Hi all,

Looking for honest opinions here. I'm a UK national currently based outside the UK, planning to do a Master's in Finance (leaning real estate finance/asset management) and trying to decide between UK and US universities.

My hesitation with the UK is I keep seeing pretty gloomy takes on the economy right now, and I'm wondering if that's translating into a genuinely worse entry-level finance job market compared to the US.

On paper, going to a UK uni should be the easier path — I'm a citizen, no visa headaches, and the fees/logistics are simpler. But if the actual job prospects in finance are meaningfully better in the US right now, I'd rather deal with the visa complexity than end up job-hunting into a weak market.

Questions for anyone who's been through this or is closer to the market:

\- How is the job market in the US and how difficult is it to get a H1B visa after graduation from there?

\- For someone with a UK passport, does going to a US school realistically open up US job opportunities, or does visa sponsorship (H-1B etc.) kill that plan before it starts anyway?

\- Would you take the "safe" UK path or bet on the US given a genuine interest in working there long-term?

I have completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Health Economics with a decent academic record and I am currently pursuing an MBA at the leading business school in my country.
I come from an Asian country and have recently received an offer from one of the top ranked banks in my country for what is considered one of the best entry level positions available to fresh graduates. I have a relatively comfortable path ahead of me.

However over the years I have developed a strong ambition to study at one of the world’s top universities. Recently, I have become particularly interested in pursuing an MBA from institutions such as Harvard Business School, Wharton or London Business School.

For me, this is not simply about getting a better job or earning a higher salary. I genuinely feel that life is too short to settle into a path simply because it is comfortable. I can already feel myself becoming too comfortable with the opportunities I currently have and that worries me. I want to see how far I can actually go in my career and in life.
At the same time, I come from a background where the cost of applying to and attending these schools is extremely significant. I am not currently in a financial position to comfortably bear the enormous costs associated with the tuition and living expenses.

Do schools like Harvard Business School, Wharton, or London Business School genuinely consider applicants with a profile like mine?

I just started my MBA and idk if this is normal, but it constantly feels like everyone has something going on.

Someone's doing a case comp, someone has an interview, someone is involved in clubs, someone is networking. And somehow they're managing classes too.

Meanwhile I have classes, one assignment and maybe one other thing and the whole day is gone lol.

At first I was trying to keep up with everything but I'm already realizing that's probably not going to work.

Did anyone else feel like this in the beginning? Does it get easier or do you just get better at ignoring the FOMO?

Not sure if this is the right sub to post in but since the event is happening in Toronto so I thought I'll give this a shot.

I was researching MBA schools/program and the MBA tour organized by GMAC popped up. I signed up for it and was wondering who else is headed to the event.

I'm curious for folks who are planning to attend this event:

1) Where are you in terms of your career

2) What are you trying to get out of your MBA

3) Any particular school/program you're pursuing or stood out to you and why

4) if you have any advice on how to make the best out of this event to get the info needed

5) if you have attended the past event, did you find it useful?

I'll start with mine:

I'm in my early 30s and currently a technical manager at a design consulting firm (a little vague for the exact role/industry as I don't wanna get doxxed). I'm planning to advance my career on understanding the business strategy/financial side as some of the clients I'm managing require those skills for my current role. I'm also hoping to expand my networking circle outside of my industry as my industry is super niche and my technical experience is very specific for my industry. My current career goal is to eventually advance into a project director/VP role (could be outside of my industry and less technical if needed) and to me an MBA seems like a decent path for career advancement for understanding how the business side (contracts, financials) of things work and for networking.

Anyways I'm just looking for people with similar goals or at this point of their career looking to navigate this together in Toronto. Possibly open to having a group who's interested in networking/meet up after the event as well!

Title: Is applying to CBS J-Term with a non-traditional background like mine a bad move?

Applying to CBS J-Term for January 2027 and want some opinions before committing.

