Ross vs. Anderson vs. Fuqua

Question

Hey Everyone, I'm trying to decide how to plan our my application strategy and which schools to apply Round One and spend the majority of my limited time on.

After MBA, I would like to do a rotational program at a major auto manufacturer. Long-term goal would be to move into product strategy for a luxury auto company and at some point, work overseas for a few years at one of their HQ's. From my research here are the pros and cons that I have come up with:

Ross Pros:  
MAJOR auto network
MAP program lets me get industry experience prior to internship
strong alumni network
  Ross Cons:  
Most of the auto jobs and connections are for American manufacturers in Detroit and I do not want to live in that area post bschool
Weather

Anderson Pros:  
Toyota recruits on campus for their Graduate Management Associate (GMA) program 
Strong network with Asian manufacturers
Great weather
Job opportunities for my spouse
  Anderson Cons:  
More of a regional school
I'm worried that if I don't like or decide to move on from Toyota, it will be hard to find connections in a different company (German/Italian)
Limited network outside of the West Coast
High cost of living

Fuqua Pros:  
More prestigious than other two and, from what I understand, better international reputation
Previous VW USA CEO is Fuqua grad
Places a few students in Nissan's Rotational Program
Great weather
Low cost of living
Better "brand recognition" of overall Duke University
  Fuqua Cons  
Does not have a set recruiting pipeline into an auto company like the other two schools
Will most likely require me to hunt for internships and jobs through online applications instead of on-campus recruiting (which I'm OK with)
Overall number of alumni in auto industry is less than Anderson and Ross

Any insight and opinions in addition to the votes would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and help!!

kingfalcon · Answer

If your goal is to work in the automotive sector, Ross is far better than Anderson and Fuqua.

asimov · Answer

There are only 3 strong rotational leadership programs from the major automakers - Ford, Nissan, and Toyota. 
Ford recruits at Fuqua and Michigan 
Nissan recruits at Fuqua and Michigan
Toyota recruits at Michigan and UCLA

rexman · Answer

I'd add that GM recently reinstated their rotational program and they recruit at Mich (possibly the others, don't know).

OP, I wonder if elite foreign car manufacturers recruit at any of the international programs? I don't know but it may be worth looking into.

asimov · Answer

I heard that GM's restarted its program as well. In your opinion, how is GM's program in comparison to the other auto companies', vs. other rotational programs?

aerien · Answer

I've said this before, but if you know for sure you want auto, go to Ross. Yes the others have great connections too (and for UCLA, location proximity to Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai) but really Ross is where it's at.

brm21o · Answer

Thanks all for the info!

Rexman,
I tried looking into graduate development programs in Europe and it looks like Jaguar Land Rover has one. I've looked at employment reports for LBS and INSEAD and they may place a few here or there but not many. Linkedin shows most MBA's go to a manufacturing type roll. I think Ross->Chrysler/Fiat->Ferrari would probably be the best route to an elite company, but that's just me talking out of my @$$.

machichi · Answer

This is kind of a moot point. Apply to all these schools and see where you're accepted. 3 is not that many for 1 round.

mgg234 · Answer

Definitely agree, plus the schools are close enough in recruiting that scholarship offers will probably be a major determining factor in the end.

Ross vs. Anderson vs. Fuqua

Ross Vs. Anderson Vs. Duke

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