HEC Paris MiM vs LBS Global MiM

Question

Dear all,

I am incredibly happy to have been admitted to both the Global MiM program at LBS as well as the Grande École MiM at HEC Paris. But since the payment deadlines are approaching fast, I have a tough decision to make in the next couple of days.

In general, I always wanted to take part in a two-year program, which is why I didn't apply to the regular LBS MiM at first. But when the LBS gave me the opportunity for a late application to their new Global MiM program last month (deadline was February I believe), I applied for it anyways. Especially since I've already gained some experiences living and interning in China, the Global MiM seems like a valid option for me. But still, I would only obtain a one-year MiM degree, complemented by a one-year International Business degree at Fudan in Shanghai.

At the same time, HEC offers a two-year program that allows for specialisation in my main field of interest (strategic management). Also, I could apply for HEC's own double degree program with Tsinghua University in China, should I really want to get some more "China-Exposure". Also, HEC seems to have a tighter connection to the major consulting firms than LBS (from my rather inexperienced point of view).

Regarding my career aspirations: I am dedicated to kicking off my career in strategy consulting. I am somewhat flexible regarding location, even though I would prefer not to work in Germany. Hong Kong would be one of my dream locations, but I can very well see myself working in one of the major European cities as well (Paris, London, ...).

I would be really thankful if the more experienced of you guys could give me some advice to help me make the right decision. 
e.g. 
Which program is the best choice reputation-wise?
Which program suits my overall career aspirations best?
Which school offers the more enjoyable living and study environment?

P.S.: The financial factor also plays a role of course. It's approx. 54.000€ for LBS GMiM vs. approx. 26.000€ for HEC MiM.

Cheers!

INemo · Answer

Hello phiman,

Congratulations first of all for being accepted at both of these schools; many here would dream of being in your situation right now. The way I look at it - having been accepted to both as well - is the following :

HEC

Pros 
Great consulting placement and some cool-sounding classes that focus entirely on the field (including some with MBB immersion)
Lower cost (both programme and living)
Campus feel
Decent brand, especially in Europe
Well-established programme
Possible break in the middle of the two years to intern at top firms (fairly common)

Cons 
Decrease in opportunities outside of France/French-speaking countries
45 min. away from Paris (either harder to enjoy the city or a painful commute every day)
Atmosphere can be a little elitist and pro-French (look up the "prepa" system)
Not as well known as LBS in Asia
Less diverse student body

LBS

Pros 
Smaller class & tight-knit community
More diverse student body
Some access to its world-class MBA (people, events, ...)
Great brand worldwide
Great location in London
Programme is ambitious and should see a rise in rankings in the coming years

Cons 
New programme (OCR and administration might not be as efficient as well-established programmes)
High cost (programme cost is bad, cost of living is incredibly high)
Harder to find work in London (one year in London and very competitive labour market)
Might be overlooked due to the MBA's reputation

This leads to two concluding issues : post-degree location and price. If you want to work in France or Belgium and if you can work up some decent French, HEC is by far better than LBS. If you really want to work in Asia (or London), LBS is going to give you a leg up but it comes at a substantial cost.

As stated above, my situation is fairly similar to yours and I believe I might have picked LBS if they offered a full two-year or three-semester degree. However, playing your cards right and networking with consultants in both London and Shanghai can open many doors. A scholarship from LBS could probably tilt the balance in their favour. In other words, I'd say LBS carries higher risk and reward while Paris is fairly safe - meaning you're pretty much assured to find something decent after HEC - especially if you are young.

I hope this can help you make a decision.

Best of luck,

Ruhm

phiman · Answer

Dear Ruhm,

first of all thank you very much for your thoughts on this issue. Might I ask which program you have enrolled in?

