nmuddana
Hi everyone,
I am quite thankful for the admits from these two amazing business schools, however I am also in immense mental pain trying to choose between two. The deadline for INSEAD deposit in due in two days (~$10k), so I need to make a decision in the next 24 hours.
So far I have sought advice from multiple alumni, recruitment companies etc and the vote has been split across these two schools, partly bcoz of my wacky short term/ long term goals. Please see below my background and hope someone can provide me a good rationale behind why one is better than the other for my profile.
30-yr old India applicant. Undergraduate degree in engineering from a reputed university. Did masters in finance 7years ago from the UK. Have been working in the PE industry ever since - London (3 years), Singapore (2 years) and New York (2 years), all with the same firm.
Short term goal: Continue within the PE industry in ASIA, albeit switch from a fund investing role to a direct investing role. ASIA because of several reasons - Fast-growing market, loved living in Singapore personally, Spouse can work under my visa, uncertain US visa system
Long term goal - Wish to move to the US, if an opportunity arises, otherwise Asia is good too.
Chicago Booth:
Pros: Dream school indeed, Amazing faculty, Internship opportunity, Strong PE network, Recognized throughout the world, Strong reputation in Finance
Cons: Too expensive (family man with a year old son), Access to Asia opportunities from Chicago is challenging (limited networking etc), Uncertain US visas (H1B)
INSEAD:
Pros: Solid brand, Singapore location can facilitate networking, Decent PE network, higher ROI (lower tuition)
Cons: Weaker brand in the US (if I wish to move to the US later), Consulting heavy;weaker finance
Given the above, please let me know your thoughts.
Well, you can't have it all. But I will say, that the INSEAD brand is strong worldwide.
Bottom line: Insead for Asia, Booth for USA.
If I was in your enviable position - I would have chosen INSEAD - cost, political situation, 1 year vs 2 year.
If you can't decide, definitely pay the deposit - give yourself more time.
All the best mate!