Those who received an MBA, do you feel it was worth it? How difficult have you found it to repay the massive cost of getting the degree (and interest)? I’m beginning to study for the GMAT but still

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

I went to Booth and feel it was worth it in terms of network, salary progression, and the course work. It’s also basically a two year break from the work force, which was awesome. I took out the max in loans (around 180K at the time), and just paid them off this week. I’m almost 5 years out of school.

like

I went to Darden, well worth it. My employer paid my second year, which helped. There’s also tons of scholarship money thrown around at Darden, esp for second years based on first year performance (and resume) - I had some
scholarship money too.

like

Hey P1, the scholarship money is coming from Darden for students that are doing well? How are they measuring that, GPA? Application?

Recent IconRecent

I went to a Top 25 gave up two years of earnings and came out only making 15k more. The only reason I dont think it was a waste is because I went for free.

likehelpful

Absolutely, came in through military recruiting program, many of my peers are same level and salary without MBA...not saying it wont pay off down the road. I dont have regrets because it was a fun 2 years but if I had taken out 100k+ in loans like some people I would be pissed.

like

Wharton. Second year paid for by consulting firm where I did summer internship. Now, I work from home and make my own hours. I say go for it!

like

Get nervous thinking how hard it was for me to pay my undergrad debt of only $30K. Felt like the first 2-3 years I was only paying interest. Do people who graduate feel they can pay the debt on their loans and manage a decent lifestyle (apartment, car, kids, vacation) at the same time?

like

It depends on your life style and expenses. My wife and I have dual income and no kids, so it’s been fairly easy to aggressively pay down my loans. Between the two of us, we go on a lot of vacations but don’t live an extravagant lifestyle. We spend about $120K per year all in (but not including loan payments), so with salary progression post mba, it’s fairly easy to pay off the loans, put money in savings, and still live comfortably.

like

Took out lots of debt ($160). Likely worth it but it is annoying to pay back (but honestly doesn’t impact my lifestyle).

If you think you can achieve near (not necessarily the same) comp trajectory without, than skip. For me, no way I’d be in the 200-250 range in my late 20s without Booth

like

Got dat GI Bill baby! Nothing better than coming out debt free. Thou my knees and back are still paying for it

like

#arthritisforschool

like

I did part time program. It required time investments on the weekend but alleviated $$ stress and allowed me to continue progressing in my career

like

Took a gamble and declined an M7 offer for a full ride to a ~top 20 program. I never recruited for MBB, but Deloitte was the top overall recruiter (tied with Amazon) and I ended up at a tier 2 firm. This is just to say, there are options beyond H/S/W where you may not even need a student loan and still have a shot at the top employers

like

@A1 in the past I would have agreed with you but have read tons of stories on this forum of folks that worked in hotel operations, went to a top 30 school and are now earning >3X their pre-mba salary 2 years out. Completely situational.

like

Lol pretty sure you’re referring to me! Well worth it for career switchers like me who would have had no shot getting into consulting pre-MBA. Top 30 school here and don’t regret a second of my full time experience. I knew I’d need to go big with post -MBA job to pay the loan off, and I’m making progress. I consider my loans a long term investment and I pay $1500/month. It gets more comfortable the further you are out of school.

Went to top 15 school, came out 10k higher base but moved from services to consulting. Progression after MBA is double salary in 7 years

like

Went to top 20. Took out 120k in loans. On pace to pay off all loans within two years of graduating. Had a blast

like

Luckily had scholarship so didn’t have much debt. It was worth it.

Depends. I know someone who has an MBA and is barely making 70k. Tough world.

Yeah, which is why the person is accepting an offer at another big 4.

40k more!

Lots of debt, but nearly 2 years out of MBA, I make $90k more before bonus

Yes definitely worth it; repayment was super easy as my employer at the time paid for it.

Which/do any firms fully pay for an MBA?

Deloitte, ZS, LEK (pretty sure) in addition to the MBB already mentioned

Totally worth it. M7- went from $75k before school, all in, to $200k all in directly out of school. $200k+ debt from mba + masters + undergrad- plan to pay off within 5 years. Never could have made this $$ without the degree.

