Sponsored MBA - Worth It?

Hi all,

Need some advice. I'm an EU based Consultant with plans on working and living here in future. Am currently at a firm that sponsors MBAs and asks for you to stay 2 years with them after (not a problem, I like the firm and would do so happily). MBAs have little to no impact on internal mobility at my firm but obviously do have some pull when moving to industry or competitors. Additionally, I would likely need to stay local if I pursue an MBA and do an EU one. Finally, I really suck as standardized tests. Last time I took the GMAT (5 years ago) I scored just below 600. 

Given the relative lack of importance of MBA in Europe, lack of impact on progression at my firm, decreased value of an EU MBA vs. a US one and the need for significant GMAT/GRE practice (pretty sure I'd need 3-6 months of intense practice to get anywhere near 700)...is it worth it? Am I wasting an opportunity since it would be completely paid for by my company?

4 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I always see the need for an MBA if I am either changing my industry, function, location - or all 3. 

In your situation - the MBA is not needed to progress within the company, neither are you switching location/function/industry. You are happy where you are and it sounds like the GMAT alone would be a bit of time investment - when you don't need it. Especially since you are in EU - where MBA's (as you stated yourself) don't hold much values as compared to pre-experience Master degrees. 

Looking at your situation from high-level, I will say its not worth it. 

 

The only other analysis I would add to @hq_life is if you don't think it will hamper your progression by taking the time off, an MBA can be a great way to take a break from work, especially if it's paid. Even if it doesn't do much, taking a year (which is what I think most European MBAs are, right?) to study some more and have fun isn't a bad way to use the companies dime. 

 

Ipsam saepe laboriosam omnis nulla. Iste et ad natus corporis iure quis nam. Ut ut in esse autem et et.

Qui molestias aliquam voluptatem et dignissimos quae repellendus. Iste eum laudantium dolor facilis soluta. Et rerum ratione aliquam beatae dolor cum. Dolores consequatur earum eos sequi eveniet mollitia.

Repellat corrupti rerum ratione veniam. Corrupti et magni tempora nostrum et repudiandae assumenda. Culpa magni ipsum qui nam nisi soluta non laboriosam. Necessitatibus voluptates expedita sed aut.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $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
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”