Stanford MSx vs. HBS

Question

Hi!

I've been accepted to both Stanford MSx and HBS and looking for advice/ thoughts. I'm a 32 yo female primarily interested in VC (either corp or traditional) and Corp Dev. Possibly Product Manager roles as well, but my current company will most likely be letting me return with a promotion post program, so those may be longer term goals. I've worked abroad and primarily on east coast. Geographically open long term, including interests in working in Europe. Since i will most likely be returning to same company, looking at it from a brand/ network/ learning rather than a career switch.

MSX:
Pros: 1 year (reduces opp cost and time), really like Stanford culture and living out in west coast for at least a year, flexibility of curriculum, fellow MSxers at similar career level, Stanford network?
Cons: not sure if MSx is valued same as MBA (help here would be great), International / East coast network?, demographic does lean older

HBS MBA:
Pros: Brand, Network, Case Study method
Cons: students are younger (avg 26-27) and less experienced, I've heard culture can be competitive so have concerns about fit (esp given my age/personality), program is 2 years - higher cost & opp cost

Will i get the value, network, and prestige of the Stanford brand if I do MSx? Is HBS a better long term play? Is there a good Stanford network on East Coast/ Intl?

Any experiences from those who've attended MSx or older HBS grads would be great

bb · Answer

Wow! Congratulations!

MSx is a much smaller programs than HBS and seems to have an older crowd that is much more committed and connected. I have recently connected one of the GMAT Club users with an MSx VC alum (former Sloan program) and despite the fact that he graduated 15 years ago, they responded right away and clearly good enough impression to drop INSEAD from one's radar. I feel the MSx program is more for successful non-MBA types that consider the program in some ways a finishing touch to their career rather than a start/beginning of their new track. Does that make sense? I don't think anyone has gone to Stanford and felt they missed out on anything - it is not #2, it is rather an alternative to HBS. Kind of like the folks who choose Lexus instead of BMW or Mercedes that are too cliche. However, note that MSx wont' connect you with alums before you are committed and matriculating, unlike many other schools and programs.

I don't think you can go wrong with HBS really. It is #1 for a reason.

The main choices are:
1 year vs. 2 (are you looking for a new career path that needs an internship and 2 years)?
The second choice is the age group - are you looking for peers/older/more accomplished/experienced people with families and kids or the rising stars? There are pros and cons to both, though HBS will have a good number of more mature quieter people too. HBS students are some of the nicest and humble people I have ever met.

I would add the program size matters - one is much smaller than the other and finally the networks. I would guess (I have no hard facts) that MSx is mostly west coast-based alum network but maybe I am off.... I also feel MSx has a fair share of VC presence in its alum ranks.... and while smaller, it is probably pretty tight. You can consider reaching out to karroty here: https://gmatclub.com/forum/insead-vs-st ... 45636.html

jessepinkman · Answer

HBS easy call

kw2018 · Answer

Thanks for help! 
Couple follow up questions - Is MSx perceived in market as same as an MBA (or at least equal)? Do stanford alumni treat “MSx” differently than MBA?

Posted from my mobile device

quarterlifer · Answer

I don't think I know anyone who would turn down HBS...

jessepinkman · Answer

not the same/equal in the market. it's an entirely different program with a very different profile than the stanford MBA (25% acceptance rate vs 6% acceptance rate to illustrate).

SilveradoZ · Answer

Hi OP, I found this post when researching the programs for this upcoming application season. I have the same question for MSx vs HBS. May I know which program did you end up choosing and why? And how was your b-school experience?

bb · Answer

MSx is very different from HBS as it is 1 year vs. 2 years and attracts much more senior applicants (many international), has little of a recruiting component, and has a much much smaller class.

SilveradoZ · Answer

Thanks! This aligns well with what I’ve heard from current students and alumni. I feel like I’m on the cusp in terms of age — a bit too old for HBS (not a veteran), but a bit too young for MSx. As for recruiting, I’m not looking to go into MBB or IB, so campus recruiting isn’t really a factor for me. I’d likely return to my current employer or look for a job through my network to advance into a more senior role, or explore an entrepreneurial/VC path within the industry I’ve built expertise in. That said, GSB and HBS can both provide the brand, resources, and credibility for my aspirations. I’m glad to see someone else who was in a similar situation a few years ago. I’m curious which program OP ended up choosing in the end, though I realize she might not be active here anymore, haha.

bb

MSx is very different from HBS as it is 1 year vs. 2 years and attracts much more senior applicants (many international), has little of a recruiting component, and has a much much smaller class.

Stanford MSx vs. HBS

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