Need advice - does it make sense for me to do an MBA?

Currently working on my applications for H/S/W this year but the more I prepare for it, the more I question if this actually makes sense for me. My background is per the below:

  • Oxbridge Graduate

  • 3 years as GS/MS/JPM IBD analyst, jumped to large-cap infrastructure PE, worked as associate for 3 years

  • Currently VP/AVP/Senior associate (title depends on firm; think 6 years of total experience) in London

  • Not too sensitive about tuition; saved more than tuition + living costs for 2 years, but think that in the longer term $200k+opp cost is something that can be paid as it's a small fraction of career earnings

As to why I was considering an MBA: 1) wanted to relocate to new region post graduation; potentially to Asia as closer to family, 2) wanted to get out of infra as generalist PE is more interesting, 3) expose myself to a different environment (entrepreneurship-friendly) as I didn't get a chance in Oxbridge as it was very academics-focused.

The issue is, I'm not 'dead set' on starting my own business, so 3) is more a plus, i.e. if I get to find the right people around the right idea I would like to give a serious shot to start up my own business, but otherwise I'm happy with being an investor (just not infra in London) for the longer term.

If that's the case, I'm thinking that 1) is something I can do without an MBA - I can move laterally to the New York office / other offices in Asia within my team and 2) is something I might be able to do also without an MBA, albeit it seems to be quite difficult at the moment. Might need some pay cut / smaller fund though. I've been hearing that if I do an MBA now as an experienced associate, when I graduate and try to land a job at a large-cap generalist PE (as my wish) I will be put in the new associate pool which means it's effectively a 5-year career setback (3 years of my associate experience + 2 years of MBA). Even putting the opportunity cost aside this seems a bit too much just to re-align my career. Keen to understand the prospects of working again at my level of seniority (i.e. senior associate/VP) post graduation.

I'm also keen to understand the value of the H/S/W MBA degree in my case - do you think it'll add much value given my bachelor's was in Oxbridge? I'm getting some feedback that this should be enough to 'unlock opportunities in the western world, if not all', and also that people won't care much about my academics at this point anyways given I've worked for 6 years. Maybe for networking purposes but would it matter much?

I'm looking for real experiences - those you've seen who's done an MBA. Your class cohort. Your bosses. What are the examples that might help support / weaken my MBA thesis? If I was your brother/sister, what would be your recommendations? Given the size of the audience I'm expecting some good advice that could really firm up my views. Happy to give more context / info through comments if helpful.

 

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