lumone
After months weighting the pros and cons, I have finally decided what I want to do and where I will apply.
First, my profile:
29 yrs old - French
4 yr business program in the Netherlands (taught in English) – Not the best, but not the crappiest college
6 years WE (3 jobs) in finance/administration/accounting - 3 years in Germany - 3 in Ireland - Entire WE in the technology sector
Native French - Fluent English and German - average Dutch
Gmat 710 (Q48 - V39) - may retake in september
Area of interest: IM - I will take CFA level 1 in June 09
I originally considered applying to top US MBAs. But I have changed my mind. At my age I don't feel like doing a 2 year program, especially on another continent. I would like to stay in Europe after the MBA. IM recruitment is more local than IB/MC reruitment.
So, 1 year MBAs in Europe and I will apply to
Insead, Oxford, Cambridge, St Gallen
Insead: In my opinion the best non-US programme and rivals with M7 bschools.
Oxbridge : excellent brand, near from London to network in IM
St Gallen : excellent brand in German speaking countries
What about LBS, IMD, Esade, RSM, HEC, etc.. ?
Fit issues. Too long, too expensive (LBS), too industry oriented (IMD), too country specific, etc..I will consider them if dinged by all four above.
It looks like you have a good plan. The research phase definitely takes some time, but it's very important. Also, if you haven't visited the schools yet or sat in on classes, then I would recommend that. You want to get a feel for not only the learning environment, but also the living environment. I visited Oxford, Cambridge and LBS last year and while I liked the learning environments, I just didn't care for the living environments.
Although I didn't visit INSEAD, I knew that their global brand is very powerful and planned to apply there. Instead, I was accepted to St. Gallen before submitting INSEAD's application and just decided not to bother with it anymore. I want to work in Switzerland post-MBA and use my German language skills, so it makes sense to attend HSG. Although, with an INSEAD MBA, not only Switzerland would be feasible, but practically anywhere in the world. Part of my decision not to pursue INSEAD further really boiled down to whether or not I wanted to learn French and live in France vs. already knowing German and living in the Swiss Alps. I like to snowboard
Another personal circumstance was St. Gallen's proximity to home. Unfortunately, my family won't be able to join me while I study; so, I want to be close to them as possible, but at a good program nevertheless.
I will be starting my MBA St. Gallen in just over a week, so if you have any questions about the program, I can answer them as the year goes on.