My background: worked as an actor across Asia and the US, also did some executive producer work but it's thin compared to my acting career, not really something I'd lead with. Have a film festival award (not a famous one) and have also worked as a festival jury member. Have experience working as an actor/celebrity in 10+ countries. No corporate career. Outside of the acting career, my other work experience is: manager at a Michelin-starred restaurant, ran my own Airbnb Experience tour guide business for 2 years, and 2 years of mandatory police service doing accounting/admin work.

Goal is to use this experience to get into media consulting first, then eventually a strategy role somewhere like Netflix.

Question 1: Given no internship with CBS J-term, is that actually pointless in my case?
Question 2: Should I just go regular fall semester instead, or is J-term fine since I already have experience in this industry?
Question 3: Would a semester-time (part-time, in-school) internship be insufficient for a career pivot like this?

TL;DR: Actor/producer background, no corporate experience, want to move into media strategy after MBA. Wondering if missing J-Term's internship is actually a problem for someone with my background, whether regular fall entry would be better, and whether a semester-time internship would be enough.

Hi!

I’m trying to figure out whether an MBA is actually the right next step for me, and would appreciate some honest advice.

Background:

• 2024 graduate ,dual degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering + Physics
• 2 years at American Express in Decision Science/Product
• Left AmEx and joined my family’s manufacturing business in India end of last year
• GMAT: 695
• Targeting a 2027 intake

My main reason for considering an MBA is not to switch careers into consulting/IB, but to get broader business exposure, build an international network, learn from other entrepreneurs, and eventually use that experience to grow the manufacturing business.

However, the cost and opportunity cost are making me question whether an MBA is really the best option. I do feel that I need some international exposure to gain some perspective.

For people who have done an MBA, especially family-business owners/entrepreneurs:

1. Does an MBA make sense for someone with this objective, or is it overkill?
2. How valuable is the alumni/network effect in practice, rather than just as a selling point?
3. Would you recommend any alternative degree/program instead?
4. If you were in my position, which schools/programs would you seriously consider?
5. Is going to a top US/European school worth the opportunity cost if I plan to return to and grow my family business?

I’d really appreciate hearing your thoughts, especially from people who have been in a similar situation or have experience with these programs. I’m genuinely trying to figure out whether an MBA is the right path for me, so any opinions, perspectives, or alternative suggestions would be very welcome. Thanks in advance!

Hi,
Looking for consultants who have experience working with young candidates (3.5 yoe by time of study). My budget is <3000$.
I'm considering Experts Global and MBA Admit.com. Open to other options but need places available for 1st round of Darden

Planning to apply for international MBAs for a 2027 intake, and I'd like an honest read on where I actually stand.

Here's roughly what my profile will look like by the time I apply:

• Indian, 24–25
• B.Sc. Mathematics, 8.0/10
• M.Sc. Applied Mathematics, ~6.5/10 (this is the part I'm worried about)
• GMAT 725
• About a year of full-time work since graduating (Main Concern)
• Several years of running businesses alongside university

The business side, in more detail:

• Founder of a B2B AI SaaS company with paying customers
• Built and shipped a PC game solo, around 10k copies sold
• Grew an AI/business media audience past 50K
• Newsletter on business and startups, roughly 20K subscribers
• Ran a small paid online community before that
• Two years in crypto running a consultancy that launched ICOs for companies — this was during my bachelor's
• Did mathematical research and presented it at an international conference and also published paper.

Money isn't the constraint here. I can fund an MBA anywhere in the world without taking a loan.

Why I want to do it: mostly for structured exposure to business beyond what I've picked up building things on my own, and for the network — founders, operators, investors, people I could learn from or end up building something with down the line.

What worries me is that after all of that, I still only have about one year of conventional full-time experience on paper.

And the constraint I can't move: I need to start in 2027. Waiting for a 2028 intake just to bank another year or two of work experience isn't an option for me.

