Returning to old company post MBA

Hello all!

Just wanted to gauge some opinions here, what do you guys think about returning to your old company post-mba? this is assuming that youre not being sponsored (MBB style) or having your company pay for it in any other way (part time or otherwise).

Will you be as valued as a freshly minted MBA student would be? Would you be less valuable because youve been there before and youre adding nothing new? would you be more vauable cause youve been there before and already know the system?

Any thoughts/experiences/opinions?

22 Comments
 

Ok, some hypotheticals here to help me just get an idea of why you think it depends...Say, F10 company, currently in R&D, went to top teir MBA (classify that as you may), would to go back in a corp finance/project finance position?

Thanks for your input!

 

Yea good points. I was also thinking that if you go back to the same company, they'll probably think you have no where else to go and can low ball you on an offer

 

Speaking of, any idea how hard getting into these rotational programs are? (major oil, GE, major tech). I heard theyre extremely difficult since youre compeating with the entire world not just 1 office

 
Best Response

Hi Angelina, I had a mentee who used to work at a huge investment firm and had two choices upon graduation from HBS -- to go back to her old firm in a corp strategy role (she was in client services before) or take a corp strat role at a major tech firm. I argued for her to switch jobs, and get broader experience, but she didn't listen to me. (they never do)

She went back to her old firm, (I think they ended up paying her some money for returning, although that was never part of the original deal), moved coasts, got involved in some completely exciting new stuff, and benefited from understanding the DNA of the company. Admittedly, she'd be really well-liked and would do well anywhere. She seems really happy with the choice.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

Oh wow so they actually valued her loyalty?

It's a question that very much depends on the persons reputation at work, and the value the company places on previous experience.

Either theyll love you for having so much company experince and familiarity..or.. They'll think your some loser who has nowhere else to go and that your lucky to be offered a job back

 

I think if they were in the latter camp -- thinking you are a loser -- they wouldn't give you a job in the first place.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

I think they would treat her like an MBA with experience. But your situation might be very different. I know from when this one woman was making her choice that salary was not going to be an issue. Don't overthink it. And like this woman, you can recruit all you want and weigh the options later.

Betsy Massar Come see me at my Q&A thread http://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/b-school-qa-w-betsy-massar-of-master-admissions Ask away!
 

If you return to your old company post MBA, how long are you going to stay there? Might need to be prepared to stay long-term otherwise it appears a little awkward on your resume.

The Auto Show
 
angelinajolieWhy do you think it looks awkward? say after you graduate you spend a year or two then leave? Dont people that make it into top consulting firms or banks usually leave after a couple of years anyway?

Yes, but that is more understood because it's up and out, also the lifestyle sucks, imagine being a VP, married with children and pulling 90 hour weeks, your spouse would want to kill you or as a principal in consulting being on the road 4 days a week. It's also understood that these experiences are more intense in terms of getting experience. Just by virtue of the longer hours you see and do more.

 

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If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses - Henry Ford
 

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