IMD MBA vs HEC Executive MBA

Hi,
Please guys, I really need your help.
I have received offers from IMD for a full-time MBA and HEC Paris for an Executive MBA. I would appreciate any help in making this difficult choice.

Post-MBA Goal:
Function: General management
Geography: Africa (all regions)
Industry: Energy/Manufacturing

Background:
7+ years of experience in the energy sector / coming from Africa region.

Here are the pros and cons as I see them:

IMD:
Pros: High-quality training, potential opportunity to work in Europe before returning to Africa.
Cons: Limited or no brand recognition in Africa, except for Kenya.

HEC:
Pros: Well-known brand in Africa.
Cons: Very limited opportunities to work in Europe

Congratulations for admit... IMD for sure is better since its FT MBA than HEC executive MBA course..
you need to decide on your post mba goals and see which is best for your career progression....

Would suggest the IMD MBA for the following:
- Given you have only 7 years work experience it will be on the lower side for a typical EMBA class and hence the overall experience may not be as immersive given that the average work ex tends to be 14 years+ for EMBA
- There is limited career progression from the EMBA formats, most candidates use it as an opportunity to grow in their role within their organization or within their industry and hence if you are looking at a career pivot the program may not meet your expectations
- The training provided during the conventional 1 year IMD MBA will be far more intense and rigorous to help you acquire the business skills necessary to evolve into a potential future business leader. The EMBA formats typically happen over the weekends since almost everyone pursues them in parallel with their job.
- Do evaluate the logistics since the EMBA are typically not full time residential formats and hence commuting between your location to Paris every week maybe a logistical nightmare
- Lastly, both programs are pretty solid and have a comparable brand name across EU

Hi. Is the reason there is no opportunity to work in Europe, the fact that it’s executive program and it does not come with a work permit?

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Hi Matthias739 congrats on the admits!

IMD MBA definitely over an executive program. If you are targeting high potential roles in the energy/manufacturing industry or in consulting with focus on the same, IMD is a better choice. Plus, it will be an immersive program so your student experience will be better.
I also feel that people who you would be working with at your level when you return would know of the top global MBA programs and IMD is one of them. For the others (who might not know) your work experience post MBA will serve as a strong testament to your credentials when you eventually return to your home geography.

Best wishes

Wow!!!, That's why I love this forum. I'm impressed by your valuable feedback. Very clear.
Thank you very much!

Yes, I assume it more difficult for the EMBA to get a work permit.

Thank you very much. And Yes! I'm leaning toward IMD.