St Gallen SIM vs ISB YLP

Question

Hello, I am currently in the final year of my undergraduate degree in India. I'm pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from Christ University. 
I have recently been accepted into both the Strategy and International Management course at St Gallen and also the ISB YLP programme. The ISB YLP is a deferred admission into the PGPM after I acquire two years of work experience.

I'm interested in entering the consulting sector. The SIM programme is not a deferred admission and so I can start immediately but I'm concerned about the employment opportunities for an international student who currently has no knowledge of German. But, on the other hand ISB YLP requires me to work for two years and I'm not sure about the extent of its international reputation.

I'm currently trying to decide between these two options and any advice or recommendations would be highly appreciated.

LeoN88 · Answer

Hey, where do you see yourself working post MBA, if you want to work predominantly in India in the consulting sector then go for ISB. However, if you wish to shift to UK/Europe I think St. Gallen might be helpful. <Always makes sense to complete your MBA in the target country/city>

Now, being an ISB thread moderator I'm a little biased towards Indian schools, also posts like  this  raise a lot of confusion. Let's assume this is true, then you're in a soup. In worst case scenario, in India, you'll still get a job because of the brand value.

I couldn't collect sufficient insight from the  Calling all St. Gallen MBA Applicants:   Class of 2021  thread so tagging few experts here to help you out.

MBAPrepCoach ,  Leadership ,  sunmoon  could you kindly help?

GyanOne · Answer

Hi  Sanjana28

While the St. Gallen SIM is an excellent program, and no doubt that it is the perfect one for many people, in your case, you may find your chances of making it to consulting higher from the ISB YLP. You will have two years of (hopefully, consulting aligned) experience to count on to aspire for a consulting role post-MBA. Speaking from just a placement possibilities perspective, your chances at ISB may be higher.

Of course, through ISB, making to to a role in Europe will be hard, so if that is your priority, possibly look into the SIM option.

Caim28 · Answer

LeoN88

I would love to acquire some work experience somewhere in Europe in the consulting field but eventually the goal is to settle down in India. If I were to attend St Gallen, I plan to stay and work for a few years at least.

The reviews like the one you just posted are my biggest concern. Given my limited German knowledge, is it possible for me to secure consulting employment in Europe somewhere? Or can I work on learning German in order to achieve the same? And most, importantly, does St. Gallen have any kind of brand value in India?

I've also gone through placement reviews for ISB and they've been a little mixed. Some have stated that the quality has gone down in recent years. Is this reliable? Because as per my knowledge ISB is very well reputed in India.

Thank you very much for addressing my concerns, it's extremely helpful

Caim28 · Answer

GyanOne

Given that I currently possess only an undergraduate degree, my two years of work experience will probably be in Operations or in Research for a consulting firm. Will I be at disadvantage in the ISB placements process given that most others have an average work experience of around 5 years? And additionally, the recent reviews regarding ISB placements are mixed. Will this adversely impact me?

Thank you so much for clarifying my doubts

LeoN88 · Answer

Based on my understanding of the current scenario of Indian B Schools, ISB+ABC have done really well in terms of placing students in high-growth/impact organizations. The only room for argument is whether you end up with a job 3 LPA+median salary or median salary-3/4 LPA.

I'll leave the rest of the questions for experts to answer.

Caim28 · Answer

LeoN88 Alright, thank you so much! This has been very helpful

Leadership · Answer

Sanjana28  .. Following the discussion among you,  LeoN88  and  GyanOne  ...
I would like to suggest you below points:

1. Choose ISB when you want to settle down in India. You will carry a good brand name and reputation of ISB.
2. The mixed feedback from people is quite natural. You will not get a satisfaction level of 100% even from Top 10 MBA/Masters programs (remember point no. 1).
3. Consulting practices prefer young candidates or with high GMAT score. So, you will not be at any disadvantage of starting your career with candidates having 5 years of experience. People with less years of experience can be molded easier than the people who have huge years of experience.
4. St. Gallen is renowned in Europe. You should not face issue in getting an employment if you work in right direction from day one. The recruitment process is different for Europe than it in India.
5. Languages are not always an issue. In hiring process, you need to at least prove/show that you are currently learning and will be in fluent in future (does not apply to UK and somewhat to Netherlands/Scandinavian countries). If you show zero interest, nobody can help you.
6. St. Gallen will be bit risky but will be rewarding if you plan to settle in Europe.

To conclude, ISB would be better for you to start your career with the ISB's brand name.

Caim28 · Answer

Leadership Alright, thank you so much for your input

Posted from my mobile device

GyanOne · Answer

Hi  Sanjana28

You're most welcome. Excellent points here by  Leadership  and by  LeoN88 .

To add our opinion: 
Working in operations or research (if it is business research) will actually be an asset when applying to consulting roles. In terms of disadvantage, lower experience is not going to put you at any weaker position. As far as ISB placements go, there will always be mixed opinions, but the placement statistics are generally reliable. In fact, this year, ISB has reported record placements. While MBB roles will continue to be a handful, consulting roles in general are there at ISB, and if you plan well, you should be able to get one.

bb · Answer

St Gallen SIM vs ISB YLP

St. Gallen SIM vs ISB YLP

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