Mendoza (full tuition waiver) vs Broad (fellowship + GA) for Consultin

Question

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 whatsapp 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.

Mo2men · Answer

Congrats for admit

Have you received any reply from Olin and Owen? Can you explain more your goals. Are you targeting management consulting or have option?

burgeoning · Answer

Post MBA, I am looking at working for a consulting firm like E&Y, Deloitte, etc mainly focussing on IT consulting. This will be a good use of the vast experience in IT i have and I also believe international students do receive sponsorship for these types of roles.

Decisions from Olin and Owen are still pending. Owen is likely to get back to me by the end of the week

bb · Answer

If you are looking at Consulting, Notre Dame is the only choice. Broad sends 3 people every year into consulting. (5% and Mendoza more along the lines of 20% - that's about average for top 20). As to going into SCM, you will be the lower tier on the SCM totem pole since you don't have work experience and you are an international applicant that requires a work permit.

P.S. I think when people hear "Michigan" and "MBA" they think about University of Michigan (Ross) vs. MSU. When they realize it is not Ross, it will be a let down :-)

Kind of like UPenn and Penn State. Very similar name but very different business schools.

Kind of like UPenn and Penn State. Very similar name but very different business schools.

Mo2men · Answer

I almost agree with bb about the information above and consulting stats for both schools and confusion about Michigan (Ross) and Michigan (Eli Broad). I can recall the same for Ohio.

However, I will provide another perspective in case joining Broad. While it is almost true that other student with SC experience would be competitive compared to you, it is not impossible either. I have an Indian friend who had 7 years electrical engineering and joined Moore business school in the US (lower than Broad by far) and landed a job in SC in Honeywell in TX. You still can make it but clearly you need to work hard to earn it. Broad program can build your supply chain knowledge quickly and comprehensively. In supply chain circulation which I belong to, Broad (NOT Ross) has one of the best and biggest supply chain staff and curriculum. I assured that when I communicated with 3 different professors in details about the curriculum. Broad can provide you with mentor from veteran in the industry as I remember. You can take it further step to link supply chain & IT. There are supply chain technology courses which can open new paths to you. Also, you can utilize your IT experience with new supply chain to come up with new projects. There are consulting companies who are interested in both experience such as Accenture and Deloitte and sourcing companies.

You can still have Mendoza, Owen & Olin (if offered). They could help you to join consulting in different degree and locations.

Good luck

PugLyfe · Answer

Definitely Mendoza without question. Congrats on the full ride!!

burgeoning · Answer

I also now have an admit from Owen with a 100% tuition waiver (and have an amazingly positive vibe after my Olin interview). Though Owen is a very tempting option, especially with their employment outcomes for internationals, I think I should stick with Mendoza. I really liked what i've heard from current students as well as alumni. It also makes sense for me since I will be moving with family and ND has a wonderful campus, with a dedicated apartment complex for students with families.

I'd still like to hear any reasons Owen would beat Mendoza hands down though. Its maddening to decide to pick between two equally good schools.

I'd still like to hear any reasons Owen would beat Mendoza hands down though. Its maddening to decide to pick between two equally good schools.

PugLyfe · Answer

burgeoning I believe that Mendoza and Owen are very similar in terms of outcomes and what they offer you. I realize that you are international, but if you have a chance to visit both schools, I believe that will help. It should come down to culture, fit, and your desired career choice between those schools. Mendoza probably has a stronger MBA brand and network in the US. Owen MBA is not as strong, but the Vanderbilt name does carry some prestige. There is also a pretty big difference in culture between Chicago (a likely place for you to wind up after Mendoza) and the Southern US.

Your predicament is quite a good one to have. Good luck!!

Your predicament is quite a good one to have. Good luck!!

bb · Answer

I agree in terms of Mendoza and Owen being on par. Both are not huge powerhouses but their undergrad schools carry a good name recognition and these are up and coming programs. No wrong choice between the two.

As said it would help to visit both and see if you like more urban Nashville vibe vs. Notre Dame. It is a tough choice. Congrats! :-)

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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk App

burgeoning · Answer

Thanks  bb ,  PugLyfe ,  Mo2men

How does Olin measure up? If they make a similar offer, should i reconsider Mendoza or is ND a strong enough brand to score a win for Mendoza?

bb · Answer

I would say get in first and then we can debate about it :wink:

US news is supposed to have fresh data in a few days - that will help with splitting hairs of these two programs.

Mo2men · Answer

Slow down my friend. You are so rush. You have pretty nice schools on hand. Think of them first. Then if admit in Olin, we can discuss later.

good luck

Mendoza (full tuition waiver) vs Broad (fellowship + GA) for Consultin

Which college should I pick

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