MBA Value - My Situation

Long story short, will be starting at EB full time and attended semi-target. Have already started to think about long term prospects like everyone else, particularly the value of an MBA. For someone who is already in investment banking, where I wanted to be, but doesn’t have the family connections and traditional school prestige from undergrad degree, is an MBA worth it in the future?

I’ve thought about it a lot, and would only do it if it meant attending a top MBA program. But say in my late 20s I wanted an excuse to take a 2 year break from IB and gain a powerful network, is that a good reason to pursue an MBA? Have no debt from undergrad, and can begin saving for future life/educational goals thankfully. Would appreciate any commentary, thanks!

2 Comments
 

I have heard of individuals pursuing an MBA just for that reason, but personally that would not be enough for me. 

Also - nothing comes for free. It's not like you all of a sudden get a 2 year break and strong network. You are looking at $200k in debt that you otherwise wouldn't have, months of studying for the GMAT, months of preparations for your MBA applications, interview prep, etc...
 

My thoughts - keep the MBA in the back of your mind. Study for the GMAT if you have the time to do so. Don't actually go for your MBA, unless you have an absolutely need for it. 
What may be some of your needs? Your firm may have an up and out policy. If you don't perform, maybe they want you to leave/do an MBA. If the long hours don't suit you, maybe you need an MBA to transition to another role (Tech - PM/Internal Strat/Corp Fin, Ext Cont, etc...). Maybe you want to break into PE, given you have IB experience - MBA may be a cherry on top to pursue it (not always required). 

 
Most Helpful

Omnis ad provident doloribus ad distinctio dolorum. Reiciendis voluptatem nesciunt et molestiae reprehenderit velit maxime. Quo libero deleniti nihil perferendis. Itaque dolore repellendus labore blanditiis. Autem totam blanditiis consectetur sint.

Cum quam aperiam repellat corporis quo qui eos ratione. Id labore repellendus natus quas optio et. Rerum ut consequatur est tempore. Deserunt voluptatem sunt harum dolorem possimus voluptatem. Repudiandae vel nemo voluptatibus dicta est error dicta. Et voluptates et debitis eius odit.

Est autem ipsam nam non dolor tempora qui fuga. Non animi dolores optio atque accusantium et. Praesentium quia qui et dolore provident et. Et sed est unde quaerat.

Minus sequi tempore eum. Voluptatem eligendi rem culpa maiores dolorem autem. Dolor officiis vel perferendis aspernatur velit et. Eveniet illo sunt quaerat quia quae facilis.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (47) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (74) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”