Insead($) 18 Jan Intake vs Ross -Urgent decision

I'll make it easy for you: do you want to work in the U.S. post-MBA, or do you see yourself applying for jobs in Europe and Asia?

That's the only question you need to ask yourself, because it's going to be MUCH easier to get a job in the U.S. if you graduate from Ross (Michigan), and it is going to MUCH easier getting a job in Asia and the Europe, if you graduate from INSEAD (over Ross).

So, if you can answer that one question, your problem is solved.

Yes, I realized this is the key question that I should answer, while it perhaps all depends on where I want to work and live in the long run.

However, as someone who has never lived in US or EU, it's almost impossible for me to answer this question.

If considering location as a key factor, I probably should choose Ross since it's a two-year program with more space to explore, and US seems to have more job opportunities for an international student like me who cannot speak any European language except English.

Thank you! Very helpful information and inspirations from the program reviews and historical discussions.

Thank you for your input. If you would be so kind to give some analysis based on the two value proposition, it will be really helpful...because such hesitation and "doubt" seem to be very common among Chinese students and many believe it's a very hard decision...

Management consulting is one of those jobs where you do not really require prerequisite consulting experience... it's all about how well you perform during the interview. I believe both school offers strong support on this front. I think at the end of the day, other than your long-term location, you need to ask yourself what is more important to you. I am not sure of what is important to you regarding the MBA program but with INSEAD and Ross on the table, try asking yourself what's more important: long-term mobility or long-term experience.

LT Mobility (INSEAD) - INSEAD will allow you to work in multiple countries. An MBA from INSEAD is no joke and I think the alumni presence itself is very strong in Asia and EU. If you are a high performing individual, you will get a high chance of travelling between Asian/EU for jobs. You are given the opportunity, of which not a lot people can acquire, to utilize a truly global network. You will not have this ease of access with Ross.

LT Experience (Ross) - Ross will give you a great time during their MBA program. You will gain the US MBA experience and maybe a job in the US later in life. The school will allow you to look for non-consulting opportunities. The 2 year program will allow you to re-orient yourself for a new career. Ross will open more career doors because of the time the program gives you. Ross' alumni will be very strong in the US and you will get mobility within the country... I am not sure about global mobility.

So what's more important? If I were you, I would choose INSEAD.

INSEAD provides a one of a kind experience in terms of diversity. You will be sharing classes with hundreds of indviduals from all over with very different backgrounds and experiences. It has solid placement in EU and Asia, together with arguably the best connections in every other region but the US.

It has a solid reputation for placement, pedigree of the alumni (2nd business school in the world with the most CEOs in Fortune 500), strong placement in top tier consulting, across all regions of the world, and at least in my cohort, the best placement by a landslide in the most difficult office (London). Attracts hundreds of companies who actively recruit on campus, and has excellent ties to the top Corporate development programmes. Finance? Same situation, with a lower tendency to pursue those careers.

Subjectively, the caliber of the class and diversity is a real eye opener if you´re looking for a truly international mindset, and making business all around the world. God knows it is the most valuable asset, at least in my case, where I work across the 5 continents. The community is unparalleled, with very prominent alumni who will help you every step of the way if needed. It is also one year where you condense the same syllabus, so its doable, and you socialize in a fast paced, super cool environment, as the lifestyle is just awesome. Of course this also brings financial advantages.

Don´t take it the wrong way, but I shouldn´t be telling you this. An MBA is a huge investment and you should know what are you looking for, and who is going to give it to you. If you´re looking for rankings, just check the only one in the world that compares them on fair grounds, and if you wanna be misled by the US centric, tremendously ignorant set of individuals that sometimes troll this forum, I think you´re better off with Ross.

But bottomline, one will take you arguably anywhere in the world, in the top positions including the US (it´s just a bit more of handholding than Asia/EU), and the other one is, let´s put it this way, extremely different.

Hope this helps you towards making the best decision for yourself.