I have an offer from IMD for the January 2027 cohort and I have accepted it. Did not get selected in Insead and LBS, not considering ISB, SDA boconni and other as I did internships working on research and with faculty for those institutions and know in and out about the programs. I have a 30% scholarship so total cost comes to around $96k to $99k all in. At current exchange rates that is roughly 85 to 90 lakhs INR out of pocket.
My background is 7 years in data science across finance, retail, e-commerce, fuel and pricing services, working across the UK, US, Germany, New Zealand, and Poland (remotely - client work). I want to move into a management or strategy role at an international organisation, ideally in consulting, with good pay and the ability to work across markets.
The one number that is keeping me awake is 1 crore INR loan and the ROI. That is roughly $120k to $125k depending on the role and location. From what I have read, consulting exits in London or Dubai from IMD should clear that. But I have no ground truth from actual alumni.
My specific questions:
Did your post MBA compensation realistically hit or cross the mark within the first year or two? ROI?
Is the consulting pipeline into London and the Gulf as strong as IMD markets it?
For people from a technical background, did the MBA actually open non-technical doors or did companies still push you back into data and analytics roles?
How did recruiting feel during the program given how intense and short the one year format is?
I am not looking to be talked out of it. The decision is made. I just want honest experiences from people who went through it so I know what I am actually walking into.
Thanks you so much in advance for answering, respect your perspective and thoughts!