How does no/little career progression affect my chances at a top 20 MBA program?

Hello!

I spent 3 years as a Financial Analyst with a Fortune 500 company, got promoted once, and resigned so I could be closer to home (past job was 45+ miles away). I took a title demotion to work as a Financial Analyst with a smaller company ($100m in revenue). What I like about the job is it's much closer to home, directly working with C-suite leadership, and it pays more than my past job. The biggest con is there's no career growth given the small size of the company (I'm the only analyst reporting to the > director > CFO). At 25 years old, I would like to get a MBA in a few years from a top 20 program. I was curious on your thoughts how my lack of career progression would hurt my chances (e.g. is M7 unlikely etc.)

Thank you!

 

If you don't foresee any meaningful promotions in the next few years it might benefit you to apply now to avoid the appearance of a career stalling out. You could make the case that you switched to that role to get more direct exposure to senior leadership. I had a lot of bad luck in last year and a half with reorgs and applied with no promotions and got full rides at Yale Fuqua and McCombs. YMMV. Get a high GMAT and put together a good story.

 
Most Helpful
Christian Hackenberg:
Hello!

I spent 3 years as a Financial Analyst with a Fortune 500 company, got promoted once, and resigned so I could be closer to home (past job was 45+ miles away). I took a title demotion to work as a Financial Analyst with a smaller company ($100m in revenue). What I like about the job is it's much closer to home, directly working with C-suite leadership, and it pays more than my past job. The biggest con is there's no career growth given the small size of the company (I'm the only analyst reporting to the > director > CFO). At 25 years old, I would like to get a MBA in a few years from a top 20 program. I was curious on your thoughts how my lack of career progression would hurt my chances (e.g. is MBA business schools">M7 unlikely etc.)

Thank you!

You need to highlight the impact you have in your current role as opposed to the previous role. Also if you had one promotion i your previous job and are now in a position that pays more and give your more responsibility, it too should be presented (and perceived) as a step up the career ladder, whatever the title.

Realize that application aren't looked at in a vacuum. Your grades, test score, community service, reason for wanting to attend School X, goals, etc. all play a role.

You may also want to consider applying in the fall or at the latest the following year.

Linda Abraham President, Accepted | Contact Me | Admissions Consulting
 

You can make career progression absent a title change. Focus on new skills and knowledge that you have been able to develop in a smaller company with more exposure to leadership (and possibly to clients/partners). Admissions committees recognize that not every organization offers a formal step-wise career trajectory with title changes every 18-24 months.

Beyond your work, do you have stats that are at or above the medians for the programs you are considering? Have you taken your GMAT/GRE?

Admissions committees take a holistic view of you as an applicant so be sure to showcase how you have contributed and made an impact both at work and through outside activities.

You also need to be able to articulate your goals (both short and long term) and why an MBA is essential to achieving your goals.

Need help developing a personalized MBA strategy? Stratus is giving away a FREE Application Fundamentals and Strategy package. Enter to win .

Wishing you the best on your MBA journey. Susan

Susan Cera Director of MBA Admissions Stratus Admissions Counseling - www.stratusadmissions.com FREE Profile Evaluation - www.stratusadmissions.com/consult
 

Est et delectus in autem eos alias. Aliquam et facilis nihil error non et. Impedit quae voluptatem facilis est nam libero nisi repudiandae. Vel id quia molestias alias impedit.

Expedita exercitationem sunt perferendis quis aut blanditiis dolores quia. Consequatur impedit repellendus necessitatibus qui deleniti enim ut ratione. Et ipsum ipsa consequatur minus quibusdam.

Qui qui voluptas quia iusto. In consequatur tempore atque et quibusdam.

Non accusamus culpa praesentium asperiores ut repellendus iste. Qui at sed similique in. Odio qui ad sunt eos dolorem enim. Et et tempora ut sint aut voluptatem. Vel et nesciunt nobis voluptatem numquam. Excepturi debitis rerum ipsam vitae nihil earum et. Doloremque consequatur qui recusandae odit.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 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 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 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

April 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

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
98.8
10
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
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...”