BA @ Apple, Should I get an MBA?

Apple / Data
Ast17CL

Go to company page Apple Data

BIO
Business Analyst @ Apple
Ast17CL
Mar 20 12 Comments

I am currently a Business Analyst at Apple. I’ve been with the company ~6 months (total 2 YOE as an analyst). TC: $109K

I am very interested in migrating my career toward management and/or business strategy consulting at a firm. If I’m going to get an MBA, now is the time for me to start looking at programs and applying so I can get it done before my wife and I are looking to have kids in a few years. I’m very interested to hear other peoples experiences and advice on whether getting an MBA would be particularly valuable in regards to both the knowledge gain and the compensation bump.

Side note: I have an unrelated Masters degree already but it affirms my strong math/statistics/problem solving background.

Would I even be competitive for consulting jobs at firms 12-18 months from now w/o a MBA?
What schools should I be looking at to get my degree while working?

I’d appreciate any help you guys can offer!
#tech #consulting

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TOP 12 Comments
  • Etsy
    TrTI30

    Go to company page Etsy

    TrTI30
    I have three friends who got MBAs from UChicago, HBS, and GSB. They are all very qualified folks, ranked in their class, etc. and all of them wanted MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG) and none got an offer from any of those three. They ended up at Deloitte, Accenture, and a random boutique. I wouldn’t leave Apple for that risk. It’s one of the best companies in the world and you’re already in a stronger position than most people would be in your class.

    Stay at Apple until you have kids. Bank that generous parental leave and then reassess what you want. After 5+ years at Apple with a technical education background you’ll be able to go anywhere you want and you’ll likely be trusted enough to be promoted into positions where you’re working with/if not hiring the consultants.
    Mar 20 4
    • Apple / Data
      Ast17CL

      Go to company page Apple Data

      BIO
      Business Analyst @ Apple
      Ast17CL
      OP
      You’re assuming I’d need to go into debt to get an MBA, I don’t. I can afford that thanks for you unhelpful, angry opinion though. I’m not interested in starting my own company. I’m interested in business strategy consulting. Hence this post, because I’m seeking constructive advice.
      Mar 21
    • New
      teablind

      New

      teablind
      You are still a cog wherever you go.
      Mar 21
  • Etsy
    TrTI30

    Go to company page Etsy

    TrTI30
    Yeah, I mean AppleCare sounds sort of boring. I agree, but you only get to cash that name brand check once, so just think about how you want to cash it. I’d really try to lateral while you’re in the door.

    I’m not opposed to consulting at all, I did it for 8 years and really enjoyed my time. I just don’t think it’s a guarantee that getting an MBA will get you into a firm that consistently gets you the type of experience you’re thinking of. It’s not all House of Lies, it’s a lot of “hey we want to improve our IT strategy and then it’s literally a client who’s like ok Service Now is a huge unlock for our organization”
    Mar 21 1
    • Apple / Data
      Ast17CL

      Go to company page Apple Data

      BIO
      Business Analyst @ Apple
      Ast17CL
      OP
      I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts on it. I’m very undecided on whether getting an MBA is the best path or not. I definitely want to get into consulting though and it seems like it can’t hurt to give me the best shot at getting a job.
      I think ultimately (long term) I’d go off on my own and start a smaller boutique firm. I’m not trying to work with huge tech companies. They are giant machines that require an excruciating amount of effort to make the smallest changes. I really want to consult with start ups. Helping people with great ideas who are good at the thing they do by providing to business know-how to organize, manage, and scale their business. I’ve helped grow 3 separate businesses run by friends or family into successful small businesses. I want to angle my career trajectory to build the credentials and credibility (and network) to be able to freelance or start my own thing, say 8-10 years from now.
      Mar 21
  • Etsy
    TrTI30

    Go to company page Etsy

    TrTI30
    Should also note that even if you land MBB the average project probably won’t be half as interesting as most projects at Apple and you’re clients will likely have half the technical/research rigor/chops.
    Mar 20 1
    • Apple / Data
      Ast17CL

      Go to company page Apple Data

      BIO
      Business Analyst @ Apple
      Ast17CL
      OP
      LOL the projects in AppleCare aren’t “interesting”. I would much rather be working with multiple companies to build/improve their businesses. Plus I really want the comp bump.
      Mar 20
  • Apple / Data
    Ast17CL

    Go to company page Apple Data

    BIO
    Business Analyst @ Apple
    Ast17CL
    OP
    You guys sound more opposed to going into consulting than to getting an MBA lol
    Mar 20 0
  • Chevron
    upqP07

    Go to company page Chevron

    upqP07
    I think you need to look into several aspect. If you dont see a fit in your current position, you need to determine whether you can move internally or not. Other posters are right apple is a big company that became target for top mba and mbb consultants. Do not leave this company without proper assessments (i guess u know this hence you asked in this forum). If u have issue with fit and cant change team, i think mba is another good option. You can change your career i to consulting or a lot of other options. Please dont bank on mbb or bust since you might not get it. But good school will open more doors
    Apr 9 0