Captails19 wrote:
My short-term goal is to transition into management consulting (ie. S&O second-tier consulting for a firm like Deloitte) from an automotive/transportation marketing analyst background. As I have been working in Chicago for 5 years, I would like to eventually return to the area or out west (California or Colorado) where my close friends and parents reside. I am hoping to hear back from others who have already been through this process or know of others who have attended either of these schools.
Current Owen student here. I think you are in a good spot. Congratulations on the admits. First off, if your goal was just
Chicago or bust...then Mendoza would be the easy answer. However, it doesn't sound like you're all in for Chicago. You just want it to be a pit stop on your way to the Wild West, right?
Are you 100% sure you want to go into consulting? Have you considered any other functional roles? Owen places folks every year in Denver in DaVita's Redwoods Program and places plenty folks in California for marketing, tech, and finance roles. It may be worth exploring what kind of placement/networks both schools have West of the Mississippi if you are not entirely sure you're into consulting or are already planning on doing a "two and out" consulting gig.
Captails19 wrote:
One major concern of mine is that Owen's relationships with consulting offices is primarily with Atlanta and Charlotte. The consulting trek takes place in Atlanta. I, personally, don't know how difficult it would be to network with consulting firms outside of this area. At this point of time in my life, I don't see myself living in the south for an extended period of time, however, my priorities may shift.
Owen is a core school for Deloitte's Atlanta office. There is definitely a pipeline to the consulting scene there (also for KPMG, PWC, Capgemini, etc.). So there is a large chance that if you go to Owen, and choose to do consulting, this will be the geography where you'll find the greatest opportunity. If you're not a fan of the South, this is something to think about. I will mention that many of the students who come from California and NY to Owen each year and plan to return afterward end up choosing to stay in the South. Nashville is booming economically. The cost of living in both Nashville and Atlanta is wayyyy lower than Chicago or either coast. The people are genuinely nice. The weather gets a little warm June-August...but is absolutely fantastic for about 8 months of the year. (We all know Chicago is not the world's most attractive destination November-February...) What I am getting at is that you may LOVE it here and then still be able to move West in a few years if that's what you choose.
My visit to Owen is what sold me on the program. I think the four hours you experienced gave you a taste of what the Owen community is like. I have LOVED Vanderbilt. I have nothing disparaging to say about your other options though. Good luck with your decision!