INSEAD MBA job prospects

I recently moved to Europe to pursue an MBA at INSEAD, graduating in July 2023. My experience at INSEAD was great, enriched by the interesting individuals I encountered. The campuses in Fontainebleau and Singapore were both great to experience.

My professional history includes roles in corporate strategy, and I sought to transition into consulting, which motivated my decision to enroll at INSEAD. Despite my aspirations to remain in Europe, the job search has been brutal. Since January 2023, even before finishing my degree, I've applied to over 200 positions across various fields (not just consulting). I had hoped that an MBA from a top European institution would open doors for me, but that hasn't been the case. I have tried to network a lot, but most of the answers have not been very helpful.

Frankly, I'm not entirely sure of the purpose behind sharing this. Perhaps it's a way to vent my frustration after spending nearly 10 months on an unsuccessful job hunt. It's led me to question whether pursuing the MBA was a misstep on my part.

I would appreciate insights on:

  • The post-MBA experiences of others and their coping strategies.
  • Whether the job market is challenging overall, or if I just "generally suck"
  • Advice on reapplying for consulting roles given my current situation, considering there hasn't been a significant change since my MBA.

Hope you are all in a better position than me...

Is the recruiting market for MBA tough?

Yes
72% (13 votes)
No
28% (5 votes)
Total votes: 18
 

100% the market is extremely bad right now for MBA-type jobs. Not sure of the difference between US and EU, but keep in mind:

  • The consulting market has completely tanked. This not only means there are few consulting jobs to win for fresh MBA grads, it also means...
  • Consulting firms have pushed out tons of people ranging from fresh MBAs to experienced managers. You are thus competing with far more ex-MBB and other consultants looking for strategy jobs than usual
  • There are more graduating MBAs who would have gone to consulting competing for the same set of strategy jobs

What is your nationality? I would guess its a very hard environment to get sponsored in Europe. Frankly this is the year to make compromises - go for that unsexy F500 or even F1000 job to keep your resume active

 

I would be happy with a F500, but for now I have found a couple of boutique consulting firms that might be hiring...

 

OP - what kind of consulting company are you looking for? is that just MBB, or would you be happy with a smaller one (but still a well-known name)? are you okay with consulting within financial services/payments? if so, please feel free to drop me a private message, I can try to help you

 

They claim 94% job placement rate

image-20231112184722-1

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

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