Hello,
What is the real value of having a MicroMasters degree (from a target school) obtained online via EdX when applying to MBB firms?
Thanks!
Get Active in Our Amazing Community of Over 451,000 Peers!
Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Case Partners to connect and practice with!
MicroMasters from EdX
Overview of answers
Upvotes
Best answer
Others might disagree, but I don't think they provide a huge value to your application. For three reasons:
- There's no barrier to get in - Although offered by great schools, there is no screening of candidates to get in, so future employers can't rely on screening done at previous stages in your career
- With online courses there is always the question of whether you've done all the work yourself and how you learned. Getting the certificates does not necessarily mean you've acquired actual skills that you can apply in a consistent way
- They are fairly limited in scope. Somewhat like an full credit elective course of an MBA program. You won't score many points with a specific elective and similar with these online courses.
If you already have a strong profile, such courses can add one additional level to it and demonstrate that you're constantly working to learn new skills and are a very curious and driven person. Beyond that, I'm afraid there is no really convincing reason to do them to make your profile stand out in the MBB application process.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi, I confirm it has no value. Only University, grades, international experiences, internships, entrepreneurship, and sports experience do.
Best,
Antonello
Was this answer helpful?
I completely agree with Henning. Online courses from target schools is a great self-learning opportunity but it doesn't add to your education background. I would only choose to do such courses for personal satisfaction as opposed to targetting MBBs.
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
I think it only might have a little weight in case you already have a MSc or PhD in some other field and could be applying to MBB anyway. Then a MicroMasters degree may add some value, but in general, I would agree with other coaches.
Cheers,
GB
Was this answer helpful?
Hi,
Agree with the rest - no value at all
Best
Was this answer helpful?
Hi there,
No value at all when applying to MBB (in terms of improving your odds of being invited to interview).
There's other value in terms of business learnings, possible networking, etc. but not in terms of bolstering your resume itself.
Was this answer helpful?
No value. What you want to indicate is prestige and selectivity in your degree. If anyone can get the same degree it's value of a signal no longer exists.
Do the degree if you are truly interested in the subject but do not expect it to make any difference in recruitment for MBB
Udayan
Was this answer helpful?
Hello!
Totally agree with other coaches: unfortunately it won´t really help -or at least, it will have little influence, just as any other course-.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Clara
Was this answer helpful?
Do it for you own learning & development, but it wont help in getting into Consulting firms.
Was this answer helpful?
Related Cases
Company case by Bain & Company
Style:
You have inherited the “Old Winery” from your grandfather, a winery that has been family-owned for five generations and can be dated back to the 16th century.Half of the eleven hectares are used to grow white grapes, the other half to grow red grapes. They are grown in a conventional way, i.e. they
...
You have inherited the “Old Winery” from your grandfather, a winery that has been family-owned for five generations and can be dated back to the 16th century.Half of the eleven hectares are
...
(Open whole case)
118.2k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many students as possible to complete studies and prevent that they drop from the school system, in particular in disadv
...
Our client is SmartBridge, a nonprofit educational institution offering face-to-face tutoring services. The client operates in the US.The mission of SmartBridge is to help as many stude
...
(Open whole case)
31.6k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Bernard
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed millions of people worldwide and led to devastating economic impact. A vaccine is one of the biggest hopes for stopping the pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with multiple stakeholders to ensure groups at higher risk of becoming infec
...
The COVID-19 pandemic has killed millions of people worldwide and led to devastating economic impact. A vaccine is one of the biggest hopes for stopping the pandemic. The World Hea
...
(Open whole case)
18.3k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Luca
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espresso Whatelse has increased its revenues but it has seen declining profit margin.Your client wants to understa
...
Espresso Whatelse is an Italian company that produces coffee and espresso machines since 1908. It is the Italian market leader and has a strong presence overall in Europe. In 2019, Espr
...
(Open whole case)
17.4k
Times solved
Advanced
Difficulty
Expert case by Francesco
Style:
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
Our client is a BlissOttica, an Eyewear Manufacturer that is looking to reach a 10% increase in profits. How would you help our client?
(Open whole case)
13.6k
Times solved
Intermediate
Difficulty
