UNC Kenan-Flagler vs. McCombs

Question

Hi everyone, I have received most of my admissions decisions, and have chosen UNC Kenan-Flagler among my current options. However, I will hear an admissions update from McCombs next week, and I am in doubt about what to do in case I get an admissions offer (and I would have only a couple of weeks to decide, since UNC's enrollment deposit deadline is in early January). I have visited both schools and their environment and students.

About me 
Currently work in Product Management in the Chemicals sector
Plan to make a career change to Management Consulting (I plan to recruit both in Brazil, my homecountry, and in the US)
Product Management in Tech (recruiting in the US) would be my plan B

UNC Kenan-Flagler 
( + ) I really liked Chapel Hill's environment
( + ) Leadership Development Program
( + ) STAR Program
( + ) It's possible to live on campus
( + ) More Brazilians (for future networking)

McCombs 
( + ) Austin is a very vibrant city 
( + ) Stronger in Technology
( + ) MBA+ Program
( + ) More affordable (program and living costs)
( + ) New building

Thanks!

cxa0897 · Answer

If you want to recruit in Brazil, pick whatever name has the best recognition there. Rank won't matter so much as perception, doubly so if you get scholarships since salaries won't be as strong.

If you want to stay in the US, I think both programs would do very well for you, and I'd take Mccombs if they offer $ over UNC due to their data/tech reputation. Both will do reasonably well in consulting also, as long as you don't want to be in NY/SF/Boston

mbaclass2020 · Answer

Thanks for your tips,  cxa0897 !! I am not quite sure if there is a difference in brand recognition in Brazil. I have seen alumni from both schools working at MBB. But regardless of scholarships, attending McCombs would cost US$ 30-40k less than attending UNC, mainly because of tuition cost.

cxa0897 · Answer

MBB will recruit from both, but I don't think either is a power house. Mccombs probably places well into houston offices, and UNC the same for atlanta. If you aren't set on a particular location you should have a fair opportunity from either.

mbaclass2020 · Answer

Very interesting! I don't have any particular location restrictions, both Houston and Atlanta, for instance, would work well for me. Following this reasoning and considering that MBB recruit students from both UNC and McCombs, it seems that both schools would be good options for me! I still have to do a deeper research regarding the recognition of the brands in Brazil, I will certainly do that if I get an offer from McCombs. Thanks a lot again for your help, cxa0897!!

If anyone has any other tips, they would be more than welcome!

mbaclass2020 · Answer

Hi  VeritasPrepDozie  and  Aringo , can I ask for your advice here?

Thanks!

Mo2men · Answer

Hi  mbaclass2020

In your case, I would use LInkedIn aggressively to have overview about both schools' alumni in Brazil and their consulting companies. Also, I would connect with some MBB consultants in Brazil and ask for visiting offices and made connections with them, regardless the school you will choose. Do that with Tier 2 too. You have some time to do so. This may put you in their radar for internship and hence turn it to full time opportunity in Brazil.

Good luck

mbaclass2020 · Answer

Hi  Mo2men , thanks a lot for the advice!!! I think that's a great idea! I know some Brazilians working in Consulting in Brazil from both UNC and McCombs, so I will start talking with them!

I got admitted at McCombs, received the decision today! So now I really need to make the choice.

UNC Kenan-Flagler vs. McCombs

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