MBB for a non-target school. MIM or MBA?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am 27 years old and I graduated from the University of Paris Panthéon Sorbonne. I got a bachelor degree in economics and a master in strategic management.
I graduated last year and I work for a big four in IT consulting.
I would love to work in strategic consulting at MBB in central Europe but I know that my university is not a target school.
That's why I'm looking to you for advice on what path I should take to achieve my goal.
Considering my background and age should I do an MIM at HEC or LBS or wait and try an MBA at INSEAD or LBS?

Thank you

Answer 1

Hi Xavier,

This is indeed an interesting question which is probably relevant for quite a lot of users, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

Generally speaking, both options would academically guarantee that you would be considered a valid candidate since all universities are target universities.
The more important question to me would be whether you still want to work another year at your current employer since most MBA programs required 2+ years of full-time work experience.
Lastly, I would advise you to also consider the financial burden for both options.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best decide on your next career steps, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen

Answer 2

Hello!

If your question is, which one maximizes your chances to get hired in MBB, for sure the MBAs in the schools you mention. A million per cent!

However, doing or not an MBA -or a MiM, or one vs. the other- is a huge decision, one for which you should take many more things into consideration. The cost is huge, and also it´s a big time investment.

Feel free to reach out if you want to chat about MBAs and MBB :)

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

Answer 3

Hi Xavier,

An MBA is a far more optimal way to get into MBA than a MiM. So, if your only qualification for choosing a school is to get into MBB, then the MBA is the way. Of course, please to make sure to take other things into account (where you ultimately want to be, the type of work you enjoy, what you like to learn, the culture of the school/program, cost, etc. etc.)

Answer 4

Only an MBA at LBS or INSEAD is a target program, the others are much much harder for recruitment into MBB

Answer 5

Hi!

Xavier, I hope you found your path in the meantime. For those who are looking into this topic, adding here a thinking framework on how to decide whether to go for such a program and which one specifically:

Expert Guide: Are MBAs worth it?

Best,
Cristian

Answer 6

MBA is by far the better option to get into MBB consulting.

But that doesn't prevent you to try to get into your dream job before applying to the MBA. So first try to get into MBB. Then go for the MBA if you don't make it.

You also have to option to try to move to the strategy arm of the Big4 you are in - if they have one.

Answer 7

Hi Xavier,

If you can , MBA from LBS/top school will take you places. But as other coaches have pointed out, please take various aspects into consideration before you make the decision.

All the best.