Pursuing a sponsored MBA in the US - permanent transfer to a US office after 2/3 years post MBA

Question

Hi everyone,

I am an MBB consultant from the EU and I am pursuing a top MBA in the US (M7).

I have a sponsorship offer from my home office with a lock-in time of 2 years. For several reasons, after the MBA, I NEED to go back to my home country (where my home office is located) for 2-3 years and will not be able to pursue the more paved route of asking a transfer while in my MBA. But my mid-term plan is to go back to the US.

How would you suggest I should plan this move? Do you think it is something feasible or extremely difficult?

Answer 1

Not sure I see any issues -

You have admission to a sponsored MBA program
You will go back to your role after the MBA for 2-3 years
You then may or may not request a transfer to the US after 3-4 years (depending on various circumstances)

If that is correct, you do not have anything to worry about. Lots of people transfer to US from Europe at MBB and it is very normal to do so. Of course the macro environment etc. can have an impact on how and when the transfer goes through but overall there are no issues.

Answer 2

Hi!

Sorry to hear about the tough context.

Do you need to go back because of the contractual obligations with your home office i.e., otherwise you pay for the MBA? If this is the case, then you might want to apply for jobs in the US and then pay back your former firm for the MBA.

Alternatively, you can go back to your firm and start doing more projects in the US, hopefully, with time, developing a network that will facilitate a transfer to a US office. It's not easy, but definitely possible.

Best of luck!
Cristian

Answer 3

Hi there,

I'm not sure I understand the question here.

MBB is sponsoring you for the MBA in the US. You'll return to their office for work (in 2 years) and work for 2 more years. Then, you'll look to transfer to the US.

All do-able!

Remember, you don't have to return to that MBB firm. Just, if you don't, you have to pay them!

So, if you want the US now, just pay for the MBA yourself :)

You can always recruit for another MBB and negotiate your sign on bonus to be a bit higher to help pay for the MBA.

Or, return to the home office, work 2 years, and apply for a transfer.

Answer 4

Hey there,

I don't see any issues with this plan. Seeking a transfer to the U.S. is a common move among MBB consultants and is definitely achievable. Usually, your home office has a 1-year requirement for you to stay after a paid MBA. For some, the location does not even matter as long as you stay within the same firm.

My strategy would be to get U.S. exposure. Work on U.S.-focused projects upon your return, gradually building a network that could facilitate a later transfer to a U.S. office. You would need local partners who support your move. Start by helping out with proposals, knowledge documents, and initiatives, and then go from there.

All the best,

Florian

Answer 5

Hi there,

Q: How would you suggest I should plan this move? Do you think it is something feasible or extremely difficult?

If you cannot start in the US right away and need to go back, I don’t think you have any other option than (i) go back to your home country and (ii) apply for a transfer after a few years.

It might have been simpler to relocate while in the US, however from what you shared there are no alternatives, thus even if more challenging that’s the only path you can follow.

Good luck!

Francesco