Hi everyone -
I've blessed to be in the position of having gotten into both HBS and Wharton's MBA programs, the latter with a substantial ($$$) scholarship that would allow me to graduate debt free.
However, I'm in a predicament... I actually love my job (which just so happens to be a popular campus recruiting opportunity for HSW), and am paid quite well for it (~$240K cash). For most intents and purposes, I'd actually hope to return to my job post-MBA albeit with the experience and network a top MBA provides in the hopes of rising to senior leadership in my firm over time. The kicker is that my firm will not sponsor or hold my spot on the team for me, so I'd be taking a massive risk to leave.
I am in good standing at the firm, but the best I can hope for is an open door conversation when I graduate.
Question: Am I crazy for potentially turning down HBS or Wharton to stay at my job? Have any of you made similar decisions in the past? Do you regret either taking the MBA or turning it down?
My personal lean is to go to HBS; even with the debt relative to Wharton, I feel confident I can pay it off quickly and I believe the network and branding will pay off over time. However, I hope to challenged on this so I can make the right decision for myself long-term.
Thanks everyone!
You’ll be making way more than $240k in 90% of the jobs you’ll get out of an MBA from HSW.
Is that actually the case? I think that's true if you do consulting or banking, but I'm not inclined to pursue either of those (I work in an 'exit opp' from either of those functions). Expected value of first year compensation in HBS' career website is $220K based on the data, and my industry is known for paying less because it's a "passion industry"...
2 Cents - all things equal if a CEO position were between someone with HBS and without, I have to imagine most boards would go with the person that checked that box.
I’m currently at HBS. I would pick HBS. I’m 100% debt, self LBO. You can look up the career data and everyone does well after. It’s hard to put a value on the network. Kinda crazy your firm wouldn’t even hold a spot for you. I think HBS would open your eyes to so many things that would’ve never been on the radar / an option.
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