Ciao everyone
I know that this question has probably been asked about a million times already, but I would like to add my own spin to it and receive some relevant answers. I was lucky enough to get admitted to all the aforementioned schools and I am having a really hard time to decide.
Background: I'm Italian with approx. 3,5 years of work experience in Corporate Finance in the Oil&Gas sector. I work for a big US multinational corporation at the moment, and this exposed me to relevant international experience in the workplace. I have an undergrad in Development Economics and a Postgrad in Business Administration.
Goals: I have a huge passion for technology and would like to leverage it to switch to Big Tech after my MBA. I am open to work anywhere in EU/UK, but preferably outside of Italy, due to the really bad job market here. Plus, I would like to develop a more global mindset.
I also like Strategy, so as a backup plan I could work in a strategic role or leverage my Corporate Finance Experience changing sector. At the moment, I am more looking towards industry since I'm not really interested in Management Consulting/IB, but could eventually change my mind with more exposure.
SDA Bocconi:+ If rankings do have some importance at all, it outshines the others in every ranking, and most notably had a rapid and huge growth in rankings in recent years (this resonated all around Italy)
+ For an Italian, it is a very "easy" choice, as I wouldn't really to adapt to a new country and Milan is just 3hrs of train from where I live
+ Cheapest of the three, both for the program fees both for cost of living
+ 20% scholarship
- Italian job market is in shambles, and economic outlook is only getting worse
- Having already a bachelor and a masters in Italy, I would like to get more experiential teaching style and a Global mindset
- Scarce employment report not providing really much information
- I am worried about brand recognition outside of Italy, although rankings do help (#3rd in EU according to Financial Times, #1 according to Bloomberg)
Cambridge Judge:+ Reputation wise, it seems to be strong on Tech
+ Slightly better ranking than Oxford most of the metrics
+ Slightly cheaper than Said (£9k)
+ In the employment report it seems to be a good choice for Career Switchers
+ Specific concentration on Digital transformation
+ On a personal note, all the team seemed very caring and committed, I had the most pleasant experience and attention during the admission process out of all three
- Small class size
- Slightly lower base salary than Oxford
- The impression on technology is not really confirmed according to the employment report data (only 10% chose tech vs. 20% from Oxford)
Oxford Said:+ Perhaps seems to have slightly better layman prestige than Cambridge?
+ Slightly higher base salary than Cambridge
+ Strong presence of tech on the employment report
+ Larger class size
- Reputation wise, most known for Consulting and Finance rather than tech
- More expensive than Cambridge (£78k vs £69k)
- I have heard some pretty bad things about the Uni in the past, especially regarding Career Services, and I am a bit scared
(- Maybe I like the Cambridge vibe more, but it is just an impression, and impressions can be deceiving)
Some end notes: I am a self funded applicant so the economic aspect is important to me, but also I don't want to make a decision that I'm going to regret just for saving some $$. I am not receiving any scholarship from Cambridge for sure, while I am still waiting to hear back from the other two. Finally, coming from an ancient city (Florence), I honestly don't give a crap at the location, the antique or "wow" factor of architecture for Oxbridge, or the fancy lifestyle of Milan. what I'm looking for are strong academics and placements.
If anyone is willing to share some insights and help a poor soul in doubt, you are more than welcome to do so