URGENT: Mannheim vs IE Madrid

Question

Hello!

I have successfully obtained an admit from Mannheim FT MBA (Sep'22 intake) and IE Madrid International MBA (Jan'23 intake) and I am in a dilemma regarding my final decision.
A bit about myself. I am from India and I did my undergraduation in Mechanical Engineering. I have 9+ years of work experience in the Automobile Industry and have handled General Management/Project Management roles in Capital Procurement, Budgeting, Occupational Health & Safety, Logistics, Vehicle Certification (Homologation). I plan to pursue my MBA specialization in Operations/Supply Chain Management. After my MBA, I aspire to transition in to Consulting, but I am also open to Operations/Strategy roles in the Automobile or E-commerce industry (Plan B).

I understand that Mannheim (Germany) offers me a much better opportunity for my Plan B. Though, going by most of the rankings, IE is ranked higher and is a better brand name, which I can leverage in my career. And it would be provide better opportunity for Consulting.

Which school would be a better choice for me?

PS: I have also been waitlisted by IESE Barcelona and IF they do give me an admit at a later stage, should I consider it as an option above Mannheim and IE?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I don’t know much about either of these schools but what I do know is that the alumni for IESE are very satisfied and raving fans, it’s also a top school for European recruitment. So a million times yes on that…actively attempt to get off that WL.

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Art200 · Answer

Hey, go to Mannheim. The economy and salaries are way way better there than Spain

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

Just a note that despite IESE being in Spain they have reach across Europe. Two of my clients who are recent grads: one Indian who is in Amsterdam, the other Lebanese who is working Berlin.

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bb · Answer

Are there any cost differences?

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ajinkyajadhav · Answer

Certainly a GERMAN background at MBA and Location is much more preferable to you and your profile. Germany is far more safe option than spain in terms of opportunities. And although you have IE which can be considered well, you should stay in germany from Post MBA context.

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  sujayn19 ,

While both are fine programs, post-MBA opportunities in Spain could get a bit unpredictable. Germany, on the other hand, is safer that way and will have some decent opportunities for the domains in which you wish to work.

Good luck!

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  sujayn19  hope this finds you well

I suggest you first connect with Mannheim to understand what automotive companies recruit for corporate strategy roles from its cohort (and do not have language criteria). I know that some French auto companies prefer to hire MBA students who know advanced levels of French for strategy roles. As far as management consulting roles are concerned I am not aware if MBB and other companies recruit from Mannheim but you should ask. Looking into their past records and asking straight questions to the office personnel should give you some clarity around how risky a move it is to forego a better-ranked B School. 
Given your situation and post-MBA goals (very specific to the auto sector), it does make sense for you to be based geographically closer to the recruiters (Germany), therefore if Mannheim MBA does feed into the auto sector that would be an ideal scenario for you from a goals perspective.

If you attend one of the Spanish Schools, you would still be targeting jobs in geographies that are more friendly to non-native speakers (the UK, Germany, Amsterdam).

Best wishes

URGENT: Mannheim vs IE Madrid

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