Emory ($$) vs Wisconsin ($$$$) [Solved - Emory]

Question

Hello everyone!!

Firstly thanks to the GMAT club. This community has been helpful and encouraging throughout my MBA journey.

I am a 29year, Male, Indian with almost 6 years of experience(by the time I join). 4.6 years as a Marketing Manager at an Oil and Gas major(Fortune 500) and 1.2 years as a business consultant at a top Indian tech company(Oil and Gas super Major is my client). Before work, I did my Engineering from a top 10 engineering college in India(top NIT) and my 2Y full-time PGDM (MBA) from one of the IIMs(top 15-20).

My post-MBA short-term goal is to work in strategy consulting and if doesn't work then I want to see myself in Tech. Being an international, I am not very rigid and am open to working in any industry/ domain except finance.

I got admitted into all the schools that I have applied to.
Emory 1Y with 75K $ 
Mendoza 1Y with 15K $
Rice 2Y with 70K $
Wisconsin 2Y with full scholarship + additional stipend.

I need your help deciding which one I should choose from the below admits. 
 Emory 1Y ($75K - Need to pay another $60K) VS Wisconsin (Full ride + stipend)

Emory is a great school. I interacted with over 10 current students and alumni and loved their culture and close-knit community. Their employment report is really good, especially for consulting. Not that great for tech though. But I need to spend around $60K for the remaining tuition and living expense.

Wisconsin has good placements in Tech. The biggest advantage I see here is I need not spend a single penny from my pocket for 2Y and hopefully will get an MBA degree with a decent job in Tech. But I need to spend 2 years. Since I already did my MBA am not very keen on spending 2Y for an MBA again.

Your input would really be helpful to decide.

sid9912 · Answer

Any suggestions??

Posted from my mobile device

ssonesh · Answer

Hey Sid,
Congratulations on the admits. Great job! One important factor that I would consider before making a decision is whether any of the programs are STEM designated. I know Wisconsin is but I’m not sure about Emory.

In my experience, a lot of people start their MBAs with an industry/role in mind but few of them end up with what they came for. That’s because you apply for a lot of roles and you tend to accept the first offer you get if you don’t want to take risk of ending up without a job if you don’t accept the first offer. Wisconsin basically gives you two chances for your recruiting process since first year recruiting would be for internship and second year would be for full-time. So you have more opportunities to explore. However in Emory, you won’t have that. So, depending on your risk appetite, you need to choose between these two schools.

I don’t think the $60k difference is a deal breaker here since you can recover most of the amount by starting to work early if you end up going to Emory. Also, since you have a fairly good idea of where you want to end up post-MBA, one-year program at Emory can be a good choice.

On the other hand, Wisconsin would give you peace of mind since you won’t have financial pressure and you can enjoy the student life and explore more.

Another thing i think would work in favour of Emory is the number of companies in Georgia who recruit every year from Emory (compared to companies going to Wisconsin to recruit). If the school has a strong pipeline of companies, you would be in a good position to get the job you want.

So, even though I don’t have the exact answer for you, above are the things I would consider before making my decision.
Either way, you have a good problem at hand. I’m sure you’ll make a great decision. All the best.

sid9912 · Answer

Hi Ssonesh,

Thank you for your detailed answer. Yes, both Emory 1Y and Wisconsin 2Y are STEM designated. 
Is Emory a stronger brand than Wisconsin?

ssonesh · Answer

100%. Emory is a bigger brand.

mbat1238 · Answer

Hi  sid9912  - Can I please know, what did you decided and based on what factors? I am in the same boat.

bb · Answer

I would probably pick Wisconsin with that kind of a financial equation.
There are no recruiting or job support you can count in Wisconsin so it is not ideal if you are a career switcher or lack brand names on your resume but if you are feeling confident, you can swing it with a lower-ranked smaller program... but if you are a switcher, need an internship, lack brands, you want as much help as you can get.

-BB

sid9912 · Answer

Hi bb,
Thank you for your inputs. I have two questions.

1.) Isn’t Emory a good brand being in and around T20ish? 
2.) isn’t Emory worth the extra amount for getting a good employment opportunity?

Since I already have an MBA from a good school in India I am more inclined towards the 1Year program. P

Posted from my mobile device

bb · Answer

I missed that the Emory program is one year somehow so looking at it I think it’s a better deal go to Emory if you can pull that off with one year. Your income will more than offset the cost differential. Sorry about missing that detail 🙏

PS. Emory is a great brand. Some good friends of mine have graduated from Emory and I have lots of good things to say about the program.

sid9912 · Answer

Thank you bb. Can you please share a few good things about Emory

sid9912 · Answer

I chose Emory and am thoroughly enjoying my time there! No regrets whatsoever. Time was a crucial factor for me, and I opted for a one-year MBA. While Wisconsin might have been financially lighter and offered internship opportunities in this challenging job market, I value the rich experiences at Emory.

Pros: My cohort is exceptional, and the overall Emory experience is top-notch despite job market challenges. The diversity and close-knit community are highlights, with everyone being incredibly supportive. Approachable alumni add to the positive atmosphere.

Cons: More marketing-focused electives would have been beneficial. The abundance of finance electives outweighs offerings in other domains

Feel free to reach out if you need assistance with the application process. I'm more than willing to help and share insights to make your journey smoother.

bb · Answer

Great to have your feedback and resolution to the journey! Awesome to hear! 👍

Posted from my mobile device

Emory ($$) vs Wisconsin ($$$$) [Solved - Emory]

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