Help: Cornell (Johnson) vs Emory (Goizueta)

Question

Hello all,

Never posted on this forum before, but I figured I'd give it a shot!

I've been lucky enough to be accepted to Emory (Goizueta) with 25% scholarship and Cornell (Johnson) for this fall.

As for my background, I currently work in brand management in the CPG industry in Southern California. I work for a marketing/sales company that specializes in working with grocery manufacturers. I'm pursuing an MBA in order to advance my career in the CPG industry while continuing to work in the brand management field (hopefully by moving over to a major CPG manufacturer like P&G), but am also looking to explore other industries as well and seeing what other opportunities are out there. My current ideal goal geographically speaking would be to try to return the West Coast after finishing my MBA.

I've been trying to decide between the two as both are undeniably great programs, and would love to hear everyone's point of view. Thanks!

CobraKai · Answer

Objectively speaking, if you're looking to explore and want to head back west, Johnson would be the choice. Emory graduates tend to stay in the southeast, and while it's not impossible to recruit outside that area, your network will be weaker anywhere that isn't the SE US.

Granted, Johnson has strong ties to the Northeast, but it's overall the stronger program should you choose to stray from brand management, and it's not quite as regional as Emory.

I get the feeling at either school you're going to have to do your share of off campus recruiting to land back west.

Good luck!

bb · Answer

Did you already dismiss Marshall? 
What would be your ideal school out of your list? Did you have one that you would have gone without thinking? If so, why?

jxcho · Answer

For me, Johnson by a hair for the somewhat more national network but if you want to work in Southern California is there a reason you've ruled out Marshall? And if you want to work in CPG is there a reason you've ruled out Kelley, generally one of the go-to schools for CPG guys? Between Goizueta and Johnson, I think you should also consider whether you want to live in tiny Ithaca or sprawling Atlanta... you're going to be there for two years and I think lifestyle should play a major factor in your decision.

nosnib · Answer

I agree with the previous posts. If your goal is west coast, I would think Marshall would be the best choice.

asimov · Answer

There is some conflicting information you should get a better understanding of before making your school choice. 
1) P&G main activities are in the Midwest, what’s the likelihood you will go to West Coast if you continue your career at P&G? If you want to go to P&G, you should consider Kelley.
2) Goizueta is a good regional school. There are some strong CPG with operations there, Coke, Kimberly Clark. Your chance to land a West Coast CPG job is lower
3) Johnson your best bet on a national school; however, it is not known for its strength in the West Coast or in CPG. 
4) Clorox and Allergan are in the California, but they are kind of small. Are there major CPG companies on the West Coast? You should also consider Marshall if you want to stay in SoCal.

Help: Cornell (Johnson) vs Emory (Goizueta)

Emory vs Cornell

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards