ESSEC MiM vs ISB PGP?

Question

Hi everyone. I (24F) have admits from both ESSEC MiM and ISB PGP, and I’m honestly torn between the two. ESSEC seems stronger globally in terms of ranking and international exposure, but ISB feels like a safer option with more Indian market alignment. Would really appreciate some honest advice. 
My profile: BBA from a private college, currently working in a mid-sized consulting firm for 2 years.

S Raghav · Accepted Answer

The real difference isn&rsquo;t just brand or ranking,  it&rsquo;s where you want to be after graduation. Many people pick based on short-term comfort and later regret it.
&bull; ESSEC gives you access to the European job market, double-degree options, and strong exposure to global classmates. It&rsquo;s more flexible on internships, but roles in France/Europe often require at least conversational French for top offers. One alum from a consulting background took the Digital Business track and joined Amazon Luxembourg as a Program Manager earning about &euro;60,000.
 &bull; ISB&rsquo;s network in India is unmatched for fast-track career growth, especially in consulting and strategy. A one-year format also means you&rsquo;re back in the market sooner with less opportunity cost. Another alum with two years in consulting joined EY-Parthenon India as a Manager, crossing ₹35 LPA within two years of graduation.
 &bull; If salary jump is the priority within India, ISB generally delivers faster ROI, while ESSEC takes longer but can lead to international roles with higher long-term earning potential.

Preet J · Answer

If the goal is a stable, fast upgrade in India&mdash;go ISB. If you're aiming for international work and can handle uncertainty&mdash;go ESSEC.
&bull; ISB PGP gives average CTC of ₹30L+, but median often sits near ₹25L, especially for younger applicants. You&rsquo;ll likely land in Big 4 advisory, product roles at Paytm/Amazon, or mid-level strategy in unicorns. Total cost ~₹40&ndash;45L. &bull; Your current experience (1.5 years) is below ISB&rsquo;s average, so top consulting might be out of reach first year&mdash;but re-recruitment is always an option after 1&ndash;2 years in the new role. &bull; ESSEC MiM is ~&euro;24,000 tuition + &euro;10,000&ndash;15,000/year living = ₹45&ndash;50L total. But it allows up to 21&ndash;24 months of study, internships, and job search with a 2-year France work visa. &bull; Avg. post-MiM salary in Europe is &euro;50K&ndash;55K (₹45L), but takes time. You might intern first, then convert. Roles: financial analyst, junior consultant, internal strategy.
If ROI in 2 years is a priority, ISB is safer. If you&rsquo;re betting on global experience + long-term gains, ESSEC offers more upside&mdash;with more risk.
For more details you can read these blog on "ESSEC MIM" and "ISB PGP "

Jayant M · Answer

Yes, ESSEC MiM vs ISB PGP is a tricky choice&mdash;but not if you break it down by outcome, cost, and timeline. With 1.5 years of Big 4 experience, ISB gives you a faster route to post-MBA roles, but ESSEC gives more flexibility and international exposure if you're willing to play the long game.
At ISB, average salary is around ₹28&ndash;30 LPA with consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, ZS) and product roles in top tech firms. But most hires have 3&ndash;5 years of experience. With only 1.5 years, you may end up in mid-tier consulting or pre-MBA level roles initially. Still, ROI is solid&mdash;₹40&ndash;45L total cost, and recovery in 1.5&ndash;2 years if placed well.
ESSEC MiM costs about &euro;50,000+ (₹45L+ including living) but offers 2&ndash;3 internships + a stay-back visa. Avg. salary in Europe: &euro;50,000&ndash;55,000/year, with roles in corporate finance, audit, strategy, and consulting (EY-Parthenon, Mazars, Capgemini). ROI takes 3+ years but pays off if you work in Europe post-MiM.
So it&rsquo;s speed vs. global depth. If you want to settle abroad, ESSEC makes sense. If you want a quicker jump in India, ISB wins.

V Ritik · Answer

Choosing between ESSEC MiM and ISB PGP comes down to career geography and long-term goals. ESSEC is stronger if aiming for an international career, especially in Europe, the Middle East, or multinational roles. Its MiM is ranked among the top in the world, offers internships built into the program, and allows up to two years of study flexibility for work experience in different countries. Alumni with consulting backgrounds have moved into strategy roles at Deloitte Paris with salaries around &euro;55,000&ndash;&euro;65,000 to start.
ISB, on the other hand, offers a one-year format tailored to the Indian market. Placements are faster, with strong connections in consulting, tech, and leadership roles within India. Someone with similar experience has landed as a Senior Associate at Bain India within a year, with packages in the ₹30&ndash;35 LPA range. The key is deciding if the next 5&ndash;10 years of your career will be India-focused or globally mobile.