IMD or Cambridge?

Question

Post-MBA goals: I'd like to stay in pharma/healthcare/consumer goods and work in Europe or the UK

Could you share your thoughts based on placement impact, culture and long-term ROI?

billionaire · Answer

Hi, I would go for IMD, but that just me, my preference toward country

Cambridge: Average Salaries: $164,741 Tuition: £51,000 Program Length: 12 months IMD: Average Salaries: $154,511 Tuition: CHF 60,000 Program Length: 11 months Source is FT, so here ROI would be on Judge side, due to higher cost of attendance for IMD. However, Forbes provides different picture, with info that school based in Lausanne, Switzerland had a five-year gain of $194,700 and that a median salary of $215,000 five years of out of school, is $26,000 more than any other non-U.S. school. IMD grads also earned back their investment (forgone salary, tuition) in just 2.3 years on average. Forbes also provides that for Judge salary is $140,000. It could be that FT just is biased toward UK schools

sunflowers484 · Answer

Thank you for your reply! Yes, I agree, the ranking reports are a bit different. They both seem like epic programs! Any thoughts on Brexit and how employment in the UK for international students will change?

billionaire · Answer

No guess. I am not much into to UK at the moment, do not follow them or their politics. But logic is that they will of course need higly educated and skilled people like you, so I wouldnt worry much about it. Companies in UK would fight for you after your MBA so leave them to think about legislation

They will find a way always. If you want to go to work there Judge makes more sense then.

1Maverick1234 · Answer

I would generally choose IMD any day over Cambridge . The reason being IMD has a very strong reputation vis a vis Cambridge . On the flip side IMD rankings have been declining and from my research that was majorly due to a past MBA dean who had very different views on rankings and MBA's in general .

PS: I have an IMD admit but my dilemma is more in comparing it with Kellog 1yr/Cornell 1 yr/INSEAD in my age bracket 33

PS: I have an IMD admit but my dilemma is more in comparing it with Kellog 1yr/Cornell 1 yr/INSEAD in my age bracket 33

sunflowers484 · Answer

Hello! Thanks for your input. Congrats on the acceptances! I ultimately chose IMD because of the personalized experience through the process. I think the top business schools are the same at their core; the culture and values differentiate them. I'm in my 30s as well so given the class profile and goals it is the best fit for me. Because I have studied and worked in the US, I was not keen on going back there for business school. Kellogg is a fantastic brand and if your goal is to work in the US then of course, it would be a good choice. However, keep in mind the work permit situation. Depending on where you're from, it could be easy or challenging in either place (US or EU). I don't think either geography is easier to secure work in given the current climate. But I do believe that capable people will find opportunities across the world. I'm also skeptical of making decisions based on the rankings. Both schools are top notch, so metrics shouldn't matter too much at this point. So it really comes down to how you want to diversify your experience. Good luck and perhaps we will meet at IMD!

rtbs15 · Answer

Would lean towards IMD here. Great links to the industries you are interested in, mature program, and generally better reputation than Judge (not Cambridge, Judge!)

Arro44 · Answer

I would say it depends to some degree on your prefence with regards to long-term workplace;

Judge is among the best B-Schools in the UK and has a great reputation all around the globe. Due to its UK location the programm has a better network and easier placing in the country itself and it would allow for an easier transition into the UK labour market.

IMD is among the best B-Schools in Switzerland and has a highly respected brand name internationally as well, even though it does not quite reach Cambridge. In terms of consumer goods there are a couple of well known company located in close proximity (e.g. Nestle) and attending IMD does help your chances with regards to getting a foothold.

Regardless of how you decide, both schools have their perks.

All the best,
Chris

vibis · Answer

Definitely IMD! The network you might receive for these industries at IMD is incredible. Pharma companies are hungry for talents, and they hire each year from IMD. If you want, drop me a message so that I can link you to some IMD alumni in pharma.

IMD or Cambridge?

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