Hello,

I would really welcome your view on my situation and profile.

I am a 27yo Southern European with BSc and MSc in social sciences, 1 year of experience in the international non-profit sector and 2y in B2B business intelligence (socio-economic, consumer analysis) in the UK.

I am stuck with my job at the moment and really looking for a career change, willing to move more into business and a more challenging role, ideally consulting. Hence, I recently decided to try my best to get into an MBA and started studying for the GMAT. Before coming up with this decision though I was applying for other jobs and now received an offer from a small but international management consultancy (ex BCGs led). Now my big question is: MBA or new job?

On the MBA side, I am really sure that is something I want to do and that I would truly enjoy, and that potentially could open me the doors to more high level jobs through on-campus recruiting.

On the job side…well is a new and more interesting job which I could start very soon. Besides, even if junior level would give more insight and knowledge on how businesses work, and I am sure I would learn a lot. My idea would be to spend a couple of years there and then maybe apply for an MBA. On the upside I would have more time to prepare well the GMAT and schools applications. On the downside, by time I would start an MBA I would be 30-31 (too old for a career change?) and I am not sure how my experience would be seen by Adcoms (jumping around jobs rather than clear career progression)?

Just to give you a full picture I am thinking more towards Euroepan schools (INSEAD, LBS, Oxbridge, HEC, ESADE….).

Thanks in advance for any kind of advice you can provide!

Hi,

Thanks for your reply!

1) New opportunity would still be based in the UK, but with work across all Europe.
2) I have no specific country I wish to settle post MBA. Given my background and EU nationality I think still anywhere in the EU, but I would definitely be open to other areas
3) Reason for an MBA… for a career change and trying to open more doors (ideally strategy consulting, but open to explore other options). In general I studied and worked in the ‘social sciences’ area and later understood how I am more interested in a career into business, thus an MBA would both provide me with skills/knowledge I am lacking and legitimate my aspiration in front of potential recruiters. Finally, the more I read about programmes the more I feel I would really enjoy the experience (challenge, studying, international peers)..