When to apply

[tj12357]

I apologize for this long of a post, but there's a lot to consider...

I've recently been offered a significant promotion at my job in finance, where I've been working for the past year. This promotion is not to the supervisor level, but it's close. This is my first job out of college, and my boss has hinted that he sees me growing into a leadership position at my company. I enjoy this job most of the time, but I don't think that I could really reach my full potential at this company. The work is challenging, but it's really only challenging because of the sheer amount of work that needs to be done, and I'm not getting the kind of experience that would be very valuable in the workplace. I really don't see myself working at this company for more than 3-4 years, but I would definitely like to have some experience in the position I've been offered, primarily since I think it would help me stand out in the workforce.

On the other hand, I know that I definitely want to pursue a PhD in Economics. I am very interested in the subject, and I know that that's what I want to be doing with my life. I've taken the GRE, and I got a 163 on the quant (158 in verbal and 3.0 in writing). Additionally, I worked with  the head of the Economics department to write my undergrad senior thesis, and I'm fairly certain that this professor would write a decent recommendation for me if I apply to programs for the fall of 2017. I'm less certain that he would write this recommendation if I delay my application until the fall of 2018; he's a very busy person and it's possible that he might not remember me for that long.

So, basically, I'm trying to decide between not taking this new position at my company and applying to grad school for fall 2017, or taking this new position and applying for fall 2018. I'm fairly new to the workforce, so I'm not sure how lucky I am to be offered this position. I'm really torn between these choices and I'm worried that I will either get stuck at a job which I don't find very rewarding or miss out on a chance to prove that I can handle a leadership position. Any advice would be appreciated!

[GradSchoolTruther]

Why can't you take the position and apply for 2017? It's not as if you're committing to leaving to go back for a Ph.D. at this point.

[johnnycomelately]

Do both. You likely won't hear about PhD admissions until well into next year, and won't be starting for over a year if/when offered a place/funding. By then you can decide whether to continue with the job or go for a PhD. 

Edited April 14, 2016 by johnnycomelately

[Love3]

I'd say get the work experience and apply next year. I took a few years off before applying again and it was the best experience ever. 

Also, don't worry about the recommendation. I'm sure that he will remember you. I had the same hesitations with my recommendation writers but I told them that I wouldn't be applying until X year (as a reminder to not forget about me lol). Maybe you can tell him your plan once you decide and he should support your decision.

[tj12357]

59 minutes ago, GradSchoolTruther said:

Why can't you take the position and apply for 2017? It's not as if you're committing to leaving to go back for a Ph.D. at this point.

Right now, our department isn't doing so well, so I know that they are really looking for someone to do the job for at least a year or two. If I was accepted for fall 2017 I would need to start reviewing stat/calc around next May, and I probably wouldn't start the new job for a few months from now, so I don't think I would be able to put in enough time. Thanks for your feedback!

[tj12357]

1 hour ago, johnnycomelately said:

Do both. You likely won't hear about PhD admissions until well into next year, and won't be starting for over a year if/when offered a place/funding. By then you can decide whether to continue with the job or go for a PhD. 

If my company was in a better position I would definitely do this, but right now they need to know if I'm willing to commit long term (1.5-2 years). Granted, I still might go this route, but I wouldn't feel great about it. Thanks for your input!

[johnnycomelately]

i admire your sense of loyalty/dedication. Just remember that you need to do what is best for you. That being said, if it doesn't seem like a big deal for you to put off applying for another cycle, do so. Just send a quick note to your possible LOR writers letting them know of your intentions, and when the time comes to apply send them a reminder of what you did while their student/advisee. It helps to send them a copy of your CV with relevant research experience and awards (if any), a copy of your SOP, and a few lines about your plans for the future.