Experienced and MBA Candidate

Question

Hello Everyone!

I would like to share my case and gently ask for a feedback and probably a good strategy ?

I am an O&G professional with 15 yrs total experience, and 8 years experience as an operations manager in complex geographies, where I led teams to exceed client's expectations and delivered exceptional results. Recently I have decided to join the consultancy club, and I have been invited to Mckinsey PSG test (thanks for the good materials and packages found here), in the meantime, I have been accepted in a Part-time MBA program at one of the European schools, starting in Q4 2022.

Apart from my experience and industry knowledge, do you think the Part-time MBA would add value during the interviews? Also, could you please share experience of people who have had similar cases as mine in the MBB?

Many thanks in advance ☺️

Answer 1

Hi there,

That's an interesting case!

A few thoughts:

Most of the time, MBAs are useful in consulting because they can make you more attractive to recruiters and because they get you hired directly as an Associate (as opposed to an entry-level role like Business Analyst). However, if you have already so much professional experience, I believe it makes less sense to do one, since you're likely considered for Associate anyway.
You can still do an MBA once you get into consulting and the firms pay for it. So you could consider starting with one of the firms, working for a year or two, then taking a break to do an MBA and then coming back to work.
You won't be able to do MBA and work at the same time, even if the MBA is part time. I believe most firms have a sort of condition in the contract that prevents you from doing that.

Hope this helps!
Best,

Cristian

Answer 2

Hi there,

I think we had some personal contact already - but here's my take for others to read:

O&G professionals are generally desired if they can manage the transition from having a technical operator mindset to having a more integrated mindset and serving clients.

I went from being to Petroleum Geologist for 6+ years (many different countries, independent oil companies) to becoming an Ops Consultant for McKinsey (unrelated to O&G). Between those two experiences, I did an MBA at a target school (ESADE) but I don't think this is a must.

As for your case, I would recommend the following:

Be clear about what attracts you to MBB i.e. expert or generalist track, working more in O&G or exploring other industries, etc.
Be clear about your own value proposition to date in relation to your ambitions - you may or may not increase your chances of getting by getting additional vocational training/education e.g. part time MBA
If you're doing for an MBA in order to get into MBB, don't waste your time with a mediocre program and do the real thing instead i.e. top ranked EMBA - my personal view though is that an (E)MBA at this point won't be the right move

A coaching session will probably be quite helpful where someone like myself (Experienced Hire at McKinsey, fellow O&G “transitioner”) can give you much more detailed feedback and guidance.

Let me know if you'd like to talk. For now, I hope this helps a bit!

Answer 3

Hello!

I would never advise anyone to judge whether to do or not and MBA only due to how this may look for MBB job hunting, since it´s still a very “small chance”. An MBA is a huge time and money commitment that needs better reasons behind.

Furthermore, I don´t think that with your level of experience an MBA is the right move now. You would be surrounded by people who are much younger and much less experienced than you.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

Hi there,

I agree with the others, I'm not so sure a part-time MBA is required! This is supported by the fact that you have been invited to Mckinsey's PSG.

I would say, try a round of applications/networking/interviews this year. If nothing bears fruit you can always do the part-time MBA next year!

Here's some fit advice for your interviews: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/tell-me-about-yourself-interview-question

And some casing advice: https://www.preplounge.com/en/articles/how-to-shift-your-mindset-to-ace-the-case

Answer 5

Doing the MBA will not help you significantly in preparing for case interviews, if that is what you are asking.

Answer 6

Hello there,

the more work experience you have the less weight your education (depending obviously on the experience, value, progression you did, etc.) It can definitely bring a value having part time MBA, but it is not a deal breaker.

We do have many experts at BCG without MBA or top tier schools (myself).

Feel free to reach out if you have any specific answer as an experienced hire. I have 13 yrs industry experience and no consulting background prior joining BCG as part of their leadership team.

Good luck

Lucie

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Answer 7

I totally agree with Clara -

The other thing I will add is that you are far to senior to join MBB post and MBA. They are quite strict at hiring at the consultant level where you find people between 5 to 10 years of experience. People who enter with 7-8 years or more of experience already think it is a step down. So if I were you, I would really think about that and possibly work on joining as a lateral hire manager/ specialist in your field.

Answer 8

100% agree with Clara!