bschooled7 wrote:
Hi Guys,
I could really use your advice on which offer I should accept.
Background: Non-US citizen. "Elite" undergrad b-school, take it with a grain of salt though because I ended up not being able to find a job post-graduation and had to return home. I was able to build a career in the emerging markets despite the odds through a crazy amount of hustle. My "elite" institution meant jack sh*t to employers this part of the world and I found myself competing with thousands from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan etc. for positions that paid peanuts, around 10k/ year. With a lot of persistence, I am finally in a position 7 years-in where I can confidently say I am happy with what I've achieved at 30. Finally make enough to pay for my own apartment and drive around in my own car (literally as of last year). But I can't seem to get rid of that gnawing feeling of envy when I look at my former (American) classmates' LinkedIns, many have gone on to rise to VP at GS/JP/MS, Principal at Carlyle/ KKR, EM at McKinsey etc. I know at least 5 people who've made it to the Forbes 30 under 30 list. There just aren't those kinds of careers to aspire to, let alone the opportunities to leverage, these parts of the world. Add to that issues like workplace discrimination and gender disparities, this region is really not where I want to get stuck long-term.
A lot of us international students who entered the job market between 2009 and 2012 had to face an impossibly uphill climb when it came to getting recruited out of college due to bad market conditions and an unwillingness on the part of employers (i-banks, MBBs) etc. to sponsor undergrads for an H1B.
So my question being, should I give the American dream a second shot this time around despite the government's stance on immigration? Especially considering that the obstacles in an international student's path this time around are a completely different beast altogether? As a minority, growth prospects the region I live in are downright abysmal. Part of me really really wants to get out of the Middle East, with all its geopolitical uncertainties and standards of freedom, even if it means starting over from scratch in the US or London. But my worst fear would be ending up back here post-MBA, neck-deep in debt!
Which one of these schools might set me up best to recruit for positions in the US or London as an international student? While I come from VC/ PE, I realize that my resume carries little weight from an MBA recruiting standpoint with no American/ European experience to speak of. I am open to investment banking, consulting or even rotational LDPs. Anything, really! I'd love your perspectives, because I am really stuck. Tbh, the thought of borrowing 200k-250k at 7% and repaying it until my 92nd birthday if I can't remain in the US this time around terrifies me! Same risk imo with London Business School, not sure what the UK job market's going to look like 2 years from now either.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to help me out, much appreciated!
Hello
bschooled7You have interesting story.
I totally get that you want to get out of Middle East and understand your biggest fears.
I am not sure anybody can predict your post vise issues for sure, 2 years from now, except the fact that I personally dont expect for you to have any issues.
I expect that company that recruits you will sort papers for you and after going to any of these elite three schools you should not have any problems being recruited.
Seems to me like you def should give a second try to american dream, especially since Forbes list was something you checked
I can see that Tuck is usually a little bit better ranked than Stern, although if it was me, choice would be between LBS and Stern, due to fact that I personally would much rather live in NY or London.
And would have hard time to decide between them
But that is just me.
There is also this FT ranking list where LBS is better ranked than American counterparts mentioned with salary info also :
https://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolra ... nking-2019Don't worry, whatever you decide, the way I see it you dont go back to Middle East..like ever.
I am going to vote here for Stern, NY is going to be best place for recruiting (London comes second), since I believe you are more inclined toward America (I also believe Tuck is your first choice for now, due to usual rankings ).
I also have found some rankings to back my choice
:
https://www.bloomberg.com/business-schools/2018/Good Luck