Booth 2012 - Calling All Applicants

Couldn't resist responding to the last few comments about Booth. Certain things the poster suggested regarding the # of people recruiting at Booth for consulting, exams, finals etc. ring true (I am a first year btw .. I think a couple of you guys might know who I am).

Consulting has been a popular choice this year - I suspect this is because recruiting for other gigs - IM, ibanking etc. has been tough - just look at the state of the financial world. Many European banks have revised down their global hiring and US banks have cut back as well - but this is an issue that impacts all business schools.

I have not been very active in on-campus recruiting, but the various groups around campus have been fantastic in setting up treks and corporate events. From these venues, I have gotten in touch with and interacted with several highly placed alumni in finance - I have found the experience to be fantastic. I can confidently say that compared to colleagues I know who are currently searching for jobs (without an MBA brand such as Booth), my ability to use the Chicago Booth network has met all my expectations. That said, I do not have an internship yet, nor do I expect to have one until mid-spring given the nature of the industry and the state of the world.

The poster's unfortunately poor experience with Booth is not representative of the general student population - I do not doubt that some people in special situations might experience issues. However, this is the first time I have heard of it - and frankly, as others suggested, I think you need to own your MBA and career search experience.

Chicago compared to the other schools definitely has more of an individual streak - but if you put in the effort to be social, there are at minimum, 2-3 events every single week that are open between TNDC, Epicurean club, Wine club, and various other organizations.

Ultimately, you are treated like an adult here - the professors challenge you and you have the flexibility to do what you want (socially, academically and career wise). If you come here expecting to work hard and excited to learn - I think the theoretical resources and intellectual reputation of the school cannot be beaten (various funds are happy to look at Booth grads vs. more management focused MBAs such as HBS/Kellogg).

As the other Booth students have suggested, I am very happy help a fellow Boothie or prospective students who would like to chat - just drop me an email. Life is pretty busy with applying for internships right now, but I will try to make the time during winter break.

Good luck with the MBA hunt everyone! Remember it is a tough, subjective game - but doing your best and being pleased with the effort that you put in is the only thing really in your control.