Hi all, I am looking for some suggestions from this group to help address the dilemma of choosing institutions. I am 38-year-old with over 15+ years of experience in finance and strategy in oil and gas sector. I am currently based in Netherlands. I am looking to pursue EMBA to continue my learning as i progress in my career. Further to the discussions with many institutions, I have now shortlisted IMD, HEC and Cambridge as it best fits my goals, program interests, schedule that balances work and family. I am looking to get some feedback on recognition beyond Europe incase i move to other parts of the world. I am also conscious of the seniority of the cohort considering my age. Any suggestions much appreciated.

[Edited by V Giri on May 01, 2024]

I think you know that, in term of brand equity outside Europe, it's obviously Cambridge > HEC > IMD. Cambridge is one of the world's top handful of universities. HEC is arguably the school in France that the most people respect and want to study at (it's surely one of the topthree, alongside the ENS and Polytechnique). IMD is an executive education provider focused on the biggest organisations in the French-, German- and Dutch- speaking regions. Outside Western Europe, it has little traction outside the countries where those firms have internationalized the most (Brasil, KSA, US)

[Edited by Duncan on May 01, 2024]

Thanks Duncan. You indeed reiterated what i felt. I did compare the rankings and i see the dip in Judge compared to rest is from carbon ranking and international exposure etc. Any thoughts on the cohort and the content? I personally do like the programme offered by IMD but i would like to have compared all the factors. Many thanks.

I'd start with your goals (which you have not outlined here) rather than the program differences. The IMD programme is focussed on integrated leadership rather than business functions. It's much more extensive, skills-oriented, and transformative than Judge, which, at the end of the day, is woven into a research university rather than an executive education center. However, which school will get you into the employers, markets and networks you need? Maybe some other school is the best for you?