I think C1s strategy is good, particular at a UVA / duke / Tuck level school... if you can get a lot of $$ there can be worth it. However, M7 is still better option if you want to go in general and cost difference is smallish ( say less than 40/50)

Related Posts

Almost everyone here is from a consulting background. What is everyone's target industry/role post MBA? Just curious 🤔

like

Hello everyone,

My project is looking for product managers from India with MBA degree with technology experience, immediate joiners preferred, work location Remote or Bangalore. If anyone having experience in product management please drop me a note. Thanks

likeuplifting

Is it very hard to go to IB post-MBA from T2 consulting pre-MBA without internship? (CBS student)

like

I am currently obtaining my masters of science in Human Resources at USC, hv a PHR -SHRM certificate in Human Resources and a bachelors in communication with minor in business. I have about one year work experience… is applying for Human Resources management out of the question? In southern Cali.

like

Anyone in the NYC or Jersey area looking for a succession plan for their book? CFP, ChFC and MBA with 10 years experience as an Advisor within the banking channel. Currently managing roughly $100 Million. Most of it is not portable and a lot of it is dead money inherited from other advisors.

like
like

Not trying to matriculate into a top 5 school, but let's talk accredidation. Does an MBA not have weight to it if the school isn't lets say, AACSB accredited but is still accreditated, i.e. SACSCOC?

To get hold of technology, which one would you suggest for a 11 years non technical Project Manager with PMP, PRINCE2, PSM and PSPO certification. Any suggestions to start learning low code / no code technologies like Pega or Appian ?

like

How much should a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt be paid?

like

Hi!

So I am getting ready to start studying for the PHR, any tips on how to better prepare for the cert?

Also, I am more interested in the People Analytics side of HR, do you guys think this will help? I do have experience with SQL, Tableau and Analytics in general.

Thanks!

like

Worked in Financial Services and Wealth Management for 12 years. CFP working in the banking channel and completing my MBA within a few months with a focus in Mergers & Acquisitions. Really can’t take the stress and compliance involved with being an Advisor anymore I’m losing hair everyday. Any suggestions where to go?

like

Hi Fishes,
Would you recommend University of Western Sydney for an MBA? Prior experience in consulting but want to pivot to General Management or in-house Consulting practice.

like

Has anyone made transition from ad agency into product marketing? How did you do it and what courses did you take? Did you have to be a consultant/MBA candidate before transitioning (because sadly I don’t...) Dying to make this transition but wanting to have a mentor to learn all about it!! Thank you!!

like

What should be the expected CTC for level 9, Accenture strategy - CN ?
YoE - 7 yrs (3 in same industry)
MBA - tier 1

like

How someone can move to management from technical job without doing mba?

like

Thoughts on how to go about moving from BO at a BB to FO? I’m an associate in Data Analytics as a client engagement lead so I deal internally with EDs & MDs daily, I don’t have an MBA (but do have a 4.0 GPA and a Masters in Marketing from a top three UK uni) and am thinking that could be the best way for me to transition?

like

SAP Hi i have 2 years of experience in sap sd and i have Hana certification with no hands on experience in Hana , could you please help to know how to get job in sap labs and what salary can I expect - my current CTC 5.5 lpa. And how should I prepare for interview

like

Would you say through MBA OCR most individuals only receive 1 MBB offer? Or do people get 2-3 offers and then choose the firm of preference?

like

Has anyone taken part of the education reimbursement program? I’ve been here for 4 years and I’m thinking of obtaining my Master’s in Organizational Leadership, but I feel like with this merger, if I started the program and then there are layoffs or too many new hires, or work just becomes overwhelming, I wouldn’t be able to complete my program. I’m already wearing multiple hats when it comes to work. Does anyone have insight on how it works/what it’s like? Thanks in advance!

like

Looking for roles on the Customer/Marketing/Sales Consulting side of things. MBA w majority of time in industry looking to make a switch.

like

More Posts

I challenge each of us to find one thing to be truly thankful for. Please post a description, or photo of this thing in the thread below.

And GO!

Which computer are you using? Recommend? Why?

like

Any recommendations on a good, light weight backpack for traveling? Female, no budget, just looking for quality and practical.

like

Rainbow Radish, Cara Cara Orange, Goat Cheese, and Chive Salad with Honey Orange Vinaigrette

I just made this salad. It’s pretty, tastes good, and is effortless. I haven’t written the recipe yet.

Post Photo
like

Templates and many more if you thinking about getting into Project Management.

Post Photo
like

In how much time do we get provisional relieving letter from LTI on LWD after submitting laptop? Need some insight to plan my travel.

like

What are some feasible exits to the investment industry? PE seems to be too hard. Currently at Strategy& Deals Strategy and will leave at the 3YOE mark

like

How long does the interview process take at Proserve?

