Hey Folks,
Question for those that are knowledgable about the curricula at top business schools and/or work in the U.K./Europe. I'm a self-taught Spanish speaker that would classify himself as proficient/conversational. I would ultimately like to become fluent to improve my candidacy for London/European Private Equity post-MBA programs. While languages are clearly not a core part of the curriculum at the likes of HBS, Wharton, etc., I do notice that many of these schools do offer language classes as electives to MBA students. Note: I am learning the language for personal reasons whether it boosts my career or not, but I'm trying to understand how much I should expedite the process to potentially get a leg up in my career.
My questions are these:
1 - What is the intensity of language programs at the top MBA programs? If possible, I'd love it if any respondents could classify programs in the U.S. versus the likes of LBS and INSEAD (I know INSEAD has a ridiculously awesome language program).
2 - How significant is the benefit of having fluency in a European language for PE positions in the U.K./Europe? I rarely see a London based position that doesn't prefer fluency in an additional language besides English.
Thanks in advance for the responses.
CompB, you shoudl definitely check out the Lauder Program at Wharton. While I am not in it, it is a highly respected program combining the MBA with immersion into another culture and language.
"Lauder Program
Founded in 1983 as the first joint-degree program in international management, The MBA/MA–Lauder Program prepares future business leaders with foreign language skills and a passion for international business by integrating the Wharton MBA program with an MA program in international studies from Penn's School of Arts and Sciences. The MA in international studies emphasizes cross-cultural competency and advanced language competency. Students concentrate in one of eight languages and select a regional focus.
Languages offered through the Lauder program include: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
The 24-month, joint degree calendar begins in early May and includes a summer of study, comprising 4 weeks on campus followed by an 8-week immersion program abroad prior to starting at Wharton.
Because of the program's May start date, applications are accepted only in rounds 1 and 2."
http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/mba/academics/curriculum/dualandjoint.cfm#…
Wow. That sounds super incredible! Thanks for bringing it up you guys -- definitely would not have even thought about it otherwise.
WSO -- Thanks for the link, this program is definitely interesting and exactly the type of thing I am looking for. While I would need some more practice to be proficient enough to meet the language requirement, I don't suspect that would be a problem. My biggest concern would be whether or not this degree receives the same attention as a strict Wharton MBA amongst the Private Equity community (both abroad and in the states). Just wouldn't want to lessen my ability to be competitive for positions in the U.S., though this program is possibly appealing enough to warrant it.
~~~~~~~~~~~ CompBanker
If your true focus is doing deals in Spain or L. America then having gone through the Spanish Lauder is a definite plus. The issue is that private equity is already a small set of firms (a few 1,000?) that are difficult to get into. The Lauder Program won't hurt you, but it would probably only help differentiate you at a few select firms that focus on L. American investing and/or Spain...ie, it would probably help you with recruiting at those firms but I would argue having PE experience BEFORE the MBA is still the most important factor to landing a job in PE POST MBA.
If you're looking to work in UK/Europe, you could also consider INSEAD/LBS/IESE since all these schools require a minimum of fluency in 2 languages (one being english) at graduation. They also have programs of intensive language study. All the UK/European offices of the BB's recruit at these schools.
I can't speak for PE in the UK broadly, but a friend of mine who is at quite a big fund in London told me that out of 30 or so investment professionals, he is the only one who only speaks english and that when they hire, a minimum of two languages is a pretty standard requirement.
CatMan,
Thanks for the note, this is good insight.
~~~~~~~~~~~ CompBanker
Are there any other Lauder-like MBA/MA programs in the US? Thanks!
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