Michigan Ross vs Duke Fuqua

Question

I am confused about whom to select between the two. My post-MBA goal is to get into Technology Product Management.

Similarities:
1. Both schools offer equally strong placements into the Technolgy sector.
2. Equals in terms of rankings and brand value

Mo2men · Answer

Both schools are great but Fuqua is higher in ranking But it should or be your deciding factor only. Have you got any scholarship? Have you location preference after graduation? Have you visited any of them? The more you elaborate, the more help and advice you got.

Kushal28 · Answer

I haven't visited any of the schools and do not have a scholarship from either of them.

Ross pros:
1. After interacting with current students, admitted students, and alumni, I feel that I fit in well with the Ross crowd.
2. Almost 23% placement into the Technology sector.

Fuqua pros:
1. More pleasant weather (no -20 degree Celsius winters)
2. Roughly 20% placement into the Technology sector.
3. Better housing.

bb · Answer

Oh wow - this is going to be a tough choice.... congratulations on the admits and good luck choosing. I think either way the choice won't be wrong.

P.S. Some of the placement patterns are as the result of the prior work experience. Many Tech companies prefer to hire an MBA with a tech or project management background, so rather than hiring someone with a finance background from Fuqua, they may opt in for a Tech background from Ross and vice versa. Those differences may account for a variety of elements outside of the school's reputation/power/etc.

Kushal28 · Answer

The questions I am seeking answers to are:

1. Which is a better recognized brand name between the two?
2. If anyone of them has a clear advantage over the other from the standpoint of placement into the Technology sector?
3. Being from the Indian subcontinent, how difficult would it be coping with the winters (I understand this is purely subjective and opinions may vary)

StratusDonna · Answer

First- super congrats to you! These are both excellent choices! If I were you- and I think both Fuqua and Ross would suggest similarly-- I might make a list of what you value most- then rank Ross and Fuqua on each metric. The values that matter are really the ones that matter most to you. Some people would put weather as a factor-- or perhaps building a network in a certain part of the country-- and so rank each school accordingly! Include things like career management,
 experiential learning, proximity to airport, whatever matters most to you! That might help you sort things a bit. Also talk to current students at each place- and if you can visit the schools again-- this time almost interviewing them-- that would help you make the best decision for you! In the end though-- it is not the GMAT club or me or any current student or alum that should make this choice for you-- it is yours alone to make! And I hope it helps to hear that I don't think you can make a bad choice as you have two superior options! Congratulations!!

Kushal28 · Answer

Thanks for the response, I still have a few days left to decide. I'll update this post once I reach a decision to help those who wander down this path in the future

asimov · Answer

I think these two schools are rather equally matched when it comes to post-MBA opportunities. You should base your decision on softer metrics: cultural fit, weather, cost of living, family, long-term location (Midwest vs. South - equally strong elsewhere), etc.

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