Does Proserve have the same culture as AWS (PIP)?

like

SOS, I got a govt offer & was let go from my current job. I was not given a clear reason for termination but it was not misconduct. How do I phrase this in a disclosure statement for background check

like

Hi Guys,

Got offer from oracle.

Tech stack java

Current yoe 5.4 yrs
Current ctc 8.2 lpa

Oracle offer:
AGP - 16.7 lpa

Basic 7.5 lpa
Flexi benefit plan 9.2 lpa
Epf 90k
Gratuity 36k

Ctc around 18 lpa

Is it good offer or can I negotiate?

Kindly suggest.

By the way what's meant by flexi benefit plan?

Thanks in advance.

like

I have no interest working today. Work Wife is on vacation so I have nobody to flirt with to pass the time. Who's looking to text flirt today to help the time pass?

funnylikeuplifting

I’ve already had cervical cancer (last year) and have been cancer free. Now have a hormone replacement specialist I have to see annually. Yesterday was the visit and she randomly decided to do a breast exam and found a lump. Couldn’t get me in for a diagnostic mammogram until next week. Came home and relapsed - it was not a full-on bender but I drank. How do I not beat myself up and just get up and keep going? Alcohol is the WORST thing for any cancer esp breast cancer. WTF is wrong with me!?

like

AFS folks: does anyone else get frustrated with the internal portal? Having to use two browsers for everything is annoying. The website is not very user friendly at all

like

Hello everyone, i am currently looking for a job. I have totally 8.8 years of experience in SCM and logistics. If their is any openings kindly refer

like

Wish me well. Resigning from my job of over 16yr tomorrow. So nervous, excited and sick to my stomach. I never thought this day would come when I felt I had to do this.

like

I have $225 in Best Buy credit, any recommendations on what to buy? Thinking of getting the series 8 Apple Watch

like

Any thoughts on the BOLE decision to limit the NY bar exam to in-state law school spring grads only? What % of the fakers are in state? And then spring grads? Seems like a lot of out of state, or second time around, or foreign, or other categories.

like

Need 11 to start chatting.

This is a step to reach my goal.

Thanks

likesmart

Additional Posts in Consulting

Only 2 more days till Consultant Friday!!

like

Do you guys have two complete sets of toiletries, or just pack and unpack?

like

What is maximum amount you can submit for cell phone bill reimbursement ?

like

When leaving KPMG for another company, what are the payouts, if any? (Unused vacation days, etc) And is a 401k rollover required, or can you stay with Merrill Lynch?

like

Any Deloitte members have insights on any internal Supply Chain Consulting positions for someone with 1YOE.

like

What’s your most important skill and why?

like

genuinely haven’t accomplished a single task today & can’t focus

likeupliftinghelpful

How do you deal with being on an engagement with people who are very simply not fun to work with? And not even just not fun but actually unengaging and/or irritating to work with. Starting to see how spoiled I was with first few managers and directors.

like

Have been invited to reapply to BCG but I’m also ~ 4 months away from a promotion to manager. Should I wait until after promotion?

Hope would then to be able to come in as consultants as opposed to senior associate (I don’t have 4 yoe)

like

I wasted my youth being responsible.

like

Is anyone willing to look at my resume to let me know if I’m qualified enough to be a consultant at Deloitte? TIA

like

Uber driver is driving like "nah, you can miss your flight it's okay"

like

ACN people who do the ESPP: do you do the max contribution? I'm enrolling for the first time and it just seems like a lot of money to take out each month lol

like
like

What are your thoughts on the following companies: Hulu, Netflix, Spotify, Apple- Music? Would you join for a small increase but more manageable hours?

like

Noticing my manager is unloading more of his admin work onto me. He's also failing to meet internal deadlines for deliverables and has failed to do agreed upon pro Dev sessions with me. How to handle?

like

How do you judge when to leave a company for something better if you never burn out or hate where you are?
My specific situation: 4 years out of undergrad with Slalom, I like my job/coworkers and am making solid money but am starting to be qualified for interesting/lucrative exit ops. Not trying to grass-is-always-greener myself out of a good thing and I'm in no rush to leave, but how do I know when it's time to take advantage of other opportunities? Would love any advice from older folks!

like

Who uses AmazonFresh? Do you tip the delivery driver?

like

Guys I really need an apartment in NY. Hoteling is getting old. Halpppp!

like

Where can I buy a tux? Looking for good quality without paying too much.

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

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

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