Hi everyone,
Bit of a last minute decision here, but would really appreciate any advice or thoughts. I was fortunate to have been admitted to two fantastic programs: the MMM program at Northwestern and the new MBA/MEng program at Berkeley.
I'm currently in MBB consulting with a focus on analytics/data science, but would be looking to pivot into a technical product management role. I know MMM is geared toward product management, but Haas also has a reputation for sending a lot of product managers into tech as well.
Berkeley has also given me a $70K scholarship, which will cover about 40% of my total tuition.
Here is how I'm thinking:
Northwestern MMM:
Pros
+ More well-regarded business school
+ Well-established program (MMM)
+ More known for a social atmosphere
+ Cheaper cost of living in Evanston
+ Wider alumni network
Cons
+ MS in Design Innovation isn't a very technical degree, and a little bit harder to market
+ Program is probably more suited for product marketing management, rather than technical product management
+ Higher tuition/opportunity cost due to additional summer requirement
Berkeley MBA/MEng
Pros
+ More reputed engineering program (esp. in CS)
+ Potentially more tight-knit alumni network
+ Scholarship
+ Connections to Bay Area and tech
+ Program is smaller (so more tightly knit?)
Cons
+ More expensive cost of living
+ Program is very new (started last year), so little alumni network
+ Already have a CS undergrad degree (not as well reputed)
+ If it's within a massive public university, program might not have as much attention/resources as a business school in a private institution
Would hugely appreciate any advice!