IIM A PGPX vs. ISB PGP

Question

Hi, Which school I should choose? IIM-A PGPX or ISB PGP? 
I am aiming for a product management role. Previously, I have had 6.9 years of work ex as a software engineer at a US based MNC.

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MBAGuide · Answer

mbaAdmit788 there have been similar threads on this platform before and this is always a very interesting discussion.

ISB is known for its stronghold on product-related opportunities due to its extensive alumni network in the sector. However, that doesn't mean that IIM A PGPX doesn't send PMs into the market. I know quite a few folks who pivoted to their first product roles at IIM A. Honestly, it's a matter of personal preference. There is certainly steep competition at ISB for the most coveted roles in the product. You may self-evaluate whether you would be at the top of the group among those profiles that get the best of opportunities out of ISB. At IIM A, you may be among the small pool of folks targeting PM roles, so having a strong software engineering background might provide a certain advantage. Also note that the job you get out of an MBA will likely not be a long-term job. With time you will learn about your preferences, work style, motivation and interest for a particular type of product role and you will likely move on to better opportunities. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Businessconquerer · Answer

Question for clarification, are you in the US or the company is in the US and you're just working in India under them? (Can make a little difference in profile)

But, Flagships are always considered a priority

mbaAdmit788 · Answer

I am in US and I am looking to move back to India

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Businessconquerer · Answer

Perfect,

Try ISB PGP in this scenario because that adds flagship brand and also some international work ex gets you an add-age on ISB because predominantly ISB is more a school with more international focus too. IIMs too and they are obviously dominant players in India but flagship PGP wise.

There are a few other aspects but given what you said, ISB seems like a better choice.

However, I am only speaking from information I have, if there is something specific to you, you can always share that and I can certainly give you my perspective.

mbaAdmit788 · Answer

Thanks for your response. I am a bit conflicted because from what I have heard ISB’s placement opportunities for people with about 7 years of experience isn’t the best as the average work ex is about 4 years. Is that right?

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Businessconquerer · Answer

For that I won't trust the rumours, but I would do my own research with current students who are in similar capacity as you.

My neighbour had similar work ex, got placed too.

But, yes, some of the companies are looking for younger professionals but that is a company specific thing- this will also follow for PGPX because companies do look for that.

You should certainly do an outreach and speak to current students about the current situation post-recession and in this market.

mbaAdmit788 · Answer

I did speak to some students and they did say that ISB does have more opportunities for people with 2-4 years. It could also be that the current market is bad so there aren’t as many opportunities especially for those with more experience.

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MBAGuide · Answer

mbaAdmit788 I worked abroad for 6 years before returning to India. While I chose INSEAD over IIMA or ISB, most of my Indian colleagues who also returned to India chose IIM A over ISB (or a foreign B-school). I can speak more about their career paths if you connect with me directly. ISB generally targets people with 5-6 years of work experience or younger. If your experience is 2 years or more beyond that, opportunities may be limited. However, a lot depends on your previous experience and your ability to stand out. Immediate post-MBA jobs are not the true reflection of the long-term value of an MBA. Also, IIM A PGPX is "the 1-year MBA" that has global recognition and is ranked among the top MBA programs. Its not fair to compare IIM A PGPX with the flagship "IIMA PGDM". That is like comparing HEC Paris MBA with HEC MiM (one of the best MiMs) but both are very different programs targeted to people who are at different stages in their careers. IIM A PDGM is globally recognized as a master's program (similar to a MiM). For the PGPX (which is IIM A's MBA), the school looks at a very different profile construct and folks who are at a different stage in their professional careers. IIM A brand has more weight outside of India, and people generally recognize it more due to the age of the institution (most people in the academia or in recruitment abroad heave heard about IITs and IIMs). However, both ISB and IIM A would be able to provide you that edge if you ever decide to move abroad again. Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

babyulikeit · Answer

hey, what did you end up deciding?

IIM A PGPX vs. ISB PGP

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