5 Year BS/MBA Program at Wharton

I am going to be a Junior at Wharton and I'm considering our competative 5 year undergraduate/MBA program. The way it works if instead of graduating in 4 years with a BS you graduate in 5 years with an MBA. I've heard mixed reviews of the program though as some people have told me that, since a graduate of this program has only minimal work experience, you don't gain much of an advantage in hiring over your peers who have spent the last year working.

If someone could offer me advice from your side equation it would be highly appreciated.

13 Comments
 

why not find out from the career office how people placed in the past??

1st OR 2nd year analyt OR associate.. i'm sure they have those statistics

 
Best Response

An MBA is a good asset once you have work experience, 'cause only then you can share your experience and really appreciate the added value of the program. The networking opportunities are great, but trully enhanced only if you can contribute to the group. Go for BS, work three years, and get back for an MBA is what I would do.

 

first of all, no offense to the poster, but this is a program that is almost impossible to get into, so the point is probably moot. i'm at wharton, and a friend of mine is doing the program. you will be an associate out of the program, but the experience issue is a factor.

basically what it comes down to is agressiveness and impressing potential employers. the theory is that anyone who is capable enough to make it into the program will be successful is demonstrating the competence and maturity required for the job.

 

It all depends on the first job/career path. I know in many cases that trading desks in IB specifically do not want to hire MBAs. However, there are many other career paths in IB and outside IB that look for MBAs.

 

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