INSEAD vs LBS for consulting

I don't know all that much about LBS, but INSEAD is a consultant factory. McK alone hires a huge part of each cohort. I think LBS is more finance focused but someone could correct me if I'm wrong.

Hey GoodBread!

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Congratulations on the offers.

If I were you I would go for INSEAD over LBS. It's a one year programme instead of two, but I understand that you still get to do an internship if you start in January. You have your heart set on consulting and have relevant experience.

I don't really see much of a difference between the two in terms of prestige. The only reason to do LBS is if you prefer London over France for a year for some particular reason (e.g. want to network with financial companies).

LBS is great for finance recruiting. INSEAD is better for consulting. Not that either of these schools will stop you from getting either.

I would personally recommend LBS. I've heard/read nothing but good things about it.

McKInsead all the way.

I didn't even apply to LBS. You'll get interviews at LBS, but it's a costlier program with a less established, less gung-ho alumni network (INSEAD folks are crazy about their school), and INSEAD is just a straight funnel into big consulting shops. Go check out Bain's website, they are very explicit about how much they love INSEAD: "we recruit year after year at INSEAD because simpy put, the formula works" (quoting from memory, could be off).

If you truly want consulting, don't even think twice about this one. Go to INSEAD and let someone else have the Oxford and LBS slots.

LBS can be done in 15 months too: http://www.london.edu/programmes/mba/programmedetails.html

Depends on where you want to work. If you want to stay in the City, pick LBS. Otherwise, INSEAD should get you access to the globe. They have a great program rotating between France, Singapore and Dubai that seems to be geared for consultants. I would also through IMD and HEC in the mix if you haven't thought about them.

as for quality of character, I would choose INSEAD over LBS as well. At the EU business plan competition a few years back we competed against both... The LBS team came off cocky and weren't the most gracious of losers.

Your username sounds Indian. I don't know whether your long term goal is to be in India or not. But if it were I would pick LBS as the name has a strong cache in India.

For consulting both schools will give you an opportunity to interview. The rest is upto you.

Hey Thank you everyone for their inputs. Even I am inclined towards INSEAD. The shorter program along with excellent consulting placements are certainly looking attractive.

@IRSPB - you are right. I am located in Delhi and will be starting in Sept 2012. I am looking at gaining international (Europe/Asia) work exp in consulting and hence had applied to INSEAD. I have already lived in London (LSE Graduate) and do agree LBS places well in IB/Finance over consulting.

Moreover, McK, Bain and BCG are top recruiters at INSEAD - these are the very firm I am targeting (along with Booz, ATK, LEK etc...)

Any INSEAD alums here? Do all the consulting firms have Rounds 1 + 2 on-campus? or do the candidates have to fly out the their regional offices?

Thanks again!!

Cheers!

Oh I think INSEAD is better known in India than LBS for sure. People think LBS is the same as LSE in India at times, whereas INSEAD is INSEAD.

Simplified:

INSEAD = Consulting LBS = Banking

Hi Guys, I'm wondering if INSEAD places well in the London offices of MBB. I know they place well in MBB in general but I get the feeling that if one is inclined on working in consulting in London, LBS may be a better option. Kindly confirm.

Many Thanks!!!