Accepted to Bocconi Master in International Management, but interviewing for my dream industry
Looking for some career advice.
I'm a final-year undergraduate at a solid European business school (think ESSEC, ESADE, ESCP, Erasmus Rotterdam, CBS, etc.), currently ranked at the top my cohort.
My experience includes:
- Strategy consulting internship at a T2 firm (think L.E.K., Roland Berger, Kearney, OC&C).
- One year as a working student / part-time Strategy Analyst at a high-growth EV charging infrastructure company (done throughout this current last year of uni).
Long-term, my goal is to spend 5–10 years in MBB or a top-tier consulting firm and then eventually transition into the defense sector (a sector I am very interested in and passionate about).
I'm currently facing the following decision:
Option 1: Bocconi Master in International Management
- Admitted this week.
- Strong consulting recruiting pipeline.
- Lower financial burden due to fees and I am originally from Milan.
- Very predictable route toward MBB Milan.
Option 2: Fast-growing European defense company
- Interviewing for a Strategy role.
- Direct exposure to the industry I ultimately want to work in.
- Hiring manager comes from a top-tier consulting firm.
- Opportunity came through networking; I connected with him before the role even existed and he encouraged me to apply when it opened.
- However, I do NOT have an offer yet. My first official interview with HR is the day after I need to give Bocconi my final answer.
One important piece of context: my original plan was to work for 1–2 years before pursuing a Master's. I only applied to Bocconi because my job search wasn't gaining much traction and I wanted an additional option for next year.
The way I see it:
Bocconi = lower risk, highly predictable path.
Defense company = higher risk, potentially higher upside.
If the defense role works out, I gain experience in the industry I ultimately want to work in, strengthen my profile, and could potentially reapply to better Master's programs later with a stronger CV and GMAT (LBS, St. Gallen, etc.).
If it doesn't work out, I may regret passing on a strong Master's opportunity that I already have in hand.
What would you do in my position?
I really appreciate any form of advice. Currently really struggling with this decision.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you might approach this decision:
Key Considerations:
Certainty vs. Risk:
Timing and Flexibility:
Long-Term Goals:
Suggested Approach:
Why This Makes Sense:
Final Thought:
If the defense company role materializes and offers significant growth potential, you can always revisit the Master's decision later. However, without an offer, Bocconi is the safer and more strategic choice for now.
Sources: Booth vs. Columbia for MBA, Received offers from all three MBB firms and don't know what to do, Bocconi AFC vs ESCP MiM, My future after Bocconi?
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