PT Ross (Weekend) v. FT Top 25-30 ($$$$)

Question

I've decided to either take money at Top 30 program, or attend Ross PT (full cost) for quality of the Ross brand. Would likely have to search for a new job closer to or within Ann Arbor if I elected to go to Ross though, which gives me pause. Worried how I will come across to employers if I end up waiting tables while attending Ross PT program.

Career switcher. Attracted to idea of consulting, but open to other paths. Prefer FT as career switcher for obvious reasons, and have admittances with scholarships to great programs ranked 20-30, but wondering if prestige and connections at Ross so far outweigh those options that I should sacrifice the scholarship and FT experience.

Committed to attending this year for family reasons. Also have a few apps out to other schools which could make this all moot.

But as of now, this is my situation and Ross PT begins in a month, so I need to make a decision.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Do you think you can secure a gig in consulting at the level you are looking for coming out of a top 30 FT program. I think it is possible for Ross PT, just want you to consider that part. You always want to keep in mind the reason you applied to b-school and make sure whatever choice you make aligns with that

MBAller · Answer

Thank you for your response, Veritas! Yes, Ross seems to place very well in consulting. Ross also allows PT students to participate in all FT clubs/activities, OCR, etc., and seems to do a great job of integrating PT students into the community, which I appreciate.

But for career-switching purposes, I am conflicted as to whether the FT experience is more beneficial than the strong brand of Ross.

While I did not get any scholarship from Ross, I suppose some costs would be off-set by the opportunity to work. So it isn't a total loss from a financial standpoint.

Such a tough decision.

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

Consulting is one of the few industries where the employers don't care as much about past industry experience unless you are targeting a niche specialized consultancy. If you can get the interview, your performance in the interview is far and away the most important thing, which should make it easier for you to career switch

MBAller · Answer

I agree with your points, and thank you again for your response. My primary concern is finding quality work in the Ann Arbor/Detroit area. I don't think I can tolerate flying across the country every other weekend while also meeting the high demands of my current employment for very long without burning out, and I would have to commit to PT Ross program before finding a job in the area (begins in a month).

I believe one should hope for the best, while preparing for the worst. So assuming the worst - that I leave my current job and move to Ann Arbor/Detroit area and am not able to secure quality employment - where does that leave me in employer's eyes?

Would it be forgivable or even understandable that I did something like sell cars at the local dealership during my two years in the Ross PT MBA (if they would care at all), as opposed to supplementing the PT experience with a quality job? Surely the latter is more desirable, I just don't want to put myself through all that just to emerge as an untouchable in the job search.

PT Ross (Weekend) v. FT Top 25-30 ($$$$)

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