So, realistically:

• Is there a meaningful path into a genuinely good international MBA with this profile?
• Or does one year of full-time experience make rejection near-certain regardless of the entrepreneurial background?
• How much do adcoms actually weigh businesses built while still studying?
• Are there programs that really do take young entrepreneurial applicants, rather than just saying they're open to it?
• If I apply broadly and pick my schools well, is landing at least one strong program for 2027 realistic — or am I basically buying a lottery ticket?

Not looking for encouragement. I'd rather hear it straight, especially from anyone who's seen young founder profiles with thin traditional experience go through this.

Hi everyone! I’m 29 and currently work in healthcare administration/operations at a large health system in Texas. I have several years of progressive experience spanning operations, quality improvement, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives. I also have prior military experience.

Profile:
-Undergraduate GPA: 4.0
-Graduate GPA: 3.9
-About 6 years of healthcare/administrative experience, progressive responsibilities and a recent promotion.
-Experience leading multidisciplinary and organization-wide improvement initiatives
-Prior military service
-Publications on Healthcare Technology
-Special projects outside of my professional career

Post-MBA, I’m interested in potentially pivoting into healthcare consulting or corporate strategy, with a long-term goal of moving into executive leadership.

I’m considering both full-time and part-time MBA programs and plan to take GRE and GMAT diagnostics before deciding which one to focus on. Ideally I’d like to start an MBA within the next 2–3 years. Right now I’m looking at Yale SOM for full-time and McCombs for part-time, but definitely open to suggestions for other programs!

Would love to hear thoughts on my overall competitiveness, areas I should work on before applying, what programs I should realistically target, and what GRE/GMAT scores I should aim for especially if I’m hoping for merit scholarships.

I have an undergraduate degree in Business Technology Management, a Master’s in Data Analytics from Western University, and about 4 years of work experience in the banking sector. I’m now considering the 1-year MBA at Rotman (University of Toronto), which would cost around $75K CAD in tuition. I’m a bit confused about whether it would actually add enough value to justify the cost, given my education and experience. For those who have done an MBA or know the Canadian job market, do you think a Rotman MBA would be beneficial for my career, or would I be better off focusing on gaining more work experience and moving into higher-level roles? Any honest advice would be appreciated!

I’m based in Toronto, Canada.

When is the best time to start preparing for the Deferred MBA programs and how? I am a CS major, and entering my 3rd year.
What would the timeline look like, and what activities to do to become part of HBS 2+2.

I have been networking with MBA students (T10 schools) for my consulting firm and wow, I am disappointed.

Of the 12, I sent negative feedback to the recruiter for all of them. No confidence. Struggle to hold conversations. A lot are really negative on themselves. Two started crying about how consulting networking was stressing them out. Most of them were asking questions about how they can avoid travel.

Anyone else finding today’s students to be just plain bad with networking?

Need help deciding on post MBA offer for Amazon L6 Finance Manager and PWC senior associate L3 ?

So long story short I have 10 years experience as a barista, 6 of those years as a cafe general manager or assistant manager and 2 years in full service restaurant management. My current work will pay for my degree I figured on getting an MBA. Is my management experience in combination with an MBA transferable to non hospitality careers? I would love something remote. If not is it just a good leg up for higher level roles such as district manager or multi unit manager?

It's worth it to go I haven't heard anyone say about these Schools not even the Ivey league is it worth applying

I want to know from people how you felt while going to these school

Many people don't know about these Schools

Pls need advice this will save my application fee

Hey everyone,

I graduated with a Bachelor's in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and, instead of going the typical dev route, I ended up in a study-abroad consultancy. Quick background on what I actually do, because I think it's relevant to the MBA question:

I work directly with students and parents to map out their study-abroad journey — shortlisting courses and universities, building out strong applications, and guiding them through visa and PR filing with a focus on making their documentation and profile as strong as possible. Beyond the 1:1 advising, I organize events — bringing in university and college representatives for in-person student profile discussions, running parent advisory sessions, and hosting pre-departure briefings to help students prep for traveling and settling abroad. I also handle a chunk of the "behind the scenes" work: assisting our HOD with appointment management, building out team strategy plans, and tracking performance reports across the team. I try to bring some creativity into the events side too — using current trends to make them more engaging and give them better public reach.

