Progression in MBB without MBA
So I know the standard line of progression for MBB is 2-3 years post undergrad --> MBA ---> Return to firm. But recently on LinkedIn I have noticed, for BCG in particular, that it's becoming more common to go from Associate (undergrad position) straight to Consultant (MBA position) and I've seen a few get to Project Leader, all without an MBA.
So what I am wondering is:
1) Is this becoming a trend or are these very rare scenarios? I was always under the impression that moving from Associate to Consultant was nearly impossible without an MBA.
2) If one is able to get promoted to Consultant without an MBA, would this impact exit opps later on? Is it worth it to get an MBA still?
The standard back in my day was 2 years as business analyst. If you performed well and demand was high, you could have this extended to 3rd year. Then, generally you would go get an MBA - for strong performers this may be paid for by the firm via loan that is forgiven over time upon returning.
But exceptionally strong performers could do a "Direct to Associate" and skip the MBA (not the norm, but I wouldn't say it was rare). Really, for these people they would not get much intellectually out of a MBA. If you already have great cred in MBB, you have a strong network so wouldn't be giving up all that much in networking if yor ultimate goals were aligned to consulting and its exit opportunities.
Have no insight into whether this is recently becoming more common, though ...
I've even seen direct to Manager... There were a couple of Managers in my MBA class.
Not sure what "direct to manager" means. This does not happen at my MBB, at least.
To answer the original question, yes, for strong performers, it is quite possible to go from the post-undergrad position to the post-MBA position. I get the sense that this route is open to those who are willing to work for it. Once you are promoted to the post-MBA position, you are considered the same as everyone else at that rank, and hence will be promoted or counseled-out based on your performance.
Firms generally love this group of people mainly because they have a proven performance record. Compare that to hiring an MBA who looks great on paper, but turns out to be ill-suited for the job later.
Note, however, that quite a few people who are able to get promoted (and double their salary...) will choose to forgo the opportunity and do an MBA, or transition to another industry. Personally, I think it's a mistake to not do an MBA or do something else -- especially when the firm is paying for it!
In my MBA class, there were 2 McK EMs, and 1 BCG PL that I knew personally.
Maybe you're a Bainie.
I think you're confused. I also knew people who were managers before business school.
However, none were "direct to manager". They were all promoted "direct" from undergrad level (e.g., business analyst) to post-MBA level (e.g., associate). After working as an associate for a time, they were promoted to manager. Then they went back to business school.
I agree with naivephd in that I've never heard of "direct to manager".
I'm not at Bain
I've known a few people who get promoted to the post-MBA position, do that for a project or two, THEN leave for the MBA. Their feeling is that promotion to the next stage without an MBA is very difficult; I haven't been in the room when they received this career advice from partners/career development personnel, but it's a pretty common worry. The "promotion clock" pauses when you leave for an MBA, but it DOESN'T reset. This means that if you do 1.5 years at a post-MBA position, then leave for an MBA, you have ~6 months to demonstrate your ability to work at the next level or you can found yourself counseled out. Obviously there is an army of people warning you about this so I don't think it really happens, but I've spoken about this from people going through the decision process.
At my firm (I've only interned there; I'm going back full-time, and I've talked to some people about this topic, but feel free to take what I say with a grain of salt), I get the impression that skipping MBA altogether is becoming a more popular route, even for people staying through manager and beyond. A lot of people at my firm (it's an MBB) seem to be doubting the value of an MBA, especially for promotions within the firm. The most popular route for promotions is still getting an MBA; however, direct promotion seems to be no longer just a method for delaying getting an MBA, but a method of getting around it entirely.
We're still talking about a minority of people for whom this is an issue at all. Only a minority (although a reasonably sizable one nowadays, I believe) seem to get direct promotion offers, and most of them go to still business school (or just leave).
In my experience, the direct to post-MBA role promotion is fairly simple. The job is essentially the same as the post-undergrad role (no mgmt responsibility yet), and it is a natural progression. At my firm, virtually every "on-track" post-undergraduate hire is able to get that direct promotion within 24-27 months (maybe 30 in extreme circumstances).
On getting to the next level (e.g., PL, EM, etc.), it is much harder / less common to do without an MBA. While there is increasing interest in forgoing the MBA, there is strong emphasis from the top on some "rounding out" experience prior to that promotion...even for top performers. Now, that experience does not have to be an MBA (I'm currently on a year in Australia that may work), but it generally is.
I'm actually 3 years in trying to go straight through, so happy to share more context here.
Industry is moving more in that direction. Most still get an MBA or leave but certainly possible to make it straight through (probably with a "rounding out" experience working abroad or for a client company in an externship)
How important is the MBA to MBB firms? (Originally Posted: 02/21/2010)
I have seen the local Bain office in our region with a good number of non-MBAs who were holding senior positions in the office. How important is an MBA versus experience? Is it THAT important?
I know there are many who use MBB as a ladder to Business school but what if that is not what you are after “an MBA that is”
Who needs the other more… An MBA or the MBB firm?
it is my reasoning that the mba teaches you nothing the firm couldn't train you ojt. mba's biggest gain is connections through alumni network. if your experience gives you contacts that are relevant to the firm, you should be attractive enough. one thing you learn in the real business world is that in the end, no matter how attractive your offering, there are others like it, and the element that will win you business opportunities is the people you know on the other side.
that is the biggest secret of the trade. use it well.
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