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ESSEC |   HEC Paris |   
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Which school/program to choose?

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Ash1251
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imsmoitra
I was admitted in 2019 in the HEC Full Time MBA program and visited the school at Jouy-en-Josas (very picturesque & wonderful community) to understand and compare it with the other MBA programs I was applying in other countries.

My two cents would be this - 1) Grande Ecole programs are much much more recognized within France as compared to any other qualification (including the MBA). However, the Grande Ecole doesn't travel very well - as in other European countries regard it as nothing more than a diploma.
2) If you're looking to work in France post degree, then you have to be quite good in French (at C-1 level or equivalent). Otherwise it's quite difficult to find internship/work at Paris-Saclay, La Defense and other business regions in and around Paris. And for that you need time (16 months on an average makes people reach C- level, but that's again subjective) .

I won't select one over another, because that's obviously your decision. But hopefully these points do give you a clear favorite.

Thank you for for reply!

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Thanks so much for your feedback imsmoitra!


Ash1251 - do you speak French? Do you have a path to recruit? The MiM HEC is very strong and will allow for additional opportunities to recruit in many EU countries but my guess the network is still strongest in France.

PS. I am not sure that it matters what classes you will be taking. I am not sure that your employers will be reviewing your transcript and what classes you took. There are pros and cons to designing and controlling your own curriculum. You don't have the hindsight so while you may think it is better, it may not actually be to play a role of a dean.

Congrats on your admits!
Thank you! The admit I have is for HEC Paris' MSc Strategic Management and not the MiM. Had it been the MiM, this decision would have probably been easier. This I believe would restrict me to consulting and other strategy roles, thus limiting the scope.

Also, I have been learning French and am currently at the A2 level.

Furthermore, ESSEC has some really nice financing options such as the apprenticeship program and also seems like a good brand in Europe and Asia (not as good a brand as HEC Paris of course).

In light of this information, would you still recommend HEC Paris?

Edit: PS. ESSEC also seems to be the safer option in terms of the duration of the course (2-3 years vs 10 months) and the grande ecole status in France.

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Good for you for learning French!
That's pretty important and I would say critically important. If you attend the school in a country and do not speak that country's language, that sends a pretty clear message of how you feel about the country. Whereas if you are learning it and even if you are struggling, it shows the effort and people appreciate you making it a priority and taking the time. They will be more likely to help since you are trying to "join them" so to speak. Anyway, for anyone else, learn the language or go to school in the US/UK.

As to the MSc - sorry, I don't know much about the masters programs in general but the apprenticeship program sounds nice. I would make sure you talk to the current students to understand how it works and if you would be eligible. Sometimes things are nice on paper but not so much in reality. Do your due dilligence!

As to your question, I think you would be able to get a good sense of things and differences if you chat with some of the current Graduate students. You should have a sense about the job situation or the desperation and how much each program helps with looking for a job. Ideally you would get a lot of help in that department since you would be moving to the country and not have a network/safety net.

Congrats!
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Ash1251
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Thanks so much for your feedback imsmoitra!


Ash1251 - do you speak French? Do you have a path to recruit? The MiM HEC is very strong and will allow for additional opportunities to recruit in many EU countries but my guess the network is still strongest in France.

PS. I am not sure that it matters what classes you will be taking. I am not sure that your employers will be reviewing your transcript and what classes you took. There are pros and cons to designing and controlling your own curriculum. You don't have the hindsight so while you may think it is better, it may not actually be to play a role of a dean.

Congrats on your admits!
Thank you! The admit I have is for HEC Paris' MSc Strategic Management and not the MiM. Had it been the MiM, this decision would have probably been easier. This I believe would restrict me to consulting and other strategy roles, thus limiting the scope.

Also, I have been learning French and am currently at the A2 level.

Furthermore, ESSEC has some really nice financing options such as the apprenticeship program and also seems like a good brand in Europe and Asia (not as good a brand as HEC Paris of course).

In light of this information, would you still recommend HEC Paris?

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Hi Ash1251,

I am in very similar position right now. I have to choose between HEC MSc Strategic Management and the ESSEC MiM, and I have the exact same questions and doubts as you had back in 2020.

What did you end up choosing and how did your experience turn out. I am really looking forward to learn from your experience and any advice that you have in store for me.
Ash1251
Hi,

Thanks for finding the time to try to help me out!

So I have admits from HEC Paris' MSc Strategic Management and ESSEC's MiM Grande Ecole programs.

While I appreciate the brand value that comes with HEC, I also think that the program is sort of rigid and focused. At ESSEC, I would have much more freedom in designing my curriculum.

Furthermore, due to the longer duration of the course, I would also be able to work on my french for a longer period, opening more doors for me within France.

ESSEC's MiM also has several international experience options that HEC's MSc Strat lacks.

The shorter HEC degree would allow me to re-enter the job market quicker and has really good placement stats at top consulting firms (which is where I believe my interests and aptitude lie). However, I also wish to broaden my horizons by studying at least the basics of other management disciplines.

Lastly, the degree at ESSEC is its flagship program while the one at HEC is not.

I would love you hear your two cents on this matter!

Thank you!

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