I know that this message is for DrManhattan but I thought I might chime in with a few points:
1. It is a big misconception that people always choose Wharton over LBS. Several of my class mates have picked LBS over Wharton. LBS is a younger brand, but it is also a global brand (as is Wharton). No one in Asia is going to hire you just because you went to Wharton over LBS. They will hire you because you will show to them that you are good enough to work for them.
2. For working in Asia we organise two treks - one for internships and one for full time. These treks are fully student run and organisers try to cover Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai depending on demand of the participants.
3. Most people of Asian origin (and language skills) who wanted to go to Asia (esp in banking) got top bulge bracket internships in Hong Kong this year.
4. When looking for a job in Asia (and not being located in Asia), you are reliant on these treks / visits exclusively (at least as a career switcher) and your networking skills. All American schools have similarly organised visits and treks.
5. For consulting, you state your location preference while applying on consulting company's web site. You will get an interview again based on how well you have executed those applications and how relevant your CV is for all locations (and again not based on which school you attend)
6. There are some very big differences between the way LBS works and the way Wharton works. Understand these and then make a choice.
In summary, base your decision on fit and experience while studying. There wont be much difference in terms of job prospects in Asia.
jasonjason wrote:
Hi,
This message is actually for Dr M (sent you a PM), but would appreciate other inputs.
1. First, deepest sympathy to all those that were dinged or WL. After my two Rd 1 dings w/o interview, I was feeling rather sorry for myself as well.
2. Sometimes it is a crap shoot. As a result of the two dings, I made a last minute choice to apply to Wharton (4 days before deadline) in addition to LBS, which was one of my original choices.
3. I surprisingly got admits at both, so now I have to make a choice.
4. Almost everyone has recommended that I go to Wharton, but I think I would prefer the two years in London over Philly. The trade-off is in terms of reputation and brand.
5. I intend to come back to Asia, maybe China to work. Possibly consulting or banking, as per most other b-school graduates. In this regard, the Wharton brand is slightly stronger.
6. The trade-off is 2 years of definite fun (not sure what life is like in Philly) vs. a lifetime of slightly less tangible brand and network benefits. My own experience with alumni nets is actually that they help a bit, but not that much, other than an opener in a conversation.
7. Would appreciate thoughts or inputs from forummers, thanks.