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Anonymous A
on Jan 28, 2019
Global
I want to receive updates regarding this question via email.

MBA Candidate Applying for MBB Firms

Hello prep lounge community,

In regards with those of you who have MBA and is applying/working for MBB firms, i'm just curioys on how did you guy financed your MBA?  Was it sponsored by one of the firms? Or did you dig from your own pocket?

Essentially i'm considering MBA, but it is very expensive and i am not sure is it worth doing, if it only helps you getting through the door. I'm sure you get to build good network and learn a lots of stuff through an MBA, but those can also be achieved through a good and suitable job/role?

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Top answer
Cristian
Coach
on Nov 30, 2023
#1 Rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | Verifiable success rates

Hi!

That's a great question. 

Sharing with you a resource that might help you understand how to approach the MBA school selection process but also challenge you on the assumption of whether or not you need such a program:

  • Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?


Best,
Cristian

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Guennael
Coach
on Jan 28, 2019
Ex-MBB, Experienced Hire; I will teach you not only the how, but also the why of case interviews

Do not apply for an MBA only because you want to join MBB => in the best of case, your odds are still pretty bad.

An MBA is an investment in time and especially money. At least in the business world, it will often open doors ("job opening or promotions basically requiring an MBA), and your comp will usually be much greater after the degree than before. It is not a guarantee however, and depending on what you do before and where you want to go, it may not be what you should do.

Can you give us more details on your background, what you do today and what your objective is? Is it strictly to join MBB?

PS: Honestly, if you get in MBB, paying for your MBA won't be an issue - regardless of how you financed it

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Vlad
Coach
on Jan 28, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

It really depends on your background, country economy and the school.

Top3 schools give generous scholarships if:

  • Your average salary was below a certain level (easy for a country with huge currency fluctuations)
  • The company is not sponsoring you (you don't take the sponsorship)

To give you some sense - my scholarship at HBS was 70% of the tuition. + I got an extra 20% scholarship while studying (90% of the tuition in total). If I had my MBA sponsored by McKinsey I would never get any scholarship.

On the contrary - if it is not a TOP Tier school / you are sure you want to go back to consulting - sponsorship is a good way to go.

Best

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Deleted user
on Sep 21, 2020

Hi A,

To be answered properly, your question lacks a bit of information. What is your final goal and why exactly are you considering MBA?

I agree with Guennael that MBA is going to be quite an investment so you need to be clear about the objectives.

Best,

André

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Clara
Coach
on Nov 18, 2020
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

100% agree, there is much more to consider in order to do an MBA than the door to consulting. Basically, since even a top MBA does not guarantee you ANYTHING. 

Good luck!

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