Comparing my MBA vs Post MBA Life | 2021 Cornell MBA graduate

AhBoy in USA
19 Feb 202208:52
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRLin Chen, a recent MBA graduate from Cornell Johnson, shares a candid comparison of life during and after business school. He discusses the varying workloads, stress levels, and social experiences, highlighting the transition from a structured academic environment to a more demanding and less flexible professional life. Chen also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on remote work and geographical flexibility, offering insights into the financial implications of MBA loans and the change in spending habits post-graduation.

Takeaways
  • 🎓 Lin Chen is a recent MBA graduate from Cornell Johnson and has been working in tech in Seattle since May 2021.
  • 🕒 MBA students' busyness varies with recruiting seasons, with 40-45 hours/week during recruiting and 20-30 hours/week otherwise.
  • 💼 Post-MBA work hours are generally higher, with non-consulting/non-IB jobs averaging 50-55 hours/week and consulting/IB roles reaching 60-80 hours/week.
  • 🗓 Flexibility in MBA life allows students to plan their classes and recruiting activities, offering more control over their schedules.
  • 🏠 Post-MBA life, especially during COVID-19, offers geographic flexibility with remote work opportunities.
  • 📈 MBA life is more stressful due to the pressure of recruiting and the financial burden of loans.
  • 🌐 International students face additional stress as their job prospects after graduation are directly tied to their recruiting success.
  • 👥 Social life decreases significantly after MBA, with remote work reducing opportunities for social interaction outside of the team.
  • 💰 Having a consistent income post-MBA changes spending habits, prioritizing comfort and convenience over cost savings.
  • 🍲 Post-MBA lifestyle sees less cooking and more reliance on takeouts and deliveries for meals.
  • 🏡 Housing choices post-MBA prioritize comfort and location, often leading to higher costs than during MBA.
Q & A

  • What was Lin Chen's educational background before working in tech?

    -Lin Chen is a recent MBA graduate from Cornell Johnson.

  • How long has Lin Chen been working in tech in Seattle?

    -Lin Chen has been working in tech in Seattle for the past seven months.

  • What is the main purpose of the video Lin Chen is discussing?

    -The main purpose of the video is to compare Lin Chen's life during and after MBA, providing insights for MBA applicants and students.

  • How many hours did Lin Chen spend on work-related activities during the recruiting season in business school?

    -During the recruiting season, Lin Chen spent approximately 40 to 45 hours a week on work-related activities.

  • What activities did Lin Chen engage in during the non-recruiting season to utilize the free time?

    -During the non-recruiting season, Lin Chen made YouTube videos, played video games, and helped friends in the evenings.

  • What is the average work week duration for Lin Chen and peers in non-consulting and non-IB jobs post-MBA?

    -For most of them, it is around 50 to 55 hours a week.

  • How does Lin Chen describe the flexibility of time during MBA compared to post-MBA life?

    -During MBA, there was more flexibility to plan classes and recruiting activities, while post-MBA life is generally tied down to an 8 to 5 schedule.

  • What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on the geographical flexibility for post-MBA professionals?

    -Many companies, including Lin Chen's organization, allow employees to work from anywhere in the U.S., offering more geographical flexibility.

  • How does the stress level during MBA life compare to post-MBA life for Lin Chen?

    -MBA life was more stressful due to the implications of recruiting and the pressure to secure a good job to justify the MBA investment.

  • What changes has Lin Chen observed in social life after transitioning from MBA to post-MBA work life?

    -Post-MBA social life has seen a significant drop-off, with less frequent social interactions and a smaller social circle due to remote work.

  • How has Lin Chen's spending behavior changed from MBA to post-MBA life?

    -During MBA, Lin Chen was more careful with expenses due to a limited budget, but post-MBA, with a consistent income, there is less tracking of spending and more focus on comfort and convenience.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 MBA Life vs Post-MBA Life: A Personal Comparison

Lin Chen, a recent MBA graduate from Cornell Johnson, shares a personal comparison between his life during and after MBA. He discusses the differences in work hours, flexibility, stress levels, and social life. During MBA, he had 40-45 hours of work during the recruiting season and 20-30 hours in the non-recruiting season, with ample free time. Post-MBA, he and his peers work 50-55 hours weekly in non-consulting jobs and up to 80 hours in consulting or investment banking roles. MBA offered flexibility in scheduling and remote work post-MBA has expanded geographical flexibility due to COVID-19. Stress levels were higher during MBA due to recruitment pressures and financial burden, while post-MBA work, although stressful, doesn't carry the same implications. Social life was vibrant during MBA with daily interactions and events, but post-MBA, especially with remote work, socializing diminishes. Financially, while debt persists, having a steady income post-MBA changes spending habits towards comfort and convenience.

