Hello everybody,

I am preparing to apply to European MBA programs to start in 2019. I took my GMAT and scored 680. I also have 5 and a half years of work experience in brand management (FMCG primarily).

In addition to English, I speak French fluently and I am near-fluent in Spanish. I have also been studying German for about two years now. I am not fluent in German (yet).

I would like to experience Europe and I do not have a European visa. Although working in Europe after graduating would be a benefit, it's not the primary deciding factor. Germany has long been a dream destination of mine since I have roots there. At this point, I would most likely need to study in ENGLISH if I went to Germany. If I did this route I would strive to pick up enough language skills to pick up a job after I graduate. I am not sure that I want to stay in FMCG - I am pretty open and have thought about transitioning into other sectors.

France is destination #2. I did a study abroad program in Bordeaux when I was at university and have longed to return. If I did return, this is a country I could see myself living and working in for sure. I could study in either English or French, so I am completely open to suggestions in this area.

Denmark is another possibility. I have a friend who studied in Copenhagen and was able to work in the country afterwards (with zero Danish skills). I don't know how common that is, but he loves it there.

And finally, Spain. I am less interested in Spain than the other countries, but I would be open to studying there, if the opportunities were acceptable.

I am open to suggestions! Much appreciated!

A lot of variables here so let me unpack a bit:

- I would think about your career goals before you make the country decision. For instance if you were certain you wanted to stay in FMCG I would maybe say look at France, HEC Paris specifically, but if you were interested in finance I'd probably suggest Insead or even a UK / London school.

- For somebody who's fluent in French, Insead is a great choice for many career goals. Great career / salary / international mobility stats. I'm not sure it really places in FMCG, though. You'll have to check with your industry contacts to see if the brand is known in the places where you want to work.

- However, a GMAT score of 680 may not make you competitive at a school like Insead. Are you open to retaking the GMAT?

- If not, you'll have to aim lower. A Spanish school like Iese or Esade, maybe?

- Are you not considering UK schools at all?

- I don't know much about the FMCG industry - I'd check with your firm and competitors to see if there are well known European schools that they recruit from.

- Again, clarify your career goals. I think the country decision can be made after you have a clearer sense of what kind of job and what kind of firm you want to work in.

I am not really considering the UK but rather mainland Europe. But if there was a good option in the UK that had good career outcomes, I would consider it.

I am open to retaking the GMAT. I didn't do much preparation for it honestly and could probably do better. I didn't realize there was such a premium placed on high scores - somebody told me that if you score 600 that's basically good enough, but now that I am exploring in depth, I'm finding that this is certainly not the case.

For industry, I'm honestly not sure yet, and maybe that's why I'm having such a hard time narrowing down my school choice.

How do you think French language programs in France compare to English language programs? You mentioned HEC Paris and Insead, and I've heard these programs mentioned before, but there hasn't been much discussion about French language programs.

I am not really considering the UK but rather mainland Europe. But if there was a good option in the UK that had good career outcomes, I would consider it.

I am open to retaking the GMAT. I didn't do much preparation for it honestly and could probably do better.


How do you think French language programs in France compare to English language programs? You mentioned HEC Paris and Insead, and I've heard these programs mentioned before, but there hasn't been much discussion about French language programs.

Got it. Yes, I have a bit of time before I have to submit my applications so I'm confident I can get my GMAT up.

Do you have any thoughts on French language MBA programs?

I don't think there are any accredited full-time French language programmes.