Will companies pay for you to pursue an MBA or MSRE?

I’m sure this is not common, requires a certain time commitment to the company after graduating, and must be working full time at the company while enrolled. But I’m curious to hear if this happens and if so how common and what types of companies do so?

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Based on previous WSO threads, companies do sometimes pay for employees to pursue an MBA or MSRE, but it is not very common and usually comes with certain conditions. Here are some key points:

  1. Time Commitment: Companies that sponsor advanced degrees often require a certain time commitment to the company after graduation. This ensures that the company benefits from the employee's enhanced skills and knowledge.

  2. Full-Time Employment: Typically, employees must continue working full-time at the company while enrolled in the program. This can be challenging but allows the employee to apply what they learn in real-time.

  3. Types of Companies: Larger firms, especially those in finance, consulting, and real estate, are more likely to offer such sponsorships. These companies often have the resources and see the value in investing in their employees' education.

  4. Conditions and Requirements: The sponsorship often comes with conditions such as maintaining a certain GPA, choosing a program that aligns with the company's needs, and sometimes even selecting from a list of pre-approved schools or programs.

While it does happen, it's important to have a clear understanding of the company's policies and the potential obligations before committing to such an arrangement.

Sources: MSRE vs. MBA decision - looking for opinions based on my situation/interests, MSRE, MSRED, MBA-RE, etc: ONLINE, Entry Level Development Roles - MRED Necessary?

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

Posting anon to not out myself.

I got into H / S / W and worked in MF REPE prior to applying. Had the convo about my firm paying for MBA and it was a firm no. Unfortunately, my firm has never sponsored anyone's MBA, but a handful of other MFs do like Bain.

My firm did try to retain me by offering immediate promo/increased comp, but decided to go with the MBA route in the end. 

 
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If you are into MF and structured finance products, both Fannie and Freddie offer to pay for your MSRE. Both have locations and connections to NYU and Georgetown, which have really good MSRE programs. I honestly think FHFA has it as well, but not sure. The time commitment I'm unsure about before the clawback is waived. 

The nice thing about these companies is that they pay below the IB side, but the time commitment to your daily life is straight 35-45 hours. You can do accelerated coursework, and get on a coverage team for, say, JLL, CBRE, MSRE, or another lender. Or really luck out and be on the POC team for a Berkshire or Oaktree and hop over after 3-4ish years

 

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