[MiM] RSM vs IE vs ESSEC

Question

Hello,

I am an Indian student and recently received admissions offers from RSM (Netherland) and IE (Spain) for their respective MiM courses; besides, I'm also expecting a response from ESSEC (Paris). I'm a bit confused and looking for some advice on my final decision.

My field of interest is Marketing and my goal is Brand Management. I intend to work in Eu after the course and career growth / job opportunities in the country of education would be major deciding factors.

As an institution, I believe IE is much highly regarded (at least as per rankings) compared to the other two. However, the economic situation in Spain is a big concern for me and hence I am a bit sceptic. I'm not sure if an international student would get to work there and if an IE degree would help me get a job in any other country?

Personally, my inclination is towards RSM mainly due to their education system and a comparatively welcoming job market for international students. I had originally applied for their Master of Marketing program but that was denied and instead they offered me a spot in MscBA/MiM. I like the institution and country, hence am open to exploring this program too. Plus it costs much less compared to other schools.

About ESSEC, the main thing that draws me is the thriving economy in France and job opportunities in Paris. Again their program is very high ranked but I'm not sure if I should go by just rankings. I understand that securing a job in any Eu country is extremely difficult but I am willing to network extensively and explore every possible option.

It would be of immense help if someone could please share their thoughts on these programs and advise on this decision? Any sort of suggestion/experience/advice would be really appreciated.

Also, please do let me know if more details would be required?

TAZAMA · Answer

Getting a work permit post studies is the hardest part. Do you speak Spanish, French or Dutch? From my experience finding English speaking job is extremely difficult (especially if you have no work permit). Maybe the Netherlands is more friendly towards foreign work force than Spain and France. Check how long time you have post graduation to look for a visa (job search visa) in each country. To be honest, each school is strong at their prospective country and you can't really lean on your degree to find a job in another country. If I were you, I would choose the country that is more friendly towards foreign work force.

Out of curiosity, have you considered Germany?

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TheVaguelyCurious · Answer

As of now, I have no knowledge of any of these languages but I plan to start learning one of them as soon as I am enrolled. I'm hoping to utilize the time before the program begins to learn the basics of the language and will keep practicing it during the course.

You're right, Netherland does seem a little more welcoming towards English speaking professionals and I'll learn as much Dutch as I can; hopefully that should help. Also as per my knowledge, unlike Spain, France and Netherland does provide a one year job search visa post graduation, hence I'm not too keen on IE. However, IE and ESSEC seem to be higher on rankings and influence than RSM, hence the confusion. Would you recommend ignoring the rankings and opting for RSM given the jobs/visa facilities?

Also, no I haven't really applied to any school in Germany but from what I've heard, a lot of international students from RSM do find employment in Germany. So that may be an option too.

TAZAMA · Answer

In my humble opinion, if you want to stay working in Europe, go after the school that gives you that opportunity. BTW, isn't it RSM top 4 in ranking?

If your info regarding RSM students find job in Germany, they your case is easy. RSM gives you access to the Netherlands and Europe's biggest economy.

Again, language is the key in Europe. If you manage to learn it and you get the masters, then your chances are high to settle down there.

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TheVaguelyCurious · Answer

Yes. Besides the program, my primary focus will be on mastering the language and networking extensively. Ideally, I would start working on these factors way before I even begin the course. Like I mentioned, my personal inclination was always towards RSM but the kind of reputation IE and ESSEC carry (also the fact that Paris is an extremely thriving city) made me reconsider. However, most factors seem to favor RSM, especially for working post graduation. Thanks a ton for your advice, really appreciate it

Just one more thing though - I intend to get into Marketing Management and the program being offered to me by RSM is Msc in Business Administration / Master of Management. This is a general management course and does provide a Marketing elective. Do you think this program could put me in a disadvantage for a marketing career? (I had originally applied for MS in Marketing but was denied and instead offered a spot in MiM). I know perhaps I'm being too anxious but just want to be sure about it before I take it up

TAZAMA · Answer

From my personal experience, that won't be an issue. Having a general master might be advantageous by opining doors you might not have thought about yet. Anyways, if after the course you want to continue with Marketing, I don't see why this would be an issue. I'm specialized in sales and marketing myself and would prefer MiM over an Marketing master if I had to choose.

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TheVaguelyCurious · Answer

That's really encouraging, thanks a lot for all your insights. I definitely feel much more confident about RSM now

[MiM] RSM vs IE vs ESSEC

[MiM] RSM vs IE vs ESSEC

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