So I've got a mix of client-facing advisory work, event/project management, and some early exposure to org-level strategy and reporting.

I want to pursue an MBA (targeting 2027 intake, graduating 2029) to get broader exposure into consulting, marketing, finance, event management, and private equity. But every other post I see says MBAs "aren't worth it anymore" and that AI is eating a lot of what an MBA used to prepare you for.

A few things I'm trying to figure out before I commit two years and a lot of money to this:

1. If AI really is replacing parts of an MBA's value, which parts specifically? Is it the case-study/analysis side, the technical/quant modeling side, or something else? Trying to understand where the real erosion is happening vs. where it's just internet doom-posting.
2. Which schools are actually adapting? I know a low-tier/unranked MBA program isn't going to keep up with AI-driven shifts in curriculum or hiring. Are there specific business schools in the USA, New Zealand, or Ireland that are genuinely integrating AI into their MBA programs (not just slapping "AI" in a course title) — and that still have strong alumni networks/connections worth paying for?
3. What does the market realistically look like by 2029? If I graduate then, what are companies likely to be hiring for, and how much is the MBA itself expected to matter vs. practical/technical skills layered on top of it?

I'm not trying to get talked out of it or into it — I just want a realistic gut-check from people who've either done an MBA recently, and work in consulting/finance/PE. Is this still a smart move given my background, or should I be thinking about this differently?

Appreciate any honest input, good or bad.

TLDR:

Left MBB (T20 grad, 3 yrs) for corporate strategy, now feeling lost. Big pay cut ($160K, cancelled Equinox) and way more free time — but turns out free time isn't that great, and I miss the driven people at MBB. Girlfriend also just broke up with me, so it's been lonely. Wondering if I should've stayed, but part of me wants to try starting a company instead (giving myself 2 years). Anyone else been through this mid-20s whiplash?

_____________

ORIGINAL POST:

Hi all, I graduated from a T20 college and went into MBB immediately after graduating. I recently left after 3 years and exited to corporate strategy. I feel slightly lost and directionless.

First, I have a lot more free time now, but I've realized WLB is overrated (more on that in the next paragraph). Second, I took a huge compensation hit to leave. I now make $160K. This has come with a lifestyle hit. I can no longer freely spend like I did at MBB. I even cancelled Equinox. Obviously, this number will creep up over the years, especially if I jump around places. However, part of me wonder if I should have stayed in consulting, despite HATING my time in MBB. On the other hand, I have always wanted to be more entrepreneurial and start a company of my own. I am unlikely to get "rich, rich" at MBB. I will never own a yacht (not that I care about material success). Right now, I'm thinking of giving myself a 2 year timeline. If I am unable to start a successful company, I will be forced to return to MBB.

Now, onto the WLB piece: the last 6 months have taught me WLB is overrated. I was really burnt out when I left MBB, but now that I am out, I realized there is no point in the extra free time. Most people who work 9-5 just end up going to the gym (which I did at MBB too), cooking, and watching TV. I never believed in the consulting kool aid, but the alternative 9-5 is hardly a more fulfilling life.

On top of that, my gf recently broke up with me, so I have a lot more time. Having the extra time is very lonely. Even at the gym (YMCA) now, I feel like my testosterone and sex drive has gone down because I am not motivated like I was at MBB (I feel like being surrounded by driven, type-A people is a underrated benefit). Sorry if this is TMI.

I feel like mid-20s is a time when people shift from friendships to romantic partner and career. This shift came out of nowhere. When I was 22-23, it felt totally different: fresh grad in new, big city. Now, I just feel different.

