Help required in picking between Cambridge and HEC Paris
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16 Dec 2023, 04:31
Hello GMATClub Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I'd like to seek your opinion as I navigate the decision between HEC Paris and Cambridge for my MBA. To provide you with some context about my profile:
Work Experience:
I bring approximately 6 years of diverse experience as a generalist, having worked across domains and functions in IT services, FinTech, Banking, and Insurance.
Aspirational Career Move: Venture Capital
My primary post-MBA goal is to transition into the Venture Capital space, recognising the potential challenges the industry may face. Despite lacking direct investment experience, I draw on my background, including working at two startups and technology expertise gained in roles at a boutique analytics firm and a large IT services company. I hold an MSc in Finance from a top European school, further supporting my aspirations.
Realistic Career Move: Consulting
Considering my prior roles in corporate strategy, I view consulting as an attainable and exciting career path. I am open to working as a Strategy Consultant for at least five years before potentially exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.
Backup Career Move: Corporate Strategy within Tech Companies
Aligned with my past experience, this serves as a backup option in case my primary and realistic career goals face unforeseen challenges.
Geographic Focus:
Ideally, I aim to work in Europe, specifically in countries like the UK, Spain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. I am also open to opportunities in Canada, where I recently obtained permanent residency to navigate potential visa uncertainties.
MBA Admissions Status:
I have secured admits to both Cambridge and HEC Paris. While I am considering applying to LBS in Round 2, I would like your genuine opinions and guidance on choosing between Cambridge and HEC Paris, given my career goals and background. I understand networking plays a huge role and I'm prepared to invest time and effort in achieving the best possible outcome.
Please note that I've already paid the initial deposit to Cambridge, and since HEC Paris delayed in reverting, I had no choice but to do so. The deposit was ~£8,000, but I am open to sacrificing this amount if the value I could gain from attending HEC Paris is incremental.
- How do the programs at HEC Paris and Cambridge compare in terms of their strengths for someone looking to transition into Venture Capital?
- Considering my interest in consulting (realistic career move), which of the two schools has a stronger reputation or resources in the consulting space? I understand there's an additional language barrier if I work in countries such as France instead of UK, but I'm ready to start learning French prior to the start of my programme. I don't mind relocating to the country months before the start of the programme so that I physically join a language school there and get a grasp on the language - ideally scenario would be to attain B1 proficiency prior to the start of the programme.