MBA - Should I consider?

Question

I have 13 years of experience across Kearney (2.5 years), Arvind (Fashion/Ecommerce - 4), Ola (Internet ride-hailing -2 years), MPL (Gaming company - 2 years), Disney (1 year) and one more startup across strategy, P&L roles. I graduated from IIT Bombay in 2011.

I applied to schools in 2017-18 and got admit in Chicago Booth, and waitlist and HBS and Wharton but decided not to pursue due to personal reasons. I am currently contemplating a B-school. I also took the GMAT during that time with a score of 770 (Not sure if I can use this anymore however some forums say that you can still request for a waiver and get this score within 10 years from the test date).

I wish to transition into a global role in a stable MNC ideally in a mid-senior role (considering my experience). How do I look at B-schools now? Does it even make sense right now? I am ideally not too keen on Exec-MBA as not sure on the quality of peer group considering majority of the batch is company sponsored and the brag-value may not be high. Some of the programs that I was contemplating were - INSEAD - 1 year full-time. Stanford MSX /Sloan (but not sure on US environment and long-term employability perspectives, plus they are not giving MBA per-se, kind of requirement in global MNC/Consulting orgs if you want to join laterally?) or IIM-A PGPX (Indian 1 year residential course - highest RoI due to recognition at least in indian context, lowest brag value) . Too many questions going through my head. Would appreciate some guidance from people who have perspective with this kind of experience levels.

mrfredrick · Answer

Given your profile and global aspirations, INSEAD seems like the most balanced option. It's one of the few full-time programs where your experience won’t be a barrier, peer quality is excellent, and international placement options are strong. Plus, the 1-year format minimizes opportunity cost while still offering global brand equity.

suburbandaredevil · Answer

If you're still chasing a transformative experience and are open to shifting regions, Stanford MSX could be powerful. It's tailored for seasoned professionals like you. The brand holds even without the "MBA" title. Your 770 GMAT may still be viable—worth writing to AdComs.

grandzeno · Answer

IIM-A PGPX offers unbeatable RoI if your long-term plan is India-based leadership. But if global mobility and networks are priorities, INSEAD or MIT Sloan Fellows give that edge. Exec MBAs might fall short of your expectations given your experience and ambition.

realloggervick · Answer

Your hesitation on Exec-MBA is valid, especially with career-switch goals. Since you’re not looking to pause—just pivot—the Stanford MSX or MIT Sloan Fellows route offers that sweet spot between seniority, brand, and global leverage. Reconnect with Booth too—they may value your prior admit.

shobhitgupta123 · Answer

Thanks do you think Stanford MSX/MIT Sloan post placement is favorable for an Indian resident/student? I'm not sure about that scenario, reading a lot of negative sentiments around that.

shobhitgupta123 · Answer

Thanks. Do candidates with significant experience apply for IIMA PGPX? I see their placement report, not very encouraging considering my level and compensation

GyanOne · Answer

Hi  shobhitgupta123

- You’ve worked across multiple industries and functional areas, including P&L, strategy, and operations. While this diverse experience is valuable, it’s important to pinpoint a clear vertical/horizontal focus for your post-program career goals. Adcoms want to see how these past roles connect to a coherent next step.
- If you get a waiver, schools will primarily treat you as a waiver candidate. Mentioning your previous 770 will still showcase past aptitude, but it won’t carry the same weight as a current, valid score. Schools have a five-year validity for a reason, so weigh carefully whether to retake or proceed with a waiver.
- INSEAD will assess your European/Asian exposure, which matches well given your extensive work across regions. Note that you’re substantially above their average for work experience. Stanford MSx and MIT Sloan Fellows are strong, mid-career options too, that is the MBA vs. non-MBA label is less critical than each program’s ability to deliver on your leadership and global transition goals. Given its global footprint and peer profile, LBS could also be an excellent fit. What sector and role will you recruit for? What can you bring to top employers there? These are important questions to think about. The school's brand will help, but the answers to these will be important. 
- A lot of your post-MBA success here will depend on your most recent role, and what skills you can bring to the future one. Mid-career programs are all about the lateral transfer of skills. This is a major thing for your to consider. 
- Further Reading & Insights:
 Full-time MBA options for mid-career professionals 
 KB's journey to the MIT Sloan Fellows MBA

