How important is a variety of experiences in applications?

I'm a recent graduate but I'm trying to plan ahead for a top MBA program (10-20 range). As I start to build up my work experience, what looks better on an application, variety between industries/firms or multiple promotions in the same firm? Would working in different areas of finance like AM, PE, WM, and corporate finance over the next few years seem flaky and unfocused to b-schools?

3 Comments
 

Hi Redbirdmonkey, just trying to help:

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Fingers crossed that one of those helps you.

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

I don't think there's a right answer for every applicant. Broadly speaking, I favor more focus and progression than variety. But if having some variety will help you understand what you want to do post-MBA, then it could be valuable (often why people like rotational programs). However, don't go overboard...for instance, if you want to keep your function but change industries, that would be a good kind of change, or changing your function within the same firm, or switching to a competitor. But changing all three of those things multiple times will look disconnected and flaky (to use your word)!

Kate Richardson Senior Consultant, mbaMission www.mbamission.com Sign up for a free phone consultation: https://www.mbamission.com/consult/
 
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