MBA at HHL, MPA at Sciences Po

Globalgirl...

1 2

Posted May 13, 2014 19:18

Hello All!

There have been some very useful posts concerning MBAs, thank you!

I have been admitted to several unis, but my final doubts are concerning two programs: an MBA at HHL in Germany and an MPA at Sciences Po.

I know background is important to consider and aspirations in the private or public sector, as well as language. I'm fluent in French, but 0 level in German, though I am prepared to learn it and spend lots of time on it.
I have a masters in political science/int'l relations and work experience of 3 years. Would like to move on into the public sector (int'l org) or set up my own company after working in consulting- so I'm pretty much inclined to any.

What kind of people study in both places?

Most importantly, what are the job opportunities after both, apart from what it says on the websites? I'm a non-EU student, and am extremely flexible in working either in France, or Germany, or any other country, but would like to stay in Europe.

Also, I think maybe it is worth waiting and applying for a higher rank uni, such as INSEAD, HEC or WHU (or is the latter similar to HHL?)?

Any advice is highly appreciated!
Thank you :)

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 13, 2014 19:42

It seems unlikely that you would be hired from HHL by an international governmental organisation, since they don't need MBAs really, or by a consulting firm, since you don't speak German. It's more likely you would go directly into a start-up.

I think you should choose between those two career paths, and then focus on the best route. I suggest consulting over NGOs.

Sciences Po is a great school, but I would guess that placement from the MPA is inferior to that from the Grande Ecole programme. The international government organisations have an over supply of talent, and wages are low.

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Globalgirl...

1 2

Posted May 13, 2014 19:56

Oh yes, I meant an INGO after MPA at Sciences Po.

I'm learning German already, so hopefully by the end of the 2 years will be decently familiar with it (have no idea how long it will take to learn it to an appropriate level for work...).

I wouldn't really say wages are low in INGOs (at least World Bank pays a decent amount), but of course inferior to private sector.

Thanks for your input though.

Also hesitant on how my lack of German will influence my job opportunities in Germany.
How well regarded is an MBA from HHL abroad? Is it realistic to get a job abroad after it?

Maybe I should wait and apply to other schools?

Thank you once again, Duncan! I think you are the light from above of this forum :)

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 13, 2014 20:15

I don't think the World Bank hires a lot of people from the MPA at Sciences Po. The bank is in Washington, and it tends to hire from Harvard, Columbia and Johns Hopkins. Even with the European schools it hires from most, Oxford and the LSE, it tends to hire US nationals.

I think it's unlikely that you'll speak German to a professional level by the end of the HHL MBA. HHL's a good school, but none of the German schools are really used by recruiters from outside the DACH region.

I think you should clarify your career goals and then refocus on the most effective programmes.

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addefta

3 6

Posted May 13, 2014 21:31

Hi,
Congrats on getting admitted on multiple schools. I am struggling to understand why do you want to learn German. Is there any particular reason? You are fluent in English and French, you can find medium and high level schools in those two countries. I understood that you don't really care about the country were you'll end up, as long as it is in EU.
Frankly, if I were you, I would go for a top school in French or UK. You are young, you can wait another year, get a top GMAT score and get yourself in a top program. And, talking about return of investment, compare one year "sacrifice" to 60-70 years from now on :).
Cheers,
Adrian

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Razors Edg...

1.082 833

Posted May 14, 2014 12:42

I am struggling to understand why do you want to learn German. Is there any particular reason?

Not sure about OP's motivations, but Germany has the largest economy by GDP in the EU, not to mention the economic weight of the wider DACH region. Seems like a good language to learn if you want to tap into that growth!

<blockquote>I am struggling to understand why do you want to learn German. Is there any particular reason?</blockquote>
Not sure about OP's motivations, but Germany has the largest economy by GDP in the EU, not to mention the economic weight of the wider DACH region. Seems like a good language to learn if you want to tap into that growth!

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