Advice needed on MBB Offer
Hi Monkeys,
Wanted to begin by saying I know I’m cooked, but would like some advice on what the next best steps are.
I graduated from a UK university (semi-target) with a 4.0 GPA a year ago with a degree in Economics and Finance, but did not take early interest in IB/Consulting recruiting at the time.
As a graduate role I managed to secure a MO position in a BB (think JPM/MS/GS) in London, and have gotten tired of thinking the classic regret of “should have done research, should have network, should have looked into the industry, etc”.
Ive started to complete my CFA exams (I know people will say useless for IB/Consulting, but want to do something for personal development). I am also planning to do an MBA in a couple of years at a chance for a second try now that I know, and I am aware I will need to achieve good GMATs for a top school.
Now the conundrum is, that I have managed to secure an MBB offer at an office outside of UK. Does it make sense for me to take it, work a couple of years until MBA and then try and make the move? Will it give me a better boost for a top school by starting now? Or do I stick it out at my current bank?
I appreciate any advice…
Thanks
Jumping straight into the advice: Taking the MBB offer is a no-brainer here. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's why:
Boost for MBA Applications: MBB experience is highly regarded by top MBA programs globally. Admissions committees value the brand, the rigorous problem-solving skills you’ll develop, and the leadership opportunities MBB provides. This will significantly strengthen your MBA application, especially when paired with a strong GMAT score.
Career Rebranding: Transitioning from a middle office role at a BB to MBB is a major step up in terms of career trajectory. MBB will open doors to a broader range of post-MBA opportunities, including VC, PE, or even returning to IB at a higher level.
Timing and Experience: Spending 2-3 years at MBB before pursuing an MBA aligns perfectly with the typical pre-MBA work experience timeline. It also allows you to build a compelling narrative for your MBA application, showcasing your growth and impact in a prestigious consulting role.
Geographic Flexibility: While the MBB offer is outside the UK, this is not a disadvantage. MBB firms are global, and you can leverage internal mobility or your MBA to transition to your preferred location later.
Leaving the MO Role: Staying in a middle office role at a BB, even with CFA progress, is unlikely to provide the same level of career acceleration or MBA application boost as MBB. The move to MBB is a clear upgrade in terms of prestige, skill development, and future opportunities.
Next Steps:
In summary, taking the MBB offer is the best move for your career and MBA aspirations. It’s a golden opportunity to rebrand yourself and set the stage for a successful transition into front-office roles or other high-impact careers post-MBA.
Sources: https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/consulting/should-consultants-get-an-mba-8-scenarios-to-consider?customgpt=1, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Q&A: Strategy consulting Associate Partner offering career advice, Lateral hire from another consulting firm to MBB, I am a consultant at a non-MBB firm in London: Q&A
I think the Monkey Bot nailed it. Taking the MBB offer seems like a no brainier. It should make MBA applications easier, as well as finding a UK job in consulting. If you’re a top performer, you might even be able to transfer offices to the UK without the MBA. If not, it will be easier to transfer post MBA, you just might have to work at a different firm. Only reason I can think of not taking the MBB offer is if you really don’t want to leave the country, or that it’s a drop in pay and you really need the money.
Congrats on the offer.
Congrats on the MBB offer. Take it!
I actually agree with the Monkey Bot too and the other posters.
Taking the MBB offer will be a great branding opportunity on top of your BB experience, but in a much more client-facing role.
Not only that, the breadth of experiences through consulting will also be greater, which would enhance (1) your own business acumen & skills and (2) your exit opportunities and depth of experiences for an MBA application down the line.
Also, speaking from a utilitarian lens, you can get sponsored for your MBA through MBB and request a transfer to another office (e.g., London or somewhere else) afterwards (various levels of negotiations depending on business environment and sending office).
The only thing I'd invite you to think about more is: Why do an MBA if you're already able to go to MBB and want to stay in Europe/the UK? If you plan on going to the US, different story, vastly helpful, if you just want to go back to London and find some cool exits, MBB will be more than enough. You can still do an MBA as a "vacation" like many consultants do (inc. a lot of my friends)
Curious to know if you think MBB would still be the better choice than staying in MO if one doesn't want to pursue MBA?
I mean, on balance I would say yes, but objectively the answer is "It depends". If you're in MO at a BB, and you actually really like your job / vertical (e.g., sustainability, risk management), and you want to do more of that, then obviously staying is better.
If you want to have either more client facing roles in IB/Finance or broaden your exit opportunities, then yeah MBB or MBA (depending on your end goal) would be better suited, I would think
Appreciate all the advice! I ended up taking the offer and I’m looking forward to start. My question is that if we take the UK out of the equation, with an MBA would I be able to transfer offices to the US perhaps?
Or is it not common for MBB’s to sponsor visas for internationals (EU Resident if that helps)
I want to work in the states for a few years just to get a feel how it is there. Any thoughts appreciated!
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