Hi
Stc2008 ..
Welcome to Gmatclub. Many congratulations for the admits. All of these schools are well-reputed in Europe. If I am in your place, my priority would be 1. LBS, 2. HEC 3. Judge.
MBA is a huge investment and I understand that $150k is quite high for LBS but think about post MBA opportunities, brand name, alumni network, 2 years extended visa, no need to learn an extra language, etc. I am sure LBS is known in the US not HEC and JUDGE. It's ok that Judge is a part of Cambridge but its MBA program is not that much recognized in the world. So, you should forget Judge. Take the call between LBS and HEC.
About HEC:
1. Take the Jan intake because you can do an internship in phase 4 and you do not need to come back to school. If you take the Sep intake, you must do an internship in phase 3 and come back to school for phase 4. That's one of the differences between these two intakes.
2. You need to learn French or some other language if you are unable to secure a job in the UK or Global MNCs.
3. Sponsoring visas might be a problem.
If there is no possibility of a big loan, go for HEC (try for Jan intake). Also, Jan intake has a smaller class size than that of Sep intake.
Just to conclude - LBS will be a better choice (as per me).
Stc2008 wrote:
Hi All,
I've been accepted to all of the MBA programs I applied to for the Fall 2020 intake, which I'm really happy about, and would appreciate advice on the best program to choose. I'm a 30yo American Female working in the US with a background in premium/luxury brand marketing and am looking to continue in that space, but shifting more towards e-commerce opportunities. I'm looking to stay in Europe long term after I graduate.
LBS
Pros:
-highest brand awareness and overall rankings among the three choices
-Strong LBS alumni network
-2 yrs would give me time to try out a new industry if I wanted and ride out any post Covid recession
-New 2 year work visa scheme in UK so I could stay in the UK without any issues after graduating
-financials aside, LBS is my preferred choice based on brand awareness
Cons
-no scholarship, so would need to take out nearly $150k in loans, which makes me very hesitant
-no option to defer, even if classes start online
-London cost of living is very high
HEC Paris
Pros:
-High brand awareness in Europe
-Well respected in luxury sector and has relationships with luxury companies
-16 month program feels like a good length and still gives time for internships
-received a small scholarship so would only need to take out $60k in loans
-Starts in August, but can defer to the Jan intake (which I would likely do if unable to start in-person in August)
Cons:
-Not as well known outside out Europe
-I've heard the career center could be improved
-Getting sponsored for work in Europe could be challenging
Cambridge Judge
Pros:
-Cambridge name is nice to have on CV
-I would enjoy living in Cambridge
-Proximity to Silicon Fen is a plus for e-commerce opportunities, and there is a digital concentration which I'd take advantage of
-Received a small bursary, so would only take out $50k in loans
-Would be able to take advantage of the new 2 year work visa scheme
Cons:
-1 year program isn't safest bet in current climate
-MBA program isn't as highly regarded as HEC and LBS
Is it really worth it to take out $150k in loans for the LBS experience if I'm not looking to go into finance or consulting? Any advice on which program to choose would be appreciated!
_________________
JaSs
please send PM if you need advice