Considering whether to go for an MBA. Entered MBB straight out of uni and working for almost 2 years now. My goal is to eventually start my own business in the hospitality/retail industry.

Is MBA the right choice? what other degrees would be more useful for someone who's not coming back to corporate jobs?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I have an MBA from a regional Uni.

While I think an MBA would provide some skills for owning your own business, I believe practical experience matters more.

If you’re already in consulting, see if you can ask your team lead or Partner to put you more on those hospitality/retail engagements.

See if work will pay for the MBA too. Even a small amount will help (I wish I’d found a job that had tuition reimbursement out of Uni).

There are MBAs or Masters in Hospitality. Try to find one with that speciality. Or one that feeds into a regional or Fortune 500 retail store. Work at corporate. Work at retail locations. Get a feel for all of the roles before you go out on your own.

If you're already working for BCG, pursuing an MBA might not be worth the investment. An MBA is particularly beneficial for those looking to switch careers. I pursued an MBA to transition away from engineering, and while I am more satisfied with my current day-to-day work, I'm uncertain if it was financially prudent. Had I remained in engineering, I would have accumulated 12 years of experience and would be earning around $180k annually. Instead, I experienced a career shift after five years of engineering, two years of MBA study, and two years of unemployment during COVID. Additionally, the MBA cost nearly $200k.

Although my job satisfaction has improved thanks to the MBA, I can't help but think that my financial situation would have been significantly better if I had stayed in engineering.

Related Posts

When will I gain the skills necessary to be a senior? I’m coming up on my A2 year and I literally feel like a huge dunce. Can’t imagine taking on senior responsibilities. (audit btw)

likehelpful

Hi Everyone, Needed some advice , i want to move into data science , was really drawn towards the difference models , machine learning , GCP etc, I am currently in the IT Banking domain and have 5.8 years of experience, i do have tech knowledge, programming , SQL etc , what would be the best way to prepare , study maybe a course and then apply in this new field of Data Science?

like

Has anyone considered shifting from consulting to teaching? Doing PhD from top IIMs and working as faculty?

like

Hi guys, can anyone help me with the hierarchy structure followed at KGS? I have total of 6+ years of work experience. Will I be able to pitch in for Manager?

like

Is there like a course that I can take to be prepared for a career in logistics?

like

What are the accounting advisory exit opportunities at the senior and manager level? I’m seeing a lot of new postings and curious to know why as well.

like

I am 7 yoe as TechnoFuntional Consultant working with SAP ABAP and SAP SD. I started as ABAP extensively working with SD, so certified in SD. Is there a demand for this type of skill? What role should I look for?
Any inputs are helpful.

like

Mighty Fishes,

Wanna try career in FP&A ?
Look at the following FP&A roles, responsibilities and career path.

If you could manage to pull your socks up then someday you might see yourself at C-suite level.

All the best..!

Post Photo
like

I am working at ZS on an MDM project for a pharma company
I plan to leave zs in next 6 month
I have 2 questions
What companies can I target ?
How should I prepare ?

like

Joining Google Strategy & Ops in June. Looking for books/videos/trainings to learn about the overall ad business and also Google’s specific ad products. Also may be worth mastering Google Presentation (vs ppt) Any suggestions?

like

My brother recently graduated high school and wants to work for a year or two before he starts his undergrad. What sort of jobs should he be looking for that could help his resume in the future? He eventually wants to pursue engineering

like

What was your experience with the LSAT? Do you think it's gatekeeping, preventing students who can't afford it (often people of color) from entering the field? OR is it helping future attorney's of color by giving them a chance to go to a top school regardless of grades? I've seen questions about the LSAT all day and just want to know how people feel.

likesmart

Anyone ever considered contractor gig in Meta/Facebook or any other big players in tech? I'm full-time in a smaller company and it's pretty stable. Wondering if the move could be worthwhile. Mostly want to explore other areas. Other things to consider: planning for babies in the next 3-5 years; maternity leave in current position is basically what's legally required.

like

Hi everyone! I’ve been working as a product manager in an internal consulting department at Kaiser Permanente a on software product that maps and automates clinical workflows. Although my title is a consultant, my role entails the usual responsibilities of a PM (prioritizing builds and features, identifying business requirements, mapping user journeys and stakeholder management). Does anyone have any advice on ways to break into tech or suggestions of companies to look into?

like

Any audit senior 3 and 1st year managers here? What positions are audit senior 3 and 1st year managers leaving big4 for?

like

I have offers from different organization, Could you please help me to decide which one would be great choice.
All are for Bigdata profile with almost same package.

Yoe- 9, Big data Exp-3
Iris
Saama technology Pune
Epam Systems - Shell Market project
HCL - Deutsch Bank project
Impetus

Deciding factor- Job security, WLB, yearly hike and scope of learning.

like

Considering joining a small 50-person company as the only attorney (prior attorney is retiring). (I am currently in-house at a F50). For others who have done the same path, what surprises did you have when moving from a large company to a small one?

For example, it sounds like I should not expect a document management system, based on a prior post in this bowl. I’m guessing expenses like state bar fees and cell phone are not reimbursed.

