krussell wrote:
Schulich is THE school in Canada to go to for CPG recruiting. When I went there, basically every tier-1 CPG firm came to Schulich to find MBA students and the smaller ones would attend networking events. The only one I know for sure won't come to Schulich is Coca-Cola, but that doesn't mean you can't apply. If you are working in a tier-3 firm right now and hoping to move into one of the large ones like Kraft or P&G, Schulich would be the place to do so.
I also agree that I wouldn't worry about the school's brand at your career level. I worked in CPG (including my MBA internship) and people are generally more concerned about the previous brands you managed as opposed to your Alma-maters.
I don't agree with deadlycat that Ryerson's education is subpar in comparison to Schulich or Rotman. The new MBA association in Toronto holds plenty of social events for the three schools (Schulich, Rotman, and Rogers) to get together and the quality of students that go to Ryerson didn't seem any different than the other two schools to me. From my personal experience, every MBA program gets a fair share of poor students. I know for sure about half of my classmates at Schulich were not ready for their MBA, and my good friend at Rotman often had the same complaints.
After doing research, I think Rotman has a slight advantage, unless your looking into a specific specialization. The brand of each school is at par and getting a job after depends on employer and whether your personality fits the employers profile. Schulich doesn't interview everyone it accepts. I heard ppl from India and China who got accepted, english was a problem for group work etc..
In terms of location.... Rotman is in the best location in Toronto, downtown Toronto. Its located in arguably the richest area in Toronto. Theres infinite things to do when class is out, just walking distances from the school. There are also thousands of places to live in and around campus just walking distances away.
Location for Schulich on the other hand, it is located NEAR (2-5miles) arguably the worst (Jane and Finch) part of the Greater Toronto Area. Lots of Metro housing/low income housing, so finding a DECENT place to live is harder. Things to do after class is very limited. Maybe a few restaurants and bars around Schulich but nothing special at all. If anything, you'd probably want to hang out around Rotman if you looking to mingle with people alike. Obviously there has been incidents in and around campus, but thats for you guys to do your own research, unless someone from wants to challenge me, id be glad to post several incidents.
Schulich building is good and safe, and a parking lot is located directly across the building.
if I had to choose a school, assuming Education/networking/alumni is not a factor (because the schools are similar in rankings) and everything else was a factor, Rotman would be my choice, since its located in the heart of Toronto, and students/professionals surround the campus 24/7. Its just makes one feel SAFER and probably be more enjoyable.
FYI I am neither a Schulich or Rotman student or Future student, so NO BIAS here!