The return on investment (ROI) of an MBA degree is a key consideration for prospective students, as it offers significant career advancement opportunities, financial rewards, and personal growth. An MBA not only enhances earning potential, with graduates often reporting substantial salary increases, but also equips professionals with leadership skills, a global network, and the expertise to navigate complex business challenges. Whether transitioning industries, accelerating career progression, or launching entrepreneurial ventures, the ROI of an MBA extends far beyond financial metrics, delivering long-term value and impact in both professional and personal spheres. Graduates of the HEC Paris MBA program have a strong track record of career advancement, with 93% securing employment within three months of graduation. The average salary for recent graduates is reported at $118,797, reflecting the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for high-level positions across various industries.
In this interview, Sara Vanos, an experienced higher education leader and HEC Paris Executive MBA alumna, provides insights into assessing MBA ROI. Sara’s role as Executive Director of Marketing & Admissions for MBA Programs at HEC Paris covers the full-time MBA, the Executive MBA and the TRIUM Global MBA. She emphasizes the importance of considering both financial and emotional returns, exploring factors such as program costs, career opportunities, and the broader impact of an MBA on personal fulfillment and professional advancement. Read on as Sara shares her perspective on what makes an MBA truly valuable and how HEC Paris supports students in achieving their goals.
Clear Admit: What factors should prospective MBA students consider when assessing the potential ROI of their MBA degree?
Sara Vanos: When assessing ROI, one important thing to consider would be the total cost of an MBA. Many programs share tuition fees, but not total costs – there can be a lot of ‘extras’ in US-based MBA programs. At the HEC Paris MBA, the tuition fees include everything (outside of living expenses), even health care! The cost of housing is very important to consider as well. At HEC Paris, it’s subsidized and on campus – whereas a city school, without assistance in renting, can be costly and more difficult to secure and/or could require a large deposit.
It may also be interesting to consider the cost of the loan including interest rates, in your plan. Additional things to consider would be length of the program and if you have the option of an internship, and if there are government or country subsidies.
That said, prospective MBA students should go beyond the cash ROI, and look more at the emotional ROI – the skills and the ability to lead in tough contexts and more.
CA: Can you provide insights into the long-term financial benefits of earning an MBA?
SV: On average, the graduates of the HEC Paris MBA double their salary. However, you should not join an MBA just for a salary increase – this is not a good reason to choose an MBA. I would look more at the possibilities that such a versatile degree provides – opens doors, allows change of sector/function, the ability to deal with ambiguity, etc.
CA: Are there alternative metrics beyond salary increase that contribute to the overall ROI of an MBA?
Definitely! Beyond a salary increase, there is an emotional ROI. Consider your overall happiness in the role – are you doing something you believe in and are passionate about? The credibility of an MBA will accelerate or open doors to this future.
An MBA can also provide you the ability to work in a new country. And there can be perks based on your location such as more vacation, pension benefits, bonuses, tax rates, PPP, work/life balance. Look at your target location and do your math!
CA: What are the top three ways in which HEC Paris helps MBA students achieve their desired career change?
SV: Our MBA students take part in the Explorer Program: This three-step approach to Know Yourself, Know the Market, and Match Yourself and the Market, helps our students to reach their full professional potential. The first step includes a series of workshops and 1-to-1 meetings to deep dive on self-awareness during the first term of the MBA program to help them better understand their personal profile, including strengths, weaknesses, preferences and motivations. This career coaching also provides personalized guidance to help our MBA students craft their career strategy and to grow their key soft skills including communication skills, self-branding and more.
MBA participants and encouraged to broaden their horizon by attending presentations hosted by HEC Talents, our career center, that will give them insights into various sectors at the beginning of their program. Students should attend presentations from a wide range of speakers and experts representing various industries. Students can benefit from online or in-person presentations, career fairs, treks to companies, and workshops. Workshops can include anything from CV writing and interview preparation to international business etiquette and job-search strategies.
Company connections are made through multiple on campus recruitment fairs, standalone company presentations and corporate onsite visits with the Treks. MBA participants are able to meet and connect with a very diverse numbers of employers from all sectors. And, of course, students are always encouraged to network with our more than 80,000 alumni across 150+ countries.
CA: How can participation in business-related student clubs, such as consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship clubs, impact a candidate’s job prospects post-MBA?
SV: Being part of MBA clubs is a great opportunity for students to explore new industries, understand the roles available, test their transferable skills and grow their network. As part of the activities of the club, students acquire soft skills (networking, managing stakeholders, communicating, etc.) and connect with industry leaders through the organization of panels, workshops and company visits. Actively participating in club initiatives provides students looking to transition into a new sector a tangible way of showcasing their motivation.
CA: How can MBA students effectively highlight their contributions to student bodies on their résumés and during interviews?
SV: Ideally MBA students are not only participating in club activities, but also have a leadership position in one of them. Through the organization of multiple events, networking sessions and workshops, they demonstrate key business skills like negotiation, teamwork, and management skills to name a few. Students should always highlight such positions in their CVs or during interviews to show their engagement. Companies will value any positive impact students have on their on their fellow peers.
CA: What advice would you give to MBA students about balancing academic demands with extracurricular involvement in student bodies to ensure both are effective résumé builders?
SV: Extracurricular activities are an invaluable opportunity to discover new fields and interests, to interact with peers and of course to enhance your job applications. But with so many opportunities, it can be a challenge to balance extracurricular activities with academics. There are a few things you can keep in mind:
- Ask for help from your career coach or professors or mentors: they can give you advice on your time commitments and how to manage your workload
- Prioritize: What do you wish to do? What must be done? What is important for you? What is urgent? This helps you structure your day and manage your time
- Start planning early: Once you have your academic schedule, draft a detailed planning that includes your classes, study time, extracurricular activities, career events and personal commitments. Don’t forget to put in short breaks to keep yourself refreshed!
- Be realistic about your commitments. Try not to try too many things at once. Spreading yourself too thin is worse than concentrating on a few things you’re excited about!
Achieving this balance can greatly benefit at the same time your academics, personal development, and your career objectives.
