Career progression in same company on app - disadvantage?

Question

I plan on pursuing an MBA to try to progress my career within the same industry/function I am currently in...possibly even the same company.

Now, although I plan on continuing in the same function, my career goals are to land a position in a more elite finance group within my corporation (think move from cost analyst to Corporate Treasury). The latter group only recruits high caliber MBA's and it's extremely rare to see an UG land a rotation there.

Is it a disadvantage for your career goals to be within the same company and the same job function? I hear there are situations where full-times will ding you and recommend applying to executive/part time programs in this situation (note: I'm 26 w/ 4 yrs experience).

losttraveler · Answer

Well, think about it.. if you want to stay with same firm but different function... why not network within your own firm to get to your goals without needing the mba? Why is it essential for you to get an mba to get the role within your organization? If it truly is needed, would they sponsor you and pay for your mba at which point a part-time program makes sense. Think of it from a broad view here. Nearly EVERY single program asks why an mba and why now in some capacity. If you have a good story around why you would need an mba rather than improved networking within your current firm then go for it but if you can get that mba on your firms dime... that sounds pretty good doesn't it?

bakfed · Answer

Just to add onto that, it's not uncommon for an applicant to say that he/she is staying within the same industry, perhaps even the same company. Many investment bankers and consultants are (more or less) required to get his/her MBA after 2 or 3 years of service. These companies will fund the cost of the program, given the fact that he/she returns to the same company. In this case, it's quite natural to state that the person is staying within the same company.

matticusfinch · Answer

I just wanted to add my two cents, since I took this strategy with my application and had success. Provided you can make a very compelling case, it is a perfectly acceptable to say you want to stay within the same company / function / industry. With that said, everything needs to tie in. In my case, I had very clearly stated goals about staying in the industry, but needing additional skills to round out my abilities so I could create change on a larger scale. To re-inforce this message, all of my recommenders (all from my previous company) indicated that they were well aware of my plans and whole-heartedly supported my decision and need to acquire additional skills through an MBA.

From your description of your desired future role, it sounds like an MBA is a requirement (or helps greatly) for a jump in responsibility. A possible approach is to focus on the hard finance skills that will help you move up, plus some well-defined management / soft-skills that you feel you will need to lead in a more advanced technical role. It might be helpful to focus on the short-term jump in responsibility, but also your long term goals - what will an MBA provide in terms of long-term development?

bb · Answer

I think this may be of value/relevance here: why-mba-84855.html

mbain2012a · Answer

Thanks everyone..this is all very helpful.

matticusfinch, it's reassuring that you had success in a similar situation regarding career goals/why MBA.
Would it be valuable for me to explain why I want to go full-time vs. continuing to work and attending a part time program? Since most questions are framed "Why MBA?" and not "Why full-time MBA?", I don't necessarily want to stray from the question being asked, however, it may be something I need to address since my goal is progression within the same company.

Career progression in same company on app - disadvantage?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards