BA/MPH Dual-Degree - Will it kill a consulting career?
Hi all! I'm a student at HYPS majoring in Econ and wanting to go into Management Consulting (MBB or Big 4, etc.) soon (i.e. for the junior internship and then for 1-2 years out of college). Broadly though, I think I'm interested in international and economic development - especially in health - or working in Corp Dev/Strat within the healthcare/pharmaceutical industry. That's a big range, I know.
Here's the question:
My school has a 5-year BA/MPH program that seems convenient (I think I'm more likely to get in than a separate program, half the time, will be much less money for me, I already am familiar with the school, etc.). However, I know that this might put me in an odd place - overqualified for entry level positions (they won't want someone with a masters that they'll have to pay more) but underqualified for anything higher (given I will have no work experience).
Is this a career killer - for management consulting specifically, or other positions more broadly? Should I do it?
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Disclosure: Still in undergrad myself
I think generally reaching out to contacts that you have developed relationships with the firms you mentioned will provide the best context. The firms may have different views on the master's degree or they may have a separate program. I'm sure someone in the firms you've mentioned has done something similar or know someone who has.
Perhaps also discuss with the school's program admins what typical opportunities follow graduates and reach out to those graduates. Alternatively, if you get into one of those firms and stay a few years, chances are if you really wanted that degree you could dual degree MBA / MPH or just the one on scholarship/sponsorship.
Just some thoughts, best of luck!
Yeah, that makes sense re: asking people at the firm.
For the second bit, I don't think so- I would just be staying one extra year after my bachelor's to finish MPH classes, but that's already accelerated/can't combine with another degree/etc.
Regarding the second bit, I understand a reason that you're doing is that it's accelerated but look for the distinction: Are you simply doing the accelerated MPH because it's easy and convenient or because you really want to do it now? I understand it is a bit of both but try and decide which you lean on. If its mostly because it's convenient then it may not be worth it at this time and better to save it for later in your career where you could dual degree or simply use the MPH more targeted.
Either way, you're in a great spot, definitely, repost the answers you hear from the firms so others could check this page out.
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I could be completely wrong but I believe that MA and MSc holders start out in entry level positions just as undergrads. It is MBA and other advanced degree candidates such as PhDs, MDs, etc. that start out at a higher position. If this is correct then you wouldn’t face any disadvantage at all, but once again it would be great if someone else could verify this.
Thanks, very useful if true! Can anyone confirm?
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