Masters in International / Global Business - Consulting Career

Question

Hi, can one of the experienced consultant on this platform give an insight if a "Masters Degree in International Business" fully prepares candidates for a career in consulting and what are the percieved advantages of the programs compared to a MBA program.

Thank You!

Answer 1

Hey Ekundayo,

On your first question, I don't think that there's a single course better than the others in preparing students to be successful consultants (courses with business, economics or engineer backgrounds are equally valued by the best consulting firms - each one develop a different skillset but all of them are crucial to be a great consultant).

On your second question, there's a huge advantage in the way the most of the consulting firms (and locations) see a Master vs. a MBA, starting by their typical recruiting profile (junior level for Masters; more senior to MBA graduates). After going through both, my view is that a Master give you much more technical skills, which are key to perform very well at junior levels, whereas the MBA focus more on leadership and soft skills, which seem to be key at more senior roles.

Best

Bruno

Answer 2

Hi,

As for your first question - it depends on the quality of education in the particular University. You have to look at the University brand and the curriculum.

For the second question - it depends on the brand of the school / university

A top MBA school will give you much more business knowledge and skills relevant to consulting. Don't agree with Bruno here. You may get great technical skills if you select the proper classes
After MBA you are 100% eligible for the Associate (McKinsey) role, while non-MBA masters degree in many countries is not enough
Top schools guarantee you a smooth on-campus recruiting process since MBB companies are hiring a lot of MBAs.

Best

Answer 3

Hello!

I have seen multiple questions lately in the Q&A regarding doing masters, which one to choose, MBA vs. MiM, which schools to choose (both in US and Europe).

I joined McK after finishing my master in Architecture (totally not related field of study, and still), and I am doing an MBA in MIT atm. Happy to talk about this, given that you are also considering a “non conventional” master topic

Feel free to PM! Cheers,

Clara

Answer 4

The main difference really is the risk at stake. Entrepreneurial Drive is more about having initiative and driving th... (read entire answer)

The main difference really is the risk at stake. Entrepreneurial Drive is more about having initiative and driving things forward, but Courageous Change is about making the hard... (read entire answer)