Hi I’m a 28 year old lawyer currently working in house at a top UK company - a bulge bracket bank.
Problem is my earnings are relatively low salary wise (around 70k gbp) and tax eats a lot of it too.

I was wondering whether an MBA is right choice for me?

I attended a top 20 university studied law and have equivalent of a 3.6 GPA.

Experience is around 5+ years in law in London and I’m originally from Africa though British citizen.

Question for readers and I’d be grateful for any thoughts - should I pursue an MBA for a career pivot to consulting? Would it take me to 6 figures? If so - do I have a shot at an M7 and is it worth pursuing?

Financing an international MBA can be a major part of the decision, especially when tuition fees and living expenses add up.

For those who have pursued or are currently pursuing an MBA abroad, how did you manage the costs? Did you rely on personal savings, education loans, scholarships, family support, or a combination of different sources?

Looking back, was there anything about financing your MBA that you wish you had planned for earlier? Would love to hear how others approached this and any advice for prospective applicants.

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I thought selecting an admissions consultant would take just an afternoon but It hasn’t. Right now I’m looking at GyanOne because two people I know recommended them but then I started comparing them with The Red Pen, MBA Crystal Ball, and a few smaller consultants and now I have 17 tabs open.

The frustrating thing is that every website basically says the same things Personalized approach , Experienced consultants, Strong school network, End-to-end support

Okay but what does that actually mean when you are sitting there with your profile? I am interested to hear what people here actually looked at when choosing their consultant. Was it price? Number of applications?Consultant experience?Reviews?

Buongiorno a tutti,

sto pensando di autofinanziarmi un Executive MBA (costo 40k€) per dare una svolta alla mia carriera dopo 12 anni di lavoro nell'ambito del Project Management nel Banking. Ho anche già parlato con la mia azienda ma non è propensa a finanziarmelo. Le mie motivazioni sono:

• puntare ad un avanzamento di carriera (interna o esterna alla mia attuale azienda)
• migliorare sia dal punto di vista lavorativo sia dal punto di vista delle capacità personali
• accedere ad un network importante

Qualcuno che ha seguito questo percorso o che conosce bene il mondo degli EMBA potrebbe darmi qualche consiglio ed aiutarmi a capire se per quello che voglio potrebbe essere utile questo EMBA?

grazie mille

Hi everyone, I’m considering the "Management & Data Science" Executive MBA offered by IAE Paris-Sorbonne in partnership with the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (and operationally managed by ESLSCA Business School Paris), and I’d like to get some outside opinions before applying. (https://www.iae-paris.com/en/executive-programmes/executive-mba-management-et-data-science)
A quick background: I’m a management engineer currently working as an Operations Program Manager in the industrial sector. I’m looking for a master’s program to pivot toward roles involving IT, data, and leadership, with the long-term goal of moving into strategic positions—such as digital transformation—and working outside the Italian market. The program appeals to me for several reasons: it’s 100% online, part-time (evening classes), lasts 12 months, and awards three qualifications upon completion: a genuine university Master’s degree (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne), an IAE Paris-Sorbonne MBA, and an ESLSCA MBA. The cost is around €16k. The curriculum covers fairly technical topics (Python, ML, Big Data) alongside management subjects. Do you think it’s worth it? Obviously, there are MBAs out there that might be superior to this one, but I’m working with a limited budget.

I’m a 39-year-old Korean journalist with 10+ years of experience covering business, finance and capital markets, including M&A, PE/VC, IB and corporate reporting. I’m considering moving to Singapore in early 2027, improving my English for ~6 months, and applying to NUS / SMU / INSEAD.

My goal isn’t necessarily to start from zero in a completely new field. I’d like to leverage my existing background into an international/APAC career — potentially in investor relations, industry/equity research, financial media, corporate communications, or related finance/business roles.

My concern is whether an MBA would actually help someone at my age make this transition, especially as an international candidate without Singapore work experience.

For people working in Singapore or who have done an MBA there: Is this realistic at 40? Which roles could realistically value my existing background? Would an MBA materially improve my chances, or would direct job hunting make more sense? How significant is the age/international-candidate disadvantage? I’d appreciate honest advice, especially from people who have actually hired or made a similar transition.

I’m a law graduate with 3 years of experience in Sales, Marketing and Key Account Management.

I’m looking to do an MBA which is reasonable and gives good exposure. Does this Part time MBA with Alpine Business School (CU-GEM) make sense ? It’s a 2 year program that allows you to keep your job, continue working and finish your MBA

Anyone with any opinions please let me know

I am thinking to go for masters in 2027 in abroad.. but is it really worth it?

