Take the Promotion Money or Take the Dream School?

Hi Monkeys,

I haven't been here in a while but I've always loved the advice that this forum gives.

I am facing a bit of a dilemma that I would like your advice on:

I currently work in a F50 healthcare company after my MBA from a top 10 program. I've been offered A) an internal promotion to Director; B) an external Director role at a competitor; C) a fully-funded public policy masters (MPP/MPA) offer at a top program (think Harvard Kennedy or Princeton Woodrow Wilson).

Option C would be great as I think that I would really love the ability to spend two more years honing my knowledge of health policy and economics (I also like learning for the sake of learning). Additionally, in the long-term, I could see myself working in the public sector.

I am just struggling with the idea of leaving nearly 200K on the table for either options A or B. My head is telling A or B but my heart is saying C.

I would be graduating option C in two years debt free due to having paid off my MBA loans and the fact that the program (option C) is fully funded.

Any advice that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

2 Comments
 

Clearly, you're a smart individual that will get a good job in the future if you turn down these two offers.

Life is short, my advice is to stay in school if you can reasonably afford it and that's what you're passionate about doing.

Also, congrats on the offers / acceptance

 
Most Helpful

Esse deleniti in voluptas unde doloremque in. Consequatur nihil aliquid eum non est consequatur necessitatibus. Molestiae autem aut reprehenderit in eaque voluptatem laborum ut. Voluptatem dolores non consequatur ut. Enim voluptatibus eum quae repellat.

Quia cum eligendi quod quidem sed. Repellat iure consequatur repudiandae quibusdam dolores. Aut ducimus consequuntur hic numquam.

Ducimus ducimus quia alias delectus est aut. Nihil molestiae numquam ad dolores aliquid ratione. Consequatur autem ducimus quos praesentium enim odit.

Alias explicabo sit sit sint cumque. Minima neque harum molestiae qui placeat et. Reprehenderit ut aut animi eum corporis. Ut impedit reiciendis quos tenetur. Omnis sapiente praesentium voluptatem quo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $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
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
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...”