ESCP MIM or ESSEC SMlB?

Question

hi guys, l was admitted to both ESCP MIM and ESSEC SMlB, can you please share more info and advice? l have more than 3 years of working experience in Asia and aim to work and live in France after the graduation. Thank you!

jadechan · Answer

Congrats on both offers! ESCP’s MIM is a 2-3 year program with 6 campuses, offering flexibility to specialize in fields like strategy or finance. Its Paris campus and 98% employment rate within 3 months make it ideal for staying in France. ESSEC’s SMIB, a 1-year intensive course, has a strong French network, with 99% of grads employed in 6 months, often in consulting or luxury. For France, ESSEC’s Cergy campus and 25% apprenticeship option could ease visa transitions. ESCP’s multi-campus experience suits global exposure, but ESSEC’s shorter duration and local focus align better with your goal. Pick ESSEC if you prioritize speed and French immersion.

lordbeerus · Answer

Awesome acceptances! ESCP’s Master in Management lets you hop between Paris, Berlin, or London, with 63 specializations and a 9-month work experience requirement—perfect for building a French network. Its €60K average starting salary is solid, but ESSEC’s SMIB shines for France. The 1-2 year program, with 430+ recruiter events, places 99% of grads in jobs, many in Paris-based firms like LVMH. ESSEC’s apprenticeship track can secure work visa sponsorship. ESCP’s broader scope is great, but ESSEC’s focused French connections and shorter timeline make it the smarter choice for settling in France long-term. Go ESSEC!

supremekai · Answer

Your 3+ years in Asia make both programs viable, but let’s break it down. ESCP’s MIM offers a multi-campus adventure—Paris, Madrid, etc.—with 60+ specializations and a €54K starting salary. Its 98% employment rate is strong, but only 30% of grads stay in France. ESSEC’s SMIB, based in Cergy or Singapore, is shorter (1-2 years) and hyper-focused on French industry, with 99% of grads landing jobs, 40% in France. Its career services, including 4,000+ consultant meetings, are unmatched.  If living in France is your dream, ESSEC’s local ties and visa-friendly apprenticeships make it the clear winner.

realloggervick · Answer

Nice work landing both! For staying in France, ESSEC’s SMIB is your best shot.

The 1-year program in Cergy, with 97% employment in 6 months, places grads in French giants like Louis Vuitton. Its 20% apprenticeship option boosts visa chances. ESCP’s MIM, spanning 2-3 years across Europe, offers 95% job placement, but only 35% remain in France, favoring global hubs. ESSEC’s French focus and quicker timeline outshine ESCP’s versatility for your plans. Your Asia experience is a strength—pick ESSEC and hit up their career events to lock in French opportunities!

AdmitScholar · Answer

Congratulations on your admission to both ESCP’s Master in Management (MIM) and ESSEC’s MSc in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB). These are both highly respected programs in Europe and offer strong platforms for a global career. Given your 3+ years of professional experience in Asia and your clear intention to work and settle in France after graduation, it’s important to weigh which program aligns better with your profile and future goals.

ESSEC’s SMIB is a specialized program designed for early to mid-career professionals. With your background, this program offers more relevant and practical coursework in international strategy, consulting, and leadership. It’s structured to help candidates like you transition into strategic roles in global companies. The one-year format also allows for quicker re-entry into the workforce, which may be more efficient for someone who already has several years of experience.

Another consideration is the strength of ESSEC’s network within France. The SMIB program benefits from deep connections with French and multinational firms, especially in consulting and corporate strategy roles. It offers real-world exposure through company projects and provides targeted career services for international students looking to enter the French job market.

That said, one potential trade-off with SMIB is its specialized focus—it may offer less flexibility if you’re still exploring industries or roles. ESCP’s MIM provides broader exposure but might not fully leverage the experience you already bring to the table.

Since MIM programs are typically geared toward candidates with under two years of experience, and you already have more than three, the ESSEC SMIB program would generally be the better fit for your career stage and objectives. It aligns more directly with your desire to accelerate into strategic roles while building a long-term base in France.

At Admit Scholar, we can support you by helping you connect with alumni from both programs to gain firsthand insight, assist you in deciding between schools based on your short- and long-term career goals, and provide tailored advice on making a smooth transition into the French job market. Our goal is to ensure your choice not only enhances your academic journey but sets you up for lasting professional success in Europe.

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TheRedPen · Answer

Hi,  
 Congratulations on your admits to both ESCP’s Master in Management (MiM) and ESSEC’s MSc in Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) — both are excellent programmes with strong reputations in Europe! 
 Given your 3+ years of work experience and your goal to work and live in France post-graduation, here are a few factors to consider: 
  1. Programme Fit:  
 
   ESSEC SMIB  is designed for early career professionals and has a strong focus on strategy, consulting, and international business. The curriculum is intensive, and the programme typically lasts one year, which could help you re-enter the workforce faster.  
   ESCP MiM  is more flexible and traditionally geared toward younger applicants with less experience, although candidates with 2–3 years of work experience do attend. The MiM allows for campus mobility (Paris, Berlin, Madrid, etc.) and multiple specialisations over 2–3 years.   
  2. Employability in France:  
 
   ESSEC  has very strong brand recognition in France and is part of the prestigious “French Grandes Écoles” network. SMIB alumni have strong placement outcomes in consulting and multinational firms, many of them based in or recruiting for the French market.  
   ESCP  also has a strong alumni network in France and across Europe, and its multi-campus model may be helpful if you’re open to working in other EU markets as well.   
  3. Visa and Post-Study Work Opportunities: 
Both schools qualify for the French  APS  visa (post-study work visa), which allows you to stay in France for up to two years to find a job. Having a degree from either ESCP or ESSEC gives you a solid edge with French employers. 
  4. Return on Investment: 
With your experience level, the one-year SMIB may provide faster ROI compared to the longer MiM at ESCP. However, the MiM could offer broader internship opportunities and a more immersive academic experience. 
  Final Thoughts: 
If your priority is to quickly reenter the job market in France, especially in roles related to strategy or consulting,  ESSEC SMIB  may offer a more targeted and efficient pathway. If you're seeking a broader European experience with campus mobility and time to explore different industries,  ESCP MiM  is a strong contender.

ESCP MIM or ESSEC SMlB?

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