LBS / Fuqua / Darden - Consulting

Hi,

Although LBS is a big name in Europe and well respected university, ending up in Philly makes you think carefully to make use of the opportunities you have. So choosing a US-based university is a good choice. Both Fuqua and Darden have huge reputation in MBB and strategy. However, I'm leaning towards Fuqua. The big consulting companies recruit from those schools.

I wish you success in your choice

That's an easy one: Duke. Better recruiting opportunities in the US and more polished program overall.

Thanks for all the responses

rdg15........... what did you decide?

The question is where do you want to work?

US? go to Duke.

Europe go to LBS.

IF you dont care, go to Duke.

Going from duke to europe is easier than going from LBS to usa.

Dont forget to kudos!

So I haven't actually been accepted yet. I have been invited to interview at Yale, Cornell, McCombs, Georgetown, LBS, Duke, and Darden (also applicant initiated interview at Tuck).

All these interviews are wearing me down. I've completed Duke, Darden, and McCombs, have Georgetown tomorrow, Cornell next Monday, LBS probably next Thursday, and Yale the following Tuesday.

I'm hopeful that the decision will be further complicated with some money on the table. I used up most my GI Bill during undergrad

I would choose LBS for the life experience. Being abroad at the best school outside USA is pretty good.

You learn new things and new perspectivess.

But for your goals: MBB in usa, the best 'chances' are to go to Duke. the second best 'chances' to go to Durden.

But if you want to work abroad or especially in Europe I say go to LBS so that you can become an overall more interesting person.

Also dont think too much about statistics and chances, Duke and Durden may get you to the interview 'better' than LBS, but once you are doing the interview, you will be a much more interesting person than the person you would have become if you went to duke or durden.

I agree. Here is my thing with LBS to USA Consulting, its not that its impossible its that not many people try. I feel the same way with enlisted military vs offices at top B-Schools. Its not that B-Schools don't want enlisted Military, there just aren't many of us that even try.

I spoke with 5 current Vets at LBS and a student in their Consulting Club. LBS has 400 students, around 10% are from the US, so we have 40 US students, of those maybe 33% want to get into consulting, so we are down to 13 students, and of those the majority are going to be seeking employment in Europe. As you can see the number whittles down very quickly. The consulting club student told me of at least 2 students who did their internship at McKinsey London Office and received full time offers in San Fran and NYC after requesting to be based in those cities. And a simple linkedin search shows plenty of LBS Alums at offices throughout the country.

Now for Duke - I still think it may be best. Although LBS would be exciting and a fantastic experience (plus I get forced to learn a second language), Duke would give me the opportunity to network in person with Philly office employees, plus the cost of living is significantly lower and I'll be going to B-School with my wife and 3, yes 3, dogs. Finding a pet friendly place in London that I can afford would probably include an hour + commute.

Of course this whole conversation is pointless if I dont get accepted to any of these schools, but maybe it'll be helpful for others in a similar position.

What's the second language you'll be forced to learn at LBS-proper English?

Touche. Fortunately I was on point during the GMAT.

Congrats - you are in a great position and can't go wrong. On the US side, Fuqua and Darden are great consulting schools. Fuqua seems to be a bit heavier towards consulting so I would lean that way if you were choosing between those two. Their employment report from the past few years shows some pretty strong consulting numbers in terms of quantity as well as coverage (companies, offices, etc) However, Darden is no slouch. On the flipside, LBS seems like it would be aligned with some of your personal/life aspirations which is always a good thing.

The last thing I would say is that if you're trying to be in the US post-MBA there are some operational/tactical things that might be easier if you went to Fuqua/Darden. For instance, if you're trying to do informational interviews with Alum from your school you won't probably have to deal with the time difference, also, if for some reason you wanted to do some personal carer treks being in the US might be helpful. Again, these are not dealbreakers, but just something to consider.

Ha ha. I didn't realize how bad I was at English until the GMAT. But I enjoyed learning while preparing...