Hello everyone,

I have been accepted at WHU for its MIM program and awaiting Mannheim's response. Also, I have been accepted at MISB Bocconi for its PGPM (which is considered MBA in India, although it's pretty much on the lines of MIM). I have 2 years of work experience and about to complete B1 level of German language. Interested in landing a job in field of Finance ( not stubborn about it)
As much as I want to study at WHU/Mannheim, I am a little worried about job prospects for a NON-EU citizen. I understand that WHU and Mannheim are way above MISB as far as prestige and quality are concerned, which is why I am more inclined towards Germany. I am sure I'll already be pursuing B2.1 before leaving for Germany, and hopefully will be B2 by the end of the MIM program (will give my all to achieve C1). But still, a little skeptical about landing a job afterwards in Germany. I would love to work in Germany, though.
MISB Bocconi, on the other hand, is in India, where getting a job is not going to be "tough". It has Bocconi's brand name and thus, I don't doubt the quality. A semester in Milan is great for international exposure (something i hold in high regard). But i feel that not choosing a top school like WHU is just not the right decision. I mean, MISB is not even top 10 in India. It's kind of hard to let go of such glorious opportunity.
Should I take the risk and give it my all in Germany or play it safe and enjoy homely environment & job security where growth is on the rise? WHU or MISB?
(while we are at it, WHU or Mannheim?)

[Edited by Govind Kohli on Apr 24, 2017]

Govind,

You want others to decide and determine your risk taking appetite? You gotta do that yourself buddy. I don't think companies in India care about MISB Bocconi, they will keep on seeking students from IIM/ISB/XLRI?MDI/SPJain etc to the best jobs. Even if you get your MBA from Bocconi and come back to India - it will be might hard for you to land a good job.

Look a their placement data. Median salary is INR 9 lakh. Based on 17 students out of 23. They have their higest & avg CTC mentioned as well. Do the math for min CTC.
P.S - Do you think Indians (6) opted out of placements?

Macroeconomics factors may or may not affect your case. Indian economy is on the rise for sure. But does it mean your salary starts at 15L and you get 20% raise every year? Maybe not - it will depend upon your company's financial performance and your performance.

In the end, you'll have to decide for yourself if you want to take the risk or play it safe. It's a high risk - high reward game. Many Indians came to US as well dreaming about good stuff "Ho jayega - attitude" several of them had to go back, many are still searching for a good job. So know the risks, make sure you understand and accept it. Don't climb a mountain because people on an internet forum told you to do so. Climb it if you want to climb it.

Cheers!

Ayon,

Thank you for such an insightful response. I am not afraid of taking a risk but I would like to know whether studying at a top school in Germany will open quite a few doors. I am not afraid to put in efforts, it's just that I'm not sure whether effort is the only requisite for succeeding in European country, being a NON-Eu. I want to climb that mountain, but is the mountain worth all the efforts?

Govind,

IMHO Success = Planning + Effort + Demand (of the skills that you have) + Supply(How many of people like you are presently available in market) + Macroeconomic (Work Visa etc.) + cultural (language) + luck

If you are a career switcher, then other countries are reluctant to look at you. And why would they ? Let's say they want to hire a FP&A manager, why should they hire you?

1) you need to have career goals that are specific.
2) Assess what skills are needed for that job
3) What skill do you lack presently which is stopping you to apply for that job, thats your skill gap
4) How MiM or MISB or xxx program will allow you to learn new skills to fill your skill gap
5) Present yourself as such

Addressing the skill gap is extremely important. You are at B1 level which is good. Companies will see that you are putting in the effort to learn language/culture. But you aren't competing with Indians, you'd also be competing with Germans. Let's assume for argument's sake - you speak fluent German. Still then - why should companies recruit you over equally qualified German classmates? You see where I am going with this? Regardless of what you do - you need to be asking this question.

No one can predict the future, if you end up well it was worth the effort - if not then it wasn't. But you'll never know it now - you can only know it then. Do what your gut says - Focus on skill gap.

hope it helps,

Ayon talks sense. Germany has very low unemployment and needs skilled labour. Language is essential. Maybe take a few months full time in Germany in a language course to get to C1?

Ayon,

That was a very good read. I understand that it is really difficult to compete with the equally qualified natives. Skill gap point is essential here. I suppose I would really have to be a stand out candidate.
Taking everything into consideration, what would be your final suggestion? as far as Masters is concerned.

Hallo Duncan,

Good to hear your perspective. I would try my level best to achieve C1. I will be above B1 (B2.1) when I join WHU. The program is for 2 years. I suppose it is tough to achieve fluency while studying for MIM. As I said, I will give my all for achieving C1 by the end of the program, but I am ready to stay in Germany for a while and achieve proficiency after graduation if fluency does become a hindrance. I plan to achieve C1, no matter what.
In short, "MIM from WHU and C1 Deutsch" - Will this open doors in Germany? I plan to work on my skill set and will look to add strong elements to my CV.
Would appreciate any suggestion you can give here.
Also, is WHU>Mannheim?

These are great schools. You will be fine. Use LinkedIn to see which is best for your target firms. Focus on whichever will give you more time speaking German and avoiding English.

Thanks Duncan, @Govind, Yes that would be my recommendation. More you sweat in training now, less you'll bleed in war.

Good luck!

@Duncan, I guess Vallendar would be a better option as it's a village and I would HAVE TO converse in German with local people as i believe not many would know English there. Thank you so much for your insightful input. I really appreciate it.

@Ayon, Thank you for your kind suggestions. I'll get to my training right away, then. Thanks a lot. Suggestions and motivation mean a lot to me. Cheers, mate!