Profile Eval: Help Me Choose Appropriate Management Program

[cokate]

Hi Stacy, (and others feel free to offer advice!)

Here are my personal stats:
Age: 23
Undergraduate education: AB Economics, Harvard (transferred from Carleton College)
Cumulative GPA: 3.64
Work Experience: 1+ years (7 months - strategy consultant at Booz; 7 months - business analyst at top retail firm)
GMAT: I've just started studying, but I think that a score around 700 (Fingers crossed) is attainable
Goal: I would like to work in the corporate strategy division of a major fashion company (e.g. LVMH, Gucci Group, PVH, Ralph Lauren, etc.)

I am currently debating what my best options are for a graduate degree in management. My two top choices so far:
1. MSc in Management from HEC Paris
2. MBA from a top European B-school (Said, HEC, IMD, Iese) after two more years of work

I'm researching the MSc program at HEC and it looks like a good fit. The core classwork fits with my interest and goals, and they offer internships and projects with major European fashion companies. However, the MBA programs at my choice schools are also stellar. Here are some of my questions:

1. Is the MSc program at HEC a good fit for me? What are my chances of acceptance? Should I just get more work experience and try for an MBA?
2. Will getting an MBA at Said, HEC, IMD, Iese do more than the MSc in terms of reaching my goal?
3. If my goals change, will the MBA be more versatile?
4. What are my chances of acceptance at Said, HEC, IMD, Iese? (I'm having a hard time finding acceptance rates and class sizes)

Thanks so much for your help!

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear cokate,

You are the only one who can answer questions 1 & 2. Think about your career goals and look at the schools' curriculum and career placement. Likewise, what opportunities will be available to you to network in the fashion industry in terms of alumni, school connections and geographic proximity. At the end of the day, you are the only one who can get the job you want post-MBA. Regardless of whether these companies come to campus, you still have to make yourself known and close the deal. So, my guess is you can make it happen from any of these schools---it just might be easier from some versus others.

As for which offers more versatility, I think if you compared the curriculum of these programs you probably would not find as much difference in terms of the actual learning. Generally speaking, an MBA would be more versatile than a MS program as it gives a core foundation across business disciplines. But once again, which degree you get will matter most for the first job out of b-school. After that first job, your path is a reflection of you: your motivation, your effort, and your accomplishments.

Regarding your chances, it is hard to say without knowing your GMAT. If you score in the 700s, present a compelling case in your applications, and meet all the other requirements (i.e., fluency in another language), then I think you have a shot.

Best of luck,
Lisa

[cokate]

Thank you for your help, Lisa!

Are there any good sources for finding admission statistics like acceptance rates, applicant pool sizes, etc. for European business schools?

Also, I notice that the average years of work experience for European business school acceptees range from 4-7+ years. I know that the quality of work experiences matters a lot too, but will applying with 2 years of experience significantly hinder my chances? I'm noticing that many business schools do not accept many re-applicants, so I want to maximize my chances on the first shot.

Thanks, again.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear cokate,

You might check the Financial Times rankings for some of the school information you seek. Another possibility would be www.mba.com as schools will post this type of information there.

Your work experience is on the low side if you apply now, so it will be important for you to make your case for going to school now versus waiting. It might initially be viewed as a disadvantage by some schools, but that is why your essays, recommendations, and interview should convince the admissions committees otherwise. If you believe you can make a compelling case for going to business school now and can demonstrate your maturity to handle the program, then you should definitely apply.

Best of luck,
Lisa