Big 4 to MBB? Master or MBA?

Hi everyone, I really need an advice because I’m feeling quite lost…

I am working at a big4 consulting firm(not strategy) and I’m not completely satisfied with where I am, I think I can do more impactful projects which are quite rare here. I’d ideally work at an MBB firm, but I don’t have enough qualifications for it (B.Sc with average grades and 2years of big 4 experience) - hence not even really worth trying.

I am thinking of how I can increase my chances do become more competitive on the job market, here are a few options:

1) wait for 1 year, become a senior associate and apply for an associate position at MBB (still very unlikely to get it)

2) Apply for a top masters program and if I get it put my big 4 job on hold - this will open up many opportunities

3) Wait for 1-2 years, become a Senior Associate and do an MBA - again, better job opportunities

I know it’s not perfect, but it bugs me that I “only” have an undergraduate degree. Have you been in a similar position? Please share your thoughts, what next step would you take if you were in my position?

P.S I have full respect for professionals with and undergrad, I just didn’t do so well in mine and need a second chance :)

Thank you!!

1 Comments
 

Similique aut natus veritatis beatae quaerat. Ipsum alias et in in dolor fugit. Laboriosam alias mollitia commodi adipisci.

Nisi qui enim ullam nobis beatae sint. Omnis necessitatibus consequatur reiciendis facilis est et velit. Rem ut ad hic officia. Placeat magni aut facilis libero qui.

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”