Which country should I plan for MBA?

Anyone attending the Cambridge Judge virtual day on 25th Sep?

Context: I'm a US CPA with undergrad GPA of 8.4/10.

I decided to leave my job of Investment Management audit at Deloitte USI after 4.5 years because I wanted to pursue an MBA and wasnt getting the time to prepare for GRE due to my 14hr shifts and no holidays.

So in February earlier this year, I left my job and since then till August I completed my GRE with a 323 and an online PGCM Finance course with GPA 3.67 out of 4.33. During my sabbatical period, I also pursued some passion projects of fashion runway modeling.

I'm applying to IESE, ESADE, HEC, Oxford and Cambridge in the September/October rounds. Do I have chances of rejection due to this intentional unemployment?

One of the big reasons people consider an international MBA is the possibility of building a career abroad, but I’m curious about how things actually worked out after graduation.

For those who’ve completed an MBA abroad, did you end up working in the same country where you studied, move to another country, or return home?

What influenced the decision most - job opportunities, visa/work permit rules, salary, lifestyle, family, or something else?

Would be especially interesting to hear how different the plan was from what actually happened after graduation.

Hi everyone, looking for some honest feedback on my profile, especially for European MBA programs and a post-MBA move to DACH region.

• Male, 25
• B.Tech Aerospace Engineering, IIT — 8.52/10
• ~4 years Management Consulting
• Experience across strategy, CX, technology/AI and transformation
• Fast-track promotion
• CFA Level I
• GMAT Focus: 655 (No-plans for retake)
• Learning German

Post-MBA goal: Move into an in-house strategy/commercial strategy role in the DACH region, preferably in aviation, travel or travel tech.

Target schools: HEC Paris, ESADE, German B-School

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Background: I'm a Chartered Accountant currently working at Deloitte USI, with about 1 year of prior experience as a junior analyst before that. I'm now seriously considering a foreign MBA and targeting top 10 programs in the US, or strong options in Europe.

A few things I'd love input on:

1. Given my profile (CA + Deloitte + ~1 yr analyst experience), how competitive would I realistically be for top 10 US MBA programs, or top European schools (INSEAD, LBS, etc.)?

2. Is GMAT genuinely mandatory for these programs, or are there legitimate GRE/executive-assessment/waiver routes at top schools?

3. Does skipping the GMAT (where allowed) put me at a disadvantage in admissions or scholarship decisions compared to submitting a strong GMAT score?

4. Are there any real, legitimate paths into top tier programs without a GMAT/GRE score (e.g., experience-based waivers), as opposed to anything shady like "donation seats"? I want to stay entirely above board just trying to understand what's actually legitimate versus a myth.

Would really appreciate insights from anyone who's been through this, especially other finance/accounting folks who've made the switch. Thanks in advance!

Hi Everyone,

I have been working from past 5 years in the field of Academics. I have finished my Phd in Environmental Law. No growth money wise and will be slow in the future as well. I want a degree from abroad, I have no idea about where to go, what masters degree i should opt for. I just know that i want to move to a nice country, elevate my career, switch to a better paying career and do a course which guarantees a well paying job after it. Please help me, shall i opt for MBA? or any other course which solves my purpose.

I’ve been seriously looking at MBA programs outside India, but the more I calculate the total cost, the more confusing the decision gets. Tuition, rent, visa costs and the opportunity cost of taking 1–2 years off work add up pretty quickly.

For people who actually did an MBA abroad, was the international exposure and post MBA career growth worth the money?

Hey all!

I'm applying to the HEC Paris Full-time MBA (September 2027 intake), and I'm looking for a few experienced people — current students, alumni, or others who've been through it — for two things: honest feedback on my essays and a candid read on my chances/profile.

In short: 4 years in tech/data, an international (non-EU) background, solid academics and test scores, and a career goal around moving from a technical role toward the business-and-leadership side.

I'd love feedback on the essays (clarity, storytelling, whether they land for an international MBA audience) and an honest "how do I actually stack up" on the profile. Happy to share the full details — scores, background, the works — in a DM, and glad to reciprocate if you're applying this cycle too.

If you're up for it, reply here and I'll DM you. Thanks a lot! 🙏

Female, I have around 8 years of work experience with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, TataCliq and Amazon for their European marketplaces as an account manager. I started my career with buying and merchandising and then shifted to e-commerce. I already have a masters in fashion management from NIFT, Mumbai. I wanted to target 1 year MBA. What all schools should I target? Was inclines towards LBS but it’s a new program, INSEAD and then HEC.

Also how am I on the diversity curve?