05:01
🌟 Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of Post-MBA Life

Lin Chen continues his discussion on the challenges and rewards of post-MBA life. He contrasts the stress of job interviews and rejections faced by MBA students, particularly international ones, with the less severe consequences of not excelling in post-MBA jobs. The social aspect of MBA life, characterized by daily hangouts and school activities, is significantly reduced in post-MBA life, where remote work leads to limited social interactions. Financially, the shift from careful budgeting during MBA to prioritizing comfort and convenience after starting a job is evident. Lin emphasizes that despite the changes and challenges, post-MBA life offers its own set of rewards and opportunities, encouraging viewers to reflect on their journey.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡MBA
MBA stands for Master of Business Administration, which is a postgraduate degree focused on business and management. In the video, the speaker reflects on their experience before, during, and after completing an MBA program at Cornell Johnson, highlighting the differences in lifestyle, work hours, and stress levels.
💡Recruiting Season
Recruiting season refers to the period when companies actively seek to hire new graduates from educational institutions. In the context of the video, it is a particularly busy time for MBA students, as they engage in job hunting and networking, which can significantly impact their weekly workload.
💡Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the equilibrium between an individual's professional responsibilities and personal life. The video discusses how this balance shifts from the MBA experience, where there is more flexibility and free time, to the post-MBA phase, characterized by longer work hours and less social interaction.
💡Flexibility
In the context of the video, flexibility refers to the ability to adjust one's work schedule and location according to personal preferences. The speaker highlights the increased flexibility in post-MBA life, especially due to the shift towards remote work, allowing for geographical freedom and the possibility of working from anywhere in the U.S.
💡Stress Level
Stress level refers to the degree of pressure or tension an individual experiences, often related to work or life challenges. The video compares the stress levels during MBA, which is high due to job recruitment and financial burdens, with post-MBA life, where stress is more manageable as the stakes of job performance are perceived to be lower.
💡Social Life
Social life encompasses the interpersonal interactions, relationships, and activities that one engages in outside of work. The video discusses the decline in social life after completing an MBA, moving from a highly social MBA environment to a more isolated post-MBA work life, especially when working remotely.
💡Financial Aspect
The financial aspect refers to the economic considerations and financial responsibilities of an individual. In the video, the speaker talks about the high levels of debt from MBA loans and the change in spending habits after starting a post-MBA job, where a consistent income leads to less stringent budgeting.
💡Remote Work
Remote work refers to a work arrangement where employees perform their job duties outside of a central office location, often from home or another remote location. The video highlights the impact of remote work on post-MBA life, providing geographical flexibility and changing the dynamics of work and personal life.
💡Career Transition
Career transition refers to the process of moving from one job or career to another, often involving changes in job roles, industries, or work environments. The video reflects on the speaker's personal career transition from being an MBA student to working in the tech industry after graduation.
💡Loan Repayment
Loan repayment refers to the process of paying back borrowed money, typically over a set period with interest. In the video, the speaker discusses the financial burden of MBA loans and how it influences the stress levels and job search priorities during and after the MBA program.
Highlights

Lin Chen is a recent MBA graduate from Cornell Johnson and has been working in tech in Seattle.

Lin Chen shares a comparison between MBA life and post-MBA life, providing insights for MBA applicants and students.

During the recruiting season, Lin spent 40-45 hours a week on work-related activities.

In the non-recruiting season, Lin's work time ranged from 20-30 hours a week, allowing for more free time.

Post-MBA work hours for non-consulting and non-IB jobs average between 50-55 hours a week.

Consulting and investment banking post-MBA work hours can go up to 60-80 hours a week.

MBA students have the flexibility to plan their classes and recruiting activities according to their preference.

Post-MBA work life lacks the flexibility of the MBA schedule, with most people working 8-5 hours.

Remote work due to COVID-19 has allowed for geographical flexibility in post-MBA life.

MBA life is generally more stressful due to the implications of recruiting and job security.

International students face additional stress as their job prospects after MBA can affect their ability to stay in the U.S.

Post-MBA stress levels are lower as job performance implications are not as high as in recruiting.

Social life drops significantly after MBA, with remote work making it harder to expand social circles.

MBA students often live together and engage in many social activities, forming large social circles.

Post-MBA financial situation improves with a consistent monthly income, despite high debt levels.

Lin was more careful with expenses during MBA due to a limited budget, prioritizing cheaper housing and cooking at home.

After starting work, Lin experienced a shift in spending habits, prioritizing comfort and convenience over cost.

Lin's video aims to help viewers understand the transition from MBA to post-MBA life and encourages perspective.

Transcripts

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