Hello,
Could use some feedback to make an upcoming decision regarding schools.
Background
Originally from California. Currently transitioning from active duty military service to reserves. Served 10+ years as an officer in logistics and 7+ years in leadership roles. Now, would like to get into the technology sector as a project manager. Would prefer to settle on the West Coast, for example, San Diego or the San Francisco Bay Area. Discussed Chicago, IL as well due to University of Chicago Booth.
Have applied to Executive MBA's in order to continue my career and further my education. Will be able to fund the education primarily with the Post 9/11 GI Bill which will also include a housing stipend based on the location of the school. Would be interested in shifting to consulting / MBB after graduation.
Have applied to EMBA's at 1) UC Berkeley Haas, 2) University of Chicago Booth, 3) UCLA Anderson, 4) University of Michigan Ross in LA, and 5) Duke Fuqua. Did not apply to UPenn Wharton in SF EMBA, because I needed to be employed with my new employer by the time I am applying.
I recently received notification back from Chicago, UCLA, and Duke that I have been accepted. Incredibly excited and honored about the news. Waiting to hear back from Berkeley on Jan 22 but hopeful it will work as well. So far our preference is Berkeley is #1, Chicago is #2, and UCLA is #3. I am likely to pull my application from Michigan Ross in Los Angeles, because UCLA looks like a better option with scholarship, housing stipend, and presence on the West Coast.
Would appreciate your thoughts on the situation. Below are some of my pros/cons for each of the three programs.
University of Chicago Booth
+ Strong brand. Top ranked program, typically #4.
+ Very strong in consulting. Would be easier to lead into MBB.
+ Large alumni network across the nation. Presence on the west coast.
+ Cost of living is cheaper in Chicago. From what I read, Chicago is a good place to live.
* Not too keen on living in Chicago. Wife will remind me constantly how she hates the MidWest winters.
* Could potentially live elsewhere and commute. Flights and hotels will quickly add up along with inconveniences!
- Read mixed reviews regarding alumni network, that they are not as active or engaged when compared to other programs such as Haas. Have also heard they are very strong from others.
- Read mixed reviews regarding their EMBA program compared to FT program.
- Would have to pay ~$40K difference out of pocket with the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.
- No hotel arrangements included in cost of schooling. Compounding the challenge if I commute from California.
- Potential twice a month flights and stays if I commute.
- Housing allowance is lower for Chicago, IL.
- Stronger presence in the MidWest rather then West Coast or Asia from what I have read.
- Wife is very concerned about the crime rate in Chicago, IL in case of relocation.
UC Berkeley Haas
+ Strong ranking and brand however outside of M7 (Typically #8)
+ Haas is strongly associated with technology sector
+ Have read that Haas has a strong international presence, especially in Asia.
+ Housing stipend is great for Berkeley! Would help financially.
+ Positive culture. Sentimental value for me due to growing up in the Bay Area.
+ Fully funded by GI Bill.
+ Interesting immersion weeks.
+ Family in the Bay Area. Wife would love it if Haas worked out.
+ Read very positive reviews regarding their part time / EMBA programs.
- Not the strongest in consulting or leading to MBB compared to a Booth / M7.
- Regarding rankings, Haas is annually on the outside of the M7 looking in.
- Smaller school and alumni population.
UCLA Anderson
+ Had discussions with multiple students. Incredible people, with bright futures that have been aided by their time at Anderson.
+ Full scholarship with GI Bill.
+ Great LA Presence, and strong West Coast presence.
+ Strong Tech Presence (though not as strong as Haas).
+ Housing allowance is good for Los Angeles.
- Weaker in Consulting.
- Ranking, prestige, global brand are not as strong as the other schools. Typically ranked ~15.
- Alumni network is going to be smaller and more concentrated in LA vs internationally or even nationally.
- Not sure how strong their EMBA program is.
Questions
* Is it possible to shift from the Executive MBA to MBB? In talking with others my understanding is that it is very doable, but requires additional network and effort but is a very reasonable goal. I recently spoke with another veteran who shifted from Anderson to an MBB (although this individual is exceptional, and came from a special forces background).
* Would Chicago give me a significant advantage over UCLA in alumni network, education, and the effort to gain employment at MBB? That it would make up the difference of relocating or commuting and paying out of pocket?
* Same questions as above for Berkeley Haas?
* How would you characterize the alumni network for each of these programs, e.g. their size, level of engagement and willingness to help, their presence throughout the West Coast, the US, and internationally, etc? What are their alumni presence at consulting firms such as MBB?
* All the programs seem to have strong EMBA programs. Any of them jump out at you as weaker or stronger?
* Since I am a more experienced hire and an EMBA student, does it even matter to an MBB type firm what school I am coming from? As long as they are top 15?
* Am I missing any factors in this calculation?
Thank you for taking the time to read. Would enjoy hearing your thoughts!
Updated on: 29 Dec 2019, 04:32 
