32F, 10 YOE at two big 4’s in both tech and HC. Tough decision and want input! Options:
1. Offer to go to Deloitte as SM $200k+
2. Admitted to NYU and Columbia full time Bschool programs - no scholarship at either
3. Admitted to Darden w more than half scholarship
4. Offer to go to Two FANGS as a program manager, 150k base, 75k annual equity (non technical role)
I don’t love what I do but seems I could make partner in 3-5 years at D. Having tough time turning down Columbia Bschool or FANG.
Personally, I’d go to Darden. The MBA is all about the network, and the Executive MBA is a thin substitute for the full experience at a top campus. But, congrats … these are all great options!
Cheers VP, sorry, was writing simultaneously to your comment.
I think you and I should chat. I had 9 YOE before going for a full-time MBA vs. EMBA (Wharton). The EMBA is a meaningless degree unless you just need a stamp on your resume to make Partner or any other senior C-suite roles in your existing company or industry. FT MBA will always have significantly more cache than an EMBA.
Also, Columbia or any other bschool won’t help you pivot to PE without PE or banking experience - it’ll be super tough if not impossible.
I have to agree EY1. The full time MBA prestige is not much compared to the EMBA network you get with senior folks all at your level (vs younger early career folks). Depends on what you make out of it. Taking steps down for FT MBA doesn’t make any financial sense. Most of those folks will be asking you how to get into big 4 😀.
You will not make partner at 3-4 years at Deloitte as new joiner. Plan for 5-6. And minimal salary increases since salary coming in high.
Ok. Answers are “layered”. I am also single mom. My practice doesn’t require much travel (not govt). I came back full time and it works. But….am I spending the amount of time I want at home…and able to focus when I am home vs thinking about work? Jury is out. :)
I would take either 1 or 4 and do an Executive MBA
Why the desire for MBA? If you’re truly on track to make partner in 3-5 then MBA won’t matter one way or the other…it could actually hurt chances if it distracts from growing the business. Full disclosure: I’m not at D but at another B4 that I believe thinks about partner admissions similarly.
Subject Expert
This is not a decision for an anonymous social medial post, but without knowing anything about you, I would go with 2 - take a risk and change your life.
1. You will not make partner in D in 3 years. 6-8 is possible but nothing is guaranteed. And if they’re offering you an SM now, they’d still offer it to you in 2 years. You’re not going to lose anything there.
3. Not worth it.
4. Will still be there after you’re done. No loss.
Join FAANG and negotiate to have them pay for your part time exec MBA as one of the benefits. At 32, and with the solid career path you’re already on, unless ….you really want to pivot career directions / are in a rut you need to get out of / craving an adventure in a new city / coming from a non commerce background and CRAVING to learn more…. Why take the opportunity cost of being in school? Other than network, most of the content you can learn via a variety of e course
Do not take option 1. It's just a bait and switch to say that you'll get partnership in x years. Most likely you will get MD in 5 years and will have worked 24/7 to get there. I wish I was exaggerating. If I were you, I'd find another option with tech in a much higher paying TC.
SF- that was my experience when I left D as well. The most talented folks were leaving, and of the ppl who stayed it was a crapshoot- definitely not the most talented or hardest working folks rising up.
Adding 2 cents as someone who just exited to FAANG: option 4 depends HEAVILY on which FAANG. F or G would make #4 by far the best option IMO but for the love of God, don't take the offer if you're going to Amazon lol
So you ended up at Amazon?
Pick 4. That spread of opportunities makes it look like you're not set on consulting, which means that making it to partner may be a demotivated slog. Plus, it will be easier to start a family and have time for said family at FAANG rather than consulting.
Main catch is compensation. Comp at D will likely be better after a promo, *if* you make it to partner and stay there.
The executive MBA is best for a person in your situation honestly, those roles you have offers for are better than most MBA roles already. Outside of banking and private equity you're probably not hitting that much higher by doing an MBA
Agreed on all :)
I’d take 3 or 4. SM at D is not a fun position to come in at
MBA is useless. You will go into debt and then end up with the same salary after. YOE are more valueable at your position
Same salary, if not lower!
Talk about 1st world problems :).
If you are under 30 and at SC or below then I would say MBA. As others suggested EMBA would be a better option or perhaps have a firm sponsor your EMBA if that is an option. MBA or not, sounds like you will do well either way.
Have you heard of top 40 leaders under the age of 40? You need a Sr leader within the firm to help sponsor you and submit an application.
D or FAANG bschool not worth the opportunity cost
Are you single? I’m 30 M2 making half your money. Opposites attract?
Yes. 108 to be precise
2 is 100% the worst option. If you have questions dm me
Lol. Why?
I would chose option 4– FAANG has strong HR development and support for career & professional development. Opportunity cost of B-School (time&money is high) and your peers will have limited work experience— they will be coming to you as the SME.
SM at D is also a good option, though also can be a long grind.
Your options are great regardless — congrats!
I am very surprised to see a MD suggest for FAANG. Are you also from consulting?
Ah I’m like you but 32M already at 200K I thought I was too old for bschool so I didn’t try one more time got interviewed at Columbia Wharton two years ago but rejected
1 or 4, for sure. As an MBA, don't even consider #2 at this point in your career.
Recently same situation and I decided to continue consulting and hoping to make partner. With that being said, not planning to delay “family” planning meanwhile.
Being partner one day is the only carrot to me. And I don’t know the career path for IC data scientist (I don’t have PhD as well).
There is only one proper choice. The one that is the most fun. Don’t worry about money. Enjoy your life.