Dropping my MBA and get a full-time job?

Currently pursuing a top branded full-time MBA, but 1-1.5 years till graduation (i.e. mid/late 2020).

Solid prior experience in investment banking/corporate finance, and confident that I'm interview ready, and MBA adds limited value in terms of learning and polishing.

Have been approached by a few firms for experienced hires - some are very compelling opportunities. We all know that the economy is entering into late stage, and recession/hiring freeze could be around the corner.

Should I go hard with the existing interview processes, and take the job / drop my MBA should I get it, or say no, and wait till 2020 to finish my MBA first?

Eager to hear the forum's opinions.

 

I would finish what you started unless you are passing up on a once in a lifetime career opportunity. Figure out a way to keep those leads warm for another 12 months. Getting this close to the finish line of a top MBA only to quit based on your prediction of the hiring cycle etc could be a big mistake. If we are entering a tough cycle wouldn't you want as many letters after your name as possible?

 

Let me give you a bit more context around my situation. Note the names used below do not reflect reality, but close.

  • 5 yrs with Morgan Stanley covering diversified industrials and TMT in Australia; left as senior associate
  • MBA at Wharton; doing MBA for family reasons to move to the US
  • Lined up for interviews with the likes of Silverlake, Carlyle, etc for associate positions that require immediate start; MBA not required, and recruiters hinted can get part-time MBA later on the job

Frankly, albeit nice to have a Wharton stamp on my resume, I don't need an MBA from a learning perspective, and I haven't learned anything new so far.

Suppose I do well in interviews, show sufficient commitment, and eventually get a job with Silverlake in July. Should I drop Wharton?

 
Most Helpful

Assuming these positions are partner-track rather than pre-MBA associate roles, then yes, drop the MBA. You're listing positions that are seen as some of the very best offers you can get coming out of a top MBA program. If you can obtain one without the MBA, then why wait? If not for offers like these, why were you getting an MBA in the first place?

Have you spoken to your Dean or admissions office about the possibility of resuming your studies at a later date? If they signal that they'd let you come back, then this seems like a no-brainer.

 

Positions are not pre-MBA associates.

Reason for doing the MBA in the first place is for the geographical transition to the US. Frankly, I should have tried to find a job directly.

Not yet had detailed discussions with the school as I'm just half way through the interview process. But will explore part-time MBA (if needed later on) should the school warm up to the idea.

First things first, get and secure a job offer. Not waiting till after that to ask the forum for opinion because the same question will come up during the interview, and I'm expected to make a firm discussion fast.

 

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