Hi all,
I am french, aged 40 and have been working as a sales manager for 3y, with a total of approx. 10y in a managerial position (though not directly managing people) in the defence industry. I have a technical background (master 2).
I'd like to step up to director level (possibly in the same industry but this is not mandatory) hence thinking of an emba to increase my knowledges (finance, startegy...) And develop my leadership potential.
I have been admitted to kedge. I also applied to essec mannheim and should be admitted and to escp but they tell me I have to do GMP and later on apply for the remaining courses to complete emba.

Kedge :
+ Good flexibility ( campuses and duration), more affordable (35k€), good ranking (consistently in the 35-40th range in FT)
- power of network ? (Indeed my main concern, especially since I would probably have to change company),

Essec :
+ Double degree, good ranking of the schools, good network, international cohort.
- no flexibility (I guess 18m is short and harder to combine with personal/personal life), ranking of the emba (though progressing during last year's)

Escp :
+ Flexibility, international cohort and network, best ranking (7th in 2020)
- cost (60k€), only admitted to gmp.

I think I will discard kedge due to less international cohort and maybe weaker network.
I also decided not to apply to hec since their program is really too expensive imo and it looked more focused on entrepreneurship. Since I am not admitted directly to escp emba directly I would probably not have been admitted anyway as they are maybe looking for more senior people -already at a director level-.
I am wondering how much the ranking is relevant between essec and escp. Is there really a difference on the course quality level or professor's academic recognition? I tried to compare using LinkedIn and both networks looks similar (hec looks way better but out of my league!)
My fear with escp is that if I am not admitted to emba for any reason, GMP itself will probably not be of much use to help in reaching my career plan... Also I would end the program at 43 years old : isn't it a bit old to get opportunities as a "junior director"? On the other hand as the program will be longer and less intense, I'd probably be able to change position even while studying, which seems more complicated in a 18m programme like essec.
Regarding essec and mannheim I am surprised that they don't reach a better ranking (but they have been improving during the last years) considering the schools ranking (typically essec is better than escp in school and MiM rankings). But this is for FT and other rankings seems to say the opposite... And maybe 18m is a bit "dense"...

How would you consider these options?

Thanks.

If you are close to Paris look at the MSc in international business development at ESSEC. It's the part time version of their SMIB MSc. It's an MBA curriculum for a fraction of the cost. 

Hi and thanks for your answer.
This is a program I had considered first, but they have classes a few days every 2w which is not easy for me, as I don't live in Paris plus I travel for my job.
Why do you recommend a MS over a MBA? I felt like an MBA might be more recognized and would allow me for more options (not only in sales or business development).
I've spent a few years working in Spain and getting back here (Barcelona) could be a nice option.
Thanks.

When people mention cost as a criterion, it's often a good idea to consider an MSc at a better school rather than an MBA at a less-well respected school. 

Hi and thanks Stuart he.
You make a point. But indeed I am also considering ESSEC emba so the brand name would be the same as IBD/SMIB MsC.
My question was more between essec mannheim emba and escp emba (taking in account that I am admitted to begin with GMP -but they claim it is almost automatic to be granted to emba if results are good-).

Thank you.

ESSEC and ESCP are close enough choices that they are interchangeable unless
- Mannheim adds value to you, especially if you have a more internationally-oriented role (very likely in the defence industry)
- either school has a much stronger alumni network.

ESSEC has the advantage that the cohort will be more like you. ESCP has the advantage that the cohort will be slightly higher in quality and will stretch you. Personally, I would pick Mannheim-ESSEC. 

Thanks for your feedback.
It's really hard to compare both alumni network indeed!