Darden vs INSEAD

Question

Hi All,

I need some advice here. I am an Indian working in Fintech space at Goldman Sachs for the last 5 years. I have got admits from Darden School of Business and INSEAD. My short term goal is strategy consulting but later would like to explore other opportunities. I prefer to work in the US because I feel there I will more number of opportunities to explore. Below are some factors that I am considering:

1) In Darden, I can start immediately in the US, but later if I like to explore, Darden's brand is less perceived outside the US. if INSEAD, then I will have to wait for a few years and take the L1 route. (Darden 1 - 0 INSEAD)

2) MBB recruitment was around 16 percent in Darden. Non sponsored MBB count in INSEAD was around 19 percent but I feel the competition would still be more at INSEAD as it is a consulting school and more students would be recruiting for it. (Darden 1 - 0 INSEAD)

3) Talking to alumni I learned that the chances of me getting in MBB is more at INSEAD. Internationals getting into MBB is a little less in number at Darden since frankly Americans are better at communication. At INSEAD the competition is a little lesser. (Darden 1 - 1 INSEAD)

4) If I want to work in the US, it is better to have an MBA from the US only, however if I plan to come back or work in any nearby country after 10 years, the brand value will be lesser. On the other hand, INSEAD is globally recognized. Its brand is not as good as Darden in the US but after the new branch in SF, it is expected to increase in a few years. Anyway if I go to INSEAD, the L1 route will only happen after 4-5 years from now. (Darden 1 - 2 INSEAD)

Considering these points, I am super confused on what decision I should make. With the COVID scenario, its even more confusing. Darden is offering to join online in August and then come to campus whenever possible. It could be a risky move as there is no assurance on when I will be able to join and I would not want to spend 200K$ for an online MBA. INSEAD is starting in January and gives much more time for things to get better. (Darden 2 - 2 INSEAD)

Would be great if other professionals can read my scenario and opine or correct me if I am wrong at some place.

bb · Answer

Hi. Congrats on your admits! Thank you also for filling out the decision tracker! Really appreciate it! ?

INSEAD is a strong Consulting brand and I feel your WE should play well for recruiting. I see INSEAD beating Darden on all fronts except work in the US but the US space with OPT and H1B questions is looking less and less inviting (i would not decline a program just because of that) but given a choice between the two, I am probably more inclined towards INSEAD.

Does the Darden Case Study method appeal to you?
The only situation I can see is if you are trying to come to the US and have a FinTech as plan B, US would be a great place to recruit. Not sure if Darden does well there (they are a bit of a quiet program) but it will be much easier than from Paris or Singapore.

ANALysis · Answer

insead is not as "globally recognized" as you think

if by "globally recognized" you mean europe, then sure. however major economies outside of europe... china, japan, korea, australia and even india, the name recognition is the same as UVA

you're making this far more complicated than necessary. if you want to work in the USA, pick UVA. otherwise, insead

applicant123456 · Answer

Didn’t you post the same question in March?

Posted from my mobile device

utkbits · Answer

The scenarios have changed now. Last time the post was more focussed on COVID, this time I want a review regardless of COVID and economy. My bad if I should have commented on the previous post only and not created a new post.

utkbits · Answer

Agree with you. But that is what I wanted to understand why INSEAD is considered better than Darden for consulting. If you look at the MBB numbers I have put, clearly, they both provide equal opportunities. And I want to start with consulting, however, if I want to transition into technology or finance (not fintech) after a few years, US will provide more opportunities than any other country. Again, that will happen after a few years only and people do go to the US on L1 after working in other regions. Not 100 percent sure but that is a possibility.

utkbits · Answer

Thanks for your reply. I agree with you on that one should choose US university if he wants to work in the US. 
I still think INSEAD is more recognized than Darden even outside Europe because of more alumni being present in APAC region.

rtbs15 · Answer

Hey there, congrats on your admits!

Respectfully, I don't think that your analysis is very relevant for your question. The only thing you should be clear about it: Do I want the shot to work in the US if MBB doesn't work out?

If the answer is yes, then it's Darden. Don't make your life more complicated. If you don't mind, go to INSEAD.

INSEAD is a stronger brand globally, and the competition point is a bit misguided. My cohort got 8 new recruits in McK London office, with no native English speakers, I think 7 at Bain (3 native English), and 7 at BCG (2 natives), so competition is going to be tough. Also, if you're good enough for London you'll get the US offices, the only 2 I know that wanted them, got them. Please forgive me if I'm not 100% accurate with the numbers, I'm just trying to remember who got where, but roughly this is the case.

The main issue comes if you don't get MBB, then you will have a hard time networking from France/SGP with a US company, without even getting to the H1B mess. I can testify it's possible (I got a VC internship and a job offer, but I had to hustle a lot), but it seems easier to go to Darden, get STEM certification and that's it.

Lastly, after 10 years the MBA you went to becomes a bit irrelevant. It's MBB, or wherever you land that will get you the job offer. So I'd just decide on only one question, and take it from there.

Good luck!

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