Is 2.5 years experience + top MBA enough for post-MBA recruiting?

M7 MBA MBB
New answer on Feb 08, 2023
7 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Feb 06, 2023

Presume you get into an M7 MBA program and get to go after 2.5 years of experience (which some people can do due to deferred admissions programs). Presume the experience Is not strategy, but another form of consulting at a non-MBB firm (eg. technology/implementation).

Would there be any benefit for such a student to defer to 3.5 years experience, for a better chance at successful MBB on-campus recruiting?

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Hagen
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replied on Feb 07, 2023
Ex-Bain and interviewer for 7+ years | >95% success rate | mentor and coach for 6+ years

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:

  • Yes, in my opinion, you would have a highly desirable profile for strategy consulting after completing your MBA.
  • It's not so much about the number of years you have spent in non-strategy consulting, but the combination of your consulting experience and the MBA degree that will make you a strong candidate for strategy consulting roles. Therefore, I don't think there's a strong argument for deferring your MBA for another year, unless there is a high likelihood of getting a promotion in that additional year.

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

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Ian
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replied on Feb 07, 2023
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep

Hi there,

Marginal benefit. The only benefit I can see is if, during that period, you got a promotion and subsequently led a lot of impressive projects/teams.

Even, then, I honestly think the marginal benefit is lower than the marginal cost.

Ultimately, just being in the MBA is the most important. Then, make your resume shine with what you have and network optimally. You can also mitigate this 2.5 years “risk” by doing a number of pro bono consulting projects (through school or other programs in those 2.5 years of work)

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Francesco
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replied on Feb 07, 2023
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

1) Is 2.5 years experience + top MBA enough for post-MBA recruiting?

Yes.

2) Would there be any benefit for such a student to defer to 3.5 years experience, for a better chance at successful MBB on-campus recruiting?

I cannot see any real benefit unless this allows you to get into a better MBA.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Florian
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replied on Feb 07, 2023
#1 rated McKinsey Coach | Top MBB Coach | 5 years @ McKinsey | Author of the 1% | 120+ McK offers in 18 months

Hi there,

It is definitely enough and adding another year to that would not change the outcome positively while adding opportunity cost.

All the best,

Florian

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Benjamin
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updated an answer on Feb 06, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience

Hi,

I don't think that additional year of experience doing the same thing is going to make your CV a lot stronger than it was otherwise. 

If you wanted to spend the year doing something different or adding on something that makes you stand out / demonstrates the relevant skills, then yes I would say it would make sense to defer.

(edited)

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Cristian
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replied on Feb 08, 2023
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Hi there, 

Why wouldn't you just apply now? If it works, great. If it doesn't, you can just reapply after a year. You're likely to learn more from applying anyway than not doing it. 

Best,

Cristian

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Victoria Christine
CoachingPlus Expert
replied on Feb 07, 2023
1st&2nd Session 50% off|BCG Consultant ME|President of the Consulting Club|Esade MBA |Offers from McKinsey & BCG

Hello A,

Yes, it is enough! And on top of that, it shows that you are a great achiever and MBBs love this. Being amongst the youngest of your cohort is something you should include in your CV.

Good luck!

Best,

Victoria

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Hagen gave the best answer

Hagen

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