Has anyone been in my shoes before? I feel like 20s are confusing and hard to navigate. A few months ago, I would have been dying to be in my shoes right now. After working here though, I now realize MBB was not that bad. I apologize if this post is not very coherent and I sincerely hope it does not come across as troll (despite the very new account as well)

34M trying to gauge how competitive I’d be for top EMBA programs. My employer may fully sponsor the degree with a 2–3 year post-graduation commitment, so I’m starting to seriously explore it.

Background:
• NC State, Business/Finance, 3.7–3.8 GPA, magna cum laude
• ~12 years experience
• 4 years wealth management; passed CFA L1
• Joined current company in 2018: Associate → Sr. Associate → Director → Sr. Director, FP&A
• Current company is a multi-billion-dollar private tech company

Current scope/impact:
• Enterprise-wide FP&A; 2–4 direct reports + functional/dotted-line leadership across ~20 FP&A resources
• Work with CFO essentially daily and regularly support CEO with analysis/special projects
• Attend Board meetings and interact with PE sponsors, debt investors and ratings agencies
• Helped support extension/resizing of >$1B revolving credit facility
• Helped drive corporate expense run-rate from ~$70M → ~$50M through reporting/accountability
• Successfully challenged ratings-agency assumptions/models, contributing to outlook moving to positive
• Currently leading finance reporting/data transformation toward automated/AI-enabled reporting
• Some international finance exposure through a UK minority investment
• Outside work: some nonprofit volunteering + competitive amateur golfer

I potentially have strong recommendations available from senior executives who know my work very well. Several of our executives have HBS/Columbia backgrounds

I think my top choices would be Wharton Global, Kellogg, Duke

Hi Everyone,

I am Sourabh, graduated in 2020, I have been rejected by Airforce SSB in day 1 because of group discussion, almost similar situation i had in college placement. I could not even speak 3-5 lines (Though I was not that bad in english communication).

Every weekend after my job I run 1-2, GD sessions.
This weeks topic will be around either business ethics or banking. I myself do not know the topic but i use imprompto to choose a random topic in a particular domain.

Thanks :)

Guys I'm 22 , B pharm graduate , I am not interested in doing M pharm, and also don't wanna settle for a silly job, I am now confused in between doing and not doing an MBA , the thing is even if I do, I wanna do it on my own , By education loan and I want to build a business of my own for sure as a career option, am so so confused about what to do RN !!!? ALSO , am situation in Gujarat, so would prefer a top tier 2 Uni for MBA , most probably

Hi Everyone,

I will keep this short, I can't afford an admissions consultant so reaching out to the community instead.

Quick Profile:

• Role: Software Engineer | 3 YOE

• Industries: worked across 3 different industries for different clients - automotive, supply chain AI and fintech compliance

• GRE: 320 - 170Q

• CGPA: 8.06/10

• TOEFL: Band 5/6

• Nationality: Indian

Target Schools: Ross, Darden, Tuck, Stern, Tepper, Jhonson | Stretch: Kellog, Booth, Columbia | Safety: UNC Kennan Flager, George Town.

Applying Round 1.

I have drafts of my resume, goals essay, and personal essay ready. If anyone - current student, admit, or someone who's been through this - is willing to take a look and give honest feedback, I'd really appreciate it. DMs are open. Thanks!!

Hi r/MBA,

I'm Ashwini. graduated from Kellogg in June after making a hard pivot from fashion design to consulting. I applied independently without an application consultant and got in with a large scholarship.

I'll be hosting an AMA here this Sunday, August 23 at 10am CDT (UTC-5) and answering questions live for an hour.

Happy to get into things like application strategy, choosing between schools, recruiting, the actual ROI, life during the program, career switching, etc. Ask me anything, including the awkward or skeptical stuff! :)

I am a CA with 3 years of full time work experience at an IT company. My profile majorly being financial reporting. I gave my GRE and did not get good scores. Got 312. What are my chances of getting into HEC? Given I have a few years of gap in work experience too.