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lianakerry
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McCombs vs. Top 10 MBA Programs 30 Jul 2020, 10:30
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Hi all!

I've recently made the decision to go back to school and I need a little guidance as to how to proceed.

Some background - I currently work at a local children's hospital as a registered nurse in Austin. I've been debating between going back to school for a long time and after years of considering my options, I've decided that I wanted to pursue an MBA. What really interested me in going for an MBA is the diversity it holds for me in career opportunities. I enjoy being a nurse, but have found that it's a bit limiting career wise. I have a general idea of where I want to go with my MBA, but I am encouraged by the opportunity of being able to work in healthcare with it or expand to other careers if I find something that fits me more.

I have a relative that went through a top 10 MBA program and he highly encourages me to shoot for those programs as they will give me better opportunities upon completion of my MBA, but my question is - what if I don't do a top 10 program? In general, looking at my current situation, I don't think I'd be able to pay for 2 years full time at a top 10 program. It would involve me moving, unable to work, and having to find room and board on top of college tuition. I'm concerned that I won't be able to get the same opportunities I would if I did do a top 10 program though. What similarities as far as opportunities and ROI does McCombs have in comparison to a top 10 program?

(Of course, this is all assuming I get accepted to a top 10 program/McCombs).

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
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McCombs vs. Top 10 MBA Programs 04 Aug 2020, 05:30
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lianakerry
Hi all!

I've recently made the decision to go back to school and I need a little guidance as to how to proceed.

Some background - I currently work at a local children's hospital as a registered nurse in Austin. I've been debating between going back to school for a long time and after years of considering my options, I've decided that I wanted to pursue an MBA. What really interested me in going for an MBA is the diversity it holds for me in career opportunities. I enjoy being a nurse, but have found that it's a bit limiting career wise. I have a general idea of where I want to go with my MBA, but I am encouraged by the opportunity of being able to work in healthcare with it or expand to other careers if I find something that fits me more.

I have a relative that went through a top 10 MBA program and he highly encourages me to shoot for those programs as they will give me better opportunities upon completion of my MBA, but my question is - what if I don't do a top 10 program? In general, looking at my current situation, I don't think I'd be able to pay for 2 years full time at a top 10 program. It would involve me moving, unable to work, and having to find room and board on top of college tuition. I'm concerned that I won't be able to get the same opportunities I would if I did do a top 10 program though. What similarities as far as opportunities and ROI does McCombs have in comparison to a top 10 program?

(Of course, this is all assuming I get accepted to a top 10 program/McCombs).

Thanks in advance for any feedback!
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Hi Lianakerry,

While the reputation and ranking of a b-school are very important while selecting target business schools, you should look deeper into the program features to know if you are selecting the right programs for yourself. A few of these features are:
1. Academic curriculum, esp specializations in your field of interest
2. class profile and where you stand in comparison.
3. what are the opportunities to network and learn outside the classroom?
4. Employment statistics. Also, find out about the employers that come to your target MBA programs. Going to a particular b-school will be beneficial if you have access to the professional network that is needed to achieve your career goals.
5. Professional clubs of interest to you.
6. Your overall gut and feel about the program, its students, faculty etc- what we commonly call the FIT.

There are several top MBA programs known for their focus on healthcare: Wharton, Darden, Duke, Kellogg, CBS, Haas, Vanderbilt Owen, Carlson MBA come immediately to mind. There are several more. While I understand you don't want to overburden yourself with debt, but an MBA is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, see what can work best for you financially given any scholarships you are likely to receive, loans and/or in-state tuition fee. Also, your post-MBA salary should offer a big jump which will help you to pay off the debt.