online mba programs and consulting firms

Hi there,

1) Is MBA program a good investment?

It really depends on:

• Your opportunity cost (eg could you apply and get an equivalent offer without the MBA?)
• The MBA brand name (eg is it a top MBA that can unlock your desired career path?)

Generally speaking, an MBA is good for three things:

1. Building a network – you will be able to connect with Alumni of that MBA easily (plus of course your classmates)
2. Switching career – after an MBA you will be qualified for industries not available before
3. Developing business knowledge – the actual classes you will take

An MBA also gives credibility for a corporate career in some prefessions.

If you cannot benefit from / leverage one of the points above, I would not recommend investing the time and money in an MBA.

2. What about 100% ONLINE mba programs? are they good? good roi? are they perceived well  by consulting firms?

It depends but the general perception is lower value + you won’t be able to build a network in the same way as an in-person one.

3. is general mba better than a healthcare concentrated mba?

For consulting, I would prioritize MBAs with a track record for that exit (eg INSEAD).

Best,

Francesco

Hi there,

This is honestly to big of a question to answer via a Q&A. There are a few things to consider:

1. Google resources on the financial payout of an MBA. The verdict is still out on whether the NPV of losing 2 years of income and paying 100-200k is worth it. It depends on your individual starting point and future
2. $$ isn't everything so remember that an MBA also offers professional flexibility/freedom/pivot, an extensive network, training in business, fun, etc.
3. My individual (and generally shared) view is an MBA is not worth it if it's outside the top 15.
4. Please really consider carefully before doing an online MBA - you're missing out on the networking, brand, recruiting, etc. that are generally viewed as the most valuable aspects of an MBA program.

Hello!

To your questions: 

1. Yes, for sure, and a good MBA will open you many recruiting doors in the consulting world
2. It depends, but usually the answer is no
3. Again depends on the name of the program and its brand, not so much about this

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

1. Yes, if you get into a Top MBA School.

That means top10 in the US (remember, there are some 15 schools in the Top 10) and Top5 in Europe. Everything else is not worth it. 

Yes, if you are willing to work a lot (to recruit and to learn). 

Otherwise, no.

2. No one will take you seriously with and online MBA. It might even be worse than not having one at all. Better to just take some online courses for the sake of learning, and to ignore the MBA degree. 

3. It's better for general management. Much worse for healthcare management. I don't think there's anything surprising about this. Of course, if you want to get into consulting, you should not pursue the healthcare one.