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Fordham |   Owen |   
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Vandy or Fordham?

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adaelizabeth
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) Updated on: 03 May 2019, 21:02
Originally posted by adaelizabeth on 03 May 2019, 14:51.
Last edited by adaelizabeth on 03 May 2019, 21:02, edited 1 time in total.
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Hello,

I got into both Fordham and Vanderbilt, each with $30K in scholarships. I'm looking to stay in my current industry which is Brand Marketing/Strategy with a focus on IB, luxury or food & bev (which has been my career trajectory thus far). Initially I was happy with Fordham because the alumni network in NYC is stronger than Vanderbilt's - when I spoke to admissions they couldn't even put me in touch with someone from Brand to speak with. But with just sheer competition, is that looking too narrowly at what I want to accomplish?

My question is: is it worth the NYC network to turn down a much-better ranked program for boots on the ground? Or will the strength of the name and the career department even it out? Or just wait and see if I happen to get off of NYU's waitlist?

Thank you for your help!
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teleste
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) Updated on: 03 May 2019, 20:15
Originally posted by teleste on 03 May 2019, 20:13.
Last edited by teleste on 03 May 2019, 20:15, edited 2 times in total.
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adaelizabeth
I'm looking to stay in my current industry which is Brand Marketing/Strategy with a focus on IB, luxury or food & bev (which has been my career trajectory thus far).
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I don't think either of these programs will be super great launch pads in to Brand Marketing/Strategy in luxury. What do you mean by IB? And what do you mean by Food and Bev? (Is that CPG like Kraft-Heinz or is it Restaurants in the Service Industry? Or do you have high-end brands in mind?)

adaelizabeth
see if I happen to get off of NYU's waitlist
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From what I understood from your post, NYU would definitely be the best play. (Luxury, etc.)

That all said, are you 100% certain that's the type of employment outcome you want to pursue?

Vanderbilt and Nashville will be a very different MBA experience than Fordham and NYC. Not only will the next two years look dramatically different, but it will also shape how/where you recruit. *I* think Nashville is the better experience of the two, so I voted Vandy on your poll, but if you're absolutely committed to living/working in NYC, Fordham may be the better bet (while you wait out NYU).
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) 03 May 2019, 20:14
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BTW, the poll is between Vanderbilt and Owen...

o.O
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adaelizabeth
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) 03 May 2019, 20:50
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teleste
BTW, the poll is between Vanderbilt and Owen...

o.O
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OMG :lol: that shows where my head is at rn!!!!! Freudian slip or...?
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adaelizabeth
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) 03 May 2019, 20:58
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adaelizabeth
I'm looking to stay in my current industry which is Brand Marketing/Strategy with a focus on IB, luxury or food & bev (which has been my career trajectory thus far).
I don't think either of these programs will be super great launch pads in to Brand Marketing/Strategy in luxury. What do you mean by IB? And what do you mean by Food and Bev? (Is that CPG like Kraft-Heinz or is it Restaurants in the Service Industry? Or do you have high-end brands in mind?)

adaelizabeth
see if I happen to get off of NYU's waitlist
From what I understood from your post, NYU would definitely be the best play. (Luxury, etc.)

That all said, are you 100% certain that's the type of employment outcome you want to pursue?

Vanderbilt and Nashville will be a very different MBA experience than Fordham and NYC. Not only will the next two years look dramatically different, but it will also shape how/where you recruit. *I* think Nashville is the better experience of the two, so I voted Vandy on your poll, but if you're absolutely committed to living/working in NYC, Fordham may be the better bet (while you wait out NYU).
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Thank you so much for your input!! :)

Do you think you could explain more re employment outcomes you want to pursue? In general, yes I am interested in my career "wheelhouse" - I have a background of working for French luxury companies in the wine & spirits industry, largely in the advertising space - but beyond that I have broad interests and am into pursuing consulting as a career as well. Also, in terms of food & bev you are right in terms that it's both- yes for a CPG food company (Mondelez, Kraft, PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, Campari...etc etc) as well as for larger hospitality companies such as Hilton, or conglomerates such as LVMH. I am an American but I speak French fluently so working for French companies is a big deal for me...I'm also not a career-switcher, either. Does that make sense?

I think I am very industry focused, and that probably constricts my options than say, someone who is more into general finance or consulting.
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) 06 May 2019, 06:06
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Vanderbilt 100% better brand and more reputable and top 30....Fordham not so much..go to the best school you got into which is by Vanderbilt by FAR
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Vanderbilt Owen ($) vs. Fordham Gabelli ($$) 06 May 2019, 09:05
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The Fordham employment report is rather vague. That is concerning. I would imagine the strength of the network is NYC-based, but perhaps not all that strong, especially given the part time programs, etc. Have you been able to connect with anybody in your desired field from there?

Vandy is better than its ranking imo, perhaps seen as "on the rise." Like others before it, I strongly believe the parent institution name will continue to carry it forward, and the quality of the applicants seems to have already matched schools in the 17-24 range.

All that said--your specific situation is not generic. NYU will undoubtedly provide the best opportunity for your career goal. Do you mind sharing your stats/background? I would also be curious to hear what other schools you applied to and the results (there are plenty between Vandy and NYU that could be good fits). Would you try again or are you set on going this year?

TLDR: I voted Vandy because it is without a doubt the superior program all things equal, and I would imagine the name would carry weight even if the network is less than extensive in your desired field.