Manager
Joined: 08 Jul 2011
Posts: 94
Concentration: Technology, General Management
GPA: 3.7
WE:Analyst (Consulting)
Anderson vs Darden($)?
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26 Mar 2015, 10:30
So, after a slightly disappointing application season (2/8 acceptances), I am left to choose between Virginia Darden (1/4 tuition merit scholarship) and UCLA Anderson (no scholarship, but may try to negotiate).
My undergrad degree was in electrical engineering and I have 3 years of WE in economic (litigation) consulting. Post-MBA, I am looking to transition into a PM role at a large tech company (Amazon, Google, etc) and eventually transition into a role in upper management in a smaller tech firm. However, since I've never actually worked in tech, I think it's entirely possible that I would change my mind about what I want to do after doing an internship or something, so I'm not 100% sure I want to go all-in on that plan.
Here are my current thoughts about the schools (feel free to correct erroneous assumptions I have):
UCLA
Pros:
-Wide range of recruitment opportunities in tech (lots of different companies)
-Big city, nice weather
-Good west coast recruiting presence
-Easier to do my own recruiting if needed (LA)
-Opportunities for academic internships to get my foot in the door early on
Cons:
-Recruiters go to Stanford/Haas before UCLA
-Brand doesn't hold up as well outside of the west coast
-Have encountered several current/former students who ended up very displeased with how recruitment opportunities ended up
-Outside of tech, probably weaker recruitment overall, worse opportunities
-Student network doesn't seem as tightly-knit as other schools (side effect of LA?)
Virginia
Pros:
-Stronger nationwide brand
-Better east coast recruitment (originally from northeast)
-Case method teaching, good faculty (Would be much more engaged in case method classes)
-Very close student community, really liked the vibe of all students I met
-Strong general management program, good backup options if tech is a no-go
Cons:
-School/life balance in year 1
-College city may be too insular
-West coast recruiting likely to be weaker/not as varied
-May be tougher to get out and do own recruiting from location relative to a bigger city
-Tech recruiting options more limited
Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.