Which MBA? IESE vs Cambridge Judge

A real life decision between two great MBAs

When you're fortunate enough to receive acceptance letters from not one, but two prestigious business schools like Cambridge Judge and IESE, you're faced with a tough decision.

Today, we're dissecting an insightful conversation that took place between an aspiring MBA applicant from India and a recent graduate from the Cambridge Judge program. The goal is to help shed some light on the complex process of choosing the right MBA program.

The applicant had meticulously analyzed both programs and came up with a comprehensive list of pros and cons for each. He had already worked in tech and real estate, and aimed to transition into management consulting or product management after graduation. But which school would provide the optimal path?


Tossing up between IESE and Cambridge Judge

I'm happy to say that I've been accepted at both Cambridge Judge and IESE for an MBA. I need some advice to choose between the two schools. I'm from India, so I'll be considered an international student at either school. After completing my MBA, I want to move into management consulting, preferably in the UK, but I'm also open to other places in Europe or North America.

If that doesn't work out, my backup plan is to work in product management in the tech industry. Before my MBA, I worked in real estate in India for 2 years and had 3 years of tech experience in the United States, so this will be a significant career change for me.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each program:

Cambridge Judge

Pros

  • 2 consulting projects

  • Located near Silicon Fen, which is a hub for technology companies

  • Ranked in the top 20 MBA programs

  • Large alumni network

  • Well-respected brand, especially in Asia/India

  • Good post-grad employment rates

  • The UK has visa laws that are supportive of international students finding work after graduation

Cons

  • One year may not be enough time to build a strong network and find opportunities

  • While Cambridge has a good reputation, there are mixed reviews about the MBA program specifically

  • There's a possibility of an internship, but it might be challenging to fit it within the one-year timeframe

IESE

Pros

  • 19-month program, providing more time for networking and exploring opportunities

  • Opportunity for an internship

  • Located in Barcelona, a great city

  • Strong academic reputation, suitable for someone like me making a career transition

  • A top-tier MBA program in Europe

  • Exchange programs with prestigious US schools (though it might be more beneficial for those with job offers)

Cons

  • Not as well-known outside of the MBA community, especially in Asia/India

  • Not the most favorable visa laws for international students in Spain, potentially requiring handling employment visas for different European countries, which could be tricky

Thanks for reading my post. I'd appreciate your help in making a decision. Happy Holidays!


A response from an Alumni

Hi,

Congratulations on completing the program at Judge! I agree with your analysis of both schools, and I think you're right in your assumptions.

Based on your post MBA goals, both Judge and IESE will be equally attractive to employers. I had interviews with consulting firms where I met candidates from IESE as well. Companies like MBB and many consulting roles specifically consider candidates from Judge, IESE, and Oxford.

If your aim is to find a job in the UK, then Judge would be your best choice. It offers great networking opportunities, and going to Judge will make it easier for you to get an employment visa for the UK. Moreover, Judge has a planned internship period between June and September, where you can choose to do your own research project, an internship, or start your own business.

One year may seem short to build a network, but if you work on networking even before your MBA starts, you can get the ball rolling and make the most of your time. An extra 9 months wouldn't make a huge difference if you're proactive in networking.

Some people give mixed reviews about the MBA program because the school's focus is quite broad, and it's challenging for the career services to cater to everyone's needs. To make the most of your MBA, I'd recommend having a clear plan for your career path, like Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, etc., before starting the program. However, I had a great time at Judge. The teachers were excellent, and Cambridge is a fantastic place to study, providing a unique and enriching environment compared to a typical MBA school.

To sum it up, both schools are excellent choices, and you can't go wrong with either. Remember, the MBA experience is what you make of it, so come into it with an open mind and make the most of the opportunities available.

Best of luck!


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