Hey everyone, I've been reading this forum since back when I began undergrad. I'm now in my final semester of my MBA program with a real estate specialization and am actively on the job hunt, looking for some insight/advice.
Background:I graduated from a large state university (think UF, FSU, etc.) in May of 2020, where I double majored in Risk Management-Insurance and Real Estate. I was heavily involved in leadership in my fraternity and am also an Eagle Scout.
I interned with a boutique Valuation shop the summer after Junior year, and received a full time offer that was supposed to begin in summer of 2020 in Colorado. However, I ended up having to undergo a 13-hour long highly complex/major heart surgery in June of 2020 (involved replacing much of my aorta and putting titanium bars in my chest to reshape my ribs), and spent several months trying to get back to being healthy and normal. As a result of the surgery, I was unable to move to Denver for the position. Since I didn't want to spend my recovery time being unproductive, I enrolled in their Online-MBA program, to further my education and hopefully gain a greater degree of competitiveness when it came time for the job search. I've taken above the normal course load each semester, in spite of the arduous recovery, and should be graduating Magna Cum Laude in December. I know that pursuing an MBA right after undergrad is usually considered unwise, and especially one that is online. However, I felt this was the best use of my time given the recovery circumstances. My excel skills are solid and I'm quite comfortable with Argus.
Just curious about anyone's perspective as to how this degree and the employment gap will impact my competitiveness applying for positions?
I think you're going to need someone to listen to your story vs. just read your resume. This might be one of the extremely rare circumstances where a cover letter helps.
In my opinion this shows some good initiative on top of resilience. I don't have great advice for you but I don't think you're totally fucked.
Was literally going to say the same thing about attaching the cover letter. I read the header of this post thinking what bullsh*t excuse does another monkey have now, then read your full post and COMPLETELY understand. I’m also an open-heart surgery survivor. Stay strong my friend!
Thank you for the advice regarding the use of a cover letter to better explain my story, rather than simply expecting my resume to get a foot in the door. I'll work on crafting that and letting it serve as a differentiator in my applications/networking efforts. I appreciate the sentiment regarding initiative and resilience, it was certainly quite the crucible to endure, but it definitely made me more resolute in my goals.
I agree with Five Star Man, network your ass off so you can explain your story. One thing I will say is don't expect the traditional post-MBA roles since you did a) an online MBA and b) with no prior work experience. Keep pursuing analyst level work and you'll be fine. I can't imagine anyone is going to turn you down because you're "overqualified".
Thanks for the insight and reminder to temper my expectations regarding available roles for my experience level. Do you think I'd eventually be able to pursue post-MBA type positions after putting in my time in analyst and traditional associate roles and building a more substantial resume/reputation? Or will I likely have difficulty landing those roles due to the early MBA timeframe and pursuance of it before I had any significant experience under my belt? Obviously, only time will tell, just trying to be realistic about my outlook.
I really don't know what options will be available in 4-5 years of work history, but the idea of "post-MBA" roles aren't that they are exclusively limited to people with MBAs, (especially in real estate) but rather the MBA helps you skip a few steps. For example, I came into my current role as a VP of Development out of my MBA, if I wanted to get there without it I would have easily had to spend 2-3 years as a Development Associate. So having the online MBA, plus 4-5 years of work experience could open up opportunities that 4-5 years of work experience alone wouldn't, but I'd be hesitant to rely on it since the online MBA immediately after undergrad doesn't hold much weight for most employers.
As everyone above said, you’ll have to tell your story. It’s only an employment gap if you say it is. In reality, it’s not. You need to take care of your health first and you didn’t start working due to health issues. People will probably view you as a very favorable candidate, especially after they hear your story and resilience.
network hard dude. You will be able to win people over if you are a decent storyteller.
Update on this:
Networked, applied everywhere, and interviewed really hard. Turned down one offer recently in favor of hopefully getting one from my number 1 choice, and that risk paid off. I just accepted the number 1 offer yesterday. Got the call about it as I was walking across the stage for my MBA graduation. Was pretty amazing timing. Thanks for all the advice from everyone!
Details:
Role: Associate
Market: Southeast
Firm type: Lender
Compensation: ~96k all-in
Hours: should be about 45-50/week
Thanks man! Was definitely a great feeling walking out of the graduation ceremony with a job lined up at the same time!
I'm glad this worked out for you. I didn't see this thread the first time and almost just responded to the original message saying that you'll be fine. In an odd way, your story may have even helped you a couple times because it is certainly more memorable than someone saying they love real estate because it's tangible. Good shit on overcoming adversity.
Thank you! I'm inclined to agree that my story honestly probably helped some. All my interviewers, executive to low level, seemed to respect that I didn't let the major procedure/recovery hold me back. Now to go prove myself in the actual role.
So glad to hear this my man. You have grit and an unconquerable spirit so there was no doubt you'd make it to the next level. You'll get some important experience now, you're being paid well, and your hours are great. Wishing you a long and happy life.
Thank you for the very kind words! It certainly wasn't easy, but getting through everything definitely served to strengthen my resolve and ambition.
The role will offer a lot of hands on deal flow and responsibility, and I really clicked with the entire team I met. The pay is certainly above market from all the places I applied/interviewed. And finally, The hours and work/life balance are a huge plus for me, since I have a serious girlfriend who I plan to propose to next year, and she has a 3 year old son that I'm basically step-dad to now. Best of luck to you in life as well!
Side note: love There Will Be Blood
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