Top MBA right after MBB rejection

Hello,

At least when I was in SEA, a top target MBA would have ‘reset' the ban and you would still be able to apply.

For most candidates however this may not be very common as 

• It takes a fair amount of time to prepare, apply and complete applications to top MBA schools
• Most people would have started this in advance of R1 or R2
• Most candidates I know who were then on this path would have waited for MBA, or at least cleared their application first
• In the event you interview early in the year, then you technically would still have time for R3, but it would be a very tight timeline to apply and complete a strong application

Of course there are also people who are in your scenario - and in this case it does reset it. Nevertheless, best way to clarify and get certainty for yourself - reach out to the recruiters that rejected you. 

Hope this helps!

Hi there, 

This ‘ban’ is not a fixed timeline. It's rather a means for them to keep you from applying until you can prove that you've significantly improved your skills. With an MBA however, you can re-apply because it's assume that you're going through a professional program that is sharpening your skills. 

Even so, make sure that you apply widely and don't put all your eggs in one basket. 

Best,

Cristian

Hi there,

Nobody is holding anything against you. In fact, tenacity and trying again after a failed attempt is often rewarded.

Whether or not you're banned, and the period you're banned for, depends whether you interviewed or not:

• If you have interviewed, it's typically 12-24 months ban, but even that can be reduced (too long to get into here - contact me if interested).
• If you haven't interviewed, there may not be a ban period at all and all you're expected to do until next time around is add significant experience to your resume, which an MBA does.

Bottom line, you can continue aiming for MBB either way! Make sure to establish and/or maintain a link with recruiting of your target firm(s) and you'll be fine.

Best of luck!

Moritz

Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• If you have been rejected by MBB early in the year and you start at a top MBA program in September, participating in on-campus recruiting for MBB during the first semester, the ban period may not apply to you if you haven't interviewed with them. In such cases, the expectation is usually for you to add significant experience to your resume, which an MBA program can certainly help with.
• However, if you have interviewed with MBB and were rejected, the typical ban period is 1-1.5 years, although this can sometimes be reduced. To be sure, I would advise you to contact the recruiting team of the specific MBB company you applied to for clarification.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hello A,

I can confirm that, at least in Europe, starting an MBA will reset the ban.

Having said that, the best thing you can do, is to ask your campus recruiter to make sure, or if you haven’t started your MBA yet, you can always ask HR.

Best,

Victoria 

It most likely gives you another shot if you didn't have your “soon-to-be” MBA engagement already listed on your CV that got you rejected initially. Because this then would constitute a major CV upgrade.

Good luck

That's right: MBA's are the loophole of the “yearly bans".

You can perfectly be rejected, start an MBA, and get an interview a few months later. As you understand, your CV just got a major upgrade, and you are expected to be taking the time to prepare well for case interviews, so it makes sense to give you another chance.

Hi there,

You are just fine!

You will be able to recruit as normal through your MBA program.

Now, it's important to problem-solve and figure out why you were rejected.

It's worth investing time/effort/resources into making sure your resume is as good as possible, that you are networking effectively, etc.

Good luck in both re-recruiting and in your MBA!

As long as your “story” flows and makes sense, there is no problem. There needs to be the rights reasons for MBA, how it added value and whats your near term plans.