Big No-No?
Hey guys
I've been asked to become the advisor to the chairmen of 2 large family businesses. I've proven myself from a very young age (I started reading deeply about finance and business in general since I was 13, got my first paid IB internship when I was 17), and even earned these chairmen a considerable annual return (read: 40%+) on their portfolios for the past 5 years. I won't even mention what I've done to their real estate portfolios.
Here's the (at least what I think maybe) problem; they're directly related to me. I even have the same last name as one of them.
Would it ding, or would it even kill, my application (strong scent of nepotism) if I listed the 2 advisory roles (unpaid)? Keep in mind that I work as a project management engineer at an oil & gas supergiant.
From an outside point of view.. it doesn't seem particularly defensible. Even if you got the two to speak on your behalf I feel it would come off as them just trying to throw you a bone and help you out.
"Oh so-and-so, Yeah! he's the best financial advisor I've ever had!"
It would be like me putting on my application that I give my friends and family stock tips and market insight. I'd refrain.
Edit: You should definitely be able to leverage the contacts of these guys, though.
Double Edit: were you in an actually recognized, named position? If so, that makes all the difference. May have read your post wrong...
Nepotism in MENA? Perish the thought. You could easily just pay off HR dude.
Seriously though, no, it's not an issue, HR has no fucking say over who the chairman of a company hires as an advisor.
Konig, if your resume speaks for itself, it doesn't matter that your related. Likewise, I'm also assuming it's a MENA private company. Nepotism isn't really the issue here. You have two top guys who can vouch for your performance and you don't have the North American constraints of nepotistic behavior and conflicts of interest. I'd say go for it man. Experience is what sells the resume, so list them both. What do you have to lose?
It is actually a plus, all of these schools love rich kids from connected families. If that is your case then you actually have a leg up.
How do I show them what they like (the above) without looking like an arrogant a**?
Elders calling in favors is out of question (classic rags to riches story; children and grandchildren have to work to get to where/what they want).
I totally agree. But the problem is the people reading my business school application are North Americans :) they'll see it from their perspective first (i.e. nepotism). My application looks pretty good (took 3 practice GMATs and scored 700-730 on each, GPA is a 3.5), the only thing I think they might also slightly ding me for is the school I attended (lower end of the top 50).
@skeam & @UFOinsider: Thanks for you responses. I meant to ask will this affect my business school application :) I'm not applying for a job there or anywhere else.
Any other advice?
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