Talk me into doing an MBA (Europe)

MBA is a hot topic among most of my friends this time of the year which makes me think that maybe I should also consider it. I'm beginning to worry that not having the degree will limit my career options in the future since almost everyone seems to have it these days. I know MBA is a must in the US but what about UK and continental Europe? I'm in the UK now but plan to go back to continental Europe at some point.

The problem is, I don't really see much value in the degree. It seems to me that as a consultant I get to work on real problems for real companies and meet real clients, rather than doing theoretical case studies in a classroom - that must be more valuable, right? Maybe there is something I'm missing but if I decided to do the degree it would be purely for the CV entry and meeting new people. I really don't feel like going back to school, I've already been in education for 17 years (I have a MSc) and I feel like enough is enough. Additionally, there is always opportunity cost of lost income, even though I could probably get my company to pay the tuition.

Another thing to consider, I'm a 2nd year Consultant at MBB, I was directly promoted from associate after 2.5 years. It's too late to apply now so the earliest I could start the programme is Sep 2013. By then I would be finishing my 3rd year and hoping for a promotion to manager. If I do the MBA it would be postponed by at least 1.5 years (1 year degree plus at least 6 months to convince my superiors that I can do the manager's job; I'm not even considering 2-year degrees, if ever I would only do a one year programme like INSEAD).

Do you guys think I should do the MBA anyways and if so, why?

 

A couple of points to consider: - You don't do an MBA for case studies, courses, etc. You do it to expand your network and learn from your classmates. - Wait until your in your late 20's for an MBA. To be blunt, typically you don't know shit and neither will your classmates before you hit 28 or 29. If your 24-25 and doing an MBA, what could you possibly contribute to the conversation? (there are exceptions, but not many)

You're spot on with one-year vs two. Two years is way to long to be away from actual work.

INSEAD is a good school. However, I would also look into HEC, IMD, LBS and IE.

 

Thanks guys. Networking is definately a fair point. So from what you're saying it looks like the main value-add of MBA is being in the same place with like-minded people who are able to pay thousands of dollars/euros/pounds for the opportunity. Doesn't sound like a great deal to me (well, it's a great deal for business schools) but I guess that's the way it is.

For the record, I'm 27 so I would be starting at the age of 28 with 5 years of work experience. I still think I have tons to learn but yeah, 24 and doing an MBA sounds way too early

 
Enid:
...So from what you're saying it looks like the main value-add of MBA is being in the same place with like-minded people who are able to pay thousands of dollars/euros/pounds for the opportunity...

Who said this?

There were quite a few people on scholarship, some of which were part of the Kofi Annan scholarship fund (developing and emerging market entrepreneurs).

I think you might be simplifying it a bit. Why don't you experience it before making a critique?

 

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