I have got admitted in both ISB and Rice (80% Scholl). I unable to decide between the two and would appreciate your quick support.
I am Indian, 32+ and my 7+ work years experience is from the Middle East in construction/real estate sector.
Post MBA , my safe bet is to work in the same industry in a higher professional role. However I am open to changing into any industry offering me to do something innovative. Lastly, I am open to get into consultancy preferably at MBB or second tier.
Short term I am fine working anywhere, preferably internationally. However long term I would like to come back to the Middle East and work.
These are the pros and cons that I consider:
ISB Pros:
1. One year Program. Get back to career fast.
2. Local market Employ-ability very strong with large opportunities.
3. Way higher ranked in FT ranking.
4. Less costs.
5. Broad networking for Indian Market
6. Placements of Indian offices of MBB and Tier 2 Consulting strong.
7. Visiting faculty and exchange program from/with Elite Schools (Wharton, Kellog etc)
ISB Cons:
1. One Year program would be too fast to network properly.
2. Small percentage of International opportunities (Do not know how good they are in the Middle East/ Gulf region)
3. Post MBA remuneration far less compared to US schools.
4. Do not know how good ISB placement and package is for students who are 30+.
5. No Internship.
6. Do not know how good they are with the career shifts that I am looking at.
Rice Pros:
1. 2 year program giving ample opportunities to learn and network.
2. Internship.
3. Post MBA remuneration good.
4. Slightly better known in Middle East but only in the energy sector.
5. International/diverse exposure during class.
Rice Cons:
1. Job uncertainty. H1B Visa not guaranteed.
2. Way below in FT rankings.
3. Do not know whether its brand is better than ISB worldwide.
4. Do not know how MBB and second tier consulting placement is.
5. Though scholarship but higher costs and expenses.
Looking forward to the feedback.