Worried About a One-Year Gap Before MBA? Seeking Advice on Career Impact

Hi,

Please help me! I have 2 years of work experience in HR. I left my job in June 2006 and am aiming for the 2007-09 MBA batch. This results in a one-year gap. Is that okay? Someone told me that this might cause problems at every stage in the future.

I am 23 years old and a BMS graduate. Should I look for a new job or is it fine to have a gap?

Thank you and regards,
Natasha

Hey Natasha,

Natasha, I really don't think that it will harm you in the long term. It completely depends on you, as to how you justify yourselves. First, you will have to make sure that you clear your entrance exams to enter a really good institute to finish your MBA. Once you have graduated from a good institute, placements are not a problem. If you are preparing for an MBA entrance, then maybe you can continue your job on a part-time basis or perhaps you can reduce the hours of work and adjust your timings.

That's what I feel; doing an MBA will surely give you an edge over others, and I feel you shouldn't think much, go for it, as afterwards you would feel that you have done the right thing...

Till then, take care.

Preeti

Hi Natasha,

How are you?

A gap of one year is really not a problem. Learning opportunities come for everybody, and if you want to capitalize on that, great going. If you continue working, you will face more problems (high competition) in the future as you are only a graduate, and there are many masters in this field. So stop worrying and prepare for your MBA wholeheartedly. None of the companies will ask you about a study break, I can tell you as a recruiter myself. An MBA from a good institute is very important; do not go for any institute that does not have good placements. Once you are placed through Campus, then there is no looking back.

Have a great day!! Cheers, Archna

Hi Natasha,

I am sorry to say that whoever put this idea in your head that a one-year gap would cause you problems in the future is totally insane! I suggest you get started with your entrance exam preparations so that you could get into one of the best institutes for an MBA. Having done an MBA myself, let me assure you that your knowledge would not go to waste. In another two years' time, you will see a total transformation in your personality because of the course undertaken. Furthermore, let me make one thing clear: it really doesn't matter how many years you have lost in your career life; what truly matters is do you have the drive in you to make things better for yourself. If you are dedicated and committed to putting your heart and soul into what you will be undertaking, it will surely give you fruitful results.

I wish you the very best in whatever you do!

Regards,
Mehvish