I don't necessarily disagree with you - if you like/love your job, are on a clear and upward path, and can see good progression in the future it doesn't make much sense to drop off the track and get an MBA. I am not sure this is the situation for the original poster.
Maybe its different in Europe but here in the US your statement about not being able to go into banking without prior banking experience has not been the case in my experience. The top MBA programs are feeders into the bank associate programs and the majority of offers into banking (there were a lot) were people who had no banking experience, and a large amount with no previous finance experience at all. Those who did have previous experience in banking were trying to move into better companies, and they were definitely in the minority. As for PE/HF, it is definitely a harder path, but its hard in general to get into these industries. It depends on how bad you want it, how much you are willing to hustle, and how long you are willing to wait.
I think the 1 year euro programs are great, but if you want to career switch I think there are advantages to going to a two year program where you can 1) have an internship over the summer 2) have more time to figure out what you want to do.
PTK wrote:
Hi man.
I tend to discount the value of MBA, the opportunities it gives and how many "doors are open to you." given the time and money you spent there, your current experience, your current job position and salary.
Regarding opening many doors: career switchers or guys (without previous experience in PE/HF/IB) who want to work in PE or hedge fund or IB , now in current economic environment dont think that so many doors are open to them. Doors may be open, but not those they want.
I know some guys aged 27-31 (I talk about applicants from Eastern Europe, not US) who experience career progression, stay away from business schools, since they dont want to stop in their career growth.
For them the question is "why I need to spent 2 years away from work I like a lot, get a $200k loan and after graduation receive the same of or even lower salary that I can earn now or in couple of years."
You must know your goals, predict your career growth with or without MBA.
By the way consider European 1 -year MBA programs such as IMD or INSEAD, or LBS (15 months).