Just started a new job a few months ago -- should I apply for MBA this round or wait?

I worked in big4 audit for 2.5 years and started a new job a few months ago in the corp strategy group of a F100. The job is way better and I am learning a ton. I am planning on going for my MBA to hopefully pursue banking post-MBA. what I am wondering is, is it too early for me to apply this round since I just started this job a few months ago? My managers are aware I want to go to for my MBA eventually, but I have no idea how they would react if I told them I want to apply this round. I am not even sure if they would give me letters of rec since I've only been here since February. so what do you guys think? I feel like I am ready to start an MBA in ~14 months and do not want to spend an extra year beforehand if it is not necessary. at the same time, I don't want to burn any bridges by looking to leave so quickly after joining this team.

6 Comments
 

Do they help with part-time MBA tuition? You might find you like ithe job a lot and decide to just do a PT program. Personally, I'd probably wait another year. Are you that dead-set on banking even though you enjoy your current job and are learning a ton?

 

I really enjoy the job but there's clearly a ceiling you will reach without an MBA + banking/consulting experience. down the road i could see myself possibly ending up back in a group similar to the one i am in now but i realize it will be difficult to almost impossible to organically work your way up the ranks here. the group does not support you for an MBA nor would i ask them to as I would want to switch into banking post-MBA.

getting the job was difficult. all the ppl higher up have top tier MBA's with banking/consulting exp. at the junior levels, i'd say about a 1/3rd come from banking/consulting, 1/3 hired straight from undergrad/masters, 1/3 internal transfers from other groups within the company. i fall into none of these groups so i am kind of an anomaly

 
Best Response

This is a difficult decision. I know you don't want to stall for another year, but most companies would like at least a two year commitment from you before you leave to go back to school If I hired a guy and I found out within months that he was looking to leave to go to school, I'd be quite annoyed. Applying now could have a very material impact on how you are treated for your 14 months there. If you apply next fall you'll matriculate with five years of experience, which is well within the "target experience range" for many of the top programs. I'd say suck it up and wait personally.

For reference, I joined a new company a couple summers ago when I hit my four years of experience mark. I would have loved to apply to get my MBA that fall, but I talked to the partners prior to my joining and they were not supportive of my sticking around for only a year. So I agreed to wait the extra year and things have worked out great for me. My point: The advice I'm giving you is exactly what I did when I was in your situation.

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