Leave out Work Experience in CV?

John36

28 16

Posted Jul 21, 2015 05:29

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

14.013 15.475

Posted Jul 21, 2015 11:43

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

28 16

Posted Jul 23, 2015 00:03

Thanks Duncan!

quote

Inactive User

728 405

Posted Jul 23, 2015 01:11

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

2.941 1.801

Posted Jul 24, 2015 10:21

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

28 16

Posted Jul 24, 2015 16:36

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

quote