Duke - LBS - LSE MiM comparison?

Question

I am interested in comparing the following business programs>
Duke MMS - LBS MiM - LSE MSc Management (2yrs)

Criteria:
1) alumni network - global reach - especially US/China based consulting/brand management work
2) future career prospects - how far the name carries one, can do MBA or PhD later
3) business fundamentals - theoretical, technical knowledge - hard skills - how substantial is the knowledge gained?

Career prospects are mainly working in the US/China in MNCs - marketing related -creative functions
I come from an undegrad business administration & east asian studies background. I don't want to rehash again business fundamentals..

THANK YOU

jianbinger · Answer

any takers?

Battaus · Answer

I would say that regarding the criteria you are asking LSE and LBS, also in terms of international prestige, are surely above Duke MMS.
Especially if we talk about alumni network and global reach.
Now, LBS, being a business school has a more "practical" approach compared to the the LSE MiM who has been shaped for people coming from different backgrounds (enginering etc....) . Of course more theoric educations does not necessarily mean less practical, since you have to keep in mind that LSE being a 2 years long course (while LBS is 1) has mandatory internships to do and a very well developed career development service for the students of that course. I think that LSE offers a more in-dept preparation if we talks about a MiM (of course if you are looking for something very practical than consider an MBA). Furthermore, LSE MiM for the opportunities it gives after graduation and also for the possibility of the CEMS double degree is regarded as more prestigious compared to the LBS, who on the other hand is more appreciated internationally for its MBA.
For the career prospects you have both LSE and LBS offers great possibilities in any markets, and the biggest companies are actually looking there among the recent graduates to hire at their associate or analyst level. In my opinion, LSE right now has better links if you are aming at that particular career. So to sum up I would go for it.

LSE MiM and LBS MiM; are both regarded as a "Little MBA" cos are a sort of "accelerating tool" for your career if you are a young and promising student, recently came out of undergraduate or with relatively low work experience, since in order to do an MBA you need several requirements (first of all a discrete numbers of work exp).
Many consider a MiM a substitute, (the "European version") of an MBA, but I would say that it is not like that. doing a MiM does not preclude you from doing an MBA or a PhD later of course, that I advice you to do, if once you will have started working are aming at climbing the executive ladder.

From my exp and the people I know coming from both uni, i would finally say that LSE is better for MiM in terms of theoretical and technical knowledge, and links with the consulting environment, while LBS is better for MBA. My advice is that if are young and not experienced person, and you want to accelerate your career now then go for the two year LSE MiM, that prepares you better, otherwise work for few years and consider doing an MBA at LBS.

hope it clarifies your doubts

jianbinger · Answer

THank you for your insight, greatly appreciated.

My only corcern at this point is from many sources, that bringing an EU education over to the US is not the simplest. Furthermore, a MiM is not an MBA and US employers dont always understand the concept.. however, London is a global city, so we can look at it as US employment in itself w many MNCs.

does LSE carry better in the US than LBS?

for LSE vs. LBS I gathered that the LSE career service is not so apt as the more personal vibe of LBS. 
Does the Mgmt department at LSE has it's own dedicated career support for the MSc programs or all career services fall under one clout?

Are you sure about the LSE having better links to employment? Is it because LSE has a larger presence due to the many degrees?

thanks for any insight

Battaus · Answer

I know that both LBS and LSE are both regarded as prestigious also in the US; both being World Top-business schools. I would say that, for what concern the MiM, in the US are regarded as being exactly on the same level, or even LSE slighlty more while if you look at MBA, then LBS is more appreciated (cos it has #1 mba program in the world - LSE does not provide MBA).

For what concerns the Career service at LSE, I know from people doing that course, that is one extra-service (so not the ordinary career help office) specifically tought for the Management dep (they help you contacting MNCs, having interviews, networking etc) , and mostly of the resources are devoted specifically to the MiM, that is considered the edge of the department.
Finally concerning the links to the employment, yes surely LSE has better links due to greater presence for any analyst type job

ivorytowers · Answer

Thanks for the info.

busbybabes · Answer

Hi
I am jai from India.just completed engineering in biotech with cgpa of abt 8.34
I do not hav any work exp.At the moment, i am preparing for GMAT,will giv it in sept.Aiming for LBS MiM 2012 programme
I want to know how much of a chance i stand if i get a GMAT score of about 700.My extra cirriculars are average.was an active elocutionist and quizzer in school.I also help my father with his pharmaceuticals business but not on a full time basis.a
Also what would my job prospects be?Is this degree recognised everywhere in the world? Considering the downturn in the UK would i be eligible for jobs elsewhere like singapore,australia etc?

Smartfox · Answer

I think that with a good GMAT you can easily compensate the fact of having no-little work experience and have a try!
For what concerns worldwide recognition, with a degree from LBS or LSE you will have no problems, since they are known everywhere in the world.
Maybe, if you aim at some institutional career in your country you should check wether you need 1year or 2year master. I am telling you that cos I know that in some countries (I think Spain, Italy etc) you need a 2year program in order to be accepted. So as far as you stick to the business world no problem, but when you come to "official recognition" by institutions you should check. If you found out that is 2years, then LSE MiM would sound a better choice

Duke - LBS - LSE MiM comparison?

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