Leave out Work Experience in CV?


John36

Hey everyone - I'm a US candidate applying to EU schools and am looking for some feedback.

I've been a full time entrepreneur in the automotive industry for the past 5 years but worked for a tech company for 4 months earlier this year. The reason for this short-term employment was due to a decline in revenue where I needed to take up a 2nd job to pay the bills and to subsidize my business. Since it was such a short stint, would it be fine to leave it out of my CV and application? It breaks the "smooth" progression listed on my CV since my background has been in the automotive industry.

I appreciate any feedback!

Hey everyone - I'm a US candidate applying to EU schools and am looking for some feedback.

I've been a full time entrepreneur in the automotive industry for the past 5 years but worked for a tech company for 4 months earlier this year. The reason for this short-term employment was due to a decline in revenue where I needed to take up a 2nd job to pay the bills and to subsidize my business. Since it was such a short stint, would it be fine to leave it out of my CV and application? It breaks the "smooth" progression listed on my CV since my background has been in the automotive industry.

I appreciate any feedback!
quote
Duncan

I don't think this is an unusual turn in a career, and I don't see a reason to not mention it unless you think you won'tbe able to get a reference if they ask for one. Entrepreneurship isn't a story of smooth progression, and I think schools will understand that.

I don't think this is an unusual turn in a career, and I don't see a reason to not mention it unless you think you won'tbe able to get a reference if they ask for one. Entrepreneurship isn't a story of smooth progression, and I think schools will understand that.
quote
John36

Thanks Duncan!

Thanks Duncan!
quote
Inactive User

Hi John36,

I think you should leave it on CV. it shows that you are sensible and know when to take steps to mitigate risks.

Hi John36,

I think you should leave it on CV. it shows that you are sensible and know when to take steps to mitigate risks.
quote
Inactive User

Yes, leave it on. Perhaps above all, business schools are going to be looking at the choices you made in your career, which have brought you to where you are today. By making a hard choice -- like taking a job you normally wouldn't -- and being able to explain that in terms of your career progression, tells a b-school a lot about a person.

By choosing to hide this info, or not being transparent about it, that also tells them a lot about you, too.

Yes, leave it on. Perhaps above all, business schools are going to be looking at the choices you made in your career, which have brought you to where you are today. By making a hard choice -- like taking a job you normally wouldn't -- and being able to explain that in terms of your career progression, tells a b-school a lot about a person.

By choosing to hide this info, or not being transparent about it, that also tells them a lot about you, too.
quote
John36

Thanks for the feedback. Ive always thought it would be frowned upon by adcom but I agree, it's better to be transparent.

Thanks for the feedback. Ive always thought it would be frowned upon by adcom but I agree, it's better to be transparent.
quote

Reply to Post

Other Related Content

Back to School: The Work Experience Dilemma

Article Apr 21, 2009

Think you're too old for an MBA? B-school recruiters break down the (old) age question