Darden vs. CBS

Question

Hi guys,
Looking to get some advice on a decision I've been struggling with. Here are some background about my situation:

I have a 2.5-year background in the healthcare industry and am currently employed at a fintech company. By the time of matriculate, I will have been with my current company for around 0.5 years. Post-MBA, my goal is to find a product management or project manager role in the tech industry, or potentially in consulting if the tech industry is still down.

I have received offers from Darden and CBS, and I'm on the waitlist for Ross and Anderson. I'm really attracted to Darden's strong career placement this year, however, I'm also considering CBS due to its location, which may offer more opportunities in the tech industry. Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Archit3110 · Answer

congratulations for admit.. its a tough choice ... you should connect with existing students to get a better understanding and clarity about sectors you want to work in post MBA ..

bb · Answer

Congrats! no money?

CBS is M7 so besides tech placement, you are looking at many other benefits such as stronger students, bigger class size - that's a good thing, and more employment opportunities. At the same time, both CBS and Darden are Consulting and Finance schools. CBS is Finance first and Darden is consulting first. Tech is third. https://gmatclub.com/forum/best-mba-pro ... 21312.html

The learning experience is also very different. Darden is quite challenging and demanding with case study method. I would probably use that as the determinant. It does help and push you to grow and helps in consulting interviews.

By the way, you will likely spend 50% more on Columbia than Darden due to tuition and living expense difference.

Your total experience is 3 years at this point? Are you looking at FinTech potentially or any specific area of Tech?

zyzyzyyy · Answer

Fintech/Healthtech probably, since my current experience is in this 2 areas and there is more probability to get a job.

bb · Answer

Yes. It’s always easier to get an internship and a job within the industry and area where you have a proven track record. It doesn’t mean you cannot get anything else but it is just easier as you have an advantage.

As a good financial planner, I will probably tell you to take the money and go to Darden… and a good financial planner also suggested to me to buy a brand new Toyota Corolla with manual windows… let’s just say it fell on deaf ears.

Posted from my mobile device

PyjamaScientist · Answer

zyzyzyyy , congrats on your admits! Both Darden and CBS are phenomenal schools. However, with the current economic conditions, I'd choose CBS any day of the week. Your background in Fintech will also put you in a better position than your peers at CBS. Plus, New York has alot of activity in the Fintech space so again, although you might not wanna do that post-MBA, CBS will basically assure you a job there.
Additionally, looking at the Tech industry right now, my guess is - things ain't gonna be all hunky-dory by the end of this year (that's when you'll be looking for internships), so keep that in mind.
My final two cents are: choose a school that you would love to attend! If that's Darden, go there, if that's CBS, go there. You won't do another MBA, so just go where you feel you will have the best time.

Darden vs. CBS

CBS vs. Darden

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