Is an MBA worth it?
Currently a second year PE associate at a MM fund ($1bn+). A lot of friends/acquaintances from undergrad are now starting at business school. I never thought that an MBA was worth it (no MBA requirement at firm, didn't think it would add value for me, not sure I want to take 2 years off my career progression) but now I am re-thinking it when a lot of these smart people I know are doing it.
I think I want to stay in private equity and don't think a career pivot is in the books for me (not sure I'd want to do consulting or strategy/growth - whatever that means, feel like every job is strategy/growth nowadays) but hoping to hear from anybody in similar shoes who went through this decision recently. Thanks in advance.
I am studying for my GMAT now and will be applying for an MBA program next year. I have been researching for the past 2 years and have talked to TONS of alumnis, friends.
I see an MBA as a path to do something which I wouldn't otherwise be able to do. For example: changing an industry, and/or switching functions, and/or locations. If any of these apply to you, an MBA will be worth it. If none of these apply to you, an MBA is not worth it - UNLESS the company is forcing you to do so (which per your post, it isn't). People talk about doing it for the sole reason of network. I personally do not think the opportunity of network for 2 years is worth the bill of letting go your job(salary) and incurring the expenses. Some people also see it as a "vacation" - but that's a VERY expensive vacay.
Good Luck!
Decent reasons to get an MBA:
Bad reasons to get an MBA: