HEC vs Columbia J term

Question

Hello everyone,

My profile:
4 Years of software experience in India
GRE: 333, Male, Age: 25

Post MBA: MBB Consulting, (Preferably USA)

I have recently got an admit into HEC 2025 Jan Intake. I have to pay the fees in 2 weeks from now, which is a 9000 euros non-refundable deposit. I am applying to Columbia J term but am from an overrepresented category. I am not sure of the admission chance at CBS.

Should I drop HEC and focus on CBS. If not CBS, apply to t-15. I want to kickstart my MBA journey asap.
Pay for HEC(9000 euros) and still apply for CBS J term. (I have a poor financial background).

I have talked with alums of both HEC and CBS. I think currently, HEC cant offer a MBB role even if you are in the top 5% in that class.

Can everybody share their thoughts.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

If you’re really serious about MBB, you’re going to want to secure a summer associate position. So unfortunately, I don’t think January intake would work for you at Columbia.

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

Few programs can offer Tech or consulting roles unfortunately.

Summer internship is not required for an MBB role but it is a lot better and more helpful. Lots more chances. Being 25 and changing industries adcom may not live that.

Posted from my mobile device

RSM04 · Answer

Thanks  bb  and  MBAPrepCoach . What about HEC?

I’m not sure about the post mba career if i join HEC

Posted from my mobile device

MBAGuide · Answer

rajasekharM I hope you are doing well. Some of my mentees attended the Columbia J term AO session yesterday. They were clear that with the current market, the J term is a good option if you want to get into the tech industry, but not so much for those interested in management consulting, IB, or even rotational leadership programs. If you are looking for a career in the US, you could use the J-term and look for high paying jobs in the tech industry, even though Columbia is not the ideal place geographically for the tech industry, but the name sells and I think it can be a lucrative thought. Feel free to talk to me and I can advise you. Alternatively, you could wait and apply for the FT program. You are only 25 and have the time on your side. Regarding HEC, its a great school otherwise but I think the consulting downtime is going to affect all schools (some more than others) for the next 2-3 of years. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

AliciaSierra · Answer

rajasekharM

Whether you're considering consulting or tech, Columbia J-Term is undoubtedly a superior option to HEC. With CBS J-Term, you experience the full MBA journey, going through all four semesters. Plus, studying and living in New York is exceptional; you're right at the heart of the business world. You can easily visit MBB firms, and the consulting recruiting scene is robust. Last year, every consulting firm visited the school for networking. CBS boasts established academics and professors. J-Term students also have the opportunity to do internships. I recently graduated from CBS J-Term and have a consulting offer in hand, as do many of my fellow J-Term cohorts.  My question is, why are you considering a one-year MBA program? What's your reason?  MBA is big investment and has opportunity cost.  Pls think once again -WHY - one year vs 2 year program.

Current Consulting Market: 
The consulting industry landscape is currently undergoing significant change. Due to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2023, there's a shift in consulting focus towards the Middle East. Most of the consulting recruiting is now happening for the Middle East, while the USA market is saturated.

EU vs USA 
If you're targeting HEC or any other EU school, you'll most likely end up getting a job either in the EU or in the Middle East. If you study in the USA, your target pool will be larger. You can get a job in the USA, EU, or the Middle East. All Middle East consulting firms are recruiting from the USA.

admitStreet · Answer

@rajasekharM - HEC alum here, and I've been interacting with several folks over the past months about the consulting recruitment scenario. Some thoughts: 1. HEC places well in EU/ UK, Middle East and Latin America. In 2023, the latter two regions had good consulting placements. Check out the latest employment report for further details. This year has been a bit tight, but that's the case for most B-schools. 2. If you are keen on living in the US post-MBA, CBS is the better choice given its brand and alum network. To that end, a 2-year MBA could be a better option, to potentially pursue a consulting internship and land a full-time role. 3. Keep in mind though that US consulting recruitment has slowed down (atleast temporarily), and several grads are considering the Middle East (particularly Saudi) and other emerging markets for consulting roles. This means, you could well end up in the Middle-East for a consulting role after a US MBA. Let me know if this helps, and if there are any further queries. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Schedule a free chat W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | LinkedIn

HEC vs Columbia J term

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards