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European MBAs

by maliktauqeer » Wed Dec 01, 2010 11:38 pm
Hi Stacy,
I have two parts to my question:

Firstly, I would like to understand the difference between American and European MBAs. How do top European schools (LBS, INSEAD, HEC & IMD) compete against the top US names? Also what are the differences between them?

The second part of my question is related specifically to INSEAD & HEC Paris. How do the INSEAD and HEC differ and which has a stronger reputation? What are the differences and which has stronger connections in finance / inv banking / private equity industry sectors?
Does HEC Paris have a strong MBA profile amongst the top European schools?
The FT rated them as number 1 European school in 2009. I would like your view as to how accurate this statistic actually is?

https://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolra ... l-rankings

Thanks in advance.
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by Lisa Anderson » Sat Dec 04, 2010 2:00 pm
Dear maliktauqeer,

The most significant difference between American and European MBA programs, aside from location, is the length of the program. The majority of European MBA programs are between 12 and 18 months in length versus a US program that is generally 22 months. Likewise, there is usually not an opportunity to do an internship with a European MBA due to the shortened timeframe, but there is slight variance there. Similarly, some US MBA programs do have the option of allowing students to forgo an internship over the summer and finish a semester early (or start a semester late--January entry). In terms of the actual content and education, the MBA programs are quite similar as the core curriculum does not change much from school to school. Students do get to tailor their degrees in these programs with electives, but the core business knowledge is pretty much the same. Other than program length and location, there are some other differences between US and European programs, but these are the same differences you will find amongst only US or European schools as well, such as recruiting relationships, alumni networks, and elective offerings.

As for the differences between INSEAD and HEC Paris, I think you need to start with what you are seeking in an MBA program first, prioritize your criteria next, and then measure each program against your criteria to determine if the programs are a good match for you. Which has the better industry connections is up for debate--you can look at placement reports for the last 2-3 years, as well as alumni in these industries, to get a sense of relationship and strength of placements. However, the best indicator will probably be to ask recruiting managers or other managers in the sector of the finance industry you are targeting about the two programs to gauge how they fare. Keep in mind, you will probably get a mix of comments if you ask a large enough sample--that is not unusual or surprising as the reputation of a school is often an opinion.

Rankings are all flawed to some degree in their methodology. However, I find the FT rankings to be among the best for a variety of reasons, namely in that the FT methodology is the most sound relative to the other publications. Realize that rankings are not perfect and that opinion/subjectivity will always play a role. So while rankings are one source of data for you in learning about programs and gauging how the programs might be viewed in the marketplace, they are certainly not how you should make a decision on where to go to school.

Good luck,
Lisa
Lisa Anderson
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by maliktauqeer » Sun Dec 05, 2010 11:33 pm
Dear Lisa,
Thanks for your detailed response. I understand the location, length and recruiting relationsips between US and European schools. Understoond.
Coming back to INSEAD vs. HEC, yes, I agree it is best to check with placement reports & recruiting managers. I wil do this shortly. However, do you have an opinion about the relatives strengths of each school's MBA?
In terms of prestige in Europe, are they similar? Do you have an opinion about the strengths of each school in for example the financial sector?
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