MBA vs non-MBA experienced hire

Expectations are higher for MBA but evaluation critera are same & standard across.

In general, expectations to an MBA and a non-MBA experenced hire that apply for the same tenure is similar. But if you're applying with an MBA and you struggle to understand basic concepts from accounting, finance, market, etc. then this will raise a few red flags.

Hi there,

 Very similar question just asked (the same answers apply)! 

https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/current-consultants-evaluation-10816

Officially/objectively, the bar is the same across all candidates for a given role. This is true in that you are all measured across the same criteria in the same way. However, there are of course higher implicit expectations and this can skew ratings down a bit if you're not as knowlegeable as they'd expect someone in your level to be.

This is especially true when it comes to the behavioral piece as well as you knowing concepts that are specifically taught during an MBA (i.e. ROI, NPV, etc. etc.)

It comes down to what position you're considered for. Some firms will take you in at the MBA-equivalent tenure or similar, given other pre-requisites (specific work experience, Master's degree, etc.), in that case expectations should similar to an MBA hire, with the exception that you should be relatively familiar with basic business/accounting concepts as an MBA candidate.

Otherwise, if you're a fresh grad or worked for 1-2 years, you'd probably be considered for an entry level position, meaning you won't be expected to be familiar with the corporate world, not just in the accounting/business end, but also in terms of understanding the basics of social/professional norms, hence the lower expectations

Finally, if you're in a target MBA school, you might actually find the process easier (I did) because: 

1) Firms will assume there's a reason you got into the MBA - hence they'll scrutinize your application a little less

2) If your profile fits the location/firm you want, you'll have little to no networking to do

3) The actuall interview process might be easier (I did 2 instead of 3 interview rounds with MBB as an MBA, 3 rounds as pre-MBA hire) 

Hope this helps!