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Is getting MBA post-grad worth it? Bentley University
I am currently a consulting intern at a Big 4 company and was wondering if getting my MBA degree soon after my Bachelors degree is worth it? I have spoken with so many successful professionals in the firm without one and do not see the ROI being so high. I am currently on an accelerated MBA at Bentley University and have up to five years to finish my MBA after graduating, but not sure if the costs is worth it if I want to stick with consutling.
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Zach’s Answer
Humberto
I recommend thinking about the underlying reason why you would like to pursue an MBA. Are there specific challenges at work that you do not feel capable of solving? Is there a job you would like in the next 3-5 years that requires an MBA? I see many people spend a lot of time and money working for an MBA without a clear objective as to why they want it.
I believe I would have learned more from my MBA program if I had more experience under my belt. If you can apply the concepts of your MBA classes in real-time to the challenges you are facing at work, the lessons will be more salient.
If you do pursue an MBA, my recommendation is to develop a relationship with at least 1 professor that you are fond of so you can use them as a resource throughout your MBA and into your future work.
From the details you have provided, I recommend waiting until you have 5 years of professional experience to continue with an MBA.
I recommend thinking about the underlying reason why you would like to pursue an MBA. Are there specific challenges at work that you do not feel capable of solving? Is there a job you would like in the next 3-5 years that requires an MBA? I see many people spend a lot of time and money working for an MBA without a clear objective as to why they want it.
I believe I would have learned more from my MBA program if I had more experience under my belt. If you can apply the concepts of your MBA classes in real-time to the challenges you are facing at work, the lessons will be more salient.
If you do pursue an MBA, my recommendation is to develop a relationship with at least 1 professor that you are fond of so you can use them as a resource throughout your MBA and into your future work.
From the details you have provided, I recommend waiting until you have 5 years of professional experience to continue with an MBA.
Updated
Jake’s Answer
I got my MBA from Columbia Business School, worked in strategy, then product management. An MBA provides 3 levers of value: (1) An education (2) A network (3) recruiting opportunities. To address the first, the education you get during the MBA is good, but not incredibly necessary. You learn a lot, but business isn't rocket science and most companies will teach you what you need to learn. Now, points 2 (network) and 3 (recruiting opps) are very valuable. It's all about who you know and having an expansive network is great to have. Regarding point 3, recruiting is often very hard and recruiting out of an MBA program is easier than without. Depending on the type of company/job, having an MBA separates you from the pack and helps you get the job. Consulting, product management, investment banking to be a few. Now though, an MBA definitely isn't for everyone. It's not free and you have to consider the ROI. When deciding to get an MBA or not, it's important to consider two things: (1) What kind of job do I want to get (2) What kind of school am I looking to get in to? Many jobs don't require an MBA and having one doesn't help. In addition, you can technically get any job without an MBA. Without having to forgo salary for 2 years and pay 200k, you can work your way up and get the job you'd like. An MBA though can help get you there faster (depending on the job you want). So, if you are looking for a job in which an MBA would help separate you from the pack and help you get the job, it's worth considering if the job pays well. If you feel you don't need an MBA to get that job, then you may not want to get the MBA. In regards to point 2, it does also depend on the type of school you want to get your MBA from. A top 10-13 program (according to national rankings) will help you almost no matter what you want to do. Coming out of Columbia, there were people getting incredible jobs in every sector and the school name only made them more valuable. If it's not a top tier university/program, you should more heavily weight my advice from point 1. My thoughts on a Bentley MBA is that it may not be life changing. It totally could separate you from other similar applicants for jobs, but won't be seen as super valuable (depending on the job you want). I think if you're thinking about consulting, don't get your MBA from bentley right away. Go right in to consulting without an MBA then apply to better programs later and maybe even have your consulting company pay for it if you want to go back to consulting for a few years after. I'm happy to answer more questions on this if you have them. I'm sure the above was a lot of info.
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Kevin’s Answer
Hi Humberto,
If considering an MBA I think an accelerated program is a great choice since it will allow you to get the degree quickly and while you're still in a "student mindset." That said, if you don't pursue the MBA - you are correct - you'll be fine without it as the equivalent skills can also be acquired through real-world experience and many find success in their careers without one.
I'd ask HR if they provide better pay for candidates with MBAs - that hopefully can shed some light on the ROI question, specifically. If you're concerned about the Financial burden and student debt associated with it, I'd also ask HR if the company might help subsidize the tuition if/when you become a full-time employee. Student debt can be burdensome, and so I'd err on the side of caution if you're worried about your quality of life post-graduation.
I hope that is helpful,
Kevin
If considering an MBA I think an accelerated program is a great choice since it will allow you to get the degree quickly and while you're still in a "student mindset." That said, if you don't pursue the MBA - you are correct - you'll be fine without it as the equivalent skills can also be acquired through real-world experience and many find success in their careers without one.
