Leaving MBB after 1.5 years for Harvard

If you already have your master’s admit, your decision should depend on two things: (1) what you want to gain from the degree, and (2) how clear you are on your post-master’s goals.

If consulting is your target, consider deferring your admit to build your consulting profile first—strengthen your experience, develop relationships with the firm, and even explore whether they can partially sponsor your degree.

If you go ahead with the master’s now, be smart about it: maintain strong ties with your current office, leave on good terms, and position yourself as a respected alumnus who can still leverage firm relationships. After your degree, you’ll have another shot at MBB or other top firms.

In short—don’t focus on “looking good from the outside.” Focus on strategic moves that make you valuable regardless.

Congrats, first of all! 

If I had to choose, I would probably stay for another year at the MBB before leaving. 

Why? Because typically the 2 year mark is when most employers or anybody who reads your CV considers you've absorbed the 'consulting toolkit.' 

It will be easier to find jobs and opportunities afterwards.

Still, I think that with an MBB background and a Harvard diploma it will be easy to get jobs anyway, so don't feel restricted by this. If it feels right to go now, go for it. 

It also depends on whether or not you'd want to return to this MBB. If yes, you could also consider discussing with them to freeze your role there so you could come back after the degree.

Good luck!
Best,
Cristian

I would suggest staying on for the extra year - you will likely get promoted and that can give you a leg-up in post-Harvard job prospects.

Plus the extra year will also help you become a better consultant and you will likely perform better in whatever MPP (and its relevant jobs) throw at you.

And finally, the extra year will help you figure out your life & work plan after the MPP with lot more clarity - maybe you decide to not pursue the MPP after the 1-year wait and carry-on in consulting - who knows?

2.5 years would look better than 1.5 years - yes, somewhat.

1.5 years would look worse than 2.5 years - no, not as much as you think.

In either case, you need to have a rock-solid personal storyline and rationale to have chosen what you will choose.