HBS 2+2 / Wharton Deferred - applying from Europe
Interested in hearing peoples views on the value of HBS / a Wharton MBA for those who plan on ending up in continental Europe / London over the long term.
Recently discovered the HBS 2+2 program, and before I commit to preparing for the GMAT etc., I was wondering if anyone on this forum has been in a similar position and could share their experience.
Clearly, it would require a significant investment of time and effort to put together a competitive application, and before doing so it would be good to hear if anyone who was successful in the process feels it was worthwhile. More broadly, how are MBA's viewed in the European job market?
Not too sure about what I want to do long term which I guess is where the initial appeal lies. Will be spending the summer at EVC/CVP/PJT in London and hopefully will convert and join as an analyst next year. Can't work out whether after an IB analyst stint, taking two years out to go and do an MBA is a waste of time / money for European candidates.
Thanks in advance for any thoughts
Unless your profile is insanely good, you have an almost 0% chance of getting into 2+2/Deferred programs.
Why? Because OP is in finance? These programs aren't exclusive to STEM majors like some on this website would have you believe.
OP, if you have the goods to get a SA position at EVC/CVP/PJT in London you're likely to be a competitive applicant academically and professionally. Ace the GMAT (730+), develop a compelling story for "Why MBA?" and you definitely have a shot. I'm in the US and so can't comment on the value of an MBA in Europe, but the great thing about these 2+2 programs is they give you optionality. If you get in but then decide 2-4 years later it's not worth going, then don't go. You only lose out on the time it took to do the apps and the $1,000 deposit you have to pay to secure your spot. In the grand scheme of things, that's really not that much compared to the freedom having been admitted to HBS/Wharton would give you during your Analyst/Associate years.
Source: I'm a non-URM at MBB in the 2+2 program at HBS
Have u heard of anyone getting to deferred mba program with a lower GMAT like 700?
You don’t need an MBA in Europe. Most people use it to change industries completely. But it won’t hurt you to do an MBA. Consider though that it’s quite an expensive option for little upside in Europe. What is your end-goal?
Thanks very much realIy appreciated. I don't have much interest in traditional PE or staying in banking for longer than a few years. Am much more more interested in pursuing VC or early stage growth equity roles. I wondered if the network you would gain from an MBA could be useful for a long career in early stage investing?
Before doing this I'm keen to spend a few years within a firm that would be a target for such a fund doing Strategy / Operations to gain both perspectives. Would also help me confirm whether investing or a more operations type role is where I want to be long term. Seems that the option of an MBA could also provide optionality once I decide where I want to end up?
The VC community is usually quite indifferent to MBAs. What matters is your network. If you believe that you need an MBA to build your network then it may be worthwhile. If not it’s just pointless. I get that you want to see different things and end-up in VC long term and that having operational experience can add value, but you could always do something like this: 2 years of IB -> 2 years of GE -> move to one of your funds PortCo for 6months to a year and then just go back to your GE Fund or move to VC. It’s something that happens quite frequently to do a 6months rotation to an operational role.
Do you know of any firms that allow you to do both strat and ops? Also curious as to why you chose the EB route if your end goal is more VC
PM me.
GSB has a deferred program you should look into, as well. A lot more selective than the others, but might as well try
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