

2) I have Army/National Guard background so thought I would give defense industry a shot - being close to the capital. Absolutely loved the job, but let for a lateral move at a prestigious company for better comp $$$ and also learned more since it was in a difference industry (consulting). Time in job: 2 years

3) Prestigious consulting firm. Love my job but making internal transfers to a more client-based role has been difficult. Still like what I do but recently received an invite to interview for a Big 4 strategy consulting role. Interviews have been great so far. Time in job currently: 8 months


If I get the offer - Strategy consulting would be my dream job, how would it hurt my MBA application? Being at 4 jobs in 4-5 years?

Why do I want to pursue an MBA if I get my dream job?

  • To open opportunities internationally (want to eventually make a move to Dubai)
  • Open opportunities for Plan B if needed - if consulting doesn't work out. Tech PM would be the next option.
  • Open up networking opportunities. 
  • Have studied hard for GMAT so far - and don't want to let it go to waste just because I found what I was looking for. Can't stop at Bachelor's, having an MBA further would strengthen my profile.
 

Dolorem optio qui voluptate repellat sed dolores. Nulla quod eos distinctio non vel voluptate. Soluta et natus in adipisci enim est accusamus fugit.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. New 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 04 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (88) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (67) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”