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[mashima]

Hello.

I am a recent college graduate (undergrad) and have begun my first job as an Admissions Counselor for my alma mater.

So far, I am enjoying the job and see a future career in administration as a very real possibility. As a result, I have every intention of getting an advanced degree and am currently putting together applications for MBA and Communication programs for Fall 2007 admission.

My concern is that it would put me in a very bad light if I were to only spend one year working and then leave to get my degree. I understand that Admissions traditionally has a very high turnover but I am still worried.

What do you think? I don't want to burn any bridges and lose any good references, especially if I plan to have a career in administration.

[zharkov]

The pattern of BA, a couple of years of work experience, then grad school, is very common.  In fact, some of the best MBA programs expect you to have a couple or so years experience post BA. Your work experience will be seen as sort of an advanced internship.  I don't see a problem leaving after one year.

[bill_j]

I have to disagree with zharkov, and if you read his post carefully you will see that he is actually disagreeing with himself.  He twice uses the phrase “a couple” of years, but then he says your leaving after one year should not be a problem...?

A one year (visiting) appointment is par for the course for faculty but not for someone in your position.  Yes, turnover is common in admissions, but you need to keep that job for at least two years.

Like many people whom post here, you say you are interested in “administration” but you stop short of identifying one or two specific jobs that you are potentially interested in.  What job are you seeking?  Is an MBA the degree of choice for the work you want to do?  What is the career path for individuals holding the job(s) you ultimately want?  These are questions you need to ask yourself and answer before moving into another degree program.

Meanwhile, think of your current job as more than just treading water.  Use it as an opportunity to learn as much as you can: about admissions (ug and graduate), financial aid, databases, etc. 

[mashima]

If I want to work my way up through admissions, I would image an MBA would be directly applicable, yes? Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[zharkov]

If I want to work my way up through admissions, I would image an MBA would be directly applicable, yes? Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Some (many?) schools view admissions as a form of marketing; thus the MBA makes sense.  Not all schools look at admissions this way, so do some informational interviewing and research professional organizations. Also, look at the Chron ads for the educational background required for admissions.

My earlier comment about "a couple" of years assumed you were applying to a top MBA program, where the amount of "suggested" experience will be determined by that program.  Perhaps more important than the actual time in the job is what you accomplished.  Most people take the first year of professional work just getting their feet wet, thus can't point to much in the way of accomplishments.  In another year or two, you should have been able to claim a track record of accomplishments. Which would be attractive to an MBA program.

See Businessweek online for a listing of top programs.  You should try to get into the best program you can.  It will take 2 years of hard work and will cost you $$$.  But you'll be that much ahead when you return to the professional workforce.

[dale1]

You'll be ahead if you take the MBA and run to industry or business, NOT if you go into higher education, unless it's higher education finance, business services, etc.  If you want to work with students, the MBA is not going to help you make money doing it.  You'll make the same whether you have a MA in Comm, MSEd in Higher Ed, or the MBA.

[mashima]

Thanks for the responses...I guess what I am really trying to ask is if 1 year is too short of a time to stick with a job in admissions? Is it understandable to leave for grad school after such a short time, or would it be considered a bad thing and therefore, negate any chance for a reference?

[neniaf]

I think this depends upon your relationship with your boss.  Admissions counselors are often hired precisely because they are recent graduates who relate well to students and potential students.  In that case, they may almost be pleased that you are leaving before you lose that easy connection, and they can replace you with a graduate from the new class.  On the other hand, if you gave the impression that this was your dream job and you wanted to stay forever (and you were hired under these assumptions), you may annoy your supervisor if you leave too soon.  Changed circumstances (an opportunity arose for you which you couldn't have predicted or additional knowledge which came with maturity (when you started the job, you assumed you would eventually go on for an MBA, but thought about doing it part-time at your own institution; now, after exploring this possibility with your former professors, you have discovered that they think it would be best for you to go to a full-time program at a nationally-ranked institution) are your best bets.

[sibyl]

You might want to consider transitioning to part-time study at your institution.  If the appropriate program is strong and exists at your institution, you get to eat your cake and have it too, building up your experience while also building up your degree.