My school (non target) offers a fast track MBA, 12 months right after undergrad. Bad move?

School, like title, is a non target that essentially is offering a 5th year of schooling right after undergrad for MBA. Bad career move? Even if there’s previous relevant intern experience and could possibly recruit for intern role while in the program?

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You won't really get any benefit of the MBA.

The main feature of an MBA program is networking. The secondary features are career switching and possibly learning a few things. By having a few years of career experience, you can refresh on some concepts and use actual experience to apply to learning/ problem solving. Having a network of other undergrads doesn't help much at this point, and you don't need to switch careers because you don't have one.

By hopping right into an MBA program, you really lose a lot of benefits. You're still an inexperienced hire, just with an MBA. You're expecting a higher comp range, with no additional skills.

My advice is to get a job and go back to get an MBA with purpose, not just rolling into another year of school. 

 

Best not to, 

You can always do an MBA from a better ranked school, few year's later down the line. 

If you get a namesake MBA (that is what your current option looks like), you preclude your options to later enter a better school, career switch better etc. 

Purpose is not to have an MBA, it is to do a competitive MBA that will give everyone the benefit of the doubt, and help you make some wild career moves. How will doing an MBA in the same non-target help you when you still inexperienced?

Good luck! you have time

 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, pursuing an MBA immediately after undergrad, especially from a non-target school, is generally not recommended. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. Recruiter Interest:

    • Recruiters often prefer candidates with more work experience. As mentioned, "95% of recruiters won't be interested in you because you don't have enough work experience/are too young."
  2. Networking and Local Opportunities:

    • Networking is crucial. Focusing on local shops and continuously networking can increase your chances of success. "Networking is going to be key here. And focusing your efforts on local shops should give you a higher chance of success."
  3. MBA Value:

    • The value of an MBA is significantly higher when you have work experience. "DO NOT get an MBA right out of undergrad."
  4. Career Path and Opportunities:

    • An MBA can be a fast track in certain companies, but it is often more beneficial for those already on a career path. "Many of these companies use MBAs as a pipeline for positions/salaries not afforded to people without."
  5. Risk Management:

    • Consider where you are starting from and the potential risks. "It's all about risk management and where your starting place is."
  6. Alternative Paths:

    • If you are from a non-target school, aggressively networking and gaining work experience might be more beneficial. "Aggressively networking" and "building experience for a resume" are crucial steps.

In summary, while a fast-track MBA might seem appealing, it is generally more advantageous to gain work experience first, especially if you are from a non-target school. This approach will make you a more attractive candidate to recruiters and provide a stronger foundation for your career.

Sources: Am I Thinking About an MBA Wrong?, Failed to "Break In" at my MBA Program - Next Steps?, Journey from Worst Possible Applicant, Took an Associate job at a tiny firm, how screwed am I?, Non-Target hustled like hell, got offer at BX/Apollo/KKR, but feeling urge to get prestigious degree?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

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