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Masters in social policy

Public policy
New answer on Dec 29, 2021
4 Answers
1.6 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Jul 06, 2019

Hello!

How will my choice to pursue a postgraduate degree in social policy be construed by top consulting firms? I have done my Bachelore degree in business, then worked in investment banking and later on moved onto the social sector where I worked on policy research projects with the government for poverty eradication. I pursued my masters in social policy so as to gain more quant heavy skills in the field of policy research. However, since starting grad school, I have been reading up more and more about the social sector projects that many consulting firms undertake- pro bono or otherwise. I believe that I will benefit significantly from some years in consulting. Will my lack of MBA be considered as a drawback? I am well verse with business, valuation and accounting concepts.

Thanks!

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Vlad
Expert
replied on Jul 08, 2019
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Several things here:

  • MBA is not a must-have for MBB candidates
  • Actually, MBB companies love candidates with diverse backgrounds
  • I recommend applying to the office where the Public sector is strong (e.g. DC) and use it as a competitive advantage
  • Try to demonstrate problem-solving and business judgment in your resume. Public policy projects are tied to business skills a lot - you just need to highlight that.
  • I recommend learning valuation and accounting concepts anyway since you'll have no time for this once you are in

Best!

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Deniz
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 06, 2019
5+ Years at BCG & Kearney Dubai & Istanbul | 400+ Trainees | Free 15-min Consultation Call

Hi,

Top consulting companies typically recruit candidates from diverse background. Lack of MBA is not necessarily a drawback, however you may be considered for a pre MBA role. You already have a degree in business and work experience in investment banking, thus you should still be a relevant candidate. You just need to highlight why you want to switch to consulting (as it seems that you're heading into social sector more) in your cover letter.

Best,

Deniz

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Dec 29, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

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” path for your masters

Feel free to PM! Cheers, 

Clara

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Jul 07, 2019
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi,

It sounds like you've had a solid path and your resume looks good - lack of an MBA given your diverse experience isn't necessarily a drawback. However, in order to not get slated into a lower title/role, make sure to highlight any business, consulting/client relationship, and management experience you have!

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Vlad gave the best answer

Vlad

McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School
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