If you could start your MBA degree over what would you do differently?

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

I wouldn’t do it at an early point in my career. And I agree with Bowl Leader, invest more time in developing relationships.

likesmart

I would have not joined a startup project that took away my time from recruitment. Biggest regret of my entire program. I missed the crucial window for Big 4/MBB recruitment because I was working for FREE on a startup team that was an absolute trainwreck.

Invest your time wisely.

like
Recent IconRecent

Invest more time in developing relationships with a broader set of classmates. It’s too easy to get into small circles early on.

like

Go to a named school or not get it.

like

@Cambridge, It's been a few years since I was involved in MBA recruiting in Europe, but at the time, Oxbridge was not comparable to LBS/INSEAD from an MBA perspective. The other schools on your list are great schools, but they aren't feeders to top opportunities the same way LBS/INSEAD and top US schools. Also, in Europe, the return on an MBA is more questionable. The US values MBAs moreso than does Europe so there are more easy-to-get, high-paying opportunities for top MBAs in the US. People hiring from these opportunities have lists of schools they recruit from and these are MUCH more likely to include LBS/INSEAD than Oxbridge/HEC. I'm not knocking Oxbridge in any way, they're the best schools in the world, but the MBA market is what is and Oxbridge isn't as valuable in that market.

like

I would have picked a school that actually gave a damn about me finding a job. I'm 55k in the hole and my school offers literally ZERO resources for MBA recruitment.

like

I agree! I would of chosen a school who also offered better resources for MBA recruitment. My career resource center at my university is horrible.

like

Wish I would have thought more about the importance of school location and how it impacts network (as someone moving to a different city post-graduation)

likehelpful

Different take: I would change nothing. I am absolutely grateful for the experience I had, the relationships I made, and the career trajectory I’m on.

Graduated UCLA at 21, started Wharton at 24 (MBA sponsored), and am on the fastest promotion track. $240k at age 28.

Maybe - just maybe - I would’ve done it at a later stage, but then again I like having my youth be a chip on my shoulder. I need to continually prove to myself that I need to keep up with those older than me, so it pushes me to be better.

likesmarthelpful

Maybe this question isn’t for you then

like

I’m ending my 3rd semester as we speak. I’m in the professional program.. working and going to school both full time. I quit my job last week and I’m throwing everything I have into the entrepreneurship offerings my school has. )My schools MBA is ranked top 5 nationally in entrepreneurship.)

Also stop collecting LinkedIn profiles like marbles. Use them. Get to know people. Ask them about what they’re working on. Tell them your ideas. Get to know people outside the business school (engr, life sciences etc.) these people need business minded folks to get ideas off the ground.

Travel with you cohort. Make good friends with them. Become known for being good at something. When your classmate start business ventures, you want them to think of you as someone to bring along.

Learn and soak up everything!

like

Network more!

like

I would have gone to a name school instead of a small private college that no one’s really heard of

like

I would pick my career choice better… I focused on investment banking which was the biggest mistake ever, consumed all the time I had and didn’t yield any results. If I were to choose my stuff better, I might have been in a top consulting company maybe… love my company and job rn but one wonders what might have happened…

like

Second this. I was so focused on investment banking and had a COVID summer associate experience, which made me think I could manage the lifestyle. Ended up hating it and quickly left IB. Wish I would have been more open minded to other careers and not focus on immediate earnings.

I would have either focused on setting up a search to buy a small biz (entrepreneurship through acquisition) or join a general management program to grow into a corp leadership position.

like

Wish I went in knowing what I wanted out of it. While it did help me grow into a better professional I’m disappointed that I dint make the most of it.

like

Probably would have not done an MBA 😅

likefunny

Wish I would have thought more about the importance of school location and how it impacts network (as someone moving to a different city post-graduation)

likesmart

I would have gone to a different school (higher ranked) that focused on results and relationships that would make a difference to my future self.

like

I would have tried to force a more prestigious school

like

Was accepted to a T10 but went to my local program (T60). Should have gone to the T10.

like

Not take a consulting job afterwards and start a company immediately

like

Get more engaged in accounting and corporate finance classes - I needed those skills later

I wouldn’t have thought my organizational behavior class was a waste of time.

like

My prior company was in US. A Colorado company with HQ in CA and operations in US and Canada.

My current company is German.

like

Start much sooner and plan for a career change

like

Related Posts

like

Please can anyone refer me? I am looking for a new opportunity in the Houston, Dallas area or remote (Program Management, Scrum Master, delivery manager, agile project management, consulting, or operations management ). I have 4 years of experience as an Agile PM/ Scrum Master; BSc in Mechanical Engineering and MBA (Management). Thank you!

