Second bachelor’s from Oxford after first bachelor’s?
How realistic is it to get an MBB consulting offer and defer it for two years to allow for obtaining a second bachelor’s degree in PPE from Oxford?
At Oxbridge, a second bachelor’s degree can be pursued on “senior status,” which makes the program length only two years rather than three. After some conversations I have decided I would like to pursue this to get the W/H/Y/P and the Oxford brand names in my CV. I’ve also considered Cambridge, but Oxford has a stronger brand name recognition in every single region of the world so for an international career long-term it would be better.
Is this viable? I may have to take some loans out but with an MBB offer lined up I should have it paid off without much stress in the medium-term.
Pursuing a second bachelor’s degree at Oxford on senior status while deferring an MBB consulting offer is a bold and ambitious plan, but it is not without challenges. Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s what you need to consider:
Deferring an MBB Offer:
MBB firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) are generally open to deferrals, but the approval is case-by-case and often depends on the reason for the deferral. Pursuing a prestigious academic program like a second bachelor’s at Oxford could be seen as a valid reason, especially if you frame it as a way to enhance your global perspective and intellectual foundation for consulting. However, you’ll need to communicate this clearly and strategically to the firm.
Viability of the Second Bachelor’s:
Oxford’s senior status program allows you to complete a second bachelor’s in two years, which is a significant advantage. PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) is a highly respected program and aligns well with consulting, as it develops critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The Oxford brand name is indeed globally recognized and could add significant value to your CV, especially for an international career.
Financial Considerations:
Taking out loans for the program is a reasonable approach, especially with an MBB offer lined up. The earning potential at MBB should allow you to pay off the loans relatively quickly. However, ensure you have a clear financial plan in place to manage living expenses and tuition during your time at Oxford.
Long-Term Career Impact:
Adding Oxford to your CV alongside an MBB offer can significantly enhance your profile, particularly if you aim for roles in international organizations, academia, or industries where the Oxford brand carries weight. However, consider whether the two-year investment aligns with your long-term goals and whether the opportunity cost (e.g., delaying your consulting career) is worth it.
Practical Steps:
In summary, while this path is viable, it requires careful planning and communication with both Oxford and your future employer. If executed well, it could be a transformative step for your career.
Sources: Turning down HBS/GSB/Wharton for the Promote-Through, Chances Of GSB Deferred / HBS 2+2 MBA Programs?, Got a SA Offer at BB...but I'm a current junior help!!, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions, 2nd Year Megafund Analyst -> 2-Year Sabbatical for 2nd Bachelors in UK (Oxbridge)?
You are so pathetic.
Never seen somebody make so much of an effort to find every single one of my posts to write a hate comment.
I browse only the school forum, and your deluded mentally ill posts keep coming up.
Why stop at two?
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Bump
How realistic it is to get a MBB offer and whether or not they’ll let you defer are two separate questions.
MBB likelihood will be based on your university’s outcomes annually. Deferring depends entirely on the firm and your rationale for requesting it. I know some banks have said no (a friend of mine got told no by GS to defer for Schwarzman Scholars aka a master degree) but I have no intel on MBBs tbh
Investment Banks rarely defer offers so I believe your GS story.
All MBB firms would allow for a 1 year deferral at least. For two years I’m still wondering. MBB is much more academic.
Yeah, I would suspect MBBs are more open to it but you won't know until you ask. Best way to guarantee it for you is try to find an alumni with a second bachelor's or master's degree program and ask them how they did it with consulting and see if you can get them to be your internal advocate.
Horrible bitch
Why would you get a second bachelor's? What?
Pete Buttigieg did it.
He was also a Rhodes scholar, so if you get that, sure I suppose
Following up....
I'm also confused on the prestige whoring here. If you have MBB offer, which sets your career up nicely. What are you obsessed with getting the Oxford stamp? What opportunities does it yield that your current university + MBB don't?
because Oxford is prestigious
It sounds like you have an answer already in your head that (a) Oxford is the most prestigious university globally and (b) that purists will only view undergraduate education as prestigious. So do a second bachelor's instead of a masters, if branding is the thing you're optimizing for.
However, I think purists will say a second bachelors is inferior to a first bachelor (e.g. you got into the institution for undergrad through the traditional process and had the classic Oxford experience). So, no matter what path you pursue, there's still going to be purists who view your affiliation skeptically.
There doesn't seem a logical reason for you to be doing this. You have an MBB offer. People go to the top unis to to get into MBB. As soon as you join the MBB that becomes the most important thing you have done in your career, not which uni you went to. If I saw someone with 2 UGs, I would be sceptical unless there was a great reason, even if it were an Oxford 'Senior Status' one - which, by the way, fewer people than you think will have ever heard of or know what it means.
In 2 years, you could be promoted at MBB and well on your way to a top exit if you wanted one, if not already. Instead, you might be throwing away an MBB offer (if they don't let you defer 2x) to redo a bachelor's for the sole purpose of impressing high schoolers who dwell on WSO. I guarantee you nobody else would care.
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I think it's somewhat accepted that a BA is the hardest to get into in terms of sheer competition. However, I would consider someone who did an MPhil + DPhil an 'Oxford man' (though I went to uni in London, so not 100%).
I really think there are marginal gains to be had in going for more 'prestige' if you already have a Harvard BA. If you want to do an MPhil at Oxford, go for it. You can't just 'do' a DPhil at Oxford; its a minimum of 4 years of your life dedicated to one single pursuit. But Harvard --> MBB may actually send a better signal, as you 'only' needed an undergrad degree to make the move.
Again, if you want my advice, it's to take the MBB offer and start work after your BA. All of the above becomes somewhat irrelevant (and silly to be honest) when you get a few years into your career. If you make moves only for 'prestige', you will never make it to the very top. That I can say for sure.
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Bro get a fucking life mate, there’s more to it than prestige and aura
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