I'm a second-year analyst wrapping up at MBB in the next couple of months. I'm heading to a two year MBA, then returning to MBB.
For those who have taken a similar path - or know people who have - what did they look to get out of business school? My understanding is that many people spend half or more of their time trying to find their post-MBA job, and I've got that part figured out.
Were they focused on building specific skills, exploring other areas of interest, or taking leadership roles on campus? Or did they just treat it like a two year vacation? I'd like to come away from this feeling like my firm paid for more than me to dick around for a couple of years.
Appreciate any thoughts / stories y'all can share.
The folks at my MBB who came back said they spent a lot of time on little side projects that they had been thinking about but never had the time for. Another thing they did was spend time trying to find a really cool summer internship, something way unrelated to MBB but hard to get nonetheless.
Side projects are a good idea. On internships, because of the way my firm is financing it, I'm required to work at MBB the summer in between - otherwise I would definitely look to lock down something outside consulting.
Score some grade-A undergrad poon.
Most people I know just treated it as a vacation. The majority took classes to develop themselves on a personal level (leadership/emotional intelligence/public speaking/golf). Depending on the program you are in, you can take classes with undergrads, so explore an interest like photography or try a new language (a few stanford GSBers I know did this).
Ultimately the consensus I hear from those that are returning to a job is fairly similar. Be as sociable as possible to expand your network, try to figure out if your are interested in anything else, don't waste your time trying to expand you skill set with overly technical classes (you will be moving towards a more managerial roll anyway).
Hope this was helpful and best of luck.
MBA to work on my golf game sounds like a dream!
MBB pays for your MBA? And how did you have time to take the GMAT and prepare applications just 1 year into the job? Props to you buddy.
They do for some - not for everyone. Also, some people that are solid planners take the GMAT immediately after school, knowing time will be limited once starting at MBB, and knowing that the score is good for 5 years. If you assume 2-3 years at MBB, then MBA, you're golden.
Dunno if OP is that guy though - maybe he's just that good :)
That's right - at my firm I think ~60% of US analysts get offers to come back.
I'm not that good, tbh - I'm an unusual case. I started at MBB in a non-client facing role (e.g., research / analytics), and took the GMAT during that time. Then I transitioned to a consulting role ~2 years ago.
But the applications were tough - our winter break was kind of a bummer, waking up at 6 am to work on applications before heading out snowboarding.
Don't they finance the MBA for everybody who they want to keep after the second year? That's at least the story they tell in German recruiting presentations
That winter break is definitely tough...was in the same boat this year...but at least you got results! (though right now, I'm happy I'm not going next year, so all is well)
At my firm, it's around 75% of people get the offer to have their MBA financed...but I'm relatively certain you have to tell them you want the option before they decide. If you're on-track for promotion, you're generally on-track for sponsorship.
I took the GMAT in undergrad because I applied to 2+2...so it's still good for another year or two.
I am planning on using my time at school to test out some entrepreneurial stuff...I'm naturally risk averse but want to challenge myself, and this seems like the best way to do it. Also planning on building out my network in my long-term area of interest...I see myself going back to MBB for a few years after B-School, but probably out by 30.
I actually have two questions about these kinds of sponsorships, since I'm looking at hopefully trying to break into MBB out of college in the next year.
1) How many years do such sponsorships require you to stay with the firm after business school? 2 years? 4? 2) Would MBB ever sponsor a joint degree? Say MBA/MPA, or MBA/MPP, or even MBA/JD if the person was good enough to get into them? Would this increase the number of years the person had to stay?
Thanks!
twp392
Classmate of mine is having her firm (not MBB) pay for her MBA/MPH degree (3yrs). Don't know if she has to stay on longer, but it is being paid for.
At my firm (not MBB) the rule is that you have to stay for the same duration as your degree takes. So if you do a one year MBA at one of the European business schools you commit yourself to stay with the firm for one more year afterwards, whereas if you go to the US you usually have to stay for two more years.
Degrees that take longer are not supported by the company.
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