Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

ESADE MBA vs IE MBA for consulting (especially in Middle East)

Title 

6
500+
9
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Hagen
Coach
on Apr 09, 2025
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 9+ years consulting, interviewing and coaching experience

Hi there,

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your question:

  • Neither Esade nor IE seem to have a strong brand presence in the Middle East consulting market compared to, for instance, INSEAD. If your goal is a consulting firm in this region, the school name can play a role – especially when you’re not already based in the region.

You can find more on this topic here: How to succeed in the final interview round

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming applications, pre-interview assessments and/or interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Alessa
Coach
on Apr 02, 2025
xMcKinsey & Company | xBCG | +200 individual & group coachings | feel free to schedule a 15 min intro call for free

Hey there ?

Both ESADE and IE are strong MBA programs, but if your goal is consulting—especially in the Middle East—there are a few subtle differences to keep in mind:

? ESADE tends to have a slightly better reputation with MBB and Tier 2 firms in Europe, especially with McKinsey and Bain. The alumni network is very solid in consulting, and the career services are very structured.

? IE is more international and has a lot of exposure in the Middle East region. It’s very well known for its flexibility and entrepreneurial vibe. Also, many IE alumni do make it into Middle East offices of consulting firms (especially Dubai).

So: if you’re really focused on the Middle East, IE might give you a slight edge in regional brand recognition and alumni base. But if your focus is broader (especially within Europe), ESADE might be stronger in pure consulting prep + reputation.

Let me know your budget, language preferences, or where you want to work after the MBA and I’m happy to give more specific advice! ?

Best,
Alessa ?

on Mar 31, 2025
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: ESADE MBA vs IE MBA for consulting (especially in Middle East)

You can get a data-driven answer by checking the track record of the programs in terms of exits. You can do so as follows:

  1. Go to LinkedIn
  2. Add the universities as "School", one by one (if possible, target the the MBA only)
  3. Filter by each target company you have as “Current company” for your target geography
  4. Check how many school alumni joined your target firms
  5. Normalize for the size of the MBA intake (if available)

Good luck!

Francesco

Deleted user
on Mar 31, 2025

Both are very good schools and degrees; IE has a slight edge in the Middle East given larger alumni network and brand recognition

10
Anonymous A
on Mar 31, 2025
Thank you David. If I may ask, since you’re a BCG partner, does Esade have any partnerships w BCG ME? I chose IE over ESADE, and I’ve been hearing that BCG has ESADE as a certified recruiting partner for the Middle East?
Florian
Coach
on Mar 31, 2025
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

I think this is the 3rd thread about the same question (with the same answers :-)).

Cheers,

Florian

Pedro
Coach
on Mar 31, 2025
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

None of them is super strong in the Middle East, but IE has the better brand.

Similar Questions
Consulting
IE Business School MBA for breaking into Consulting, Middle East preferably, open to other locations.
on Jan 29, 2025
Middle East
10
1.5k
Top answer by
Evelina
Coach
EY-Parthenon (7 years) l BCG offer holder l 97% success rate l 30% off first session l free 15' intro call l LBS
25
10 Answers
1.5k Views
+7
Consulting
Global MBA Part Time Manchester Alliance University
on Sep 21, 2024
Middle East
7
1.2k
Top answer by
2 coachings for women/month with 50% discount (DM me)|+600 Interviews | Free intro call | Ex-Principal |Drill-Coaching
73
7 Answers
1.2k Views
+4
Consulting
I have almost one year working experience as a business analyst at a boutique consulting firm and an MBA. Please inform me of the most suitable consulting role that I can apply at Bain Middle East office
on Nov 19, 2024
Middle East
7
1.1k
Top answer by
Lorenzo
Coach
IESE MBA | Bain&Co | OC&C | Private Equity | Consumer Goods
56
7 Answers
1.1k Views
+4