Mim Essec vs Mim Bocconi

Hi, I have a question for the more experienced members. I've been accepted into both the ESSEC MiM and the Bocconi MiM concentration program for my master's, and I need to decide between the two. I'm currently finishing my bachelor's at Bocconi and in the near future, I'm looking to start working in London or other parts of Europe with better salaries than Italy. I have completed two internships in Milan: one in an M&A boutique and another in a consulting company. I'm still undecided between a career in IB or consulting, which is why I chose a two-year Master in Management program so I could specialize in the second year based on my decision.

My question is: Which of the two universities is better regarded and would give me more opportunities to break into these markets (e.g., consulting at MBB)? Additionally, if you have any advice based on your experience or point of view that could help me in this decision, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

ESSEC MiM vs Bocconi MiM

Reputation and Opportunities:

  1. ESSEC MiM:

    • Reputation: ESSEC is highly regarded in European consulting circles, particularly in France. It has a strong network and is well-known for its rigorous academic curriculum.
    • Opportunities: ESSEC has a robust alumni network in consulting, including MBB firms. It is also well-regarded in the finance sector, providing good opportunities for breaking into IB and consulting roles across Europe.
  2. Bocconi MiM:

    • Reputation: Bocconi is renowned for its finance programs and has a strong reputation in investment banking. It is also gaining traction in consulting.
    • Opportunities: Bocconi has a strong network in London and other parts of Europe, particularly in finance. The school's OCR (On-Campus Recruiting) is a significant advantage, especially for Italian students looking to work abroad.

Considerations:

  • Location and Network: Since you are looking to work in London or other parts of Europe, both schools have strong networks, but ESSEC might have a slight edge in consulting, especially in France. Bocconi, on the other hand, has a strong presence in London, particularly in finance.
  • Specialization: Given your interest in both IB and consulting, both programs offer flexibility to specialize in your second year. Bocconi's strength in finance might be beneficial if you lean towards IB, while ESSEC's strong consulting network could be advantageous if you decide on consulting.
  • Cultural Fit and Experience: Consider the cultural fit and the overall experience you want from your master's program. Bocconi might offer a more familiar environment since you completed your bachelor's there, while ESSEC could provide a new and diverse experience.

Advice:

  • Leverage Internships: Utilize your previous internships in M&A and consulting to network and gain insights into both industries. This will help you make a more informed decision about your career path.
  • Alumni Network: Reach out to alumni from both programs who are currently working in your target industries and locations. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives on the strengths and opportunities of each program.

In summary, both ESSEC and Bocconi are excellent choices with strong reputations and networks. Your decision should be based on your career preferences, the specific strengths of each program, and the cultural fit you are looking for in your master's experience.

Sources: Bocconi AFC vs ESCP MiM, LBS MiM vs INSEAD MiM for Management Consulting in France, Choose Between Two Offers (BB/MBB) - Looking for Advice, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-vs-consulting?customgpt=1, Why Consulting - Answering the Interview Question

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Good job on the admission!

Have colleagues coming from both schools

I have the feeling that outside Italy and France Bocconi > ESSEC as brand and alumni network.

Bocconi is by far #1 choice in Italy, is ESSEC the same in France? I don’t think so, but places still fairly high.

Top Bocconi MiM graduates are straight into McKinsey, not sure ESSEC.

I’d pick Bocconi, but ultimately both are good schools and quite international.
If u prefer France pick ESSEC if you prefer Italy pick Bocconi, if you like Geneva pick ESSEC if you like Zurich pick Bocconi (or St Gallen ofc), if you like London.. I’d go with Bocconi

Good luck!

 
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To nuance the answer above a bit:

I do agree that IB in London holds Bocconi in high regard compared to French schools, possibly because Italians tend to be more relaxed and less arrogant than the Frenchies. Additionally, from a geographic standpoint, I do agree that you should choose the strongest and most well-known master’s program in the region where you plan to work

However, regarding McKinsey, some clarification can be helpful. If you attend ESSEC, you are guaranteed interviews with all the MBB firms (in Paris and to some extent Italy; for London, you’ll need to network) regardless of your GPA. This is excellent because it allows you more time to prepare for case studies without needing to achieve a 110/110. Every year, many ESSEC students receive multiple MBB offers if they are well prepared

If you want to keep your geographic options open, consider the double degree offered jointly by ESSEC and Bocconi, which is relatively easy to get into from an ESSEC perspective

In both cases, you’re going to do great, best of luck !!

 

Thank you for your tips; they were really useful. In the end, I chose ESSEC for a more international experience and because this way, I would have more time for networking and preparing for interviews. Moreover, after three years at Bocconi, I think it would be beneficial to change locations to have more opportunities to network with different people. I hope what you mentioned about MBB is true because I plan to apply there next year. Many thanks for your insights, and have a good day :)

 

How did you like Bocconi for undergrad? I am considering applying to their BIEF program as a first year student. Was it easy to land offers or do you need to do a masters?

 

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