HEC MIB vs. DD Sciences Po-SIPA

Hi,

I got admitted to both of these programs: HEC MSc in International Business and Sciences Po Paris - Columbia SIPA dual degree in international business (first year is spent in Finance et Strategie at Sciences Po; second year in the Intl Finance and Economic Policy of SIPA's MA in Intl Affairs).

HEC is one year while the dual degree (DD) is two. The former costs half of the price of the later. One is in the middle of nowhere, the other is in Paris and New York. HEC has a true campus life, the other not so much – but don’t hesitate to elaborate on SIPA as it is the one I know the less.

A brief word on my background, graduated from a non-target European school, interned in MM consulting firms and in Top Tier BB AM. Short-term goal is strategy consulting - already got contacted by MBBs. Mid-term is Emerging Markets PE (think Abraaj, etc.). Long-term is impact investing with a focus on the MEA region.

I don't think one of them will have a much greater impact short-term as I'll probably end up in a MBB in my home country - supposing it is impossible to get a position in the US. The question therefore concerns the mid to long-term. Obviously, Columbia has a greater brand name although we’re talking about SIPA here and not CBS. However, HEC network is truly amazing in Paris and London. I don’t think I’d do an MBA down the line if I do the DD, which might not be the case if I do HEC but again would it be necessary and worth it in three to four years. The financial aspects naturally plays a role. The question could be summarized as such: does SIPA offers an added-value that’s worth the opportunity cost holding into account that it is not two years there but one at Sciences Po and one at SIPA?

I do not consider the public side at the moment but given my interest for EM, it could make sense to do the DD? But would it place better in the EM buy side than HEC?

Any advice or experience is more than welcome.

Thanks a lot!