Whats the difference?

[faratee123]

Hi folks,
I am an international applicant (non-eu)and i have been looking for a mba degree for about a year.I already have an advanced degree and work experience.I just want to change my sector to consulting and want to have an international cunsulting job in europe or us but this is the point where questions arise.

When i look top mba schools the salaries are very close to each other and consulting jobs are almost going to %30 of the class. It is not changing maybe %25 maybe %35 but numbers are very close.

The scond point is that when we look to the salaries after just completed the degrees are quite same.They are almost 100000$.For example Bocconi Mba 70000euro and insead 77000euro.Harvard 120000$ they are pretty same.So why should i take 150000$ loan for harvard instead of going bocconi mba with full scholarship?or going oxford with scholarship?For example i can go a job for bcg and mckinsey in milano then i can change my office.It seems that 150000$ is not worth it and by taking the full scholar, i will be the first choice for cunsulting firms for example in italy(high gmat,full tution etc.).

I am just asking for is there a point that i can not see.Your comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Farat

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Farat,

You raise an interesting question that many people ask themselves when trying to figure out where to apply. You are correct that there is not a significant difference in the average salaries or percent of the class that enter consulting among these programs. However, there are differences in the programs themselves that you have to evaluate. There are differences in curriculum, resources, size, culture and industry connections. I think you have to determine what programs make the most sense for you based on what you are wanting from your MBA experience beyond the education itself. Then you have to determine what those things are worth to you. For some, it might be worth the investment to attend Harvard because they feel it is the absolute best school for them. Others might feel the schools are comparable with no real significant difference in what they view as a priority, so they will go to the school that offers the best scholarship award. In my opinion, I think you are already thinking about these things based on your post, and just need to come to a resolution. Be confident in your resolution and don't let yourself be swayed by someone or some magazine ranking.

Good luck,
Lisa