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Pursuing a sponsored MBA in the US - permanent transfer to a US office after 2/3 years post MBA

M7 MBA MBB officetransfer
New answer on Jan 08, 2024
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Jan 05, 2024

Hi everyone,

I am an MBB consultant from the EU and I am pursuing a top MBA in the US (M7). 

I have a sponsorship offer from my home office with a lock-in time of 2 years. For several reasons, after the MBA, I NEED to go back to my home country (where my home office is located) for 2-3 years and will not be able to pursue the more paved route of asking a transfer while in my MBA. But my mid-term plan is to go back to the US.

How would you suggest I should plan this move? Do you think it is something feasible or extremely difficult?

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Udayan
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replied on Jan 05, 2024
Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience

Not sure I see any issues - 

  • You have admission to a sponsored MBA program
  • You will go back to your role after the MBA for 2-3 years
  • You then may or may not request a transfer to the US after 3-4 years (depending on various circumstances)

If that is correct, you do not have anything to worry about. Lots of people transfer to US from Europe at MBB and it is very normal to do so. Of course the macro environment etc. can have an impact on how and when the transfer goes through but overall there are no issues.

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Anonymous A on Jan 05, 2024

Thank you very much for the answer! The only problem I see is that I have been sponsored by my home office, so they might be reluctant to send me away (even after a couple of years of post MBA work). Also I wanted to understand: - how shall I start planning ahead in terms of networking while here in the US? - when should I start to discuss it with my HR?

Udayan on Jan 05, 2024

Once you've done the two years they can't really stop you. They also understand that people move around a lot. I would say you should network normally now but the reality is the people you meet now may or may not be there a year later. The best way to move is to try and get staffed on a short term study there one year before you plan to move and use that to build connections

Ian
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replied on Jan 06, 2024
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

I'm not sure I understand the question here.

MBB is sponsoring you for the MBA in the US. You'll return to their office for work (in 2 years) and work for 2 more years. Then, you'll look to transfer to the US.

All do-able!

Remember, you don't have to return to that MBB firm. Just, if you don't, you have to pay them! 

So, if you want the US now, just pay for the MBA yourself :)

You can always recruit for another MBB and negotiate your sign on bonus to be a bit higher to help pay for the MBA.

Or, return to the home office, work 2 years, and apply for a transfer.

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Cristian
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replied on Jan 05, 2024
#1 rated MBB & McKinsey Coach

Hi!

Sorry to hear about the tough context. 

Do you need to go back because of the contractual obligations with your home office i.e., otherwise you pay for the MBA? If this is the case, then you might want to apply for jobs in the US and then pay back your former firm for the MBA.

Alternatively, you can go back to your firm and start doing more projects in the US, hopefully, with time, developing a network that will facilitate a transfer to a US office. It's not easy, but definitely possible.

Best of luck!
Cristian

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Anonymous A on Jan 05, 2024

I cannot stay in the US for personal reasons for a couple of years (or 3), so recruiting for another firm in the US is not a viable option. I can hope to transfer after a few years in my location, but not sure if I will be able to work on projects with US staffing as well (they are not that frequent in my office)

Florian
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replied on Jan 08, 2024
Highest-rated McKinsey coach (ratings, offers, sessions) | 500+ offers | Author of The 1% & Consulting Career Secrets

Hey there,

I don't see any issues with this plan. Seeking a transfer to the U.S. is a common move among MBB consultants and is definitely achievable. Usually, your home office has a 1-year requirement for you to stay after a paid MBA. For some, the location does not even matter as long as you stay within the same firm.

My strategy would be to get U.S. exposure. Work on U.S.-focused projects upon your return, gradually building a network that could facilitate a later transfer to a U.S. office. You would need local partners who support your move. Start by helping out with proposals, knowledge documents, and initiatives, and then go from there.

All the best,

Florian

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Francesco
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replied on Jan 06, 2024
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ interviewoffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: How would you suggest I should plan this move? Do you think it is something feasible or extremely difficult?

If you cannot start in the US right away and need to go back, I don’t think you have any other option than (i) go back to your home country and (ii) apply for a transfer after a few years. 

It might have been simpler to relocate while in the US, however from what you shared there are no alternatives, thus even if more challenging that’s the only path you can follow.

Good luck!

Francesco

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Udayan gave the best answer

Udayan

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Top rated Case & PEI coach/Multiple real offers/McKinsey EM in New York /12 years recruiting experience
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