dhoffamerasia · Answer

I think your best bets and options are with a full-time 1-year program. INSEAD, MSx, Sloan Fellows, and IIMA PGPX are all viable; it just depends on your preferred geography, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. You’ve got a strong story and track record for this type of program (note: I agree the 2-year full-time MBAs skew a bit too young and the ROI on an EMBA is questionable if you're not sponsored).

Happy to chat further or dig into specific schools if that’s helpful. I always enjoy hearing from folks with diverse experiences and stories.

If you're interested in discussing your MBA candidacy or are looking for a skilled MBA Consultant and Coach to guide you through this process, please send me an email at dhoff@amerasiaconsulting.com or reach out to schedule an initial consultation at https://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/contact

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Thank you for sharing your profile  shobhitgupta123  , it's clear that you’ve had a remarkable journey, marked by prestigious institutions, top-tier employers, and breadth across industries. With 13 years of experience across strategy and leadership roles in marquee firms like Kearney, Ola, Disney, and startups, you bring a depth of exposure and maturity that few applicants possess. Your background, along with a great GMAT score of 770 and an IIT Bombay degree, signals strong intellectual horsepower and execution capability, traits that top business schools value immensely.

First, to address your immediate question: yes, it can absolutely make sense for someone at your level to pursue a full-time MBA,  if aligned with a clear career pivot or geographic relocation .   The key is fit, purpose, and ROI  . You’re in a unique but not uncommon situation: senior enough to lead, yet seeking that global credential and reset that opens the door to roles in MNCs or CPGs in new geographies. The fact that  you were admitted to Booth  and  waitlisted at HBS and Wharton back in 2017-18  speaks volumes about your candidacy. That said, the market, and applicant pool, has shifted, and so have school expectations.

Your 770 GMAT score, is great but almost all top B-schools will not accept it if it's more than 5 years old. INSEAD, for example, accepts scores up to 5 years officially. Explore schools that accept GMAT waivers. Also, R3 for the Jan intake is quite competitive and tight on deadlines.

In terms of school fit, INSEAD’s 1-year program can be one of the best options for someone like you. It offers diversity, global mobility, and a peer group that skews more experienced than most 2-year U.S. programs. However, R3 is riskier, as it tends to be more selective due to class balancing and limited seats. If INSEAD is your top choice, your profile seem to have potential, especially with strong essays emphasizing your global mindset, leadership, and clarity of goals.

The Stanford MSx and Sloan Fellows programs are ideal for your level in terms of cohort age and experience. Their network and leadership development focus are top-tier, but long-term employability in the U.S. is a concern, especially given H1B limitations and cautious hiring in a post-tech-boom landscape. If your goal is to relocate to the U.S. long-term, this can be a risk to factor in seriously.

You’re also right that Exec MBAs can be less attractive depending on the peer mix, especially when most participants are company-sponsored and not in a transitional mindset. For someone who is looking to pivot or rebrand, they don’t offer the same transformative power as a full-time program. That said, for IIM-A PGPX ROI, try networking with the Alumni for latest updates and insights. The placement and alumni strength in India can be good.

In terms of next steps, if you're serious about international mobility, prioritize schools with global alumni strength and experienced cohorts (INSEAD, LBS, IESE, and to an extent, Sloan Fellows). Clarify your post-MBA role expectations. If you're aiming to enter a senior role in a global CPG firm or consulting, be specific about region, function, and level.

If you'd like help, in strategizing your INSEAD R3 application or comparing schools/programs one-on-one.   Let’s chat. Feel free to Book a Session.

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