Looking for input on changing positions from a Buyer to an International Logistics Coordinator. I have international freight experience and have a potential opportunity. Financially, the move makes a lot of sense. Would this be good for career trajectory? For context, I have been a buyer for several years and this is my first 'real' job, so pretty early in my career.

Newbie looking for cloud opportunity just got layoff.Was able to obtain a few AWS certification during my time at the firm. Any help can do

likehelpful

I did my time and got out and was thrilled but now I am insanely bored and don’t have much motivation. Am considering getting back in or applying to become a police officer / fed...cont

like
like

Private Equity groups at Oliver Wyman, S&, and EY Parthenon have all invited me to interview. Alix Partners has reached out to build out the Galt Co acquisition. 1. Anyone else who is considering a move to private equity consulting, are you concerned with joining at what could be the peak of M&A? Are these companies being rational in such a hot market when it comes to hiring? 2. Any thoughts on the quality of these teams relative to one another?

likesmart

To those of you who are planning to apply to MBA: Make sure you choose your recommender CAREFULLY. Really evaluate the person you’re requesting the letter from, their personality, and their relationship with you. You don’t want to be back stabbed like me 🙃

likefunny

Ex healthcare workers in Tech/Sales Engineering/ Healthcare consulting;
I have my masters in nursing/FNP (1 yr) making <K70 (Indiana) due to low patient census in my role. No desire for a different FNP job nor to return to bedside nursing (RN 5 yrs). I have heard of some individuals with remote positions making >K100 with little to no experience in tech or consulting after doing a boot camp or cert?
If you pivoted; What’s your current role/ Income & what did you do to complete the transition?

like

Hey Fishes,

I'm looking for a job switch in HR domain. Having 4+ YOE and holding a master's degree in MBA HR.
Looking for your support.
Also, I don't have sufficient Likes to DM so struggling to unlock the same.

like

Is it possible to switch from a pricing strategy role to a strategy and business development role?

like

Hi! I have 9yoe in startup, hyper growth environments. I have a strong customer Quality Assurance process improvement background. I want to shift into becoming more of an IC vs people manager. With that in mind, what steps would get me there? Should I consider a PMP or Lean Six Sigma certification? Any other ideas? I feel so stuck and need a change. Thank you!

like

Any EU attorneys who went for an LL. M. in international commercial law (or other) in Europe?

If so have you found it "worth" the year of your time? I am currently working at a firm that specializes mostly on commercial law and has a lot of foreign clients. I have some options regarding the possible LL. M. One of them is little less prestigeous that would allow me to stay working at law firm as I am studying. The other would mean taking a year off work and pursuing the LL. M, Thanks for help

like

Have all SC justices really been from Harvard or Yale??!

like

What big firms let you get to manager and above with an MBA and/or EA for tax?

like

Hey all,
Im looking to pivot my career from industrial design to product design or product management.
At the moment i manage a team of 5 industrial designers for b2b sustainable fashion and retail interiors. The methodologies and processes are quite similar between physical and digital design so i feel i should not start from a junior position, however my portfolio contains only physical. Did anybody else make a similar career switch? Any advice for switching to product is welcome. Thanks!

like

I’m in my 2nd year in audit. I want to pivot into management consulting within a big 4 or MBB. Has anyone seen someone make this lateral movement? I’m not sure how feasible that is and what steps to take. I’m also down to discuss further with whoever is comfortable in connecting.

like

Aside from Georgetown, any other MBA programs recommended for international development/finance? Looking to pivot from my current business/tech strategy work.

like

I’m potentially moving from a senior social role to an account management position. I feel I’ve capped my growth in social and want to explore other sides of the business. Any tips to set myself up for success?

like

What are the tldr differences between HR roles, people Operations, and people business partner positions? They all seem similar but I’m curious how y’all characterize them. I’m coming out of a very internal position at a nonprofit and I’m trying to better align my work accomplishments to make sense in more traditional career paths.

like

More Posts

Best GMAT study plan?

like

Hi all, I’ve recently onboarded as an HR recruiter with a small NGO. It has been wonderful so far. I want to make the most of my new role. If you have any suggestions or advise, I’d greatly appreciate it.

like

A for effort?

