Hello,


i would like to know the experts´ opinion on the current status of the full time MBAs of St. Gallen and WHU in the DACH market. I have been reading in this forum some criticism and rough statements concerning the HSG full time MBA, whereas the WHU seems to be doing really good. Would you be able to provide further data on these MBAs as of 2021 (post-pandemic period). They are currently in my list to apply but I have some doubts.


thanks in advance

[Edited by jorge campal on Oct 19, 2021]

What are your goals? Why Germany?

To be honest, I think it's better to say that there are rough comments about the expectations of applicants and admitted students who don't speak German and magically expect to be able to find work in German or Swiss-German organisations after a year in an intensive programme taught in English. My second post on this thread, from 2013, sums up the situation: https://find-mba.com/board/europe/do-you-need-to-speak-the-local-language-29546 

Indeed, HSG like many other schools (Copenhagen is a great example) is seeing falling demand for MBAs who don't speak the local language. I think that's mostly about the linguistic and cultural ease with which MBAs can add value to companies, and the increasingly limited value that MBAs can add relative to local MSc students who speak two or three European languages.


PS It's also about the limited interest of candidates in longer-format MBAs, like the 18 to 24 months tracks at ESADE, Pforzheim and HHL, which can better support language learning. That's also reflected in the shortening duration of many MBAs, such as RSM and HEC, and the addition of fast track options. 

[Edited by Duncan on Oct 19, 2021]

Yes, there's a lot more nuance around these 'rough statements.' 

It's a couple of factors: applicants from the developing world often see mainland Europe as an affordable alternative to the long-standing tradition of studying in the US or the UK (as a way to transition to those countries). However, many do not understand that even if schools in those mainland European countries offer programs in English, it's exceedingly difficult to work there without having a good command of the local language.

Of course, it does happen that people can find jobs in English-speaking companies doing business in Mainland Europe, but I would say that this is probably not the norm.

So, it always comes down to: (1) what your goals are in pursing a degree from a school like HSG, and (2) if those goals involve settling down in Switzerland, your command of German / French. 

Hi Everyone!I hope you all are doing well. I recently got accepted for Masters in Entrepreneurship Program at WHU, Germany. I wanna know that is this program good to go with. Or will it limit my career options as compared MIM/MBA degree. I am currently working at Big 4 Consulting firm and I have also worked with startups in diverse domains. I am having 6month experience (in SCM SAP Domain) at Deloitte (Currently working). And have 9 months of experience with startups in Marketing domain. I am learning German as well.

What are your goals? Certainly if you want to find work in Germany, a better investment would be a course taught in German. See: Do you need to speak the local language? www.find-mba.com/board/34713

Hi Duncan,
My goal is to work in Venture Capital/Private Equity arm of Siemens/Rocket Internet (Global Founders Capital) or Startegy team of Beiersdorf or Henkel. I will learn German. But, I don't think course taught in German will be good one. I know lots of International students graduated from WHU & ESMT and they are working in Germany with A1/A2 level of German only.

[Edited by Preet Badhan on Dec 18, 2021]

Have a wonderful time in Vallender :)

Thank you so much. But, Can you please tell me does Masters in Entrepreneurship will limit my job opportunities as compared to MIM program at WHU? Or I will get same or better opportunities than MIM program? Or should I apply for MIM program at FSFM(Frankfurt)? I'm not eligible for MIM program at WHU. But, I am thinking of shifting to Master in International Business at WHU. Can you please share your take on this?

Personally, I can't recommend either of these routes to you. As you know, I believe that lanaguage is the principal boundary. Luckily you know some people who have succeeded despite their language skills: those seem to be people to consult.