IESE 30k€ vs HEC Paris (still to apply)

Question

Hi guys, I have prepared everything to apply to HEC Paris, even the referees have submitted their recommendations, but I am hesitating whether to apply or not. I have just to pay the 200€ application fees and hit the button submit. There is a deadline tonight at midnight. I have read a lot about HEC - IESE comparaisons... but can’t reach a firm decision. Any idea on this ? I know that this is my decision, just I need another opinion

GMAT 710 Q50-V35 Background : Finance, engineering, risk management in investment banking Post MBA goal : consulting - staying in finance with managerial role (50-50) Admitted to IESE with 30k€ scholarship. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Sent from my iPhone using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

chanassss · Answer

Updated situation : I got admitted to HEC Paris and now I have to decide between HEC and IESE. No one can help?

rtbs15 · Answer

Seems that IESE might be a better fit? Strong consulting placement, I'd argue a broader reach, and 30k couldn't hurt. On top of that, It is usually higher in rankings.

What would HEC have to do to make you choose it over IESE? Full ride? Doesn't happen very often with European universities.

chanassss · Answer

1. The salaries seems higher with HEC than with IESE. But this comparison is a bit biased because almost 1/3 of IESE salaries are based on Spain placements that are known to be lower than average. But this my interpretation, not sure about it.
2. HEC has a stronger brand name in some countries (France, obviously, North Africa...)
3. I speak French fluently, I have an intermediate level in Spanish and I want to learn some German for family reasons. At HEC it seems that besides Spanish, there no other language learning options.

These points answer your question, but I have also many points against HEC, on top of the lower rankings. I have heard from student and alumni (one of my interviewer) that there are serious problems of organisation, some teachers are really bad and it is enough to study 2 hour per week to have an almost 4 in GPA. The Career Service at HEC compared to that of IESE.

To sum up, the only strong point that would make me choose HEC over IESE is the salary after gratudation.

But I feel like I am missing something in my comparison, that’s why I am asking for your help guys of you have another point of view.

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rtbs15 · Answer

Think salaries are weighted heavily on the France factor for HEC, and the Spain/LA factor for IESE. This cn only tell you that grads are more likely to look there, not that the doors of France/UK are closed to them. I'd argue you'd be better off going to IESE and looking for jobs in the locations you want from Spain. After all, Paris is a 1hr flight away.

On the brand reputation, you should do your assessment on the location you want to be in. If it is North Africa (don't know, just paraphrasing you), go for HEC. If it is London/Francfort, I would choose IESE.

Think they are both good schools, so the good thing is that you won't regret your choice for sure.

chanassss · Answer

Thanks for your answer  rtbs15  
It is really a tough decision! At the moment I am like 60% for IESE 40% for HEC but didn’t reach a ferme decision yet! 
All opinions are welcome

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chanassss · Answer

Update on my statue : to make thinks more complicated I got today the decision about scholarships at HEC, I got 14000€ (compared to 30000€ at IESE, but IESE has also a higher tuitions).

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gayathrikeerthanas · Answer

I just read your post for the first time. So which one did you choose? Also, which consultant did you go for?

IESE 30k€ vs HEC Paris (still to apply)

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