ESSEC vs HEC Paris MiM — which one is better for consulting jobs?

Question

S Raghav · Accepted Answer

Both HEC Paris and ESSEC are excellent for consulting, but HEC Paris has a slight edge when it comes to global reach and recruiter preference. HEC consistently ranks #1 worldwide for MiM and places about 40&ndash;45% of its graduates in consulting, with firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain hiring directly from campus. The average consulting salary for HEC grads is around &euro;70,000&ndash;&euro;75,000, making it one of the best ROI programs in Europe.
ESSEC, on the other hand, offers strong regional ties and flexibility through its apprenticeship program, which lets students gain work experience while studying. It&rsquo;s especially valued by Big 4 firms and mid-tier consultancies across Europe. For those targeting MBB or international consulting, HEC Paris stands out, while ESSEC suits students looking for early work exposure and a balance between academics and experience.

Mohit C · Answer

Both schools open doors to consulting, but they differ in style and scope.
&bull; HEC Paris &ndash; Around 40&ndash;45% of grads enter consulting. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain are top recruiters, with average salaries near &euro;70,000. &bull; ESSEC &ndash; Strong network in France, excellent for Big 4 firms and mid-tier consultancies. Offers a unique apprenticeship option combining work and study. &bull; Program focus &ndash; HEC is more global and academic; ESSEC leans practical with real-world projects. &bull; Career reach &ndash; HEC gives access to worldwide consulting roles; ESSEC dominates the French and EU market.
If your goal is a global MBB career, HEC Paris stands out. For localized consulting roles with work experience built-in, ESSEC is a great fit.
For more details you can read this blog on ESSEC MiM and HEC Paris MiM