Studying an MBA in Paris

Paris, much famed for romantic breaks and French cuisine, is one of the main financial centers of Europe. Though often overshadowed by the financial capitals of London and Berlin, Paris is home to some of the world’s most influential finance houses, BNP Paribas being the most recognizable.

Further, with close political and geographic links to Europe’s global superpowers, chiefly the UK and Germany, as well as France, the appeal of studying an MBA in Paris is understandable.

Globally renowned business schools call Paris their home, offering MBAs that regularly achieve high places in MBA rankings. In the QS Global 200 Top Business School Report for instance, two of the top 15 business schools in the European rating are located in the French capital; ESSEC and HEC Paris. It’s worth noting for those interested in an Executive MBA that ESCP Europe, also located in Paris, is also well regarded, but is excluded from QS’ rating as it doesn’t offer a full-time MBA.

However, with Paris at the heart of the French high speed rail service, MBA programs located outside of Paris are still within easy reach.

According to the QS Global 200 Top Business Schools Report, INSEAD, EDHEC Business School, EMLYON, Audencia Nantes School of Management, Grenoble Graduate School of Business and ENPC School of International Management all offer full-time MBA programs that are held in high esteem by the world’s MBA employers and recruiters.

MBA jobs and salaries in Paris

The job outlook for MBAs in Paris looks promising, according to independent research.

The QS Jobs and Salary Trends Report highlights French MBA employers and recruiters as predicting an 11% increase in MBA hiring by the end of 2011. In particular, the energy, IT and fast moving consumer goods industries showed particular promise for France-based MBA graduates looking to enter the sectors.

As far as salaries are concerned, MBA graduates in Paris can expect to be amongst the top earners in Europe, as QS’ report reveals average MBA salaries in France to be at US$88,214. Add to this an inner city weighting for the increased cost of living in the French capital, and average salaries in Paris are likely to be closer to US$100,000.