Post Photo
likefunny

FRM average salary through uhaul

like

Cause of death - Waiting for the response from HR

Post Photo
funnylike

Sounds about right

Post Photo
likefunny

Do you realize if you do it at 11:59 on December 31st and the clock strikes midnight it will be same shit different decade

Post Photo
likefunnyhelpful

Hi all, i have an interview scheduled with coinbase. Can someone please suggest what is the complexity of questions asked in coinbase. Medium/ hard leetcode ?

like

Hi fishes,
I will be promoted to A from this Oct . Pay scale will change from Oct . So will I get yearly hike or they ignore it ?

like

Is there special experience or knowledge you'd need to be effective at a GCD level in Pharma? Or is it like any other account, just different products? I'm considering making the switch from general market advertising.

like

Anyone from Bain here?
Could you please help me check if the job Specialist, CRM(Job Id-2021-5637) has been closed or is it still open l. Also this would be great if anyone can refer me for this role.

like

American Express Hey Guys,Can anyone who is a Data Engineer and working with Big Tech Companies share some light on how you guys are preparing for interviews?How are you learning so fast/so much?Can you please share some plan or guide me on what resources you are following?There are too many things. And in my current organization I am not able to learn those.I want to learn fast and more.I see profiles on LinkedIn that are filled with big data techstack.Please guide. Adobe Amazon Walmart Expedia, Inc. American E

like

I recently moved to a different district and am starting to plan ahead for next year. What novels and plays do you think are worthwhile and essential for 10th, 11th and Pre-AP? I have many in mind that I have used before but am really looking for some fresh ideas!

like

Is elevator etiquette lost on everyone these days?

like

Preferred reading -- FT or WSJ?

like

For those who pursued MBA or MHA several years after practice, how did you use your degree?

like

How do you feel about schools getting closed for the World Series victory? If we make it ok to close for things like this, where do we draw the line? I think people fail to realize the impact missing school can have on kids.

likeuplifting

Hi all
Any openings in Goa location?

like

LTI is Hiring for below Cloud & DevOps - BU Positions!!

Immediate to 30 days joiners will be preferred.
Interested plz DM with job codes to apply

Post Photo
like

Additional Posts in MBA Life

Many in my MBA program are hyper grade focused. Do grades matter that much post MBA for future job opps at all? My approach has been to balance academics with relationship building and practicing exec presence and for me, pivoting to a new industry

like

Is anyone part of Toigo? How helpful is/was it in your career search?

like

Hi. Wanted to know if anyone can refer me to PwC, EY, Deloitte, Siemens Advanta, Kearney please! Looking for post MBA entry opportunities (Associate, Consultant). Thanks!

likehelpful
likefunny

Boutique or big 4?

I'm currently an ops manager at a big 4 in London and received an offer from a small boutique firm with 25-30% pay rise.

I'm also in the process with Accenture but I feel like I'm not sure if I'd jump just for the money but also change in environment.
What type of things would you be asking yourself if you were in my shoes and debating to jump ship?

like

Any current MBA students on here? Any wisdom/things you wish you knew before starting??

I have recently joined EY SaT group as senior consultant recently in Netherlands. I’m tripple masters in MS economics, MBA and MS business analytics. Have 4 YOE in different industries but no M&A experience specifically. Any ideas what company should be offering me? I’ll be working as expert on commercial due diligence, FDD and valuation teams and doing automation alongside. is it wise to demand higher salary or promotion soon after I have proven that I can work and do it better than most?EY

likefunny

What are everyone's thoughts on executive MBA vs. traditional MBA? I'm currently pursuing a traditional MBA but sometimes I wonder what could've been 😅

like

I'm trying to choose between IBM Corporate Strategy and Innosight. I like both opportunities. Innosight pays more, but I've never had a big brand like IBM on my resume. Additionally, I'm worried whether Innosight's exit opportunities are slimmer than IBM. Would anyone have some advice on what I should pick / how I should think about this?

like

Incoming MBA, I have my tuition paid for and rent covered (I will be an RA). So the only thing I need to pay for is food and entertainment. Do you think 20k is enough to last me through the 2 years? I will make a little money interning in the summer, so that would be a safety valve if I blow through the 20k.

Or… should I take a small loan?

Anyone heard back from Capital One for the MBA product management position? My application has been in progress for over a month and no news from the company. @CapitalOne

like

MBA1s: Tell the recruiting market is bad without telling the recruiting market is bad.

Now go!

like

Has anyone gone through BDO associate interview case study step ? I have my case study scheduled end of week and I am wondering if anyone has gone through it and advice how shall I prepare. The role is in capital advisory

like

I would appreciate your perspective.
I am currently working on my MBA in a professional evening and weekend program at a highly accredited university. I am thinking about transferring to a much smaller private online program, specifically because they offer a concentration in organizational health, which directly builds on my doctoral research. Does great depth and specialization outweigh the value of a highly respected generalist degree?

like

I'm about to start my part-time MBA. Already feel like dropping out...

like

I just graduated with my MS in Health Information Management. Any jobs in NYC in this particular field (first time in this field)? Provide links. 🫶🏼

Also what is the starting salary? It would be my first time in this field. 😺

• Bachelors degree in Radiologic Sciences (x-ray tech)
• Master of Science in Health Information Management

like

Soon to be graduating from an MBA, and won't be able to attend a graduation ceremony or grad party - is it something life changing that I'll be missing out on?

like

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