Reflecting on MBA: 5 year review

After more than 5 years of completing the MBA, thought should take stock of the pros and cons with the benefit of hindsight!

Pros:

• Met some wonderful people and fantastic professors, making some life long friendships 
• Got Oxford and MBA on my CV, and life long access to the Oxford network 
• Learned to have an overall perspective of the business with some in-depth theoretical understanding of business strategy 
• No regrets regarding “only if I had done an MBA”

Cons:

• Zero additional career impact so far: what I did after MBA, I could have as easily done after doing any Masters from any reputed UK university. Even for job hunt with experience, my ACA and PwC experience is the focus for potential recruiters with none so far citing MBA as a differentiator 

Please note that my personal circumstances in terms of not having unrestricted working rights post-MBA, looking for a job post financial crisis, absence of any financial backer/ scholarships to absorb the fees and wanting to pursue a career in London play a part in shaping my opinion. Nevertheless, considering the opportunity costs and risks, I would still not encourage foreign students with similar circumstances to pursue an MBA in Europe. 

I will take stock in 5 more years and evaluate what I feel then.