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
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