I'm kind of getting more and more used to the idea of studying at HEC. I feel like a one-year MiM might just be a bit to shallow in the end. Of course, this is just a personal feeling and is not at all based on experience.
But what still keeps me from making my decision is the factor "brand". Of course I have been aware of the superior international reputation that LBS enjoys. But at the same time, I always believed HEC to be set almost equally reputationwise. Is there really that much of a difference to be made out?

Cheers!

INemo · Answer

Being Swiss, I ended up picking the SIM at St.-Gallen (decisions just came out), but without knowing if that would work out I had already picked HEC over LBS. Unlike you, I applied for the one-year MIM instead of the GMIM, and I definitely did not feel confident interviewing for decent positions after three months in London; a two-year LBS MIM would have been a better fit in that regard. Having grown up speaking French/with mostly French culture, I did not have much of an issue with the pro-French aspect and France-centric opportunities.

The brand issue is a little weird. On the one hand, LBS is definitely known worldwide for its MBA so it's a little hard to gauge the MIM's recognition. On the other hand, HEC is known for its MIM but is trying hard to catch up and develop its MBA (think national competition with INSEAD). It seems like business school reputation is based mostly on MBA visibility, but that might change as MIMs become more popular worldwide - especially in the US.

My opinion is that, although LBS has enjoyed a tremendous reputation over the last 10-15 years, HEC is actually going to catch up over the next 5-10 years. HEC is already on board with LSE and NYU with their #1 EMBA and is apparently trying to merge the best of its MIM and EMBA into an equally well-regarded MBA. Furthermore, HEC and LBS MIMs are definitely in the same tier in Europe. HEC has probably the biggest presence in London after UK schools and its students are definitely competitive in other European cities. The issue is a little different abroad as the Americas and Asia have not been as exposed to HEC students/alumni, but I would expect the gap to tighten.

gcb09173 · Answer

Which program is the best choice reputation-wise?  LBS - strategy consulting it's pretty clear including MBB. 
 Which program suits my overall career aspirations best?  Either will help you get you there - strategy consulting in a major European city - note that LBS will place more students into London, with HEC more into Paris. Nothing stops you from applying to another office however.
 Which school offers the more enjoyable living and study environment?  That's a tough question to answer as its a pretty personal decision. At HEC you will likely be around more people your age with the undergrad strength. However at LBS you are in the school with mostly MBAs who will be 5 odd years more senior. So perhaps a slight age thing to be aware of...

P.S.: The financial factor also plays a role of course. It's approx. 54.000€ for LBS GMiM vs. approx. 26.000€ for HEC MiM. 
Yep - that's always going to be a tough one - I certainly think you'll get your moneys worth at LBS so up to you really to decide if HEC is better value for money.

phiman · Answer

Thank you both for your answers so far!

Currently I am tilting more towards HEC, especially due to the tremendous cost advantage. But I am having doubts regarding a possible language barrier here - I speak some very basic French, but that's about it. Can anybody tell wether that would be a huge disadvantage in terms of social life at HEC?

gcb09173 · Answer

No -S ocial wise i think you will be fine - you'll have to do intensive french course whilst on the MiM - however it will be a problem if you are looking for a job in France. You need to be pretty fluent to get a role, particularly in consultancy.

Thus you will likely be applying for London offices where LBS is better placed to help you (HEC will still give you an opportunity but you will miss all the networking opportunities with the London offices of consultancy firms held for LBS students).

MBAIvy · Answer

It is all going to depend upon where you see yourself working, post-MBA. LBS will help you more in the English speaking countries, though HEC will certainly get you a job in France, and be more valued than LBS there. In terms of China, English will more than likely be the intermediary language. Both schools are excellent though in their worldwide reputation, and I would just make sure that you consider where your alumni contacts will be concentrated, as well, in order to maximize the benefit.

[I'm a former Harvard interviewer, and a Harvard grad and currently run the MBA admissions firm www.MBAIvyLeague.com out of Manhattan.]

saumyakansal2196 · Answer

Hey

Some people have suggested that French or some other European language would be a must to have a successful career post MiM from HEC. Is that true?

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