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The European vs Indian MBA conundrum: What to expect and how they compare (10 min read)

The decision to pursue an MBA is a big one. Not just because it requires a significant investment (we’re talking €100,000 for a top program in Europe) but also because it impacts your career, lifestyle, and even your confidence in ways you may not fully imagine. Having done two MBAs—one in my early 20s in India and another almost 10 years later in Europe—I’ve gathered some valuable insights that may help you make a more informed decision.

So, let’s unpack this question: Is an MBA worth it, and which geography would you rather choose? The answer depends on several key factors—your career goals, where you want to work, your level of experience, and whether you’re prepared for the realities of an MBA program.

My opinions are based on my own experience of doing an MBA from a top B-school in India when I was 21, and another MBA from a top B-school in France when I was 29. This blog post is not prescriptive in any manner - I am merely doing my best to outline some of the factors you should think about when making this decision, and reflect on what matters to you the most.

What an MBA Is (And What It’s Not)

First things first—what exactly should you expect from an MBA? There’s a lot of glamour attached to the degree, but let’s be clear: if you’re purely looking for academic learning, an MBA might not be your best bet. MBA programs cover a wide range of subjects—finance, marketing, operations—but they won’t take you deep into any one field unless you opt for a specialization. Even then, it’s more of an introduction than a deep dive. Needless to say, in this age of AI, a lot of aspects taught during MBAs from the academic standpoint are constantly being updated.

What an MBA does provide, however, is three key things:

A Network: This is one of the most valuable assets of any MBA. The connections you make—both professionally and personally—can last a lifetime. I’ve seen this play out myself, especially as I transitioned from India to London, where my alumni network has been incredibly helpful.
Social Skills and Confidence: MBA programs push you to work with a diverse group of people, improving your ability to navigate different personalities and work environments. These skills often prove more valuable than the coursework itself.
Time Management and Prioritization: The sheer volume of projects, deadlines, and extracurricular activities forces you to learn how to prioritize and juggle tasks. This skill is critical in any leadership role.

If you’re hoping to gain deep technical expertise, there are more affordable and specialized programs available online. The MBA is more about breadth than depth.

Early 20s vs. Late 20s/early 30s: When Is the Best Time?

When should you pursue an MBA? I’ve done it both as a fresh grad and later in life with work experience, and the timing makes a big difference.

In your Early 20s:

You’re a sponge—open to learning and experimenting with no preconceived notions.
You can land managerial roles early in your career, which can fast-track your growth.
However, much of what you learn can feel theoretical because you lack real-world experience to apply it to.

In your Late 20s/30s:

You’ll have more focus and know which areas of business resonate with you, allowing for targeted learning.
With work experience, the lessons feel much more practical and relevant.
The trade-off is the opportunity cost—you might already be mid-career, and stepping away from a good job to study comes with its risks.

Ultimately, there’s no "right" age. The timing depends on how much work experience you want to bring into the program and what you hope to get out of it.

The long-term geography Factor: India vs. Europe

Where you do your MBA matters, not just for the experience but for what comes next.

India: In India, an MBA from a top school like IIM carries weight nationwide. The degree itself is a significant credential that can open doors across industries and regions. If you plan to stay in India, this makes an Indian MBA a smart move. Employers often prioritize the MBA tag, and it’s a fast track to leadership roles, similar to how the US job market values MBAs.

Europe: In contrast, Europe plays by different rules. While a European MBA can be valuable, especially in fields like consulting or in structured programs at companies like Amazon, most recruiters focus more on your previous work experience than on the degree itself. If you’re considering a career in Europe, doing an MBA there can help you develop a strong local network—a crucial asset in a market where networking is key to job opportunities.

But here’s the caveat: If you plan to return to India (or another non-European country) right after your MBA, the local network you build in Europe may not provide much value. In that case, the investment in a European MBA might not be worth it unless you’re seeking global exposure for a short time. The geographic clarity of where you want to be after your MBA is critical in making this decision.

Placement Support: Structured vs. Self-Driven

Another important consideration is how placement support works in different regions.

In India, the placement process is highly structured. Colleges have long-standing relationships with companies, and placements are coordinated through the school itself. Companies come to campus, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews, often leading to pre-placement offers (PPOs) after internships. This structured environment gives students a sense of security in their job search, and it allows them to focus more on preparing for interviews than on hustling for connections.

In Europe, the situation is different. There’s typically no formal placement process, and students are largely left to their own devices. While some companies offer structured MBA programs (like consulting firms or Amazon), most industries in Europe care more about your work experience than your MBA. As a result, you’ll need to rely heavily on networking, attending events, and reaching out to recruiters on platforms like LinkedIn. It’s a more self-driven process, which can be tough but also helps sharpen your networking skills.

ROI and Salary Expectations: The Financial Reality

Now, let’s talk money. An MBA is a big investment—especially in Europe, where top programs can cost anywhere from €100,000 to €110,000. In India, the cost is significantly lower, around €30,000 to €35,000 (As of 2024). So, is the financial ROI worth it?

Note: I use the word "financial ROI" as there are many other non-monetary forms of ROI which money cannot replace. I urge you to consider them also when you make such a big decision. Skills/assets such as confidence, navigation of inter-personal dynamics, the friends and network you make, etc. cannot be assigned an immediate value, but are nevertheless crucial.

In India and the US, the answer is more likely to be yes. MBAs are valued highly, and employers are willing to pay a premium for the degree. The salary jump can be substantial, and the degree itself opens up opportunities across industries.

In Europe, it’s more nuanced. The salary bump might not be as immediate or as significant, especially in sectors like marketing or sales where recruiters emphasize prior experience over the MBA tag. However, if you’re entering consulting or a structured MBA program at a company like Amazon, the return on investment can be much higher. The key is knowing which sectors offer better opportunities for MBAs and aligning your career goals accordingly.

Placement Statistics: Don’t Take Them at Face Value

One last thing: placement statistics. It’s easy to get swept up by the impressive figures that business schools tout on their websites, but be cautious. These statistics may not always reflect the reality in specific industries or geographies.

For example, the consulting job market might look great in Europe, but the situation could be quite different for finance, marketing, or sustainability. Before making any decisions, I highly recommend reaching out to recent alumni from the programs you’re considering. They’ll give you a clearer picture of the current job market and the opportunities available in your field.

Final Reflections: Is an MBA Right for You?

So, is an MBA worth it? That really depends on your personal goals and expectations.

If you’re looking for a broad-based education, a strong network, and the ability to manage complex projects and timelines, then yes, an MBA can be a great investment. It’s not just about the academics—it’s about learning how to navigate diverse work environments, lead teams, and juggle multiple priorities.

However, if your goal is to gain deep expertise in a specific area, there are more specialized programs available at a fraction of the cost. And if you’re purely looking at the degree for its monetary return, be mindful of the job market in the region where you plan to work, as the value of an MBA varies significantly across geographies and industries.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on a combination of personal introspection, geographic clarity, and realistic expectations about what an MBA can and can’t do for your career. It’s a big investment—but when pursued for the right reasons, it can open doors that you never thought possible.

My final word: Don't consider only the short-term monetary ROI; Think long-term and non-monetary as well!