IESE vs IE vs Chicago Booth MBA programs

Question

Hi All,

I have been accepted into Booth (with $$), IE (with $$) and IESE (Shortlisted for a scholarship) but won't find out until June. I am currently trying to decided where I should go and would love any opinions about the quality of the schools and their ability to open doors for me upon graduation.

My profile is as follows:

I am an Australian Environmental Engineer working on natural resource development projects for 4 years (almost 5 at Matriculation). I was working for a top mining company for 2 years and now work in a team leader role for a major, World Bank funded, hydro-electric project in Laos. I have worked in natural resource development on projects on 4 continents.

I want to pursue an MBA to develop my business evaluation skills to a level where I can work as an analyst that assesses the financial, social and environmental viability of natural resource development projects. I think I have written quite good essays that demonstrate this goal. Ideally, I want to work back in Australia, Asia, Latin America or Africa following the MBA.

Any advice would be appreciated!

bakfed · Answer

I think, given what you wrote, there's really no difference between the schools. The only thing I can distinguish out is that Booth will probably be an inferior choice here. You didn't list the US as one of your preferred working location, which means that Booth may not give you as much of an edge here. If I were you, I'd really look at IE and IESE and see which one fits you better in terms of class, employment, and culture. At this very moment, I'd say to choose IE over IESE because of the scholarship that you've received. I wouldn't consider Booth very much right now...again, this is given what you wrote.

nagano98 · Answer

Thanks for the advice Socal... The one reservation I had with the Spanish Schools was brand recognition in Asia Pacific. Do you think this is much of an issue?

The weather in Spain does beat the hell out of Chicago one must say

bakfed · Answer

Honestly, I can't say you're going to get much recognition in the Pacific Rim even if you went to Booth. The asian culture has been very stereotypical that unless you go to a school that most people have heard of, it's not going to get that much recognition. Heck, if I had to take a pick in China between Booth and Cornell, Cornell will probably win because of its ivy league brand. A lot has to do with where you want to work as well (for example, if you want to work at McKinsey in China, Booth will definitely serve you better than Cornell will). Last, but not least, you're really going to have to pick your location wisely. If you're targeting hte Asian market, go to an Asian b-school, such as HKUST. It'll be exponentially harder for you to find jobs in Asia post-MBA if you went to Booth. I chose IE because you've listed Africa in your original post and should Africa fail you, you're close enough to Europe that IE will serve you well.

nagano98 · Answer

Thanks Bakfed,

I know it isn't really straight forward. Thanks for your time and advice!

Nagano

bakfed · Answer

You're most welcome and remember, this is just my opinion, which is by no means a professional's opinion. Good luck on your decision!!! All of these schools rock, by the way =)

IESE vs IE vs Chicago Booth MBA programs

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