Samsung Global Strategy Group VS Apple Operations

Got offers from both, at an MBA business schools">M7 Bschool. I know which I'll take but just interested to hear what you would choose and why.

Samsung GSG - Internal strategy consulting role in Seoul within the mobile consumer electronics industry. Great comp package that covers living expenses (with only a 18.5% tax rate). Supposed to be 9-6 working hours in groups with other top American and European MBA's. Track is you typically do 1-2 years in a consulting function then take a manager role.

Apple Global Supply Manager - Operations role that would involve a lot of travel to China. Standard top MBA tech company starting compensation, in Cupertino.

I love the bay area but living overseas could be quite an adventure. Thoughts?

7 Comments
 

Samsung's decision making is almost exclusively run out Seoul so you would be in the right. If you can move across the industry segments it could be very interesting. You will likely be in a group with high levels of responsibility as I have literally never seen a company with less delegated authority outside its HQ.

I'm afraid I can't comment on apple

 
Best Response

How do you get the 18.5% tax rate? If you're an American citizen (I guess if you're not it makes more sense) then you are subject to US taxes no matter where you are. Or does Samsung pay for some of your taxes to bring you to an effective 18.5% rate compared to a similar position in the US?

I imagine it depends what you want to do long term. Apple Ops is second class (though still very highly regarded) within Apple to their designers. That's just Apple. I would prefer to be in the key department of a company. How is the Samsung GSG actually perceived within Samsung? Both companies should be great for the resume if you were to transfer elsewhere, with Apple probably having a bit more clout at other US firms.

Apple's lifestyle is also quite demanding. I understand it is on par with MBB in terms of hours. If Samsung really is 9-6, that sounds fantastic.

 

You should be very clear about what the Korean corporate culture is like, before seriously considering the GSG option. One of my colleagues (who graduated from M7 a few years ago) told me about what he learned about the Samsung GSG program, and how he was horrified by it. Check out Samsung GSG reviews on Glassdoor.com.

If I were in this situation, I would go with Apple. Even if the tax rate and living stipend adds to the salary significantly, I think I'd be able to develop my career more effectively with the Apple's program, even if it means putting in consulting hours as opposed to 9-6.

 
TS

Got offers from both, at an M7 Bschool. I know which I'll take but just interested to hear what you would choose and why.

Samsung GSG - Internal strategy consulting role in Seoul within the mobile consumer electronics industry. Great comp package that covers living expenses (with only a 18.5% tax rate). Supposed to be 9-6 working hours in groups with other top American and European MBA's. Track is you typically do 1-2 years in a consulting function then take a manager role.

Apple Global Supply Manager - Operations role that would involve a lot of travel to China. Standard top MBA tech company starting compensation, in Cupertino.

I love the bay area but living overseas could be quite an adventure. Thoughts?

Personal read is Samsung, but interested in what others have to say

http://ayainsight.co/ Curating the best advice and making it actionable.
 

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