Learn about MBA programs, applying to them, and what life is like while in one and afterwards. Please make sure to read our rules and wiki before posting.
Wharton vs. INSEAD
Admissions
Working at MBB - does Wharton offer opportunities that INSEAD doesn't or vice versa? Sponsored student, so I will return to MBB after my MBA.
Sort by:
Best
Open comment sort options
Best
Top
New
Controversial
Old
Q&A
Yes. Wharton is much more respected in the US. But if you want to stay in EMEA and want an extra year salary INSEAD is a solid option.
If you're going to be sponsored (i.e. not pay for tuition), would highly recommend Wharton. I think brand and prestige carry more globally (North America and Asia at least). The biggest downside I would imagine is the two year program (lost year of salary) and incremental costs being further from home (assuming you are based in Europe). I am a bit biased because I'm a Wharton grad
I think this is not a school question but rather a geography question, which geography you see yourself in short and long term. In US: go for Wharton, outside US: INSEAD is better especially for MBB. Where you see yourself living is a question you need to answer and then the school will be an easy choice, both are great.
Most people here are American so I doubt you will get an unbiased view here. INSEAD is statistically better for MBBs than top US schools if recruiting outside of US.
"Opportunities" is a vague and broad word, but if you are talking about opportunities to do random stuff during MBA, of course Wharton being 2 years long will offer you more opportunities to do the same stuff: treks/travelling etc. I think network wise INSEAD is way better, just because they have a great rule for class composition since they started so they have people all over the world, Wharton class will be 70% Americans, 20% Indian and Chinese and 10% "international", and 90%+ of the class will end up working in US which has been the pattern forever, so the network is very much strong within US, not as great as INSEAD outside of US anywhere in the world. I am assuming career opportunities isn't what you were asking as you already have an offer and won't be recruiting but geography wise, if you want to work outside of US, then INSEAD>Wharton.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Wharton opens doors that insead cannot in the U.S. if you are sponsored MBB, one year (less opportunity cost and shorter bond duration) is the main advantage. Insead is only on par with Wharton in Europe (and amongst select target industries in Asia), but it’s a very big gap in the U.S.
INSEAD for Europe/Middle East, Wharton for US
I personally wouldn’t give up an extra year of income considering that you’re sponsored & returning to the firm, but INSEAD isn’t very well known throughout the US, so pick the school based off of your location preference long term
What's your geo?
Even in EMEA, Wharton is probably close to / equal in brand to INSEAD. That said, I'd personally opt for INSEAD to get the one year and save ~$200K (in opportunity cost) since you're not looking to switch careers / recruit.
Even if you are leaning Wharton, you have to ask yourself if you'd pay one year's salary to go to W over INSEAD...
Wharton has a semester exchange program, so in a way you can do both.
Wharton has a big edge if you plan to be in the US or in the financial industry in the long-term and also an edge on INSEAD in Asia (especially in finance) outside of maybe MENA. INSEAD really only on par with Wharton in EMEA outside of finance.
Definitely Wharton.