Any advice on things to expect (or not expect)?

like

Worried because of my salary at my current company I am pricing myself out of opportunities to move into a rep agency that could eventually give me the opportunity to buy into it. I’m currently almost topping out on my salary at current company with no opportunity to progress. Can make good money for a while here, but new challenge is interesting to me. Struggling accepting I may have to cut my salary 10k-20k in order to do that…

like

Has anyone on here moved from IB to management consulting as an experienced hire? How do you view the decision in retrospect?

like

Got pushed into the manager role after a few of my superiors quit and I’m really struggling to fit into a leadership role. Any tips to help me adapt/grow into this position?

like

More Posts

Virtual receptionists….anyone utilize this and if so, feedback? If not, thoughts? Start

like

Hello all,
As a SWE at @
Microsoft, how easy/hard is it to collaborate on research with Microsoft Research? I’ll be joining Microsoft soon but I am also interested in AI research and have published a few papers. Microsoft

like

I read on another thread that someone got rejected by HBS without interview and was then accepted to GSB in the same round. Does anyone else have some success stories like this to share with us HBS rejects?

like

Wharton calls started for Asia! This has been a really useful and supportive group through the process. Good luck and thanks all!

likeuplifting

Hi all, I have started my search for my next position as my current one is at a dead end! Anyone is looking or know of someone looking for a digital marketing and communication manager/director? I have over 7 yoe and have developed departments for my employers from scratch. Can discuss it further if you like.
Would appreciate any suggestions.

like

How do you go about driving up business as a freelancer? I used to search for email contacts but I’ve started to connect more on linkedin and IG

like

My SO adds very little to our relationship. She has a dead end job. I cook. I work. I oversee finances. I plan trips. She doesn’t have a voice in the relationship. I’ve asked her to give her perspective but she always defaults to mine bc she thinks I’m smarter/worldly. She feels intimated by me and my social circle. Lately, I’ve found myself thinking for her. Anticipating her wants and needs and then adjusting my behavior to meet them. Which she appreciates but it’s frustrating 29M 27F

like

Are any of you legal recruiters in the Boston area? I’d love to get in touch about paralegal roles!

like

Hi Fishes & Sharks,

What will be the in-hand salary? Please guide.

Post Photo
like

Anyone here ever been to RCA? Is it worth it ?

like

Hi friends,
What is the minimum criteria for IJP at KGS and how much is it feasible?
Will it be better to look outside or go with IJP?

What kind of background verification does deloitte do while onbarding a experienced candidate?

like

Questions for web builders, digital security providers, and web technicians.

A Marketing associate in charge of all of our hardcoded web resources says “I have to complete the web admin/updates and security checks every Monday morning” They claim this takes two hours and is super involved. Is this true? Could someone explain to me the process?

like

What sort of work is considered corporate finance? This was referenced in a energy practice related interview and am not sure what sort of work that would entail.

like

Anyone transfer from Canada to the states before? How hard/easy is the process?

like

Sell Beyond Meat? Worried there won’t be any more catalysts helping it move up anytime soon.

Thoughts on ARKF?

like

What's your controversial Houston opinion?

likesmart

For Virtusa internal candidates :

If anyone has basics testing knowledge and good comm skills and willing to move to testing domain, feel free to comment

Additional Posts in MBA Alumni

Hello! Thanks for dropping in! I'm just beginning my MBA journey attending Gies College of Business at University of Illinois. I created this bowl for anyone else going through an MBA program or that have attained their degree. Appropriate topics include program and university questions, thought leadership, networking and job opportunities.

like

Does anyone here have tips on negotiating equity as part of an overall compensation package at a well-established but private company with no IPO on immediate horizon? My first time having it as part of the package and trying to find resources to learn more.

Anyone know the base or starting salary for someone in compliance department at Grant Thornton in the Charlotte office?

like

MBA in AML?? Can someone advice if I should pursue MBA? I’m currently working in AML, have 8years of banking experience. Will this help in any shape or form to progress in my career. Thanks!

Anyone mind sharing their salary before and after completing an MBA? I understand every case is unique. Just trying to see what the ROI is in the short term.

like

Any tips about companies that pay for MBAs in Italy or Spain?

Has anyone done an MBA program at university of phoenix? Pros or cons?

like

Hi, I'm a recent MBA grad with over 20 yoe at a mgmt. consulting firm in St. Louis. I've worked primarily in surveys, project mgmt., and quality. Any recs. for a good co. either in STL or remote? I really need to find a more challenging and lucrative role. Thanks!

MBA? What to do with it? How have you used your MBA?

Hi All,
I am graduating with my MBA in December. I have 1 year experience as an internal business consultant, 3 years experience as a team manager with project management responsibilities and a background in Account Management and Sales prior to all that. I have been on the job hunt for months and haven’t been able to snag a single interview. I’m starting to feel pretty worthless. Does anyone have any suggestions for jobs or companies that may be interested in this type of experience?

Hi guys! Would anyone be willing to refer me to a great communication coach for 1 on 1 coaching? I am a junior associate looking to invest heavily into building my communication skills in a 1 to 1 and 1 to Many setting, over the next year or so. Any help is much appreciated!

Which tech companies are most well known for hiring MBA candidates?

like

anyone currently working at GT right now on an H1B visa? Would love to get your advice on a few things.

Have worked in both banking and consulting, but still looking for a combination of things:
1. Something that’s less quantitative / producing and checking numbers constantly
2. Managerial and people-focused - not just an IC role
3. Ideally remote with some kind of international flavor

2 years post-MBA, 9 total YoE, incl. MBA

Any suggestions?

like

I am admitted to the full-time MBA program at Cornell, Goizueta, and Gtech Scheller.

I am planning to build a successful company. Any thoughts on which B school will be suitable to raise funds and make valuable connections?

Are there any other 2021 grads who feel super let down about their MBA experience due to the global panini? I ended up taking a safety job in consulting because of it and I’m miserable. I have asthma and couldn’t take the risk to build my network in-person when things were peak awful, but now I feel like I missed out on something critical

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal