So I've been accepted to the MBA from ESB Business School in Reutlingen, it seems like a good program with AACSB accreditation.


Given the COVID-19 situation I've been questioning if I should go for the MBA this year or wait one year. I like my current job at a consulting firm and I have no real urgency to do it this year, except for my age (28) and the fact that I already have much of the process done.


I'm planning to pay for the MBA out of pocket, therefore I can't really afford major league MBAs.


Was wondering if ESB is a good enough program or if saving up for IESEG or EMLyon (for example) would be worth it?

[Edited by unislyth on Jun 12, 2020]

I guess this depends on your goals. Good enough for what? ESB is certainly a good school, and I don't think IESEG is very much better unless you speak French and not German. 

I'm interested in analytics management positions. I am currently a data scientist and also plan to take an online MSc related to data science during the time I take the MBA. 

Do you speak better French or German?

I don't think you can imagine how time consuming an MBA if you think you can do an MSc at the same time. 

I speak better German although not fluently (B2 level). It looks like ESB, this year, is a good option then? 

Online programs are usually less time consuming either way, because they expect you to be working. Also my work hours are very intense, I know a bunch of people from my firm that have done it and still have free time. Having said that, I plan to wait and see if it's actually feasible or not :) 

[Edited by unislyth on Jun 13, 2020]

I assumed that you would want to find work in Germany, in which case you would need to spend that time networking, acculturating, language learning and getting above-average grades, not taking a second MSc. If you want to work in analytics, take an MSc in analytics rather than MBA

Thank you Duncan, I agree with your comments. 
Another question, is there a major advantage (for an international student) to go for WHU or EMLyon? Those are also within reach in terms of their fees for next year, I'm just wondering if I should wait it out.   

These are both great schools with different strengths. WHU is great at placing international students, so that makes it very attractive. EMLyon is great for entrepreneurs and, as a city, Lyon is magical. 

There is an ESB Reutlingen MBA admits 2020-21 WhatsApp group. Please message me to join the group if you're admitted for this year's intake and plan to accept the offer. 

[Edited by Ankit Nigam1 on Jun 22, 2020]

I recommend you edit your post to remove the link to the group, and ask people to contact you for it. You're just inviting spammers. 

There is an ESB Reutlingen MBA admits 2020-21 WhatsApp group. Please message me to join the group if you're admitted for this year's intake and plan to accept the offer. 

Hi,
I am also looking fwd to do IMBA from IESEG. I have 8 yrs of work experience in IT and have good academic backgroud(B.Tech). My goal is to get an MBA and settle in France.

I have started learning French and getting a certificate from Udemy as well.
I am little skeptical about getting a job and about the ROI 

post MBA. Please help on this.

If you don't already speak French, you are right to be skeptical. If you want to work in France, learn French first and then take a degree taught in French. 

Thanks for the quick reply. The course will be taught in English and I think, i can never be fluent without ppl speaking the language around. Can you highlight what are the chances of securing a job in IT industry(mostly managerial levels Product Manger or Ops manager) if I learn speaking the language not fluent but basic levels? 
Also, would like to know how much should I consider as cost of living as I'll be living with my daughter.

The course is taught in English because of students who want to spend a year in Paris, but you won't get a MBA-level job without speaking and writing excellent French. I cannot imagine a managerial job where you won't need a high professional level of French. Hence, learn and study in French. 

Try Numbeo for cost of living.

Also, if you want to work in France, consider French regions with lower unemployment than Paris.