If the bar on case interviews is the same no matter what, how does a top MBA help?

Hi there, 

The bar on case interviews is not the same for everybody - the expectations differ depending on the role that you're applying for. The expectations from an Associate will be different than those for someone applying for a BA role.

Indeed, the MBA helps with passing the screening, but it also gives you an opportunity to already work on the skills that will make you successful during the interview and also a high performer once you start the job. 

I don't have an MBA and I don't think there's significant intrinsic value in them, but I do think they can help you quite a lot to get a top job in consulting.

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

A top MBA helps in different ways:

• Improving chances of getting invited to the interview with a referral, often though alumni
• Getting your interview performance to a higher level by having been exposed to new ways of thinking through problems outside your comfort zone, and often having been of a consulting club with all kinds of practice
• Receiving a higher sign-on-bonus and overall compensation for the same role compared to non-MBAs
• Strengthening your overall background for post-consulting employment and compensation, which absolutely makes a difference in certain industries

That being said, I am by no means advocating for an MBA since there's also significant drawbacks, which your question wasn't about. Please let me know if this is something you'd like to discuss deeper.

Best of luck!
Moritz

Hi there,

Q: If the bar on case interviews is the same no matter what, how does a top MBA help?

I think you are assuming that an MBA is only useful to land a consulting offer. Although it can definitely help with that (in particular for the screening part), it is not the only benefit and most likely there are other ways to get the same result without an MBA.

Generally speaking an MBA is useful for three things:

1. Building a network – you will be able to easily get in touch with alumni who attended the same MBA in the past.
2. Allow to switch career – after an MBA you will be qualified for industries not available before.
3. Business knowledge – the actual knowledge you get.

In some cases an MBA also gives credibility for a corporate career.

The most useful thing long-term in most cases is the network.

If your reasons are not included in the ones above, I would not recommend investing the time and money for an MBA. Specifically, if your goal is solely to get into consulting and you can apply now for the same position, it definitely makes sense to apply now without an MBA.

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

You're right to ask if $200k is worth it.

It is not a given.

Some people think it's worth it, others don't.

Here's the “cost” of an MBA:

1. $200k tuition
2. 1-2 years lost revenue
3. 1-2 years lost current career progression

Here's the “benefit” of an MBA:

1. A much greater chance of getting an interview (passing resume screening)
2. Teaching/learning on topics that will help with case interviews
3. Consulting club support in interviews
4. Career office support (resume review, etc.)
5. The “right” to interview at MBB (for some, the door may not even be open without an MBA)
6. Network
7. Career pivot
8. More flexibility in career

That said, would $2k (1/100th of the cost) on a case coach have a better ROI in terms of passing the interview? 100%! :P

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:

• First of all, if you are restricting the scope to the application in strategy consulting, I agree that the main advantage of having an MBA is higher chances of passing the initial screening phase.
• However, from my perspective, having completed an MBA program might also help you with your performance on the job itself, as well as provide you with a valuable network of alumni that can help you in your long-term career, even beyond your current occupation in strategy consulting.

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

Another contrarian take - the MBA does not help if you are already aware of consulting, have the time to prepare and have the right amount of prior experience. The specific add is sometimes a more well-known institution for your top “education” CV line, which can help you get past screening, but this diminishes in importance over time.

For a lot of people, an MBA is a way to discover alternative career paths, i.e. if you were in an industry role you may not have realised consulting was a good fit for you.

It helps you (a lot) in qualifying for the interview. It helps you with networking in order to get a referral. It may help you in getting better prepared for the interview. 

Of course, the point in spending $200k is not limited to landing a job in consulting. There are many other benefits to pursuing an MBA. But if your interest narrowly limited to getting into consulting, then you should pursue other options before going for the MBA.