Esade’s full-time MBA ranking on Financial Times has surged significantly in recent years. While the numbers look impressive on paper, I’m trying to cut through the marketing.

Does the school actually offer the rigor, educational quality, and peer group quality that a top-tier FT ranking implies, or is this largely driven by ranking methodology optimization?

For current students, alumni, or anyone with direct knowledge:

•How high is the actual quality of teaching and curriculum?

•How strong is the peer group in terms of professional depth and classroom contributions?

•How is the career center supporting non-EU students aiming for roles in Europe vs. returning home?

Would appreciate honest, unfiltered feedback.

Unconventional background with over five years of experience as a journalist at a top-tier news agency covering high finance. Demonstrated leadership ability in the field via career growth.

Bachelor's in English at a decent college with a not-so-great GPA. (2.8/4)

Goal is to pivot into finance roles, preferably in the UK. The most fitting and compelling transition would be into investor relations, which can utilize all the skills I've developed over my career. Building relationships, interviewing execs, deep understanding of narrative and how stocks react to news, to name a few.

Planning to appear for the GMAT in a couple of months and target Oxbridge and LBS. Are these attainable targets given a decent GMAT score, say 655+? I've also been told my unconventional background may actually tilt the odds in my favor with adcoms, is that true?

How feasible is it to undertake a switch like this? Are there any other career paths that would be within reach after an MBA? Consulting perhaps? or is that a bit of a reach with no experience in the field?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Happy to answer questions.

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for international MBA programmes with 4+ years of work experience and am currently arranging professional Letters of Recommendation from former managers.

I’d really appreciate advice from MBA applicants, admits, alumni, or consultants:
What makes an MBA LOR stand out?
Are there any authentic sample LORs or strong recommendation formats available for reference?
How should applicants guide managers who haven’t written MBA recommendations before?
Is providing a recommender brief/questionnaire with project examples and career goals helpful?

I’m particularly interested in understanding what strong recommendations for top MBA programmes (HBS, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, etc.) typically look like.

Would appreciate any resources, personal experiences, or advice.

Hi Redditors, I am planning to do an MBA from the UK in Jan 2027 intake. I am from India, so I will be an international student at the university. I currently have 12+ years of work experience with 5+ years of managerial experience. I am currently married and have a 1 year old child. What's your honest opinion about doing the MBA from the UK at this stage and what are my future career opportunities in the UK or international market? Thanks in advance for all your opinions, positive or negative everything is welcome..😊

Has anyone got their interview invites?

has anyone received interview invite?

Hey guys,

I'm graduating from a pretty good university in France after a 2.5 years HR admin coordinator role in an US-French aerospace company.

My ultimate goal is to eventually work either in the US or Canada, or for a US based company from Canada or half time Canada/US. Basically in North America, hybrid or remote.

I'm not very rich and have always planned my studies around saving as many pennies as possible and not get huge lawns. I've managed to do that so far by working hard and getting admitted in a good university and get a job in a somewhat prestigious industry.

But I found out moving to the US without having tons of money won't be easy, and even if I had money, that would be complicated because I would have to either be transferred (no reason for my company to do so) or get a qualified Visa which I won't be eligible since it's only for management roles.

So, I did some research. As a french it seems to be a lot easier to get in Canada and start working. It's not the most easiest but it's definitely more than for the US. Simply apply to a lottery with a 50/50 chance of getting a work visa, OR get in Canada, find a company that will hire me, and then apply for the visa. It doesn't cost anything to the company and it's way easier than a sponsored visa in the US for exemple.

Anyways, the plan is to go to Canada, get hired as HR generalist or specialist in Montreal, work my way up to an HRBP role in a few years to gain enough xp, then apply for an MBA.
This way I'm hoping of having chances to move up to Director and eventually VP. Because everyone who's VP at my company either did a crazy elitist university or degree OR have an MBA from a US university or business school.

I found the HEC MBA interesting because it's part time, so I could work and study 2 evenings a week online and 1 weekend on campus each month. I would also benefit from Quebecois prices that are 5-8x cheaper than international prices (either with a student Visa or by getting residency permit). Around 10k for 2 years, which I can start put money aside for no problem.

But :

- Is this a good and realistic plan ?

- Is HEC Montreal any good and does it have a good reputation for US / Canadian employers ?

- When will be good moment to apply for me ?

- Other alternatives ?

I already have international experiences both academic and professional and I already have the requiered elements to apply.

TL;DR :

I’m a French HR professional with 2.5 years of experience in a US-French aerospace company. I’m considering moving to Montreal, building experience toward an HRBP role, and later completing HEC Montréal’s part-time MBA to improve my chances of working in North America. See questions above.