For about 3 years, I have worked a counter at a high end fashion retailer in Beijing. I would like to move into a higher role, but there does not seem to be much upward mobility if I don't have an MBA.

I was looking at doing an MBA in Europe and then coming back. The schools that I am considering are MIP, HEC Paris, and ESSEC. However, I recently asked a friend who helps people get into MBA programs, and he told me it would be best to stay in China to do my MBA. Now, I am very confused. Can somebody help and maybe recommend some schools in China that I should apply to?

CIEBS is the best school. Fudan and Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Antai school are the two other top schools.

So, have fun in Shanghai.

Take a look at http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/global-mba-ranking-2015

Honestly, HEC and ESSEC are excellent schools for luxury: I don't think you would have any trouble finding work from either of their luxury programmes. I think it depends on whether you'd rather work for a Western firm or a Chinese one.

CEIBS is a good option. Many Chinese luxury businesses, and western businesses operating in China as well, often look for people who have experience in the European luxury market. You'd get some good experience if you did the ESSEC program, which is specifically designed around luxury, gives you the opportunity of doing a project in a luxury company. (ESSEC also offers a general MBA that might be worth looking at as well...)

The HEC Paris program, since it's not a luxury program per se, is more customizable. If you did this program, perhaps a good strategy would be to do your internship in a luxury firm.

Other options would something in Italy, SDA Bocconi for example.

I have also understood that the luxury businesses here look for European experience. The manager of our newest store worked in Paris for three years before making the jump. But CEIBS may also be a good choice, what a dilemma! I would rather work for a Western firm but in the end I'm not that picky.

Given that you know China very well, I think a year in France would be an immense life experience and would give you a valuable new perspective.

HEC MBAs are able to take the school's certificate programmes, which are designed by faculty with leading companies for HEC degree sctudents only. Its luxury certificate is at http://www.hec.edu/Masters-programs/Non-degree-programs/Certificates-available-to-HEC-students-only/Luxury/

And on a personal note, I would very much like to spend time in France. Thanks a lot for all your advice!

Sorry to hijack the discussion but can anybody tell me which of the Hong Kong business schools (HKUST, CUHK, etc.) are good for luxury placements?

Try: How to use LinkedIn to find the best school www.find-mba.com/board/33571

I know that CUHK offers some specialized course offerings in this area. For a more robust experience, the school also offers a dual-degree MBA with HEC Paris. You spend about nine months in each place, so you get some time in France, and plus it's not a huge time investment like other dual-degree programs.

Thank you both for your replies... CUHK sounds like a good choice and I did not know they offered that dual MBA! I will look into it. I did the Linkedin method and it's funny but ESSEC was the leading school for Hong Kong luxury employees.

I'm actually not that surprised. It behooves many luxury-minded students, especially those who are from that region already, to do their MBAs in Europe for the exposure to the business.

And since ESEEC has one of the best specialized MBAs in this space, and has connections with most of the major luxury brands, it's a good choice.

That is very good to know, thank you very much ezra!