Hello everyone,
I have received an admit from Mendoza with a fellowship that covers 100% of tuition and an admit from
Broad with a fellowship that covers 100% tuition plus a GA that pays bi-weekly. I'm from an IT background and have more than 8 years working in IT for banks. Post MBA, I am looking at working for a consulting firm like E&Y, Deloitte, etc. I'm not fussed about consulting for banks/ financial institutions. Decisions from Olin and Owen are pending.
In order of preference, these are the things that matter most to me:
* Lowest cost - I will be travelling with my wife and son and thus looking to minimize outflow of money. The GA will be a steady source of income to meet expenses and East Lansing is only slightly more expensive than South Bend from the research i've done so far. Additionally, the GA covers insurance for my wife and son, further reducing the cash outflow.
* Student experience - I believe both are equally good. But based on the websites and youtube channels, I liked MSU more.
* Brand value of the MBA program - I dont think there is a clear winner here
* Job opportunities - Both colleges have similar employment outcomes. However, the challenge at
Broad is that 50% of the class goes to Operations/ Logistics and for the other 50, I guess they still go into companies that need some SCM background.
I've come up with points in favour of each to help me decide -
ND
Pros:
* I dont need to go outside my current area. I can pick consulting and continue from there
* Strong alumni network, and great people on the https://gmatclub.com/chat group i've joined for the incoming class
* Good employment outcomes for consulting
Cons:
* I need to show as much as $12000 per annum more in finances if I am to join ND.
* Silly point, but fewer people in India have heard of Univ of Notre Dame than Michigan State Univ. So in the off chance I come back, MSU may have a slightly higher brand recall here.
* I'm not sure what kind of off-campus networking will be possible in South Bend. It may involve me to travel a bit, adding to the cost.
MSU
Pros:
* Cost - definitely the cheaper of the 2 options. Less loan, less repayment, probably more cash at my disposal to meet family needs
* May have a chance to learn something new and exciting - SCM and learn it at a college and with people who are good at it
Cons:
* I dont know if i will be a competitive applicant in the job pool, given i will be competing with people with experience in SCM
* Age - at my age, I dont know if companies will be willing to accept a shift from Banking to SCM in my profile.
Any comments that could help me decide will be most appreciated. The crux of the problem is i'm not sure about my employability at
Broad.