Hi all - hope you're all safe and doing well.
Is it possible to get a transfer and an MBA sponsorship at the same time? For e.g after completing my entry level role at McK, if I get an MBA sponsorship, how do I request for a transfer as well so that after completing my MBA I rejoin the firm but at some other international location and not my home office. If networking is the answer then how exactly do I go about it?
Thank you for your help!
Hi,
I can speak for McK: there is a formal transfer process called rebound that allows you to do just that: move once you are on an MBA, without going back to your home office, but directly transferred to the other office when the MBA is finished.
How to do it: the only things to do are to write a memo (they'll give you the template) explaining why you want to transfer. Then you'll have some motivational interviews with HR and a few partners and they'll decide if they want to transfer or not.
In reality, there is much more to it: you to have the ok from your home office (network, asking support for your transfer from partners and sr partners that know you and that have worked with you in the past) and the "pull" from the other office (again, network. Here you ideally already know someone and start from there: ask 1h to talk, explain your reasons, link it to the work you've done together, and ask for help regarding who's better to contact for you to create your own network). Again, you just ask for their support and be sure to write their names on the memo. If you don't know anyone and don't even know anyone that could point you to the right person to approach, simply write to a few partners/sr partners that are from the practice you are interested in: not all of them are going to answer, but most of them will and will be happy to help.
Aim for an in-person meeting if you can, you can create a much stronger bond than during a call.
Good luck!
Hi,
One of my MBA friend did exactly this. She was sponsered by China office to study in Kellogg but transferred to Chicago office right after MBA. So it is possible.
But this is not so common though. You need to have very strong supporters at both sides to allow you to make such change. So network well with the Parnters at both sides.
Best,
Emily
Hello!
Yes, it´s possible, but it´s two steps.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Rebound as described by Giulia is pretty common for people pursuing their MBA in the US but from a different office originally. You should mostly be fine if this is the route you choose to go
All the best,
Udayan
(edited)
Hi there,
Absolutely do-able!
I would recommend, first get MBA sponsored.
Second, mid-way through the MBA, ask them if you can stay in that country's office.
To do this effectively you need to:
1) Have good/strong relationships with decision-makers in the company
2) Be very open, clear, and honest in communications (don't appear sneaky/devious)
3) Have good reasons and approach it from a perspective of a) "Please" and b) "I will add more value to the company this way"
Dear A,
First, I would definitely recommend you to secure your MBA sponsorship, and then, during your MBA program try to reach out to you company, networking also in the target region where you want to relocate, because you need the buy in from the partner to make sure that he/she wants you to have in the unit in the new location, and negotiate the conditions with you existing country.
Honestly, it's not an easy task to do, because you parent location pays for your MBA, so your new partner woulb basically needs to agree to take over the cost and investment for you.
In terms of networking with a partner, you should already now inquire who could be a potential partners and office heads in the new location, and then reach out to them, when you are at the MBA program.
If you need any further information, reach out to me, since I have been transfered twice (oragisation unit and geography), so I can share my experience with you.
Best,
André