I'd ask HR if they provide better pay for candidates with MBAs - that hopefully can shed some light on the ROI question, specifically. If you're concerned about the Financial burden and student debt associated with it, I'd also ask HR if the company might help subsidize the tuition if/when you become a full-time employee. Student debt can be burdensome, and so I'd err on the side of caution if you're worried about your quality of life post-graduation.
I hope that is helpful,
Kevin
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Humberto,
This is a great question and I think talking to folks in the industry is a great way to start. I would suggest, if you have not, speaking to employees who are in high level positions you strive to be in one day to make sure that later down the line, an MBA may/may not be an asset.
You can also discuss with a supervisor, mentor or HR person if there are employee benefits like tuition reimbursement. Many company's who value education and want to grow their current staff, have the benefit of taking courses for free or a reduced cost while you're an employee.
Lastly, whether you continue with the MBA or not, please continue to invest in your skillset and knowledge base. This doesn't always have to be formal college. You can:
1. Attend conferences
2. Join a prof development organization
3. Take LinkedIn learning, Khan Academy, Coursera courses -- just keeping that growth mindset may help to set you apart in your career.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
This is a great question and I think talking to folks in the industry is a great way to start. I would suggest, if you have not, speaking to employees who are in high level positions you strive to be in one day to make sure that later down the line, an MBA may/may not be an asset.
You can also discuss with a supervisor, mentor or HR person if there are employee benefits like tuition reimbursement. Many company's who value education and want to grow their current staff, have the benefit of taking courses for free or a reduced cost while you're an employee.
Lastly, whether you continue with the MBA or not, please continue to invest in your skillset and knowledge base. This doesn't always have to be formal college. You can:
1. Attend conferences
2. Join a prof development organization
3. Take LinkedIn learning, Khan Academy, Coursera courses -- just keeping that growth mindset may help to set you apart in your career.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
Updated
casey’s Answer
My recommendation would be to have a few years of experience prior to your MBA pursuit. It helps bridge theoretical and practicality.
Updated
Haley’s Answer
Hi!
When I was an intern I struggled with the same question. Looking back I would tell myself that it depends. Consulting at a Big 4 can mean so many different things. You can work as a consultant in financial services, transformation, deals, and cyber risk. Therefore, my recommendation would really depend on what you want to do within consulting. However, if you are looking to further your career in financial services or deals I would say that it is not necessarily needed. Obviously, getting your MBA would not hurt your resume. However, if it is something that you just don't want to do, you don't have to do it!
Personally, I do a lot of Internal Audit work within consulting. Therefore, I got my MBA because I wanted the option to take the CPA exam if my career went in that direction. I will say if you are interested in the accounting side of consulting I would definitely recommend getting your MBA. This would get you to your 150 credits required to sit for the exam!
Best,
Haley
When I was an intern I struggled with the same question. Looking back I would tell myself that it depends. Consulting at a Big 4 can mean so many different things. You can work as a consultant in financial services, transformation, deals, and cyber risk. Therefore, my recommendation would really depend on what you want to do within consulting. However, if you are looking to further your career in financial services or deals I would say that it is not necessarily needed. Obviously, getting your MBA would not hurt your resume. However, if it is something that you just don't want to do, you don't have to do it!
Personally, I do a lot of Internal Audit work within consulting. Therefore, I got my MBA because I wanted the option to take the CPA exam if my career went in that direction. I will say if you are interested in the accounting side of consulting I would definitely recommend getting your MBA. This would get you to your 150 credits required to sit for the exam!
Best,
Haley
Updated
Ekat’s Answer
It will be very valuable if you decide to pursue a leadership role
Also, networking with fellow MBA students will help find valuable business connections
Also, networking with fellow MBA students will help find valuable business connections
Updated
Holly’s Answer
Hey Humberto,
I used to work as a Consulting Recruiter for IBM, domain experience is king, and I don't think having an MBA would ever be a negative but at no point have any of the hires I made during my tenure there been hired because they have an MBA.
You should definitely still commit to learning throughout your career though, but I would chose learnings that are associated more closely with the career you would like to pursue. All the Big 4 have their own learning platforms that will track your accreditations and you can demonstrate your growth mindset and adaptability by gaining badges, that you can use to help endorse your career trajectory.
I personally would seek out someone in your org with and without an MBA and have an honest conversation about the impact it has had on their career.
All the best!
I used to work as a Consulting Recruiter for IBM, domain experience is king, and I don't think having an MBA would ever be a negative but at no point have any of the hires I made during my tenure there been hired because they have an MBA.
You should definitely still commit to learning throughout your career though, but I would chose learnings that are associated more closely with the career you would like to pursue. All the Big 4 have their own learning platforms that will track your accreditations and you can demonstrate your growth mindset and adaptability by gaining badges, that you can use to help endorse your career trajectory.
I personally would seek out someone in your org with and without an MBA and have an honest conversation about the impact it has had on their career.
All the best!