Tuck v INSEAD?

Question

I am in the fortunate position of having to decide between two great, but very different schools. I have spent five years working in politics and tax consulting, and have spent two of those five years in Paris, which is where I am now. I am looking to switch over to management and strategy consulting, and ultimately probably want to return to France after my MBA. I got a scholarship at Tuck, so the tuition cost is equivalent (although it does not cover the opportunity cost of an additional year outside the workforce).

I have always wanted to go to Tuck because I feel it is a good fit - small classes, ski sports, tight-knight community. And while INSEAD is a great school and very well-recognized in France, I fear it might (i) lack the innovative spirit that one might find at a US school like Tuck and (ii) close doors to the US if I do want to return at some point.

Having said all this, and given that I most likely will want to return to France after the MBA (where INSEAD definitively has the higher name recognition), I am wondering if I should go against my instinct and settle on INSEAD.

Any thoughts or advice would be very welcome!

Blax0r · Answer

Regarding the ski resorts, Killington & Pico are not that great, so I wouldn't make that a factor to consider.

i vote INSEAD (though Booth/Kellogg admits would change the equation).

Cantona · Answer

If you want to go to MC go to INSEAD. Especially if you want to be in Europe (France is even better in this case.) Can't really do better than that.

The "no brainer" would be INSEAD. However, if the one year program is not for you, then it's not for you. I had to decide between a 1 year and 2 year myself, and figured 2 year just suited me better.

Just realize Tuck is not well known in Europe. You can obviously still accomplish your goals, but career wise you will have made it slightly harder on yourself !

-C

DefyingGravity · Answer

If you want to work in France post-MBA choose INSEAD.

aristidestjr · Answer

I have voted for INSEAD. It is better for your short-term goals (MC in France) and its brand is strong enough in US if you want to go back.

JG98110 · Answer

Thanks guys! That is really helpful (even if INSEAD was not the answer I was really hoping for!!).

asimov · Answer

Your MBA school is pretty much only good for your immediate post-MBA job. If your immediate goal is to work in France, INSEAD would be the better choice.

DefyingGravity · Answer

Have you tried reaching out to Tuck to try to connect with current students or alumni interested in working in Europe? If you weren't actually hoping for INSEAD, then choose Tuck. It might not make recruiting as easy for you, but it is still a strong enough program that it shouldn't prohibit your ability to return to France.

bgp2587 · Answer

When I first read this post, I thought INSEAD immediately. Post-MBA goal of consulting in Europe, and preferably France, is normally a slam dunk for INSEAD. But if you don't want to go there? Why would you?

You only get to do one MBA. Tuck can absolutely place you at MBB in Paris. I know that Tuck had multiple MBB placements in both Europe and Asia last year. If it's the school you want to go to, then I would do it without fear that you're really shutting yourself off.

Finally, the one thing that I would do if I were you is get in touch with Stephen Pidgeon, who's in charge of consulting recruiting for the Career Development Office. Not only does he run recruiting now, but he went to Tuck and worked at McKinsey in Lordon for 4 years. He can probably give you all the info you need.

g81 · Answer

JG98110m, I am in the same boat

AlbertoMilano · Answer

welcome to the club... same issue here...

exousia · Answer

I was wondering whether any INSEAD alumnus can share some insights into switching careers to management consulting through a 10 months program because I am a bit concerned the 10 month program won't adequately prepare me despite its strong placement in consulting.

Thanks.

Thanks.

Tuck v INSEAD?

Which is the better school?

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